Photo: Meiklejohn Architects Inc.
The latest fundraising effort through the Kelowna General Hospital Foundation could be ready to break ground in the early fall.
JoeAnna’s House will be a home away from home for families who have to travel from other parts of the Interior to be with a loved one receiving life-saving care at KGH.
The fundraising effort has moved along quickly enough to allow the foundation to take the next step in the project, a formal application for rezoning of the property. The proposed housing would be located at the corner of Abbott Street and Royal Avenue, at the back of the hospital. It is currently being used as parking.
The KGH Foundation is proposing a two-storey building with 20 hotel-style rooms. Foundation CEO Doug Rankmore says it has raised about two-thirds of the $8 million needed.
It’s the foundation’s hope to hit that target in time for the doors to open next fall, but Rankmore stresses the start of construction does not mean all the funding is in place.
If all goes well with city hall, Rankmore expects construction to begin in October.
To make up for the loss of 62 parking stalls, Interior Health is proposing a 90-stall parking lot on Speer Street, just to the east of Pandosy, across from the main entrance to KGH.
City staff note KGH currently meets the minimum parking requirement, but also understand there is a demand for more parking within a close proximity of the hospital.
IHA is working on a long-term parking strategy that will include a second parking structure on hospital property.
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