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Kelowna  

Paddlers descend on city hall

Much to the chagrin of some in the community, the Kelowna Paddle Centre has been granted a nine year lease to operate on a portion of parkland set aside for the new Cedar Avenue Park.

City Council unanimously approved the lease Monday afternoon.

The club was originally granted a three year, temporary use permit last summer, however, officials with the Kelowna Paddle Centre say they need more space in order to offer more programs requested by the public.

The new lease, which runs for five years with an option for an additional two two-year leases, includes three additional properties at 3030, 3040 and 3050 Abbott Street.

The lease is scheduled to kick in Dec 15, giving the city time to provide current tenants with a termination of lease notice.

The club will pay the city $2,500 in each of the first two years and a nominal fee of $1 for each of the next seven years.

The $1 lease payment falls in line with other privately run city facilities including the Kelowna Curling Club, the Badminton Club and the Lawn Bowling Club.

The Paddle Centre will be responsible for paying all utility bills and upkeep on the property.

The centre is one of the uses identified by City Council for the proposed Cedar Avenue Park.

Councillor Colin Basran reminded the public that, while council voted to preserve the entire area for park instead of selling off a portion in order to build it immediately.

Therefore, he says there is no money in the budget to build a park in the foreseeable future.

"I know there are some people out there who don't want this paddle centre at all in the area so if we were to just terminate this lease and leave things as status quo, nobody would have access to this area outside of the few people who rent the homes in this neighbourhood," says Basran.

"What better way, in my opinion, to bring vibrancy to the area, than entering into this lease with the Kelowna Paddle Centre. Bringing people to the area, which I have to add is a town centre, to engage in a clean and healthy sport to promote healthy and active living."

Councillor Luke Stack called it a win, win, win, win.

"There are four winners here," says Stack naming the club, city, park and lake as winners in allowing the centre to operate and thrive in the area.

Stack agrees the city doesn't have the ability to move forward with a park but says this gives it the ability to function like a park.

"It's a win for the lake because this is a non-motorized sport. It's clean, it gives people health, it keeps the noise down which is another huge benefit," says Stack.

Several dozen members of the centre were in attendance Monday for the announcement.

Club spokesperson, Sandy Redman was thrilled council saw past the naysayers and agreed to the new lease arrangement.

Redman says those who say this is a private club available for only a select few couldn't be further from the truth.

"This is about an activity that is accessible to absolutely everyone...young kids, older adults, school groups so it truly is something that everybody can participate in," says Redman.

"It is a public facility in the same way as Parkinson Rec would be the sailing association so can certainly become a member but you can also access it through drop ins or various programs."

She says the location is also ideal because it is close to water, has a gradual, sandy shoreline, and is sheltered from the wind.

The agreement also gives either side an opportunity to opt out with six months notice.

Basran did note that when the funds become available to build the park the city may wish to re-look at the facility and determine if, at that time, it is the best fit for the paddle centre.

 

 



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