Image Credit: Kent Simmonds / CFJC Today

By Dylana Kneeshaw

PROPERTY REDEVELOPMENT

Rezoning moving ahead for multi-use apartment building, daycare space on Columbia Street property

Jul 16, 2024 | 6:48 PM

KAMLOOPS — An aging building and parking lot across from Royal Inland Hospital on Columbia Street has been earmarked to be redeveloped into a new 12-storey mixed-use apartment building.

Part of the Travelodge and the former Sleepy’s Diner currently sits on the property at 360 Columbia Street. Kamloops council was presented with a rezoning application and development permit at Tuesday’s (July 16) meeting, which would see a new 12-storey building built in its place.

The new build plans include 147 living units, commercial space and a day care.

“The plan is that they would be working with the Interior Health Authority (IHA) in regards to a daycare for basically, employees of Royal Inland Hospital,” explains Marvin Kwiatkowski, the city’s Development, Engineering and Sustainability Director. “That’s good to see.”

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The downtown location also makes the project eligible for the city’s Revitalization Tax Exemption. And Kwiatkowski says the plans do align with the KamPlan priorities for housing options.

“Again, infill development, redevelopment of an older site that could have a better, higher use. Going up 12 storeys is going to definitely add to our downtown and the walkability for those residents that choose to live there and hopefully work in the downtown as well.”

There’s no date yet for when construction on the project would begin, but this week council opted to move forward with the rezoning application and development permit.