The redevelopment of the Tolko Mill site is set to transform the North End into an inclusive urban neighbourhood that reflects the community's identity.
That was the key message city council heard as it was presented with revised plans for the site on Monday (Oct. 28).
91裸聊视频淚ts transformation will reunite this mill site with the wider region, connecting the community to the downtown and Knox Mountain,91裸聊视频� said Mark Marshall with Holar Developments.
He added the area91裸聊视频檚 history will be celebrated using reclaimed industrial relics on the site and incorporating Sylix storytelling.
91裸聊视频淪tepping on the property, it needs to feel like something special.91裸聊视频�
Reclamation includes the No.5 Shed and loading dock, built in the 1940s, the machine shop and wood chip tower, and the old plywood shed, a 50 metre by 50m steel structure. The revised plan was a welcome change from the original three concepts presented to council in September 2023.
91裸聊视频淲hat I see today is inspiring,91裸聊视频� said Councillor Loyal Wooldridge, who called previous plans underwhelming. 91裸聊视频淎 robust effort to preserve and utilize the heritage and historical buildings.91裸聊视频�
Coun. Rick Webber agreed.
91裸聊视频淣one of the previous three concepts looked appealing in any way,91裸聊视频� he added. 91裸聊视频淭his is entirely different, and I feel like council was heard and the public was heard.91裸聊视频�
The incorporation of heritage and historical items is expected to attract visitors.
91裸聊视频淲hich will be a draw much like Granville Island has unique draws that we love to go and see,91裸聊视频� Coun. Luke Stack said.
The redevelopment envisions five character areas featuring retail outlets, food and beverage establishments, a hotel, pedestrian walkways and bicycle paths, parks and open spaces and housing.
Coun. Ron Cannan urged there be a focus on affordable housing.
91裸聊视频淛ust building more expensive housing doesn91裸聊视频檛 help deal with the affordability crisis in our community, so I91裸聊视频檒l be watching for that,91裸聊视频� he added.
The emphasis on green spaces was also well-received.
91裸聊视频淚 feel that green has been heard finally,91裸聊视频� said Coun. Charlie Hodge.
Parking will be a challenge, council heard, given the site91裸聊视频檚 waterfront location and the water table. Parking will be at and above grade. Marshall said parking layouts will be integrated as much as possible into the surroundings. Proposed public transit service to the Mill Site and North End includes a bus exchange and more frequent service.
Marshall added that the last three years of planning have been a collaborative effort involving the public.
91裸聊视频淲hat you see here today is a reflection of that input,91裸聊视频� he told council. 91裸聊视频淭hey have had a strong say in deciding what they want their future city to look like.91裸聊视频�
Coun. Gord Lovegrove appreciated the inclusivity of the project.
91裸聊视频淲hat I see here is not just a walled community for the rich and famous,91裸聊视频� said Lovegrove. 91裸聊视频淚 see, and I91裸聊视频檝e heard loud and clear, an inclusive community.91裸聊视频�
Redevelopment of the site is expected to happen in four phases over the next 20 to 30 years and could start with events and activities on the site as early as the summer of 2025.
These will include family events, concerts, art exhibitions, and cultural celebrations to help residents become familiar with the site. Marshall said the project aims to 91裸聊视频渦nlock the spirit of the land,91裸聊视频� inviting people to explore the mill site and enjoy its natural benefits.
91裸聊视频淚n returning the site to the people of Kelowna, we must first host activities and attractions that will draw from far and wide. This will start to see the familiarity and comfort with the site as a destination.91裸聊视频�
The next steps for the project include completing all technical studies, further public engagement and preparing a final plan for council consideration.
