Plan aims for new vision of downtown

KelownaBy J.P. SQUIRE Monday, August 20, 2007 http://www.kelownadailycourier.ca/stories.php?id=60374

An ambitious developer, an architectural firm and new provincial legislation could finally do what city council couldn‘t for the past 25 years. After dropping his unsuccessful $250-million Lawsons Landing highrise project, Phil Milroy of Westcorp decided to help the city, himself and other developers trying to redevelop the downtown. In a hush-hush deal with the city, he agreed to contribute several hundred thousand dollars to hire Kaison Architecture of Vancouver to plan redevelopment of the four city blocks bounded by Harvey, Abbott, Queensway and Water. New provincial legislation allows multiple property owners to share – on a square-footage basis – the proceeds from redevelopment of such blocks. In the first public announcement of the deal Monday, acting city planner David Shipclark said the city will hold a workshop in early September to explain the concept to property owners and those leasing space downtown. City council took the first step Monday by formally instructing staff to prepare the paperwork for the comprehensive development zone so it reflects the sharing of development rights and costs among all property owners. Coun. Colin Day, chairman of the downtown task force, described it as “a very exciting report.” Task force members, briefed last week after they were sworn to secrecy, were enthusiastic and voted their support.

“It‘s obviously an exciting project,” added Coun. Norm Letnick, who was “heartened to hear even the roads and alleys are up for grabs.” “This may be the most exciting thing since I got on council. We‘ve tried every redevelopment incentive over last 13 years,” commented Coun. Andre Blanleil, noting councillors have been aware of the plans for several months. “Kelowna needs a new heart,” said Coun. Robert Hobson, adding possible development of the former Royal Trust property could be controversial since many now consider it part of Kerry Park. “I‘m pleased Phil Milroy stuck around – this could be the catalyst,” agreed Coun. Brian Given. The redevelopment will involve many property owners, not just Milroy, said Mayor Sharon Shepherd, adding: “It‘s time to do something by thinking differently than we have in the past.” Coun. Barrie Clark recalled his biggest challenge when elected seven years ago was downtown redevelopment and his biggest frustration has become the lack of it. “This is wonderful; something is finally happening,” said Coun. Carol Gran, a task force member.

Shipclark revealed the process of coming up with the redevelopment plan almost happened by accident. The city has tried unsuccessfully to encourage redevelopment by offering tax relief, parking incentives, way-finding signs, removing back alley dumpsters with the Downtown Kelowna Association, establishing a task force, completing a downtown plan, a streetscape plan, a partnership with Kelowna Gospel Mission, increased RCMP and security patrols, and a bike storage program, he said. In 2005-06, desperate city councillors instructed staff to negotiate a land assembly in the Lawrence-Leon area and offer to lease 10,000 square feet of city office space as an incentive for development of a new office building. City staff quickly learned developers were also investigating land assembly and potential investment. One of those was Milroy. “They were still very positive about the future of Kelowna and wanted to be involved in the redevelopment,” said Shipclark. Milroy was told the city doesn‘t have enough staff to undertake the planning itself, but would work with a suitable firm similar to what happened in partnership with private developers in the South Slopes neighbourhoods, in preparation of the Glenmore Highlands, University South, Highway 33 East and Bell Mountain area structure plans. The city then hired Graham McGarver of Via Architects of Vancouver as its consultant in the planning process. McGarver previously worked on redevelopment of the Vancouver Expo lands and more recently the proposed Whitecaps soccer stadium over the old downtown Vancouver railyards.