Kelowna

The Willow Hotel in Kelowna has been sold -- kind of.

Owner Ken Noble says he has tentatively sold it to an Alberta developer who apparently has big plans for the property.

Noble says the deal is still pending.

"There's a deal but there's an option and that doesn't mean it's sold. The option is in September 2005 and the people who are paying have a right to exercise it," says Noble.

Noble says the potential sale of his hotel is part of the city's grand scheme of developing the waterfront on Water Street.

"The city has this new development and I think it looks good and as far as I'm concerned the whole deal looks good."

Noble has owned the hotel for 32 years.

Planning and Corporate Services Department Director Ron Mattiussi can't say much about the future of the Willow Inn property other than something is in the works.

"We certainly have a group working with us and I believe that group is ready to go forward with their plans -- it's quite exciting actually."

Mattiussi says it will be a "signature waterfront development" that will be similar to the Grand.

Hear Kelly Hayes' interview with Ron Mattiussi.