Doug Gilchrist ON: Exploring The Future of Kelowna, From Urban Densification to Innovative Recreation Facilities.

Real Estate for Real People

In this episode of the Real Estate for Real People, Doug Gilchrist, the City Manager of Kelowna, shares his insights on the city's policies for sustainable growth through urban densification and the importance of alternative modes of transportation. He stresses the importance of creative housing development to adapt to demographic changes and supports streamlined processes for new developers in Kelowna. Gilchrist also shares his excitement about the city's plans for improving water and sewer services and the rebuild of Parkinson Rec Center. City of Kelowna Podcast, City Manager, CAO of Kelowna. Meet Doug. Doug Gilchrist is the Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Kelowna. When he’s not strengthening the partnership between the City of Kelowna and the tech community, you’ll find Doug skiing, boating, hiking, or coaching his son’s lacrosse team.What we discuss:[00:00:00] Doug discusses the city's growth and development policies, including the approval of policies that may not see the fruits of that labour for quite a number of years.[00:04:45] Doug talks about the city's plan for growth, including infill and urban densification as the policy guidance, and the densification of neighbourhoods.[00:08:23] The hosts ask about the plan for the roads, including the possibility of overpasses, and Doug talks about the high transportation corridors and the need to connect those town centers.[00:08:41] Doug discusses the city's plans for pedestrian overpasses and enhanced cycling infrastructure, including the construction of a new pedestrian overpass at Central Green.[00:13:35] Doug talks about the city's plans for population growth and development, including the possibility of a bypass and the extension of Clement from Springfield to the university.[00:15:41] Doug discusses the city's infill program, which allows for four units on a lot, and the potential for expanding this program in all of the city's areas in and around town centers.[00:17:39] Doug discusses the need for creative housing solutions to adapt to demographic changes and the market's needs.[00:20:04] The hosts ask about the ease of the development process and permit process for new developers in Kelowna, and Doug explains the city's current infill program and advancements in technological advancements to improve the process.[00:24:35] Doug expresses his excitement for the potential development of the North End and the Tolko lands on the waterfront, which will include public access to the waterfront and high amenities within the development.[00:27:40] Doug talks about the growth of UBC, including their targets for residential on campus and the construction of new buildings.[00:28:39] The guest speaker and Doug discuss the rejuvenation of the downtown core, with more people living and enjoying the area, and the importance of a mix of residential and employment uses.[00:29:29] Doug mentions the largest private sector employer in Kelowna, KF Aero, as well as the school district, interior health, and the two post-secondary institutions, UBC and OC, as big players in terms of overall employment.Episode Resources:Doug Gilchrist | LinkedinDoug Gilchrist | Kelowna Talks Podcast