North End Neighbourhood Plan

On April 11, staff presented a summary of engagement from Phase 1-2, along with a vision and objectives for land use, housing, transportation links, parks and public spaces, recreational and cultural facilities, heritage conservation and urban design.

The North End Plan vision and objectives - which were shaped by public input and a background study that was presented in November 2021 - were endorsed by Council.

North End Plan Vision

Set at the intersection of mountain, lake and city, the North End is an inclusive urban neighbourhood with an eclectic mix of uses and a distinct sense of identity. Residents of all life stages and incomes choose from a variety of housing options that have expanded and diversified over time. Daily needs are met with a quick walk or roll to a wide range of local shops, restaurants, and community services, while destinations outside the North End are easily accessible by transit. Industrial businesses have continued to adapt to the neighbourhood’s changing dynamics and support growing employment and services, while craft industries continue to thrive. A comprehensive parks and public space network—anchored by a continuous waterfront pathway—gives people an opportunity to connect with one another and with nature. Expanding the green space and restoring natural habitat has not only added to the enjoyment of the neighbourhood but has also made it more resilient to climate change. Arts and culture thrive— inspired by rich layers of local history—strengthening the neighbourhood’s unique sense of place and identity.

Next steps

Later this year, the vision and objectives will be used to develop a set of neighbourhood concepts which the public will have a chance to weigh in on. Stay tuned for upcoming engagement opportunities!

The clock is ticking – but there's still time to share your vision for the North End!

The current phase of engagement for the North End Neighbourhood Plan is focused on learning about residents' aspirations and priorities for the future of the area. Engagement kicked off in January and is set to wrap-up on Feb. 28.

There are several ways you can guide evolution of this diverse and dynamic neighbourhood: complete a survey, leave your mark on the neighbourhood map, ask a question or join the discussion!

ICYMI: pop into a neighbourhood pop-up!

Have a question for a planner? This week, staff will be also available at three separate community pop-ups to provide information about the North End planning process. Public health and safety measures will be in place.

Event times and locations are as follows, weather permitting:

• Wednesday, Feb. 23 – 2-4 p.m.
  • Okanagan Regional Library (indoor event)
  • 1380 Ellis St.

• Saturday Feb. 26 - 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
  • Knox Mountain Park (outdoor event)
  • 450 Knox Mountain Dr.
    
    
• Saturday Feb. 26 - 1-3 p.m.
  • Rustic Reel (outdoor event)
  • 760 Vaughan Ave.

Don't miss this opportunity to share your vision for Kelowna’s North End! Follow the project, stay engaged and stay informed!

The second phase of the North End Neighbourhood Plan is now underway, and the City wants residents to share their vision for the area.

Last fall residents had the opportunity to provide early input into the process during Phase 1, a community liaison committee was established to help support overall public engagement, and extensive research resulted in a comprehensive background report.

This next phase aims to identify the community’s priorities for the future of the North End.

“In the early planning stages, we really want to hear what residents, workers, business owners and others want to see in the area. What's needed? What are the neighbourhood’s strengths and how do we build on those strengths? How do we manage any weaknesses? Through those conversations, a vision is established,” said James Moore, Long Range Policy Planning Manager.

The North End is currently home to a unique mix of residential, industrial, commercial and recreational uses, but those uses change over time. A neighbourhood plan will help guide changes intentionally and ensure the neighbourhood retains or gains desired characteristics.

Public input, vision and objectives are anticipated to be presented to Council this spring and will guide the development of neighbourhood concepts. The final Plan is anticipated for completion in 2023.

Holar Developments is managing the redevelopment of the former Tolko Mill Site, a 16-hectare waterfront property located in the North End. The company is conducting a separate, but complementary public engagement process and the Mill Site plan will take overall direction from the North End plan. For more details about the Mill Site development planning process and engagement opportunities, visit kelownamillsite.ca.

Complete a North End visioning survey, join the discussion, ask questions, and learn more at Get Involved. Surveys will be open until February 28.

In November, staff presented the North End Plan background study which will help inform the planning process moving forward. The study included an in-depth investigation of the neighbourhood and explored:

• The history of the area and how it has come to take the form it has today Read the North End Plan Background Study.
• The demographics of the neighbourhood
• Existing land use
• Transportation infrastructure and preliminary traffic study
• Utilities infrastructure
• Review of existing City plans and policies related to the North End
• Case studies and best practices review
• Preliminary considerations in establishing community amenities

From October-November, North End area residents and businesses - as well as members of the broader community - were invited to submit an expression of interest for the Community Liaison Committee (CLC). Members of the CLC will attend meetings, offer input, and help facilitate dialogue and information-sharing between the City project team and various groups within the community as the process unfolds. Dozens of citizens applied and final selection was based on a variety of demographic considerations, as well as applicants’ history of community-building through volunteerism and similar activities.

Next steps for the North End Neigbourhood Plan include establishing the vision and objectives for land use, housing, transportation links, parks and public spaces, recreational and cultural facilities, heritage conservation and urban design. The vision and objectives for the plan area will be informed by the Background Study and input from residents and stakeholders.

Stay tuned for more engagement opportunities in the New Year! In the meantime, you can provide input on the North End Neighbourhood Plan - and see what others are saying - using the map tool.

Council gave staff a green light to initiate planning for the future of the North End, on Monday, July 12. This will lead to the development of a new neighbourhood plan for this area.

Defined as the area between Clement Avenue and Knox Mountain, the North End is home to a unique mix of residential, commercial and light industry, alongside recreational uses. The area has undergone significant change over the past decade with more changes on the horizon.

“With its proximity to downtown and development interest in the area, the North End is evolving – it's important that we plan this area holistically, in a way that that is reflective of the future residents want to see for the neighbourhood,” says James Moore, Long Range Policy Planning Manager.

“We’re excited to work with the community to understand their goals for the neighbourhood and help shape its future.”

Over the next 18 months, the North End Neighbourhood Plan will be developed through sustained involvement of the neighbourhood and broader community. The plan will guide redevelopment over the next 20 years and beyond, including the locations of parks and public spaces, development standards, required infrastructure and transportation solutions.

Residents can begin to provide input to the North End Plan through Get Involved. Subscribe for project updates to get the latest information on engagement topics and opportunities as they are announced in the coming months.

The owners of the former Tolko Mill Site intend to redevelop their property in the near future. Holar Developments, the company managing the development process on behalf of the Mill Site ownership group, will also be conducting public engagement on their site plans. Given the scale and significance of this property, the North End Neighbourhood Plan will provide vital guidance to the Mill Site with respect to a community-centered vision for the future of the neighbourhood as a whole.

For more information about the City of Kelowna’s North End Neighbourhood Plan process and to get involved, visit kelowna.ca/planningprojects > North End Neighbourhood Plan.

For more details about the Mill Site development planning process, visit: please visit kelownamillsite.ca.