Kelowna’s downtown Safeway store is getting a facelift

Even though the downtown Kelowna Safeway store could be replaced by two highrise towers totalling 53 storeys, it looks like the old store is going to stay for some time.

Sobeys, the store’s parent company, has applied to the City of Kelowna for a development permit to refresh the look of the building.

“Sobeys is undertaking a major redevelopment and re-branding of their Sobeys and Safeway stores in Western Canada,” a letter accompanying the application says. “The Bernard Avenue Safeway has been an important part of the Kelowna grocery market since 1978 and is a key target store for renovation.”

Along with canopies over the store’s two entrances and repainting, there will be changes inside as well.

The bakery, deli and meat sections will “have enhanced service options,” the pharmacy will be renovated to include a consultation room and there will be new refrigerator cases, flooring, wall finishes and lighting.

There won’t be any changes to the building size and it will retain the Safeway brand name.

READ MORE: Here's how Kelowna could increase population by 25,000 in downtown core

Safeway is the only major grocery store in Kelowna's downtown that is experiencing dramatic growth.

In April, City of Kelowna staff presented a report to city council outlining how a density bonus system could increase the number of people living downtown.

That report said the Safeway property could house two highrises totalling 39 storeys but, with density bonuses, those could grow to 53 storeys.

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