Kelowna Plans 45,000 New Homes by 2041 to Meet Provincial Housing Mandate

Kelowna is advancing its housing strategy to accommodate significant growth, with plans for 45,000 new homes by 2041, predominantly apartments, townhouses, and duplexes, in alignment with provincial mandates. The city is updating its 2040 Official Community Plan to meet housing demands and provincial requirements, focusing on various housing needs including affordable and seniors' housing, while ensuring sufficient capacity without major land use changes. New developments are underway, such as the Parkview Valley project delivering 156 rental units in its first phase and a proposed six-storey rental apartment near Rutland schools aiming to provide 70 units with sustainable transportation features. Downtown Kelowna is also experiencing vertical growth, with the opening of the first tower at Water Street by the Park and plans for a 42-storey tower, the tallest building between Calgary and the Lower Mainland. City council has expressed concerns about infrastructure capacity, including roads and water systems, but officials plan to address these in forthcoming infrastructure planning. Overall, these efforts reflect Kelowna’s proactive approach to housing growth while balancing community needs and climate goals.