Ryan Romanowski
Marketing Manager, Lakeland Living
Ryan Romanowski is the Marketing Manager at Lakeland Living with 10+ years of experience in real estate marketing, multi-family developments, and residential investment strategy.
Key Insights
Comprehensive guide covering rentals near gellatly bay west kelowna, rental market dynamics, building features, and living in West Kelowna.
By Ryan Romanowski | Marketing Manager, Lakeland Living
Quick Facts: Living & Renting in West Kelowna
- Location: 3717 Hoskins Road, Westbank Urban Centre, West Kelowna, B.C.
- Building Structure: 7-storey mixed-use building featuring 65 purpose-built rental suites
- Target Occupancy: March/April 2027 (Structure Topped Off September 2026)
- Target Starting Rents: Studios ($1,200-$1,500/mo) | 1-Bed ($1,600-$1,750/mo) | 1-Bed+Den ($1,800-$1,900/mo) | 2-Bed ($2,100-$2,300/mo)
- Key Amenities: 7th-floor rooftop sky lounge with outdoor kitchen and 360° views, fitness centre, secure indoor parkade, EV charging, bike hub, and car share.
- Leadership: Christopher Blake and Ed Romanowski lead the dedicated Lakeland Living team with a combined 100+ years of real estate experience.
For residents seeking the quintessential Okanagan lifestyle, few locations compare to the pristine shoreline of Gellatly Bay in West Kelowna. With its expansive public boardwalk, sandy beaches, heritage nut orchard, and recreational boat launch, Gellatly Bay serves as the aquatic playground for the Central Okanagan.
However, finding high-quality rentals near Gellatly Bay West Kelowna requires understanding the distinct balance between immediate shoreline properties and the higher-density, amenity-rich rental developments located in the adjacent Westbank Urban Centre.
This guide examines the recreation, lifestyle amenities, transportation connections, and rental housing dynamics surrounding Gellatly Bay, helping future residents evaluate their housing options along West Kelowna's premier waterfront corridor.
1. The Gellatly Bay Waterfront Corridor Explained
Gellatly Bay spans a scenic crescent along the western shores of Okanagan Lake, shielded by Mount Boucherie to the north and extending south toward the Gellatly Nut Farm Regional Park. Unlike many private Okanagan shorelines, Gellatly Bay is distinguished by its continuous public accessibility, park infrastructure, and recreational amenities.
Gellatly Bay Waterfront Map
| [ Mount Boucherie / Westside Wine Trail ] |
| v | ||
|---|---|---|
| • 2-lane boat launch • Timber fishing pier • Paddleboard entry |
V (Gellatly Multi-Use Waterfront Promenade)
| 2. WILLOW BEACH & PICNIC GROUNDS | ||
|---|---|---|
| • Sandy swimming areas • Shaded grassy parkland • Beach volleyball | ||
| v | ||
| 3. Gellatly NUT FARM REGIONAL PARK | ||
| • Century-old working orchard • Secluded cove • Shaded trail network | ||
| ^ | ||
| (5-Minute Transit / Cycling Connection) | ||
| Westbank Urban Centre (Hoskins Heights - 3717 Hoskins Road) | ||
| • Year-round purpose-built rental housing • Transit hub • Urban retail |
Key Public Parks and Access Points
- Rotary Park & Gellatly Public Wharf: Featuring a timber fishing pier, deep-water diving platform, paddlecraft launch zones, and an upgraded two-lane boat launch with seasonal marina services.
- Willow Beach: A family-oriented public sand beach complete with swimming areas, expansive lawn space, washrooms, and picnic tables.
- Gellatly Nut Farm Regional Park: A 4-hectare historic, working nut orchard dating back to the early 1900s. It features walking paths, walnut and hazelnut harvests every autumn, and a secluded pebble beach with clear lake access.
- West Kelowna Yacht Club & Gellatly Bay Waterfront Promenade: A paved 2.5-kilometre multi-use pathway that lines the water's edge, accommodating runners, cyclists, and evening walkers year-round.
2. Rental Housing Landscape: Gellatly Road vs. Westbank Urban Centre
When looking for apartments near Rotary Park West Kelowna or searching for Gellatly road rental housing, prospective tenants frequently encounter a structural market divide: seasonal vacation condos on the water versus secure, year-round rental buildings situated directly uphill in the Westbank Urban Centre.
Direct waterfront housing on Gellatly Road is largely dominated by low-density single-family estate properties and seasonal resort condominiums. Many of these units operate strictly as short-term vacation rentals during the summer months or offer temporary off-season tenancies that require tenants to vacate by May or June.
In contrast, purpose-built rental communities located in the Westbank Urban Centre - such as [Hoskins Heights](/current-projects/hoskins-heights) (3717 Hoskins Road) - provide stable, long-term, year-round tenancy agreements with professional property management, fixed monthly rates, and dedicated tenant infrastructure.
Detailed Comparison: Gellatly Waterfront vs. Westbank Urban Centre Rentals
| Feature / Metric | Direct Gellatly Road Waterfront | Westbank Urban Centre (e.g., Hoskins Heights) |
|---|---|---|
| Tenancy Stability | Frequently seasonal / Short-term summer leases | 100% Year-round purpose-built rental leases |
| Distance to Gellatly Bay | 0-200 metres (Immediate shoreline) | 1.8-2.2 km (3-5 min drive; 8 min bike ride) |
| Walkability Score | Low to Moderate (Car dependent for groceries) | Very High (Walk to groceries, pharmacy, transit) |
| Public Transit Access | Limited seasonal shuttle service | Direct access to Westbank Centre Exchange |
| Pet & Allergy Policies | Variable / Unregulated across individual owners | Strict allergy-conscious, quiet, non-pet-friendly building |
| Building Amenities | Shared resort pools (often crowded in summer) | Rooftop terrace, outdoor kitchen, fitness centre, bike storage |
| Estimated Monthly Rent | $2,400-$3,500+ (Subject to seasonal rate spikes) | $1,200-$2,300 (Predictable, controlled monthly pricing) |
| Winter Road Access | Winding road grades along lakeshore | Direct access to Highway 97 priority clearing corridors |
3. The Gellatly Active Lifestyle: Four Seasons by Okanagan Lake
Choosing Okanagan waterfront lifestyle rentals around Gellatly Bay offers year-round recreational access that defines the West Kelowna experience.
Gellatly Bay Active Living Calendar
| SPRING (Mar - May) | • Road cycling along Gellatly Multi-Use Path |
|---|---|
| • Spring running and walking along waterfront wharf | |
| • Early season paddleboarding and kayaking | |
| SUMMER (Jun - Aug) | • Open-water swimming at Willow Beach |
| • Boating, wakeboarding & jet skiing on Okanagan Lake | |
| • Sunset dinners & rooftop gatherings | |
| FALL (Sep - Nov) | • Nut harvesting at Gellatly Nut Farm Regional Park |
| • Harvest season along the Westside Wine Trail | |
| • Lakeside trail running and scenic foliage walks | |
| WINTER (Dec - Feb) | • Winter walking along illuminated Gellatly Bay path |
| • Dedicated training at the Hoskins Heights gym | |
| • 40-minute drive to alpine skiing at Big White |
1. Water Sports and Boating
With the Rotary Park boat launch and designated kayak/paddleboard staging docks, residents can launch onto Okanagan Lake within minutes. Morning conditions on Gellatly Bay are famously glass-calm, making it one of the premier paddleboarding corridors in the Central Okanagan.
2. Cycling and Active Commuting
The City of West Kelowna has invested significantly in the Gellatly Multi-Use Corridor. A wide, grade-separated asphalt path connects Gellatly Road directly to Highway 97, Old Okanagan Highway, and Hoskins Road. This dedicated cycling infrastructure allows residents in the Westbank Urban Centre to bike safely to the beach in under 8 minutes without navigating high-speed traffic.
3. Proximity to the Westside Wine Trail
Gellatly Bay forms the southern gateway to the celebrated Westside Wine Trail. Iconic Okanagan wineries - including Mission Hill Family Estate, Quails' Gate Winery, Frind Estate Winery (the only beachfront winery in North America), and the hatch - are located within a 3 to 7-minute drive from Gellatly Bay and downtown Westbank.
4. Hoskins Heights: Modern Rental Living Minutes from Gellatly Bay
For renters seeking modern Westbank beach access apartments, Hoskins Heights provides the premier balance of new construction quality, urban walkability, and rapid beach access.
Located at 3717 Hoskins Road in the heart of the revitalized Westbank Urban Centre, Hoskins Heights is a brand-new, 7-storey mixed-use development featuring 65 contemporary purpose-built rental residences.
Hoskins Heights Highlights
| BUILDING SPECS | • 7 Storeys | 65 Purpose-Built Rental Suites |
|---|---|---|
| • Construction Topped Off: September 2026 | ||
| • Target Tenant Occupancy: March/April 2027 | ||
| SUITE FINISHES | • Studio, 1-Bed, 1-Bed+Den, and 2-Bed layouts | |
| • Private oversized balconies with valley/lake views | ||
| • In-suite laundry, air conditioning, modern kitchens | ||
| ON-SITE AMENITIES | • Expansive rooftop terrace with outdoor BBQ kitchen | |
| • Shaded pergolas with panoramic lake views | ||
| • advanced commercial fitness centre | ||
| • Secure indoor parkade and bicycle storage facility | ||
| • On-site car-share program for flexible commuting | ||
| RESIDENTIAL POLICY | • Allergy-Conscious & Quiet: Strictly Non-Pet-Friendly |
Designed for Okanagan Outdoor Enthusiasts
Hoskins Heights was specifically engineered to cater to residents who prioritize an active Okanagan lifestyle:
- Rooftop Lakeview Terrace: When you are not down at Willow Beach, entertain on the 7th-floor rooftop patio featuring shaded dining pergolas, an outdoor kitchen, and panoramic views of Okanagan Lake, Mount Boucherie, and the Monashee Mountains.
- Secure Bicycle Storage: Store performance road bikes, gravel bikes, and e-bikes in a dedicated, secure, access-controlled indoor storage facility with charging options.
- Fitness Facility: Maintain your conditioning with a fully equipped on-site gym featuring cardio machines, free weights, and functional strength zones.
- Allergy-Conscious Environment: To ensure exceptional indoor air quality, quiet residential comfort, and pristine living conditions, Hoskins Heights maintains a strict no-pets policy across all 65 suites.
Hoskins Heights Floor Plan & Rental Pricing Guide
| Suite Type | Approximate Size (Sq. Ft.) | Projected Monthly Rent | Key In-Suite Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 420 - 480 | $1,200 - $1,500 | Efficient open plan, full kitchen, private balcony, in-suite laundry |
| 1-Bedroom | 540 - 620 | $1,600 - $1,750 | Generous primary bedroom, walk-through closet, full 4-piece bath |
| 1-Bed + Den | 650 - 710 | $1,800 - $1,900 | Dedicated office/study den, open-concept living room, expansive balcony |
| 2-Bedroom | 780 - 920 | $2,100 - $2,300 | Dual bedroom split design, two full bathrooms, panoramic corner views |
Property & Community Visuals
Inside Hoskins Heights and the Okanagan setting
Corner of Hoskins Road & Dobbin Road
Hoskins Heights street presence - representative rendering.
Rooftop Amenity Terrace
Panoramic lake and valley views - representative rendering.
Private Balcony Living
Spacious indoor-outdoor living - representative rendering.
On-Site Fitness Facility
Resident gym steps from your door - representative rendering.
5. Commuter Connections & Everyday Neighborhood Services
While waterfront recreation is a priority, daily convenience is essential for long-term residential satisfaction. Living along the Gellatly-Westbank corridor delivers unmatched access to essential shopping, healthcare, and regional transit.
Commute Times From Hoskins Road
| DESTINATION | DRIVE TIME | BIKE TIME | TRANSIT TIME |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gellatly Bay & Rotary Beach | 4-5 mins | 8 mins | 12 mins |
| Westbank Centre Bus Exchange | 1 min | 2 mins | 3 min walk |
| Downtown Kelowna (Queensway) | 12-15 mins | 45 mins | 22 mins (Rapid) |
| Two Eagles Golf Course | 3 mins | 7 mins | 10 mins |
| Westside Wine Trail (Boucherie) | 6 mins | 14 mins | 18 mins |
| Shannon Lake Regional Park | 7 mins | 20 mins | 25 mins |
| UBC Okanagan (UBCO Campus) | 25-30 mins | N/A | 42 mins |
Walkable Amenities in Westbank Urban Centre
Residents at 3717 Hoskins Road enjoy a walk score that eliminates the daily reliance on vehicle travel for everyday errands:
- Grocery & Retail: Save-On-Foods, Nature's Fare Markets, Real Canadian Superstore, Shoppers Drug Mart, and Canadian Tire are all within an 800-metre radius.
- Dining & Cafés: Walk to local coffee shops, craft bakeries, and neighbourhood restaurants along Main Street and Hoskins Road.
- Health & Wellness: Medical clinics, dental offices, physiotherapy centres, and pharmacies are clustered throughout the Westbank commercial district.
- Transit Connections: The Westbank Centre Exchange connects riders directly to Route 97 RapidBus, providing express, frequent service across the William R. Bennett Bridge directly into Downtown Kelowna and UBCO.
6. How to Secure Purpose-Built Rentals in West Kelowna
The vacancy rate for high-quality rental housing in the Central Okanagan remains consistently tight, particularly for brand-new concrete and modern wood-frame developments. Securing an apartment near Gellatly Bay requires proactive preparation well in advance of building completion dates.
Action Plan for Prospective Tenants
Tenant Application Checklist
| 1. DOCUMENTATION PREPARATION |
|
- Government-issued photo ID (Driver's License or Passport) |
|
- Proof of employment (3 recent paystubs or formal letter of offer) |
|
- Credit check authorization and recent score report |
|
- Contact details for 2 prior landlord references |
| 2. LEASING TIMELINE (Hoskins Heights - TARGET OCCUPANCY SPRING 2027) |
|
- Q3 2026: Join the VIP Priority Waitlist at lakelandliving.ca |
|
- Q4 2026: Building structure completion; preview digital floor plans |
|
- Q1 2027: Finalize lease application; submit security deposits |
|
- March/April 2027: Move in and enjoy waterfront living by summer |
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How far is Hoskins Heights from Gellatly Bay and Willow Beach?
Hoskins Heights is located at 3717 Hoskins Road in the Westbank Urban Centre, approximately 1.9 kilometres from Gellatly Bay. The drive takes less than 5 minutes. Alternatively, residents can ride down the paved Gellatly Multi-Use Corridor in approximately 8 minutes.
What suite sizes and layouts are available at Hoskins Heights?
The 7-storey building offers 65 suites ranging from functional studios (420-480 sq. ft.) to expansive two-bedroom corner residences (780-920 sq. ft.). One-bedroom and one-bedroom plus den layouts are also available, all featuring in-suite laundry and private balconies.
Is Hoskins Heights a pet-friendly rental building?
No. Hoskins Heights is strictly non-pet-friendly. The building has been specifically curated as an allergy-conscious, exceptionally clean, and peaceful residential environment.
When will Hoskins Heights be completed and ready for occupancy?
The building structure is scheduled to be topped off in September 2026, with tenant occupancy targeted for March/April 2027 - perfectly timed for residents to settle in ahead of the Okanagan summer season.
Are utilities included in the projected monthly rent?
Standard lease packages include access to all building amenities (fitness centre, rooftop patio and outdoor kitchen, secure bike storage, car share access). Individual in-suite electrical consumption, cable/internet, and parking spaces are billed separately.
Where can I launch a boat or paddleboard near Hoskins Heights?
The Gellatly Bay public boat launch and Rotary Park pier are located 5 minutes from the building. The area features twin launch ramps, daily boat trailer parking, staging docks, and designated non-motorized paddlecraft launch zones.
Related Okanagan Rental Guides & Resources
- [Why Hoskins Heights Sets the Westbank Standard](/blog/why-hoskins-heights-westbank-living): Essential Okanagan renter insights and local market context.
- [Purpose-Built Rentals vs Strata Condos](/blog/purpose-built-rentals-vs-strata-condos): Essential Okanagan renter insights and local market context.
- [West Kelowna vs Downtown Kelowna: Where to Rent](/blog/west-kelowna-vs-downtown-kelowna-renting): Essential Okanagan renter insights and local market context.
Register for Hoskins Heights VIP Pre-Leasing
Reserve your priority standing for the Westbank Urban Centre's newest purpose-built rental residence. Move-in scheduled for Spring 2027.
Join the Priority Leasing List at Lakeland Living →About the Author
Connect on LinkedIn →Ryan Romanowski is the Marketing Manager at Lakeland Living and a real estate marketing and investment strategist with 10+ years of experience across multi-family developments, residential marketing, and commercial real estate digital strategy.
Plan Your Move
Interactive Okanagan Rental Tools
Two quick tools built for West Kelowna renters: compare the real cost of living in Westbank versus Kelowna, then find the Hoskins Heights suite that fits you.
Interactive Tool
Rent vs. Commute Calculator
Compare what you would pay in Kelowna against a purpose-built suite at Hoskins Heights in Westbank, and see how short the commute really is.
$2,350/mo
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Hoskins Heights suite type
Monthly savings
$500
Annual savings
$6,000
11 min commute to Downtown Kelowna
Across the William R. Bennett Bridge. Estimated off-peak drive time from 3717 Hoskins Road.
Included at Hoskins Heights
- Roof-Top Sky Lounge & Outdoor Kitchen
- Secure two-level parkade with EV charging
- Fitness studio and bicycle facility
- Room by room air conditioning and heating
Rates shown are indicative starting rates for comparison purposes and are subject to change without notice.
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