UBC Okanagan's $263M Permit for Kelowna's Tallest Tower

The University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBCO) has secured a monumental $263 million building permit from the City of Kelowna. The permit, which surpasses the city's previous record of $140.6 million, was given this year to the Mission Group for the Aqua final phase. This has paved the way for a tower that will alter Kelowna's skyline forever.

The project isn't just record-breaking in its budget; the 43-storey skyscraper will become Kelowna's tallest building and the highest between the Lower Mainland and Calgary. As construction moves from prep work to actual building at the Doyle Avenue site, residents and investors alike are keen to see the city’s architectural future unfold.

The uniquely designed three-sided UBCO tower will feature a four-storey underground parkade, opening up opportunities for creative street-level amenities. Furthermore, the tower will house the university's School of Nursing and Social Work and offer 500 residential housing units exclusively for UBC Okanagan students and staff.

UBC Okanagan, with close to 12,000 students and 700 faculty members, is no stranger to the Kelowna community. The new downtown campus represents an expansion from the outskirts to the heart of the city. Dr. Lesley Cormack, UBCO’s Principal and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, commented, "We're coming to the center of the community that created us."

The tower will also host an art gallery and a Public Engagement Suite, among other amenities, fostering an environment for knowledge exchange, social innovation, and creative expression. Being closer to local health and social services will amplify the quality of healthcare delivery and academic research.

The new facility is more than a tower; it’s a beacon for student life. From counseling services to study spaces, the downtown campus aims to be a well-rounded experience for UBCO students.

The UBC Okanagan tower is a symbol of Kelowna’s growing aspirations and its continuous commitment to academic and residential development. Be sure to follow DevelopKelowna.ca for construction updates, interviews, and more insights into Kelowna's ever-changing skyline.