Kelowna

The Infill Challenge Best Practices Summary from the City of Kelowna provides an analysis of leading edge policies, processes and projects in infill housing, and gives us the opportunity to learn from them.

Key insights:

The Best Practices Guide is intended to provide leading edge examples of infill housing from across Canada in the areas of process, development, and policy and regulations. The key lessons from each of these areas can be used to inform the Infill Challenge project as it unfolds in Kelowna.

Samples include:

Process:

• Engage stakeholders early
• Follow an objective, transparent process
• Use data and research to clarify needs and objectives

Development:

• Encourage the use of place-based design
• Ensure that lane access and a grid network are in place
• Require that front doors face the street, where possible

Policy & Development:

• Use clear language (no jargon)
• Support the process with strong visuals
• Consider context-based zoning regulations and guidelines

Kelowna’s Infill Housing Program: Removing Zoning Barriers to Boost Housing Supply
As one of Canada’s fastest growing cities, Kelowna has made infill housing a core part of its growth strategy, supporting the housing goals in its 2040 Official Community Plan.

Historically, restrictive zoning limited new housing supply. The City is tackling this by expanding permissions, unlocking land, and streamlining approvals to enable faster development. Highlights include the Infill Design Challenge Competitions in 2015–16 and 2021, which promoted innovative and diverse housing forms.

Explore how zoning reform and design competitions are shaping Kelowna’s gentle density future.

Keywords: Kelowna infill housing; gentle density housing; zoning reform; small-scale multi-unit housing; housing supply solutions; infill design challenge; affordable housing Kelowna; OCP housing policy; missing middle housing; streamlined development approvals