Central Green

The City of Kelowna is leading development of Central Green, a five-hectare site located in Kelowna’s South Central community adjacent to downtown. 

Located across from Kelowna Central School, the site is bordered by Harvey Avenue, Ritcher Street and Rowcliffe Avenue. The City is proposing a mix of commercial and residential development on the Central Green site, creating a vibrant urban child-friendly community around an extensive park. 

Central Green will help set a new standard for development within the city, exemplify sustainable planning and building practices in an economically responsible manner.

Shaping the Vision Together

The City is now preparing to rezone the property and then seek development partners. The timing of redevelopment will be market driven and will be largely made up of residential housing with some commercial use components. The City is exploring the opportunity of having the park developed early in the redevelopment phasing. The aim is to create manageable parcels in which a number of development companies can share in the process of building sustainably.

In 2008, the City consulted with the public to provide a concept plan for Central Green:

• the final design concept was presented at a public forum July 23. 
• a public open house was held on June 26 where residents were able to view park plans.
• a design charrette was held Mar 11 & 12. A second Public Forum was held April 30 where four design concepts were voted on. 

Sustainable Development

The City is looking to have the Central Green site developed as a LEED Gold neighbourhood . LEED™ (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the most recognized green building rating system in North America. 


Buildings on the Central Green Site will be certified LEED™. LEED™ buildings achieves energy savings and reduces water consumption compared to traditional buildings. The site holds potential for a district heating system, an energy-efficient system that distributes heat from one central location to all units on the site. The extensive parkland also provides opportunities for water collection and recirculation.    

LEED™ fact sheet  
LEED-ND Checklist 

Meeting Community Needs

Central Green will address the needs of the community by providing 15% affordable housing, meeting spaces, parkland and a pedestrian-friendly atmosphere.

• A two-hectare area has been reserved for a community park and widened sidewalks, open patios and courtyards will create accessible public space among commercial and mixed-use buildings.
• Affordable Housing units will be an essential part of the overall design. 
• Commercial areas will complement the existing downtown business sector.

Contact

Questions and comments on Central Green can be directed to:

Derek Edstrom, Manager, Strategic Land Development
dedstrom@kelowna.ca