City of West Kelowna looking for provincial support to meet housing targets

West Kelowna’s Housing Challenge: A Race Against Time

West Kelowna, a growing city in British Columbia, is facing a significant challenge in meeting its housing targets. Over the next five years, the city is tasked with building nearly 3,000 new homes to address the skyrocketing demand for housing. However, just six months into the first year of this ambitious plan, West Kelowna is already falling behind schedule. As of January 2025, only 64 new housing units have been completed, far short of the 289 homes that were supposed to be built in the first year alone. This slow start has raised concerns about whether the city can meet its overall goal of 2,266 homes by July 2029.

Mayor Gord Milsom has acknowledged the enormity of the task, emphasizing the need for collaboration with various partners, including the federal and provincial governments, BC Housing, and the development industry. “We need to work with our partners… It’s a huge task,” Milsom said, highlighting the complexity of the issue. The city’s struggle to keep up with its housing targets is not just about meeting numbers; it’s about addressing the pressing need for affordable and available housing in a region where demand far outstrips supply.

The Keys to Success: Infrastructure and Collaboration

To get back on track, Mayor Milsom has stressed the importance of upgrading the city’s infrastructure. As a relatively young municipality, West Kelowna lacks the financial resources to undertake large-scale infrastructure projects on its own. Roads, utilities, and other essential services must be expanded to support the growing population, but without external funding, the city is limited in what it can achieve. Milsom has therefore called on the provincial government to provide additional support, recognizing that the burden of this housing crisis cannot be shouldered by the city alone.

Collaboration with the development industry is another critical piece of the puzzle. While the city has access to tools like the province’s $1 billion Growing Communities Fund—which includes a $10 million allocation for West Kelowna—these resources can only go so far if projects are not approved. Recently, the city council rejected a proposal for 117 new townhomes, a decision that has drawn criticism from BC Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon. Kahlon pointed out that such rejections hinder progress, stating, “We’ve given them tools to fast-track approvals, but projects have been rejected.”

A Complex Issue with No Easy Solutions

The housing crisis in West Kelowna is multifaceted, and there are no simple solutions. While the city is eager to build more homes, it must also balance the needs of existing residents with the demands of growth. For example, the rejection of the 117-townhome proposal may have been based on valid concerns about density, traffic, or environmental impact. However, these concerns must be weighed against the urgent need for housing.

The provincial government has made it clear that municipalities cannot afford to delay progress. If West Kelowna continues to fall short of its housing targets, the Minister of Housing has the authority to appoint an advisor to review the city’s progress and make recommendations. While this measure is designed to ensure accountability, it also underscores the pressure on local governments to deliver results.

The Path Forward: Building Momentum and Trust

Despite the challenges, there is still time for West Kelowna to get back on track. The city has completed 100 new housing units since August 2024, but 36 units were lost to demolition, leaving a net gain of just 64 homes. To build momentum, the city must streamline its approval processes and work closely with developers to bring more projects to fruition. At the same time, it must ensure that growth is sustainable and aligns with the needs and values of the community.

The relationship between West Kelowna and its provincial partners will be crucial in the coming years. The city needs not only financial support but also policy support to overcome the obstacles it faces. By fostering a spirit of collaboration and innovation, West Kelowna can overcome its current challenges and create a brighter future for its residents. The next five years will be a test of the city’s ability to rise to the occasion and deliver on its promise of affordable and accessible housing for all.