Development in Squamish & Kelowna: What Developers Need to Know
BC’s development landscape is highly regional. Each municipality has its own planning priorities, approval processes, and community expectations. This blog kicks off our Development in BC: Location Series, offering insights into key markets, starting with Squamish and Kelowna.
Whether you’re approaching site acquisition or deep into predevelopment, understanding local conditions is essential for a successful project.
Squamish, BC: A Rapidly Growing, Environmentally Sensitive Market
1. Market Overview
Squamish is one of the province’s fastest-growing communities, attracting outdoor enthusiasts, young families, and remote workers. Demand for multi-family and rental housing is high, with significant growth around mixed-use and mid-density developments.
2. Key Local Planning Considerations
Environmental Sensitivity: Squamish’s ecology, estuaries, rivers, and wildlife corridors, requires enhanced environmental assessments.
Floodplain & Geotechnical Constraints: Many sites require flood mitigation or geotechnical clearance due to steep terrain and proximity to water.
Transportation Emphasis: The community pushes for multimodal transportation and reduced car dependence.
3. Approval Process
Squamish strongly emphasizes OCP alignment. Projects outside established growth areas face tougher scrutiny. Developers should anticipate:
Early environmental studies
Servicing feasibility (water/wastewater)
Community consultation requirements
4. Community Concerns
Common themes include:
Environmental protection
Traffic impacts
Affordable housing expectations
Projects with affordability components or community benefits generally receive better support.
Kelowna, BC: A High-Growth Urban Centre with Clear Policy Direction
1. Market Overview
Kelowna is expanding rapidly, driven by in-migration, a strong rental market, and significant seniors and student populations. The city encourages density and sustainable urban growth.
2. Local Planning Considerations
Kelowna identifies Urban Centres as priority growth locations:
Downtown
Pandosy
Capri-Landmark
Rutland
Developments in these areas benefit from clearer planning pathways and better servicing.
3. Approval Process
Projects aligned with OCP 2040 and the Transportation Master Plan typically move more efficiently. Developers should plan for:
DCC-heavy cost structures
High design expectations
Energy efficiency requirements (Step Code)
4. Community Concerns
Recurring themes include:
Urban sprawl vs. densification
Climate resilience and wildfire interface
Infrastructure capacity
Cities increasingly reward projects with transit access and sustainability features.
Conclusion
Squamish and Kelowna each offer strong opportunities, but require a nuanced understanding of environmental, policy, and community factors. As we continue our Development in BC Series, we’ll explore Vancouver Island, the Lower Mainland, Whistler, and emerging interior markets.
How NDY Development can help
Planning a project in Squamish, Kelowna, or another BC community? Our feasibility and predevelopment team can help identify risks, streamline approvals, and strengthen project viability. Visit the NDY Development page or connect with us to discuss your project goals.