We’ve invited you on to tell us a little bit about yourself, and your new project, Bertram at Bernard Block in Kelowna.

I am the Executive Vice President at Mission Group, and we’ve been working on this plan for the past few years. It’s a transformational plan for Kelowna’s historic core. The first phase of the plan, Brooklyn, is nearly sold out. Bertram will be the second tower at Bernard block. The final phase will be called The Block, and will be a class-A office tower that we’re developing as well.

Bertram will have many incredible urban opportunities with great walking and biking amenities, and it’s only four blocks from Okanagan Lake.

How is Bertram different from the Brooklyn phase?

The prices are starting lower than Brooklyn, in the 200,000s. It’s pet friendly and has a parking space for every single and two bedroom home. The amenities are a little different, offering a great landscape terrace on the 6th floor, with barbecuing and dining areas and a community garden. In a first for Kelowna, we also include a great co-working space just off the lobby, perfect for meetings, and another space on the roof with an amazing mountain view for the remote workers. On the 34th floor, there’s also a sky-pool and lounge area with amazing views.

Brooklyn offered special zoning privileges to allow AirBnB, but the understanding was that this was a one-off. Can you talk about the rental restrictions at Bertram?

So we’ve looked at Bertram a little differently, with more interest from those who want to be in the area for a little bit longer of a term. It will, however, still allow for monthly rentals.

Can you talk a little bit about the Kelowna market in 2020?

The market has been quite successful recently, with an urban transformation into a true city centre. It’s attractive to both Lower Mainland and Okanagan residents. We’re expecting the Bertram offering to have great demand from a broad range of demographics.

In terms of units, can you tell us more about the Bertram plans?

We’ve got more of a range than Brooklyn, with units of the studio to two bedroom styles. The size ranges between 312 to 965 square feet. The floor plans are designed so over 70% of homes have a view of the lake. Nearly 50% of homes are less than $499,000, and over 85% are under $699,000.

Who’s moving to Kelowna, and how is the city changing?

Part of the story has been around escalating Vancouver home prices, and seeing the Okanagan as a cheaper option.

The private and public investment has been incredible, with an exciting tech industry.

There’s nearly 20,000 students at UBCO and Okanagan College. People are excited about the city’s trajectory.

Can you tell us a little bit about Mission Group?

We’re a real estate developer who’s been owned and operated out of Kelowna for nearly 20 years. We’ve been lucky to have been able to build over 2000 new homes, with another thousand homes under construction or planned.

When do you begin selling the Bertram units? When will the building be finished?

We are in the pre-marketing phase at the moment, but we’ll begin previews in March with sales starting in April. Completion of the project should be around early 2023.

If someone’s on the fence about buying a unit at Bertram on Bernard Block, why should they buy?

Bertram is great value for the dollar, and there’s no other opportunities like this in downtown Kelowna.