Rendering of new development. (submitted photo/City of Kelowna)

By Vernon Matters Staff

New look

Kelowna council advances redevelopment plan for former farmers’ market site

Jun 10, 2025 | 12:00 PM

A major redevelopment project is moving ahead in Kelowna, with city council approving a rezoning application that could bring nearly 300 new homes to the former site of the Kelowna Farmers’ Market.

The proposal involves transforming the long-vacant property at Springfield Road and Dilworth Drive into a mixed-use complex featuring rental apartments, condominiums, and commercial space.

Council voted in favour of advancing the rezoning process during a meeting on Monday, a key step toward changing the land designation to a zone that supports midtown residential rental developments.

If approved in full, the project would feature two six-storey residential buildings above a commercial base, with underground and covered parking. Plans submitted last summer outline 169 rental units in one building and 125 condos in the other, along with eight retail units facing Springfield.

Amenities proposed in the original application include fitness centres, co-working areas, a pet wash, and a shared courtyard with a playground and green space on the second level.

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Developers have also proposed 279 vehicle parking stalls and nearly 300 long-term bike spaces.

City planners noted the project aligns with Kelowna’s climate goals, due to its walkable location near shopping centres, schools, restaurants, and public greenways. Staff also plan to work with the developer to preserve existing trees on the site during the permitting phase.

While Monday’s discussion focused on land use, traffic concerns were raised by members of council. Staff responded by noting that road upgrades are already in the works, with this project contributing land for future intersection improvements at Springfield and Dilworth.

Construction could begin within the next year or two, depending on the approval timeline.

Council voted in favour of moving the application forward, with councillors Ron Cannan and Loyal Wooldridge opposed.