A public hearing on a major housing development in West Kelowna had a rough start on Tuesday (Feb. 25) night.
The audience initially struggled to hear the presentation about 117 townhouses and duplex units planned for 2971 Gorman Road. City staff members and the project applicant’s representative were asked to speak up several times by Mayor Gord Milsom.
Council took questions from residents in attendance and over the phone, including one man who called in although he was at the hearing—causing some confusion.
“You’re the caller?” Milsom asked, before instructing the man to come to the microphone. The man continued speaking from the back of the council chambers until the audience applauded and encouraged him to step forward.
“There is no need for clapping,” Milsom said. “We want to make sure everyone is comfortable addressing council.”
Citing a lack of infrastructure in the area, Glenrosa resident Bill Vassar said the development was nonsense.
“Our water sucks out here, we have no sidewalks, we pay, pay, pay, pay taxes—for what? And this clown comes in to do this big build? No, no, I’m not going for it. And we’re not going for it.”
Gilles Rouleau went door-to-door, speaking with his neighbours and gathering signatures on a petition opposing the project.
“If this development moves forward, we fear our community will lose its peaceful, rural feel,” he said.
Several speakers voiced concerns about the lack of a secondary route in case of emergencies such as a wildfire, additional pressure on the storm and sanitary sewers and the power grid, a lack of amenities, and insufficient public transit.
“If you downsize, I think it will be a lot more acceptable than what you’re considering now,” said resident Rick Scofield, who told council that taxpayers have had enough. “We’re not getting our money’s worth. The salaries that are being paid for 40,000 people are insane—you’re not worth it.”
Two people spoke in favour of the project.
“Developers have been stonewalled for far too long, I think. We’ve got to open it up,” said James McGill.
Resident Bobby Jones said the development would support economic and job growth, improve infrastructure, and provide new amenities. “It’s also gonna strengthen our community.”
Travis Tournier, the development manager for the project, told the hearing that the project proposes homes starting under $600,000.
“We hope that the multi-million-dollar storm sewer upgrade and the acceleration of the Glenrosa corridor study will help alleviate two of council’s biggest concerns and bring support to this application, ultimately providing more affordable homes to West Kelowna.”
A staff report indicated that other developments in Glenrosa, at various stages of planning, could add up to 1,400 units to the neighbourhood over the next several years.
Council voted to deny property rezoning to allow the project to move forward, with Councillor Jason Friesen and Mayor Milsom opposed.
“Throughout our community, we just don’t have enough townhouses and duplexes,” Milsom said. “They could provide more affordable housing for lower-income families and seniors. There’s a need there.”
The developer can apply for rezoning again in six months.