Background
As a result of a Rutland Height and Massing Study (2004), Council adopted amendments to the Official Community Plan and the Zoning Bylaw in 2005 to support the concept of taller buildings in the Rutland Town Centre. Taller buildings were to be implemented through support for C7 Downtown Zoning within specific areas of the Rutland Town Centre as outlined in the Rutland Potential C7 Zone Map. The OCP and Zoning Bylaw amendments did not change the existing zoning. It will still be necessary for individual property owners to make application to amend the zoning to allow C7 Downtown Commercial uses/ building height. In addition, Council also adopted an amendment to the OCP to provide a Tax Incentive for new development within the commercial core of the Rutland Town Centre through a Tax Incentive Program, including the Rutland Tax Incentive Area Map.
Streetscape Open House
The City has engaged consultant, Urban Systems Ltd. in developing a streetscape plan for Uptown Rutland to enhance pedestrian connections and overall vitality of the area. More than 300 people attended a public open house held December 11 at the Plaza 33 Shopping Centre to view concept drawings and provide their input.
Rutland Parks and Open Space Plan
A number of concept plans illustrating the future potential of park and open space in the Rutland Town Centre were introduced at a public open house on November 14, 2007. Public input was received on-line and at the open house.
A Public Hearing was held on June 10, 2008 changing the Official Community Plan Future Land Use designation to support the City's interest in creating future parkland in the Rutland Town Centre.
The park space will be developed as redevelopment occurs over the next several years.
The Central Okangan Smart Transit Plan
The Central Okanagan Smart Transit Plan initiative started in January 2004. Local governments of the Central Okanagan worked closely with BC Transit and the Ministry of Transportation in developing a recommended Transit Plan for the region.
During a series of workshops and open houses (January 2004 – October 2004), the location options for transit exchanges were proposed in the Central Okanagan Smart Transit Plan
Potential sites, from the District of Westside to UBCO identified in the Smart Transit Plan were presented at an open house on June 4, 2004.
Rutland Transit Centre Design Charette
Months following the completion of the Central Okanagan Smart Transit Plan, the transit exchange at Rutland town centre became a favoured candidate for Transit Oriented Development (TOD). TOD is defined as “compact, mixed-use and pedestrian-friendly neighbourhoods containing a range of housing types, workplaces, shops, entertainment, schools, parks and civic facilities essential to the daily lives of residents – all within an easy five minute walk from a transit station.”
Community representatives took part in a Rutland Transit Centre Design Charette June 21, 22 and 23, 2005 (28 representatives included community, business, government, real estate, environment, and accessibility agencies).
Options for potential transit exchange sites were presented to workshop participants. Locations included: Highway 33/Roxby Park and Roxby Road/Dougall Road, Shepherd Road between Dougall and Asher.
Visit the Document Centre to view Display Boards from the open house.