A former Zeller’s department building in West Kelowna, B.C., will soon transform into U-Haul’s first company-owned and -operated store in the area.

Once renovations are done in 2017, there will be more than 1,000 indoor climate-controlled self-storage units with high-level security features in the 110,000-square-foot building.

The U-Haul Moving & Storage of West Kelowna at 3571 Old Okanagan Road will offer truck and trailer rentals, moving supplies, towing equipment and professional hitch installation, U-Box portable moving and self-storage containers, and more.

“The Okanagan Valley is one of the fastest growing communities in B.C.,” said Horace Martin, president of U-Haul Company of British Columbia. “We are very excited to be able to bring a high level of service to customers here. Unlike many other facilities in the area, we will be open on Sundays for our customers’ ultimate convenience.”

U-Haul supports infill development to help local communities lower their carbon footprint, and says its adaptive reuse of existing buildings reduces the amount of energy and resources required for new-construction materials and helps cities reduce their unwanted inventory of unused buildings.

“This area of the province is beautiful and bright,” said Cindy Dix, executive assistant at U-Haul Company of British Columbia. “It’s almost like being in a desert, but with fruit and wineries galore. West Kelowna is a destination city, and it’s important for us to preserve as much of its beauty and nature as we can. By avoiding demolition and rebuilding, we can save much of the greenbelt.”

Photo courtesy of U-Haul