Canada Mixed-Use Plans Call for Vehicle Elevator

Plans for a new six-story mixed-use development in the Kelowna neighborhood of South Pandosy in British Columbia, Canada, include a unique feature: a vehicle elevator to access parking on the second level, The Daily Courier reports. Municipal staff initially had some concerns about the elevator that were included in a report: “Elevators are prone to breakdowns and require frequent maintenance. Where they are used for people, stairs provide an alternative means of access to a building. There is no alternative for cars.” However, the developer’s consultant says a vehicle elevator is a “huge innovation” that frees up space that would otherwise be needed for ramps for retail and office use. The consultant also says the vehicle elevator would be state-of-the-art and that the potential for breakdown is minimal. The new building would have retail at ground level, three floors of offices and a penthouse level with one residential suite and one office. City councilors will consider whether to grant various setbacks necessary for the project to proceed as planned at an October 4 meeting.