Kelowna city council will take a closer look at how the province’s housing legislation might affect lower-density neighbourhoods beyond the city’s urban core.
Councillor Loyal Wooldridge plans to introduce a motion at the May 5 meeting that would ask staff to prepare a report on the issue.
“The intent of this motion is to request that city staff provide council with information on how recent provincial housing legislation may impact infill development in low-density neighbourhoods outside Kelowna’s urban cores,” he said.
The legislation includes several bills passed in late 2023 and early 2024. Bill 44 allows up to six homes on lots currently zoned for single-family or duplex use, depending on the lot size and distance to transit.
Bill 46 requires cities to create and regularly update housing needs reports, with the province overseeing compliance. Bill 47 streamlines municipal approvals for housing that already meets zoning and policy requirements.
Kelowna already has its own small-scale infill policy that focuses on adding housing gradually in core-area neighbourhoods while protecting existing character and managing infrastructure demands.
Wooldridge said it’s important to explore how provincial rules might interact with Kelowna’s local policies, particularly in suburban areas that aren’t part of the city’s designated growth zones.
The report would also review how subdivision approvals are currently handled and whether council should have more oversight when it comes to infill projects in low-density areas.
The aim is to flag any unintended consequences before they arise and ensure Kelowna can continue balancing housing needs with livability.
