The Kelson Group is seeking further feedback after it revised its plans for a multi-million dollar development project in downtown Kamloops.
The Kamloops-based company released updated plans for the City Gardens development, with a plan to add more than 500 suites either for sale or rent. First unveiled in September 2020, the entire project is now expected to cost at least $160-million.
Kelson Group President, Jason Fawcett, says they want to reengage with the community and gather more input before applying for a development permit.
“We have had the opportunity to pause and reflect on our vision for City Gardens,” he said. “Since announcing our initial plans last fall, we have asked the community for their feedback and to gauge the collective level of interest. This input has helped us revise our plans to better reflect what our community has told us is important to them and what potential purchasers want.”
The initial plan was proposing to add about 435 suites and also envisioned the need to close the 400 block of Nicola Street. This revised plan has eliminated the need to close the street after concerns were raised about parking and traffic flow.
“The cul-de-sac had some challenges with making sure it was big enough for fire trucks and garbage trucks. And at the end of the day, we heard from the community that there wasn’t that much support, necessarily, to close off Nicola Street,” Fawcett told NL News. “And we’ve added some apartments on the ends of 4th and 5th Avenue, as well as more two-storey townhouses.”
“Our goal has always been to create a vibrant urban environment enhanced with green spaces and beautiful landscaping.”
The first stage of construction is expected to get going in the spring of 2022, noting the entire project could take between six and seven years to complete.
A first virtual community information session is being held on Monday, March 29, and 5 p.m. via Zoom. Justin Dyck, Station One Architects’ lead architect on the project, will be present to answer questions.
For more information or to register for the virtual session, go here. You can also send feedback or questions emails here.
