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BC Housing is planning for the redevelopment of 1451 and 1469 Bertram Street, in downtown Kelowna. The focus of the redevelopment is to create urgently needed new affordable non-market and market rental housing for seniors, couples, individuals and families. No supportive housing would be built on this site.
Community Feedback
In September 2020, BC Housing introduced the overall redevelopment plan and preliminary design concepts for 1451 and 1469 Bertram Street in Kelowna. The surrounding neighbourhood and organizations representing Kelowna’s downtown were invited to provide feedback on the ideas presented.
Based on what we heard, we have revised the plan to include:
Fewer units total, but more units for families
Focus on environmental elements such as energy efficiency features, electric vehicle charging and car share options
Special attention to working with neighbours on landscaping, fencing and privacy screening
The proposal continues to include a range of architectural and landscaping elements that ensure the redevelopment retains a residential feel and fits within this downtown neighbourhood and the surrounding City Centre.
The Bertram Redevelopment Brochure provides more detail about the follow-up redevelopment plan and proposed design. It also outlines the development approval process BC Housing will pursue with the City of Kelowna.
Design priorities include a design that fits within the neighbourhood, apartment spacing away from neighbours, a green approach, parking and vehicle management, climate change mitigation, and construction waste management.
BC Housing is planning for the redevelopment of 1451 and 1469 Bertram Street, in downtown Kelowna. The focus of the redevelopment is to create urgently needed new affordable non-market and market rental housing for seniors, couples, individuals and families. No supportive housing would be built on this site.
Community Feedback
In September 2020, BC Housing introduced the overall redevelopment plan and preliminary design concepts for 1451 and 1469 Bertram Street in Kelowna. The surrounding neighbourhood and organizations representing Kelowna’s downtown were invited to provide feedback on the ideas presented.
Based on what we heard, we have revised the plan to include:
Fewer units total, but more units for families
Focus on environmental elements such as energy efficiency features, electric vehicle charging and car share options
Special attention to working with neighbours on landscaping, fencing and privacy screening
The proposal continues to include a range of architectural and landscaping elements that ensure the redevelopment retains a residential feel and fits within this downtown neighbourhood and the surrounding City Centre.
The Bertram Redevelopment Brochure provides more detail about the follow-up redevelopment plan and proposed design. It also outlines the development approval process BC Housing will pursue with the City of Kelowna.
Design priorities include a design that fits within the neighbourhood, apartment spacing away from neighbours, a green approach, parking and vehicle management, climate change mitigation, and construction waste management.
What is the best procedure to ensure we have a real opportunity to secure an apartment in this development? When will floor plans be available, and rough costs?
roatanbob
asked
10 months ago
At this time, the 1451 and 1469 Bertram Street development is not accepting rental applications. The project construction start date has not been determined yet but will likely not start until late 2021/early 2022. We will continue to post development updates on this page.
You can view this site to search housing listings in a specific area: https://www.bchousing.org/housing-assistance/rental-housing/housing-listings. The Program Finder can be used to learn which programs you might be eligible for: https://programfinder.bchousing.org/programfinder/faces/start For more assistance with the housing application and to discuss potential housing options, please contact Applicant Services at 1-800-257-7756 (toll-free).
I am concerned by how affordable housing is defined. If the formula for what constitutes "affordable" is a percentage of market rental rates, won't those rents also be subject to inflation and market volatility, thus becoming less and less affordable? The plan and location is good - walkable for families without a vehicle. The inclusion of a day care is great. But it's not clear the units will actually be affordable for the average family that is living under, or just on the poverty line in Kelowna. What are the barriers to policies based around stable rental rates, like rent controls or a co-op model?
Amanda P
asked
7 months ago
BC Housing looks at the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) average rents for a rental market. We then set rents approximately 10% below this market average.
In smaller communities, where CMHC does not have rental data, BC Housing estimates average rents using websites such as Facebook and Kijiji.
Market rents vary from region to region. Since rates are driven by the market, they are subject to volatility.
If a person is eligible for an affordable market unit, the tenancy agreement between the tenant and the landlord would be governed by the Residential Tenancy Act (RTA).
The Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) determines rent controls and what the maximum allowable rent increase can be.
Currently to July 1st,2021 there is a Rent Freeze in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
If this re-zoning is approved, will other properties, such as 1450 Bertram, be allowed to be rezoned? There’s a future benefit and shared burden that way.
Pepe
asked
7 months ago
BC Housing is unable to comment on municipal rezoning processes or properties we are not involved with. We encourage you to contact the City of Kelowna on this matter.
The proposed development for 1451 and 1469 Bertram Street in Kelowna is very interesting to my wife and I. As we are seniors currently living in the area, we are interested in looking into the possibility of making a move to this new location. We have a couple questions: (1) Would there be a resident manager/caretaker 24/7... and (2) would this be a non-smoking (including marijuana) building? Finally, when and how might one make application to become a tenant? Thank you.
Robert
asked
7 months ago
The intent is for the housing to be independent living. The operations will be determined later in the planning process.
We will provide updates on this page when this information is available.
At this time, the 1451 and 1469 Bertram Street development is not accepting rental applications. The project construction start date has not been determined yet but will likely not start until late 2021/early 2022. We will continue to post development updates on this page. You can view this site to search housing listings in a specific area: https://www.bchousing.org/housing-assistance/rental-housing/housing-listings. The Program Finder can be used to learn which programs you might be eligible for: https://programfinder.bchousing.org/programfinder/faces/start For more assistance with the housing application and to discuss potential housing options, please contact Applicant Services at 1-800-257-7756 (toll-free).
What is considered "affordable" in Kelowna? I am a single Mom with 3 teenagers, what would the rent for a 2 or 3 bedroom in this new development?
Moira
asked
7 months ago
BC Housing looks at the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) average rents for a rental market. We then set rents approximately 10% below this market average. We will have more information on rental rates for this project as we move forward with the process.
I am hoping this building/s will allow for pets? It is very important for people to be able to keep their pets and not have to give them up to be able to live affordably. If need be keep a height restriction for dogs, or a addendum for behavior and state policies for cleaning up after the pet but do not disallow pets. It is proven that pets are necessary for some people's mental health and well being as well companionship for single, childless & elderly people. I am happy this is being built and think it is long overdue to have more affordable housing in Kelowna - I hope they will continue to take that into consideration and also build more in the near future. Thank you!
Tiger
asked
7 months ago
We are still in the design on planning phase of this project. The operations for this building have not yet been finalized. We will provide updates on this page when this information is available.
BC Housing works with building operators to determine whether a building will be pet friendly. We have a pet policy that all tenants must abide by if they do have pets in a BC Housing building. You can learn more here: https://www.bchousing.org/publications/Pet-Ownership-Rules.pdf
Could you build 3 bedroom 2 bath at bottom level . Hard to find three bedroom on lowest floor. Can’t have stairs
Carolyn
asked
7 months ago
We are still in the design on planning phase of this project. We do not have information on the location of specific units in the building yet.
Designing the building to be accessible for all people is one of the key design criteria for this project. Universal design standards will be incorporated to allow residents to remain active and independent. All common areas will be designed to allow universal access.
First of all let me say that is a great project. We need more low income housing and housing for families and for people with disabilities. The design is attractive and fitting for the neighboring upcoming towers. My question is would you consider making it higher, say 30 or 40 stories in order to be able to house even more people? And will there be enough elevators for the residents?
Manu
asked
7 months ago
We are so glad to hear of your support for this project. BC Housing engaged the surrounding neighbourhood and organizations representing Kelowna’s downtown on this project. One of the things we heard was that people wanted to see fewer total units, but more units for families.
The proposed project will feature 162 homes in a 17-storey apartment style building. There will also be 14 townhomes.
We recognize the need for affordable housing in Kelowna and continue to explore options for future housing.
Designing the building to be accessible for all people is one of the key design criteria for this project. Elevators are a part of this. Universal design standards will be incorporated to allow residents to remain active and independent. All common areas will be designed to allow universal access.
Our company is a supplier of kitchens and cabinets and countertops for multi unit residential projects..
How can we be involved with any potential multi unit projects? We supply high quality at very good pirces
I think this is an excellent project in scale, design and function - and will be a perfect addition to our growing downtown. Thank you for bringing this to Kelowna!
Tizmania
asked
7 months ago
We share and appreciate your support for this project. Please stay tuned to this page for updates as we move forward with this process.
