Sustainability in Kelowna's Official Community Plan
The City of Kelowna has entered the final refinement phase of updating its Official Community Plan (OCP). The 2040 Official Community Plan will then be adopted as a guiding document to ensure Kelowna can continue to be prosperous, vibrant and resilient in years to come.
Sustainability in 2040 Official Community Plan (OCP)
Sustainable Transportation Network
Transportation infrastructure will be funded, designed, constructed and maintained to meet the needs of users and according to the following priority, recognizing that Urban Centre streets play an important role in supporting a range of transportation modes beyond cars:
i. Active Transportation (Walking and Biking)
ii. Transit
iii. Shared Mobility
iv. Movement of Goods & Services
v. High‐Occupancy Vehicles (HOVs)
vi. Single‐Occupancy Vehicles (SOVs)
Ensure Active Transportation Corridors are designed for cyclists and pedestrians of all ages and abilities in accordance with the objectives of the Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan.
Prioritize bicycle parking and end‐of‐trip facilities through site planning and design of new development to ensure biking is an attractive and convenient transportation option
Continue to support pilot programs and partnerships to improve access to emerging on‐demand mobility options that reduce greenhouse gases and enhance sustainable transportation options.
Integrate electric vehicle charging stations in off‐street parking plans for new multi‐family, institutional and commercial developments.
Protect and restore our environment
The citizens of Kelowna have crafted a bold vision called Imagine Kelowna which outlines what kind of city they want to live in. Imagine Kelowna envisions a city where the protection of our land, water and air resources is strengthened and the health of Okanagan Lake is preserved. Other actions stated in Imagine Kelowna,
Reduce the community’s greenhouse gas emissions,
Become a more resilient community in the face of a changing climate.
Focusing future growth in compact neighbourhoods with more energy-efficient buildings and provision of a variety of transportation options that produce few greenhouse gas emissions
Here are some objectives and policies stated in the OCP
To manage and protect water resources
Objective 12.9. Adapt to a changing water supply.
Objective 13.3. Design stormwater infrastructure to mitigate flooding and pollution to our neighbourhoods, streams and Okanagan Lake.
Objective 13.4. Provide a secure supply of water.
Objective 13.5. Protect the supply of high‐quality drinking water.
Objective 14.3. Preserve Okanagan Lake for its environmental, traditional, cultural, spiritual, and recreational
To contribute to the improvement of community health, safety, and social wellbeing
Objective 9.1. Incorporate equity into planning decisions and resource allocation in our community.
Objective 9.2. Strengthen the relationship with the Syilx/Okanagan people through initiatives and processes to advance and support reconciliation in Kelowna.
Objective 9.3. Develop diverse partnerships to advance complex social planning issues and increase community wellbeing.
Objective 10.1. Acquire new parks to enhance livability throughout the city.
Objective 14.1. Promote strategies that reduce local air pollution and people’s exposure to air pollutants
To support a regional food system that is healthy, resilient and sustainable
Objectives 4.9, 5.8, 6.5 and 7.5. Strengthen the local food system to increase food security, equitable access to healthy food and social connections.
Objective 8.3. Strengthen the local food system to increase food security and social connections.
To minimize regional greenhouse gas emissions and respond to the impacts of climate change
Objective 12.1. Design the community to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Objective 12.4. and 12.5 Improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions of new buildings and existing buildings
Objective 12.6. Transition toward 100 per cent renewable energy by 2050.
Objective 12.7. Support the transition to emerging low‐ emission transportation technologies.
Objective 12.8. Support the community to prepare for and become resilient to the impacts of climate change.
