news

Cranbrook, BC (January 26, 2026) – A proposed Official Community Plan (OCP) amendment for a potential seniors housing project, which would also protect land along Joseph Creek for public access and recreation as a dedicated park, including Rotary Trail, is taking its first steps forward after Council gave it first reading Monday night.

The proposed OCP amendment would change the land use for part of the site from “Parks and Recreation” to “Medium Density Residential” to allow for the housing while maintaining park land. At the same time, nearby lands would be redesignated from “Medium Density Residential” to “Parks and Recreation,” creating a new, long continuous park on both sides of the creek, including Rotary Trail.

In July 2025, the Rotary Club of Cranbrook expressed interest to City Council to potentially build 12 to 14 seniors housing units. In response to this request, City staff brought forward an OCP Amendment (Bylaw No. 4232, 2026), which Council gave first reading on Monday, January 26, 2026. A related zoning amendment would also be needed to move the project forward which will be coming to Council at a later date.

The proposed residential development site would be a natural extension of the new medium density development on the adjacent property, on the land that currently looks to be a large gravel parking lot with gravel piles beside St. Mary’s School.

The subdivision and proposed bylaw amendments are being brought forward in support of implementing Council's strategic priorities, recommendations in the City’s Housing Strategy, Housing Task Force recommendations, and the City’s Housing Needs reports.

If Council provides approval, the proposed subdivision will designate land on both sides of Joseph Creek adjacent to St. Mary’s School, which includes Rotary Trail, to become a protected park for the community. This dedication would provide legal protection of the riparian area and creek and provide a park connection to Kinsmen Park nearby.

The OCP amendment is the first step in the process allowing the proposed changes to go through due process. If the OCP and Zoning Amendment bylaws are adopted, then the next step would be for Council to consider negotiating with the Rotary Club for the proposed seniors housing development on the land.

“This is a perfect project for the City, as it not only addresses a significant housing need for residents in our community but also provides additional protections to our natural environment for the continued enjoyment of all residents,” says Rob Veg, Manager of Planning with the City of Cranbrook.

“This project will really help provide very important housing that is much needed in the community,” says Mayor Wayne Price.

The City will undertake several technical reports to ensure the security of the park land, should the bylaws be adopted and development permits proceed. This would include a riparian study, steep slopes geotechnical report, and floodplain report.

The proposed OCP Amendment will come back to Council at the February 9, 2026 regular Council meeting for second reading and the scheduling of a Public Hearing on the proposal, with the new Zoning Amendment Bylaw for the proposal coming for first reading.