The development of a 33-storey hotel and condominium complex in downtown Kelowna, originally proposed by Westcorp on the former Willow Inn Hotel site near the waterfront, is encountering further delays. These setbacks have been primarily attributed to various factors, including flooding, the introduction of the speculation tax, and the impact of COVID-19.
Westcorp sought a fourth development permit from the city council on September 20, 2022, which was granted. However, due to an impending adoption of a new zoning bylaw, this permit was only valid for one year, as opposed to the usual two-year validity. This means that a building permit needed to be issued within the year, or the development permit would expire. As of the current week, the building permit has not been granted.
Gail Temple, the Vice-President of Operations at Westcorp, confirmed that they are not currently ready to proceed with the project. The primary reasons cited are the ongoing high construction pricing and interest rates, making the hotel project financially unfeasible at this time. Any further progress with the project will require approval from Kelowna city council, as their development permit is set to expire.
Development Changes
The proposed hotel consists of 17 storeys designated for hotel space, with a restaurant planned for the 18th floor, and the remaining floors designated for for-sale condominiums. This project has faced multiple delays and revisions since its initial proposal in February 2014, initially as a 24-storey boutique hotel. Despite some site work in the summer of 2015, construction was delayed due to unresolved design elements.
Several design changes were made over the years, ultimately resulting in a 33-storey structure with 174 hotel rooms, 49 for-sale condos, and a 17th-floor restaurant. Council approval was obtained, despite objections from city staff. The introduction of the speculation tax by the province led to another redesign and a new development permit in August 2018.
Additional alterations were made in late 2019, with plans for a show suite and name unveiling scheduled for March 2020. However, these plans were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. A new development permit was approved in September of the previous year, but it is now nearing its expiration date.
See why downtown Kelowna is such a desirable location.
Wardlaw Pandosy Village is more than just a residential development; it’s an embodiment of a distinctive and unique lifestyle in the heart of Kelowna’s most desirable community – Pandosy Village.
Summer 2024 Occupancy – Act Now
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Meet the Builders: INNASCORE Developments
Wardlaw Pandosy Village is brought to life by INNASCORE Developments, a passionate and value-driven team specializing in land development and construction management. With over 30 years of collective development, construction, and management experience in Canada and Europe, Marlin and Fabian, the founders of INNASCORE, believe in building high-quality, cost-effective homes in a timely manner.
Their core values revolve around integrity and trust, serving as the foundation for successful projects and long-term relationships. They insist on the finest quality construction available and treat each project as if it were their very own. The INNASCORE team is committed to exceeding financial, timeline, and quality expectations for their clients, investors, and the community.
Your Ideal Location: Pandosy Village
Pandosy Village is an exquisite neighborhood located just 1km south of Downtown Kelowna. A mere 5-minute walk takes you to the vibrant city center, or you can enjoy a 10-minute stroll along the waterfront path, basking in the unique charm of this community.
Amenities are at your doorstep, offering an abundance of options. Spend time on nearby beaches, stroll along Pandosy Street, relax at a cafe, or savor a specialty restaurant. Whether it’s dining, shopping, outdoor activities, or cultural experiences, everything you desire is right outside your front door.
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Pandosy Village boasts a diverse culinary scene. From cozy cafes to upscale restaurants, you can indulge in a variety of flavors right in your neighborhood.
Embrace Nature: Parks and Beaches
Pandosy Village is nestled in a natural wonderland. Enjoy parks and beaches, ideal for outdoor activities or simply soaking in the beauty of the surroundings.
Retail Therapy: Shopping at Its Best
The neighborhood offers a range of shopping options, from local markets to boutique shops, ensuring you can find unique items to suit your tastes.
Healthcare Close to Home
For your peace of mind, there’s easy access to healthcare facilities and hospitals within reach.
Unprecedented Lifestyle Amenities
Wardlaw Pandosy Village residences are adorned with the finest finishes to ensure your comfort and enjoyment, both inside and outside your home. Each residence boasts:
Engineered Hardwood Flooring in living areas
Quartz countertops
Modern Kitchen cabinetry
High-end Stainless Steel Appliances
Modern bathrooms featuring fully enclosed showers with ceramic tile flooring
Fully covered decks with glass railings
In addition, Wardlaw residences are constructed with a focus on soundproofing, surpassing the standard requirements to ensure a peaceful living environment.
Additional building amenities include tastefully designed landscaping, secured underground parking, a dedicated bike room, and a dog run.
Wardlaw Pandosy Village invites you to experience the essence of Kelowna’s vibrant lifestyle, where quality living meets a thriving community.
Site Transformation: Edmonton-based Westcorp seeks approval to amend the multi-building development on the former Hiawatha RV Park site. The current proposal outlines two of the planned condo buildings to be raised from 11 to 17 storeys, exceeding the current zoning cap, which permits a maximum of 11 storeys.
Debate and Changes: Councillor Charlie Hodge voted against these changes, emphasizing the prolonged debate and shifting nature of the development. The property has witnessed numerous adjustments over the years, eliciting concerns from the public about the project’s evolving character.
Differing Views: While some council members, including Mayor Colin Basran, felt that the project hadn’t undergone multiple changes, Hodge expressed his apprehensions about the development’s trajectory. Despite these reservations, the proposed height change was supported by the entire council for public hearing consideration.
All-Rental Development: Westcorp’s revised plans entail that the entire development will consist of rental units. While there were questions about short-term rentals, the staff indicated none were proposed. Councillor Gail Given noted that under current zoning, hotels are allowed, potentially enabling short-term rentals.
Praising the Transformation: The revised plans for this Lakeshore Road development gained approval from the Kelowna City Council. The adjusted height limits now allow for two 17-storey and one 14-storey buildings. The focus on rental properties, the creation of a linear park along Wilson Creek, and the significant revenue contribution for developing new parkland garnered praise from council members.
Community of Tomorrow: Councillor Luke Stack acknowledged community concerns but underlined that the project would create a vibrant community in the years to come. Purpose-built rental properties at various price points align with the city’s housing objectives, said Councillor Loyal Wooldridge, adding that Kelowna continually grapples with accommodating its growing population.
Improved Design: The development’s changes were described as a “dramatic improvement” by Coun. Ryan Donn. The project’s transition from initial plans was met with enthusiasm.
Construction Underway: Westcorp has secured a building permit for the second phase of the Hiawatha RV Park redevelopment, valued at approximately $35 million. The project includes three towers, one of which is 17 storeys tall. This phase also necessitates the construction of a roundabout and a bridge.
Project Overview: The entire Hiawatha development will encompass over 1,000 residential units, with ground-oriented townhouses, commercial space, high-rise, and mid-rise buildings.
Continuous Development: Westcorp’s aim with this project is to create and manage one of the finest rental communities in the country, emphasizing its expertise in developing and managing large rental communities for over 40 years.
Master Development Agreement: The city is set to enter into a Master Development Agreement to guide the future development of the site, focusing on adjacent offsite works that would be attached to phase three. This includes infrastructure, roads, and other essential components.
Policy Alignment: The project aligns with the city’s policies for the Cook-Truswell area and village center, incorporating a new commercial node along Lakeshore Road, improved accessibility to Wilson Creek Linear Park, and substantial urban plazas and landscaping. It also adheres to the Official Community Plan’s policies for growth along transit-supportive corridors and housing diversity promotion. The project’s location provides easy access to transportation and supports various modes of commuting to schools, commercial areas, and recreational facilities.
This comprehensive project signifies an effort to provide more housing options, improve urban spaces, and enhance the quality of life for Kelowna’s residents.
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