The first phase of the Parkview Valley development in Kelowna was officially opened on July 9.
The project, by Centurion Property Associates and Ironclad Developments, is the first of five planned buildings on Benvoulin Court, eventually bringing more than 400 much-needed homes to the city.
The ribbon-cutting included representatives from the two development companies, the City of Kelowna, and the provincial and federal governments.
Stephen Marshall, executive vice president of property operations at Centurion, said the company is proud to continue expanding in Kelowna.
ѻýWe're excited to celebrate the opening of Parkview Valley. This is our fourth location in this market, and we're excited to be here and continue to be,ѻý he said.
Marshall thanked Centurion staff for their role in delivering what he called ѻýa great place for people to call home,ѻý noting that the company has brought 156 new rental suites online with this phase, ranging from studio to three-bedroom units.
ѻýIn totality, we'll have 401 in this community alone, so this certainly goes part of the way in addressing the housing needs in this market,ѻý he said. ѻýKelowna's had a critically low vacancy rate since we started this development, and I believe that's still the case.ѻý
He added that the location was chosen for its accessibility to transit, jobs, shopping, and recreation.
Ironclad Developmentsѻý Chief Financial Officer, Ahileas Tsekouras, said the project is the companyѻýs largest to date.
ѻýParkview Valley is more than just a development. It's a symbol of what's possible when people can come together with the same vision and the same care and commitment to excellence.ѻý
Tsekouras highlighted energy-efficient design choices, including solar power, EV charging infrastructure, and high-efficiency appliances.
ѻýEvery decision that we made was with the focus on the environment and the residents,ѻý he said. ѻýThe amenities are second to none. The amenities within the suites are second to none.ѻý
Residents will also have access to an amenities building that includes a fitness centre, theatre, sports simulator, pet spa, kids playroom, games room, rooftop patio with BBQs, and a lounge with a kitchen.
Kelowna City Councillor Luke Stack said the city offered a 10-year tax break on the building, part of an incentive program to boost vital rental development.
ѻýThis would be an empty field if we didnѻýt have enough incentives to attract people into this area,ѻý Stack said.
He recalled the areaѻýs agricultural past, when it was the Pettit Farm.
ѻýThey had always, one day, hoped that it would be a community where people lived,ѻý he said.
The 10-year tax break applies to the new construction and not the land the buildings sit on.
Once the Parkview Valley project and neighbouring developments are complete, the Benvoulin Court cul-de-sac is expected to have 1,100 homes.
ѻýThe location that they've selected is second to none,ѻý Stack added, pointing out the nearby Orchard Park Mall, groceries, shopping, and transit.
ѻýPeople can very easily live in this building, work in this community, and also recreate in this area.ѻý
Kelowna MP Stephen Fuhr also attended the event, though he noted the federal government wasn't directly involved in the project.
ѻýBut obviously we care about housing, and we know itѻýs a problem in Kelowna,ѻý he said. ѻýThis is an awesome project. Location, parking, unit sizes that are hard to findѻýlike three-bedroomsѻýenergy and efficiency,ѻý he said.
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