Kelowna - 1451 Bertram Street

A city street lined with tall trees and a bike lane, with a high-rise building in the background.

Preliminary Image Only – Subject to Change

Overview

In early 2018, BC Housing purchased 1451 and 1469 Bertram Street to develop the land into much-needed rental housing. Demolition of the buildings on site 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 an engagement process designed to incorporate community feedback and input from City staff.

The redevelopment plan includes 176 rental units provided as townhomes and apartment units. The development also includes a proposed childcare space.

Since the initial Development Permit approval, the City adopted new bylaws. To ensure the redevelopment plan continues to align with the new bylaws, BC Housing resubmitted the Development Permit and the Development Variance Permit Application in 2023. 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 Winter of 2024-2025, BC Housing held a public RFP for a development and operating partner. In February 2025, M’akola Housing Society was selected as operator and M’akola Development Services as the development partner.

In April 2025, Makola Housing Society held a public RFP for a contractor and design builder and selected Western Canadian Properties Group (WCPG). WCPG has started design and overall project preparation.

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.

Please send any questions and comments on this project to communityrelations@bchousing.org.


Preliminary Image Only – Subject to Change

Overview

In early 2018, BC Housing purchased 1451 and 1469 Bertram Street to develop the land into much-needed rental housing. Demolition of the buildings on site 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 an engagement process designed to incorporate community feedback and input from City staff.

The redevelopment plan includes 176 rental units provided as townhomes and apartment units. The development also includes a proposed childcare space.

Since the initial Development Permit approval, the City adopted new bylaws. To ensure the redevelopment plan continues to align with the new bylaws, BC Housing resubmitted the Development Permit and the Development Variance Permit Application in 2023. 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 Winter of 2024-2025, BC Housing held a public RFP for a development and operating partner. In February 2025, M’akola Housing Society was selected as operator and M’akola Development Services as the development partner.

In April 2025, Makola Housing Society held a public RFP for a contractor and design builder and selected Western Canadian Properties Group (WCPG). WCPG has started design and overall project preparation.

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.

Please send any questions and comments on this project to communityrelations@bchousing.org.