A developer proposing to build a towering hotel along Kelowna香蕉视频直播檚 waterfront has been given a second chance by city council.
Edmonton-based developer WestCorp initially had its plans for a 33-storey hotel along Water Street approved on Feb. 20, 2018.
Nearing the two-year mark and expiration of the development permit, the proposal made its way back to city council on Tuesday evening, where council granted another permit.
A few tweaks were made to the proposal, including a 5-metre height reduction, increased amount of parking stalls and an increased number of both hotel rooms and residential units.
香蕉视频直播淲ith projects of this size and complexity, it香蕉视频直播檚 not uncommon for things to take time,香蕉视频直播� said WestCorp香蕉视频直播檚 Gail Temple.
All but one on councillor voted in favour of the project, with Coun. Charlie Hodge again finding himself the only one in opposition. Councillors Brad Sieben, Maxine DeHart and Ryan Donn were not present for the vote.
香蕉视频直播淚t香蕉视频直播檚 a marvellous looking building 香蕉视频直播� there香蕉视频直播檚 no question about it,香蕉视频直播� said Hodge. 香蕉视频直播淏ut I have been opposed to this proposal for a number of years now. As much as I think it香蕉视频直播檚 a beautiful building, it香蕉视频直播檚 in the wrong location.香蕉视频直播�
Hodge continued, saying the project will have a significant impact on Kelowna香蕉视频直播檚 downtown core but the negatives outweigh the positives.
香蕉视频直播淚 hope I香蕉视频直播檓 wrong, but to be consistent with what I香蕉视频直播檝e been from the beginning I cannot support this project,香蕉视频直播� he said.
Hodge香蕉视频直播檚 colleagues lauded the building香蕉视频直播檚 design, speaking of the vibrancy it will bring to downtown Kelowna.
香蕉视频直播淚 supported this all the way and will continue to do so. One of the reasons why was the animation of Kerry Park, which will be absolutely phenomenal,香蕉视频直播� said Mayor Colin Basran.
Despite having held the first permit for nearly two years, development on the project is still in the early stages. The province香蕉视频直播檚 controversial speculation tax, on property owned by out-of-province residents and B.C. residents who own more than one home that is not rented out long-term, is believed to have played a part in slowing plans for the hotel project.
The hotel brand partner and name of the hotel will be announced on March 25 and the up-to 65 residential units (dependent on market demand) will go on sale in the coming months.
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michael.rodriguez@kelownacapnews.com
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