Kelowna city council will review and possibly endorse the North End Plan (NEP) at its March 17 meeting.

Launched in 2021, the NEP will guide the growth and development of the North End neighbourhood. It covers four key areas: the expansion of the Downtown Urban Centre, the Manhattan Point Neighbourhood, the Walrod Park Neighbourhood, and the Mixed Employment District.

According to a staff report, the plan lays out how land will be used, the types of housing that will be built, and improvements to transportation, parks, public spaces, and utilities. The plan also includes recommendations for redeveloping the Mill Site area.

Since council last reviewed the NEP in October 2024, a few changes have been made. These include allowing low-rise apartment buildings (up to six storeys) near the Mill Site in Manhattan Point, adjusting the future Bertram Active Transportation Corridor that will connect Downtown to the North End, and incorporating the Richter Corridor Study to explore potential future transit options.

Council has also asked staff to keep looking into the possibility of adding a school in the North End. Despite multiple discussions with School District 23, no specific location has been chosen yet. The city and the school district will continue to explore options.

If council gives the NEP the green light, the next step will be a public hearing where residents can share their thoughts and feedback.