North End Neighbourhood Plan

Neighbourhood plans guide future development in an area, including the locations of parks and public spaces, development standards, and transportation solutions.  Neighbourhood plans also provide a link between the high-level planning found in the Official Community Plan (OCP) and the regulatory detail of a zoning bylaw . 

Here's how the plans fit together, starting with our Imagine Kelowna community vision.

When a neighbourhood plan is complete, it includes:

• an inventory of existing land uses, natural features, zoning, transportation networks, utility infrastructure and heritage sites;
•  a statement of development objectives and policies for the area, and their relationship to Council policy as stated in the Official Community Plan, and within other bylaws and policies that may be adopted by Council from time to time;
•  where applicable, information on the natural environment or hazardous conditions of the area including the manner in which natural site characteristics will influence development;
•  the identification of major land uses by type and density;
• the general location of transportation networks and required upgrades to accommodate vehicles, public transit, pedestrians and cyclists within the plan area, and the relationship of the proposed network to existing City facilities. Advance transportation plans should identify all vehicle, transit, pedestrian, bicycle, and trail linkages and provide a mix of trail, local, collector and arterial roads necessary to create a balanced transportation system; and, 
• the location and type of any development permit areas to be designated within the area, together with guidelines for proposed development within those development permit areas

The North End is a unique, evolving part of town. With significant development expected in the near future, it's important to plan this area  holistically, with a community-led vision for the future of the neighbourhood.

A new neighbourhood plan will provide the opportunity to clarify the community’s aspirations for the neighbourhood, and answer some of the big, outstanding questions, such as: What is the future of industrial in the North End? What is the role of multi-unit residential development? Can industrial uses co-exist with residential and commercial? Is there an opportunity to expand housing options in the area?

A neighbourhood planning process will also provide the opportunity to identify the public spaces, infrastructure networks, and amenities needed to support the evolution of this area. Without a proactive neighbourhood plan in place, planning and development would be inconsistent.

The Tolko lumber mill has closed permanently, and the adjacent BC Tree Fruits site is also being redeveloped. The exploration of the development potential of these sites is being explored, which presents a window of opportunity to help set the course for the long-term evolution of this complex, vital and exciting part of our community. A thorough, coordinated neighborhood plan process will provide clear guidance to an area that is facing considerable pressure for change.