VIDEO: Groups circulate a petition to protect heritage areas amid changes in zoning rules

Local groups are circulating a petition to protect Kelowna's Heritage Conservation Areas.

The Friends and Residents of the Abbott Street Heritage Conservation Area Society (FRACAS) and the South Central Association of Neighbourhoods (KSAN) see the new zoning regulations as a threat.

While heritage advocates oppose the prospect of fourplexes in areas like the Abbott Street Heritage Conservation area, it's not their biggest worry.

Since the hospital has been designated a transit hub, opening a portion of the conservation area to buildings as high as six storeys.

"It's really going to change the character and the charm and the whole nature of the heritage areas," said FRACAS spokesperson Barry Jessup.

That's why they want to get people to voice their concerns this week before the new zoning bylaw goes back before council.

"We really would urge people if they could go online and sign the petition," said Jessup, "and help us preserve the heritage areas."

He acknowledges that the provincial government is mandating the changes, but he wants to see more pushback from council.

"We're not convinced that the city has fought hard enough," said Jessup.

FRACAS and KSAN point out heritage conservation areas make up just 0.5% of the city, so they believe it's not asking too much to exempt them from the new regulations.

Jessup said council appears to be too focused on the investment that comes with redevelopment.

"They really want to promote Kelowna as a place to do business," he said.

"I think that's overriding any heritage value."

And Jessup points out that the Abbott Street area attracts tourists every year.

"On a weekend during the summer you might see two or three hundred scooters just coming up and down here," he said.

"It's big attraction."

Another key change that is part of the new zoning rules is the elimination of public hearings on development proposals which are consistent with the official community plan.

The zoning bylaw is before council next Monday.