Title: Development to Replace Lake Country’s Airport Inn Advances
Kelowna, BC – Calgary-based Eagle Crest Construction has unveiled plans for a four-building, 364-unit rental apartment complex to replace the existing Airport Inn in Lake Country. The development, located at 11474 Petrie Road, has received initial approval from the local council, sparking excitement and anticipation for the community.
The proposed project involves the construction of four buildings, each offering 364 rental units, in a bid to significantly enhance Lake Country’s housing supply. A key aspect of the development is the commitment by the developer to maintain rental units for a period of five decades, addressing long-standing concerns over housing stability.
During the council meeting on September 3, Councilor Cara Reed praised the developer for presenting an impressive application. She noted the scale of the project and its minimal use of variance, describing it as very well put together. Reed also raised the issue of potential upgrades to the intersection at Highway 97 (Robinson Road), which was acknowledged by Planning Manager Brian Zurek.
Zurek informed the council that the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure had been consulted and did not require any specific infrastructure improvements off the site. He added that the district’s engineering team would work with the developer to determine necessary frontage works, service improvements, and other infrastructure upgrades at future stages.
The Planning Manager also highlighted the pressing need for residential housing in Lake Country, emphasizing that the district required approximately 250 units annually between 2021 and 2023. He contrasted this demand with the historical average of 147 residential permits issued per year (2016-2021), underscoring the importance of the proposed development.
Mayor Blair Ireland expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating that the community is eager to see the Airport Inn site transformed into something new. He further noted the potential positive impact of the development on Lake Country’s housing landscape, which has been strained by the imbalance between supply and demand.
The project, once fully realized, is expected to make a significant contribution to Lake Country’s housing needs, providing much-needed rental units and potentially easing the housing crisis in the region.
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