West Kelowna is ready so as to add practically 3,000 new properties over the subsequent 5 years to satisfy rising demand. However with solely six months into the primary yr of the plan, town is falling behind.
“We have to work with our companions, together with the federal and provincial governments, BC Housing, and the event trade. It’s an enormous activity,” says Gord Milsom, the Mayor of West Kelowna.
The province has set a goal for West Kelowna to construct 2,266 properties between August 2024 and July 2029. The aim for the primary yr was 289 new properties, however as of now, town has solely accomplished 64.
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A complete of 100 new housing models have been accomplished throughout the Reporting Interval of Aug. 2024 to Jan. 2025, and 36 have been misplaced via demolition, for a internet complete of 64 new models.
To satisfy these targets, the mayor says upgrades to town’s infrastructure are important. Town is now looking for assist from the provincial authorities to deal with the rising inhabitants.
“As a younger municipality, we don’t have the monetary assets proper now to supply the mandatory infrastructure in areas of progress,” mentioned Milsom.
Council not too long ago rejected a proposal for 117 new townhomes, which BC Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon says might have helped town meet its housing targets.
“We’ve supplied a $1 billion Rising Communities Fund, with $10 million earmarked for West Kelowna. We’ve given them instruments to fast-track approvals, however initiatives have been rejected,” Kahlon says.
If municipalities fail to satisfy housing targets, the Minister of Housing can appoint an advisor to evaluation the progress and make suggestions.
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