The City of Kelowna is so far exceeding its annual goals to build 8,774 net new housing units by mid-2029, as mandated by the B.C. government.

However, the province’s proposed changes to the Heritage Conservation Act could hamper its own housing quota.

According to a memo from Kelowna city manager Doug Gilchrist, the proposed process will introduce additional time and costs to a wide range of public and private applications and not achieve the stated intent — to improve timelines.

“New requirements for more development applications and capital project work, potentially hindering the city’s ability to deliver essential housing faster as mandated by the province,” Gilchrist said.

The Heritage Conservation Act was designed to protect historical material by requiring proof that cultural ar

See Full Page