Bylaw No. 12782 (OCP24-0008) [S-RES TO S-MU] and Bylaw No. 12783 (Z24-0031) [RR2 TO MF2]

To Mayor, Council and Staff of the City of Kelowna,

We, the undersigned residents and stakeholders impacted by the proposed OCP and zoning amendments, respectfully but firmly oppose amendment of the Official Community Plan (OCP) and rezoning of 5020 Killdeer Rd in the Upper Mission.

The proposed OCP amendment would change land use from Suburban Residential (S-RES) to Suburban Multi Unit (S-MU).

The proposed zoning amendment is from Small Lot Rural Residential (RR2) to Townhouse (MF2).

The proposed development by Applicant is for the construction of 39 townhouses at 3-storey height, within 8 individual buildings, including 84 vehicles within a 1.154 Ha (2.85 acre) development site.

The above amendments would negatively impact over 250 households within the community between Seon Crescent to the east, Frost Rd to the north and Chute Lake Rd to the west.

Our key objections

We appreciate that the City of Kelowna is under provincial pressure to meet aggressive residential housing targets and we are not against the development of 5020 Killdeer Rd in principle, however we are deeply concerned about the negative impact the proposed amendments would have on our community.  The proposed development based on S-MU land use and MF2 zoning would:

o   fail to respect the Form and Character of the existing neighbourhood, which comprises suburban residential single detached homes together with cultivated vineyards and cherry orchards on ALR land along the north edge of the community;

o   fail to preserve the character of the neighbourhood including respect for its scale, style, and visual qualities;

o   create a fragmented environment, and

o   add substantially to the traffic load and safety risks associated with congestion of emergency egress corridors out of the neighbourhood in the event of wildfire-driven evacuation.

The proposed development goes against the underlying principles of OCP 2040, a plan that was carefully crafted following extensive stakeholder consultation.

We urge Mayor and Council to vote down the requested OCP amendment and rezoning of the subject lot.