In early 2018, BC Housing purchased 1451 and 1469 Bertram Street to develop the land into much needed affordable housing. Demolition of the buildings onsite took place in 2019. Plans for redevelopment are now underway. BC Housing is committed to creating non-market and market rental housing for seniors, couples, individuals, and families that will serve Kelowna residents for generations to come.
Redevelopment Details
The City of Kelowna previously approved BC Housing’s plan to develop the 20-storey building. These approvals followed a consultation process designed to incorporate community feedback and input from City staff.
The redevelopment plan includes:
14 rental townhomes
162 rental apartments
Childcare facilities and a play area
Accessible housing
Since previous approvals, the City has adopted new bylaws. To ensure the redevelopment plan continues to align with the new bylaws, BC Housing has now resubmitted the Development Permit and the Development Variance Permit Application. No changes have been made to the original form and character proposed. In August 2024, the resubmitted Development Permit was unanimously approved by Kelowna City Council.
In January 2025, BC Housing held a public RFP for a development and operating partner. The non-profit who won the bid was M’akola Housing Society as operator and M’akola Development Services as the development partner.
Community Engagement
In recent years, BC Housing introduced the overall redevelopment plan and preliminary design concepts for 1451 Bertram Street. The surrounding neighbourhood and organizations representing Kelowna’s downtown were invited to provide feedback on the ideas presented as the plan was revised to include:
Fewer total units, but more units for families,
A focus on environmental elements such as energy efficient features, electric vehicle charging stations and car-sharing options, and
Special attention to working with neighbours on landscaping, fencing, and privacy screening.
The plan also includes 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.
In early 2018, BC Housing purchased 1451 and 1469 Bertram Street to develop the land into much needed affordable housing. Demolition of the buildings onsite took place in 2019. Plans for redevelopment are now underway. BC Housing is committed to creating non-market and market rental housing for seniors, couples, individuals, and families that will serve Kelowna residents for generations to come.
Redevelopment Details
The City of Kelowna previously approved BC Housing’s plan to develop the 20-storey building. These approvals followed a consultation process designed to incorporate community feedback and input from City staff.
The redevelopment plan includes:
14 rental townhomes
162 rental apartments
Childcare facilities and a play area
Accessible housing
Since previous approvals, the City has adopted new bylaws. To ensure the redevelopment plan continues to align with the new bylaws, BC Housing has now resubmitted the Development Permit and the Development Variance Permit Application. No changes have been made to the original form and character proposed. In August 2024, the resubmitted Development Permit was unanimously approved by Kelowna City Council.
In January 2025, BC Housing held a public RFP for a development and operating partner. The non-profit who won the bid was M’akola Housing Society as operator and M’akola Development Services as the development partner.
Community Engagement
In recent years, BC Housing introduced the overall redevelopment plan and preliminary design concepts for 1451 Bertram Street. The surrounding neighbourhood and organizations representing Kelowna’s downtown were invited to provide feedback on the ideas presented as the plan was revised to include:
Fewer total units, but more units for families,
A focus on environmental elements such as energy efficient features, electric vehicle charging stations and car-sharing options, and
Special attention to working with neighbours on landscaping, fencing, and privacy screening.
The plan also includes 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.
