FAQ

Aqua FAQ.

What is Aqua?

Aqua is a 6.25 acre sustainable waterfront residential community, featuring both private and public amenities on 400 ft of Okanagan Lake shoreline.  The Mission Group, a Kelowna development company intends to create Kelowna's finest resort experience for citizens and Aqua homeowners.

Where is Aqua?

Aqua is located in the Cook Road Tourist Commercial Area, adjacent to the Hotel Eldorado, bounded by Lakeshore Road, Truswell Road and Okanagan Lake.

What is the Approval Process for Aqua?

The majority of the Aqua site is zoned to permit the proposed development.  As in all multi-family communities, a Development Permit will be necessary.   The Mission Group has made an application for approval to the City of Kelowna.

What is the current zoning on the site and what does it permit?

The C-9 Tourist Commercial zone covers the majority of the property.  The C-9 zone permits numerous uses including those specific to tourist commercial developments; condominiums, townhomes, boat storage, food and beverage service and spas. 

Does Aqua comply with all the C-9 Zone restrictions?

Aqua complies with all requirements and restrictions of the zone with the exception of the 6 storey height restriction.  The Aqua development proposes buildings from 2 to19 storeys on the site in order to maximize the area in which pedestrian movement can occur while providing visual appeal with buildings of various heights.

The height will have no impact on density or traffic, because the total number of homes will be the same regardless of the height. (The zoning allows 6 stories across the whole site, while Aqua plans for a mix of height, which creates more open space.)

When will construction begin - how long will it last?

Construction is anticipated to begin in 2009 and continue for approximately 3 years.

Is Aqua a public or private resort community?

Aqua will be privately owned by individual home owners with a large complement of public amenities.

What are the public amenities that Aqua will provide?

• Waterfront boardwalk promenade
• Lake access
• A grand public pier with day moorage for boats
• Reclaimed sandy beach
• Children's water play fountain
• A waterfront restaurant
• A day spa
• A connection from the Mission Creek Greenway to the waterfront

Is Aqua a hotel?

No, Aqua is not a hotel; it is privately owned condominium resort homes.

How many homes will Aqua provide?

Aqua is planned for approximately 400 homes in compliance with the C-9 zone.

How will the extra traffic generated by this development be handled?

The Mission Group has been working with the City on the redesign of Cook Road.  In addition to this redesign, Lakeshore Road will be increased in width and will be able to accommodate the additional volume, prior to the completion of Aqua. The expansion of Lakeshore Road, a long term plan of the City to accomodate growth in the Upper Mission, will be made possible by the development of Aqua.

Generally speaking, mid and high-rise residential towers typically generate 25-30% fewer vehicle trips per dwelling than low-rise and ground oriented forms. This is because high-rise residences are typically made up of the smaller, less family-oriented households and are commonly located on transit corridors and within a walk of commercial shops and services. 

What is the future of Truswell Road?

Due to the City of Kelowna’s plans to reconstruct the Lakeshore Road Bridge in 2010, Truswell Road will be redesigned. This will happen regardless of Aqua.

Plans show a 4-lane, raised bridge to allow the Mission Creek Greenway to safely continue under the new bridge.  This will force Truswell Road to tie into Lakeshore Road via Cook Road, which will ultimately improve traffic movement in this location.

What happens to the boat storage facility?

The boat storage facility will be decommissioned, however, there will be some opportunity for private and public dry land boat storage on the Aqua site, as well as private boat slip moorage and public day moorage on the lake.

Are any sustainability initiatives being considered for this development?

The Mission Group is a member of the Canadian Green Building Council and is Built Green ^TM  Certified by the Canadian Home Builders Association.  The Mission Group takes an Inspired Green approach to all of their new communities.

The aim is to lessen the environmental footprint in five areas - energy efficiency, water conservation, air quality, waste reduction and transportation.

Will the groyne being built to restore the beach have any environmental impact?

The City of Kelowna and the Provincial government requested that the groyne be included for the benefit of the environment and restoration of the foreshore. Aqua is complying with this request.

Is the public invited to give feedback?

Yes, The Mission Group is actively seeking input from the community.  To date, we have had three open houses for our neighbors and we have met with several strata councils and resident's associations including the KLO Resident's Association and the Okanagan Mission Resident's Association. 

How can I get involved in supporting Aqua with its improved public access to the Lake?

Please sign up to stay informed and add a comment that you would like to participate, or call Kim McKechnie at 448-8810.

How can I purchase a home at Aqua?

Aqua is not currently for sale as it is in the planning stages.  Sign up to stay informed.

Who is The Mission Group?

The Mission Group is a Kelowna company that creates new home communities that are exceptional, unparalleled and vibrant. We build homes that reflect the way you work, live and play. To find out more read About Us.