Kelowna’s Next Landmark: Tolko Mill Site to Bring 3,500 New Homes & Vibrant Community Spaces
Kelowna's real estate market is about to undergo a transformative shift with the redevelopment of the former Tolko Mill site. Set to become one of the largest urban projects in the city, this ambitious plan spans nearly 40 acres in Kelowna's North End and promises to deliver a master-planned community that will reshape the region. With a vision to introduce as many as 3,500 housing units, the Tolko Mill Site redevelopment will integrate residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, creating a vibrant and dynamic neighborhood in the heart of Kelowna’s downtown.
A Vision for Kelowna Real Estate Growth
The Tolko Mill redevelopment plan, presented to Kelowna City Council, outlines three unique concept plans that will soon be open for public feedback. Once finalized, this project will set the standard for Kelowna real estate development in the coming years. The proposals envision approximately 3,500 housing units, which will include a variety of housing types, from affordable housing options to low-impact seniors’ and student residences. The inclusion of 350 dedicated units for seniors and students highlights the project's commitment to offering diverse living options for Kelowna’s growing population.
As the real estate market continues to boom, the Tolko Mill project provides much-needed housing inventory while introducing flexible living spaces and sustainable urban design. The mix of housing, retail, and office space creates a balanced, self-sustaining community designed to cater to Kelowna’s rapidly expanding population.
Affordable Housing and Community-Oriented Spaces
At the heart of this project is a commitment to making Kelowna real estate more accessible. The plan includes affordable housing options, which will be defined later in the development process, providing opportunities for a wider range of buyers to enter the market. The inclusion of affordable homes is a major boost for the city as it tackles housing shortages and rising prices.
Each of the three proposed concept plans also incorporates significant community spaces, with options including:
1.Civic Wedge: A year-round space that reflects the region’s hydrological character, featuring a floodable plaza, ice rink, splash park, and dry pond—designed to encourage interaction with Kelowna’s natural elements.
2. Harbour Park: Featuring a "great lawn," this space will be the heart of Okanagan's outdoor lifestyle, with artisans, breweries, and restaurants embracing the beauty of the natural surroundings.
3. The Workshop: An ode to Kelowna’s industrial history, this space will combine moorage amenities with areas for artisans, makers, and cafes, creating an engaging and active waterfront hub.
A Master-Planned Community Designed for Modern Kelowna
One of the most striking features of the Tolko Mill Site redevelopment is the thoughtful design approach that considers both density and building height. The master plan envisions a graduated building height, tapering from the southern end to the northern waterfront, ensuring the project integrates seamlessly with the surrounding Kelowna North neighborhoods.
Alongside the residential spaces, the Tolko Mill project includes a proposed 225,000 square feet of office and retail space as well as nearly one million square feet of flexible, undetermined space that will likely attract businesses, cultural venues, and local entrepreneurs. Additionally, the community will benefit from three to four hectares of parkland, further promoting outdoor living and wellness, key elements of the Kelowna lifestyle.
A Rare Opportunity for Kelowna’s Future
The Tolko Mill redevelopment presents an unparalleled opportunity for Kelowna to establish an iconic mixed-use neighborhood. This project not only fulfills Kelowna’s urgent housing needs but also contributes to the city's transportation, employment, and sustainability goals. It will interface with the broader Kelowna North End Neighborhood Plan, presented earlier this summer, ensuring the development enhances and revitalizes the area’s existing infrastructure.
As Kelowna continues to grow, the Tolko Mill Site development stands out as a cornerstone of the city’s future. With its focus on sustainable urban living, community engagement, and innovative design, this project will undoubtedly become one of Kelowna’s most desirable places to live, work, and play.
Stay tuned as more details emerge, and the public feedback process shapes this ambitious project into a reality.
Mark Coons
778-744-0872
Personal Real Estate Corporation
Selling Kelowna Real Estate Group
