The stories behind one of Kelowna’s most beautiful neighbourhoods. With towering trees, century-old homes, and streets that have changed surprisingly little over the last hundred years, Kelowna’s Heritage Conservation Area is one of the city’s most remarkable places. Here are ten fascinating facts you may not know about this special neighbourhood. 1. The neighbourhood is…
Council meeting June 2026 In June 2026, the Kelowna City Council held a significant meeting to address various pressing urban planning issues, including the integration of heritage conservation within modern development frameworks. This meeting was marked by passionate discussions and a clear commitment from council members to find a balanced approach that respects both historical…
Letters Reveal Kelowna Has More Power Over TOA Development Than Residents Were Told. As Kelowna continues to grow, the balance between development and heritage preservation becomes crucial. Residents are increasingly vocal about the importance of maintaining the character of their neighborhoods. The Abbott Street Heritage Conservation Area is a prime example where local voices can…
Kelowna is changing rapidly. Recent provincial housing policies, including Transit-Oriented Area (TOA) legislation and Small-Scale Multi-Unit Housing (SSMUH) requirements, are transforming neighbourhoods across our city. These changes will influence everything from housing density and development patterns to neighbourhood character, green space, and community identity for years to come. Now, residents have an opportunity to share…
Abbott Street Heritage Area Deserves Meaningful Protection A recent Castanet article highlighted growing concerns from heritage advocates about the future of Kelowna’s Abbott Street Heritage Conservation Area. The discussion raises an important question for our community: if a Heritage Conservation Area is not protected from incompatible development, what purpose does the designation serve? The Abbott…
As cities grow and evolve, it can be easy to focus on what is new and overlook what already exists. Heritage communities serve as living connections to our past, providing character, identity, and a sense of place that modern developments often struggle to replicate. Preserving these neighbourhoods is not about preventing change—it is about ensuring…
Protecting Kelowna’s Heritage Conservation Area doesn’t require special expertise—every resident can play a role in preserving the character, history, and beauty of our community. The mature trees, historic homes, and walkable streets of Kelowna’s Heritage Conservation Area are more than features on a map—they are part of our community’s identity. One of the easiest ways…
Walk through Kelowna’s Heritage Conservation Area on any summer evening and you’ll quickly understand why so many people care about its future. It isn’t just the historic homes. It’s the mature tree canopy arching over the streets. It’s the gardens that have been cultivated for decades. It’s the front porches, heritage plaques, and quiet streets…
