Kelowna - Kneller Road

Project overview

BC Housing is working with the Okanagan Metis and Aboriginal Housing Society (OMAHS) and Kelowna Women’s Shelter (KWS) to provide affordable housing at 115, 175, 235 & 239 Kneller Road and 1161 Kneller Court . BC Housing is currently working on the subdivision and rezoning application to build two affordable housing projects for people in need of affordable rental housing in the region. This is part of a long-term plan to provide safe, affordable housing in Kelowna.

These new homes will help lower and middle-income families and individuals move into stable, secure homes where they can plan for the future.

About the development

The proposed development consists of two distinct projects.

Affordable Housing

The OMAHS development will operate a five-storey building with up to 48 self-contained affordable rental homes for individuals, couples, seniors, families and students ranging from studio to 2-bedroom units. The number of homes may change depending on design discussions. Learn more about OMAHS.

Second Stage Housing

The Central Okanagan Emergency Shelter Society, better known as the Kelowna Women’s Shelter (KWS), will operate a four-storey building with up to 40 self-contained second stage homes, including a range of one-to-four-bedroom units. The number of homes may change depending on design discussions.

Second stage housing is safe, affordable short-term housing with support services. Second stage housing is typically accessed by single women and/or women and their children after they have stayed in a transition house. Residents typically stay in second stage housing for six to 18 months before moving to more permanent housing. This site will offer women supports where they can take the time they need to rebuild a safer life and future for themselves, and their families.

The intent of this development is also to expand KWS’s current operations, as there is high demand and a long wait list for these services. Learn more about KWS.

Zoning

BC Housing is applying to rezone the site to allow for use as permanent affordable housing. The rezoning for the site will be from RU1 (Large Lot Housing) and RU2 (Medium Lot Housing) to MF3r (Apartment Housing, Rental Only) for the OMAHS building, and CA1r (Core Area Mixed Use, Rental Only) for the KWS building. If approved, we anticipate residents will move into the buildings in 2024.

Please reach out to Mark Tanner, Planner at the City of Kelowna: phone: 250-469-8589 or email: mtanner@kelowna.ca for specific zoning questions.

Community Engagement

We invite community members to attend a Virtual Open House from September 26 to October 21, 2022 and read through the self-guided presentation to learn more about the proposed affordable housing on Kneller Road.

Questions and comments can be submitted in the Q&A section below or emailed to communityrelations@bchousing.org.

Comments and questions received will be summarized and included in a report submitted to the City of Kelowna. Names will not be included out of respect for privacy.