The mayor of Kamloops says a rezoning proposal at Landmark Heights may have been a ‘false start’ in terms of looking at the future of that area.

Council shot down a request by developer Mike Culos to change two properties there from commercial to residential – after many public concerns were raised.

Ken Christian says the city is thinking about the future of that neighborhood.

“That TRU precinct is really another downtown in Kamloops. We need to do things in and around pedestrian safety, walkability up there, and certainly access to the university – between the university and residential beds.”

In regards to Landmark Heights particularly, where rezoning was denied this week of two residential properties, “there are four separate complexes and it’s a mix between commercial and residential, and the parking seems to be a frustration between customers of the commercial operations and tenants and visitors of the residential piece.”

City staff had recommended council approve the rezoning of those Landmark properties, but it was shot down after concerns were raised in a public hearing.