Vow to honour covenant

Photo: Wayne Moore - Castanet File Photo

Tourism Kelowna and Sharron Simpson are agreeing to disagree.

The two are at opposite ends of a discussion concerning the site of a new Tourism Kelowna information centre.

The centre is proposed for the foot of the Queensway, which is now a parking lot between Stuart and Kerry parks.

About 40 to 45 per cent of the 3,000 square foot building would encroach on lands covered by the Simpson Covenant.

Following a meeting between the two sides, Simpson sent a letter to local media, questioning the need to place a building in front of the waterfront the city is trying to promote.

A retail component within the walls of the tourist centre is at the heart of the matter.

Tourism Kelowna board chairman Daniel Bibby said he understands Simpson's point of view, but said it is their belief a tourist centre is very much municipal in nature, which falls within the spirit of the covenant.

"We'll make sure we honour the covenant and don't put anything that could be deemed commercialized in any way," said Bibby.

He said the current information centre does sell some souvenirs and tickets for both the Actor's Studio and Community Theatre.

"But, that won't be the primary the purpose. It's no different than the museum or art gallery having a few souvenirs," he said.

He also said the proposed centre would be set back 50 feet from the shoreline and would be constructed mostly of glass to maintain sightlines of the lake.

Bibby said Tourism Kelowna has obtained a legal opinion, which he said backs their assertion the covenant has not been breached.

Tourism Kelowna is in the process of obtaining a lease from the city, and finalizing a design to take to the public approval process.

"We do want residents of Kelowna to embrace this idea and provide their feedback."

Bibby said he hopes the dispute doesn't end up in court, stating he doesn't believe there is a basis for a legal challenge.

"Once we get a chance to showcase this to the local community and answer as many questions as possible ... there will be some good dialogue," he said.

"Hopefully we can talk through these issues, rather than it going any further."

For her part, Simpson didn't threaten legal action, stating only she hopes there will be sufficient groundswell to convince council not to approve the use.

The covenant has been in place for 71 years. It restricts the area between Queensway and Doyle avenues and the lake to Ellis Street, for municipal, non-commercial use only.