Kelowna council approves rezoning for part of former Kelowna Springs Golf Course

Kelowna city council has approved a rezoning that will allow industrial development on part of the former Kelowna Springs Golf Course property.

Council voted 5-3 Monday to rezone about 54 acres at 480 Penno Road from private recreation to industrial use, supporting an application from Lower Mainland developer Denciti Developments. The proposal includes a year-round indoor pickleball facility and employment lands on what was previously the back nine of the golf course.

Mayor Tom Dyas and councillors Luke Stack, Rick Webber, Mohini Singh and Loyal Wooldridge supported the rezoning, while councillors Ron Cannan, Charlie Hodge and Gord Lovegrove voted against. Supporters of the project pointed to strong backing during the March 10 public hearing from residents, business leaders and recreation advocates.

In a statement following the vote, the developer said “the proposal for 480 Penno Road received strong support at the public hearing from many Kelowna residents, business leaders and recreation advocates who highlighted its recreation and economic benefits.”

The developer also said the project could generate up to 700 local jobs along with millions of dollars in development charges and annual property tax revenue once fully built out.

The rezoning will be finalized after council gives the proposal final reading in the coming weeks, and the developer must still obtain a development permit before construction can begin.