Highlights of January 12 Council meeting

Council approved a rezoning application for 1243 and 1255 Pridham Avenue, and 1244 and 1254 Sutherland Avenue, changing the zoning from Capri-Landmark Urban Centre to UC2r – Capri-Landmark Urban Centre Rental Only. This will facilitate the development of a 69-unit rental apartment building.

 

Short Term Rental Early Exemption

Council received a report on vacancy rates and the Short-Term Rental Accommodation Act (Bill 35), which highlighted that Kelowna’s 2024 vacancy rate of 3.8 per cent and 2025 rate of 6.9 per cent meet the Province’s exemption criteria. Council directed staff to apply for an exemption and request fast-track approval by spring 2026 to support accommodations for major summer events such as the Memorial Cup, BC Lions games, and the BC Summer Games.

 

Kelowna International Airport 2024 Economic Impact Study

Council received a report on Kelowna International Airport’s 2024 Economic Impact Study, which shows the airport generated $2.08 billion in total economic output and supported 9,210 jobs in the region. Passenger traffic grew 33 per cent since 2014 to 2.13 million travelers, underscoring YLW’s role as a key driver of economic growth and tourism in the Central Okanagan.

 

Kelowna’s Safe Mobility Action Plan

Council received a report on Kelowna’s Safe Mobility Action Plan and endorsed the plan which identifies practical steps like improving intersections, slowing traffic, and adding protections to make it safer for all, whether they walk, bike or roll.

To watch a playback of the Council meeting and view all presentations, visit “Past Meetings” at

kelowna.ca/council.