Right now, zoning (rules that determine what you’re allowed to build on a specific property) doesn’t match what’s outlined for Transit Supportive Corridors in the Official Community Plan (OCP). The TSC pilot plan proposes changing zoning for Transit Corridors to match the OCP, making it easier to build homes up to 4 or 6 storeys along busy streets where people use transit.

If someone wants to build something new today, they currently have to go through a process to change the zoning for each property. This can slow things down and make homes cost more.

Pre-zoning makes it easier and faster for people to build homes where it makes the most sense. This helps us get the homes we need more quickly and can make them more affordable. It also gives everyone—builders, neighbours, and the City—more certainty about what’s coming.

Kelowna needs more homes for people, and the City wants to make it easier to build them in places where people can walk, bike, and use public transit. This plan makes the process simpler and less uncertain for everyone, helps keep homes affordable, and brings improvements to neighbourhoods while staying true to the City’s long-term vision and ensuring alignment with provincial rules and federal initiatives.

Things are still expected to change slowly over many years and new homes will be built gradually, just like today. If the TSC Pilot Plan is approved, property owners can choose if and when they want to redevelop, and nothing happens unless they decide to build something new.

Over time, you might see more housing, better sidewalks and bike paths, improved bus service, and more shops nearby. Any improvements would happen gradually, and you can find more details in the Draft Plan.

Kelowna needs thousands of new homes to help people find places to live, keep homes affordable, and reduce homelessness. Focusing on busy streets where people use transit brings benefits like better transportation, more shops and services, and makes it easier to plan infrastructure upgrades. The streets selected for the TSC Pilot are already designated as Transit Corridors in the OCP.

No new costs are being introduced by the TSC Pilot. If you want to build something new, the usual charges, like Development Cost Charges, would apply.

Zoning changes do not automatically change your property value, and zoning is just one of many factors that contribute to how BC Assessment determines value. For more information, please visit: How BC Assessment Works

No, you don’t have to do anything because of this plan. There are no new requirements for residents or property owners in the area. If you have questions, you can always contact the City.

Yes, you can build less than the maximum number of storeys and there is no minimum height requirement.

Through many years of public engagement that shaped the OCP, and subsequent Citizens Surveys, the City has heard that people want new homes in core neighbourhoods to be supported by enhanced transit service, walking and cycling connections. The Draft Plan includes improvements to walking, biking, and bus service over time. These changes will happen in the short term and long term. For more details, see page 33 of the Draft Plan.

Yes, as new buildings go up, you can expect upgrades like better sidewalks, new bike lanes, more shops close to home, and improved public spaces. These changes will make it easier for residents to get around, socialize and have more of their daily needs met closer to home.