Hotel expansion approved

Photo: Contributed

A proposal for an ambitious expansion at Penticton Lakeside Resort has been unanimously approved by council.

The expansion will add a new six-storey annex on the southwest corner of the site, constructed of a mix of cross-laminate timbers, wood paneling, glass, concrete and metal.

In addition, the $14-million project will add 70 new hotel rooms to complement the existing 203 guest suites and other facilities at the resort.

"It's creating an iconic wood building using local products and companies," said Mayor Andrew Jakubeit. "And, from our experience, we felt there was a need for upgraded hotel offerings – and this helps fill the void."

The hotel has been the city's pre-eminent tourist accommodation venue since its opening in 1982. 

A casino was opened in 2000, a three-storey parkade in 2002-2003, the Hooded Merganser restaurant in 2004, and a public waterfront walkway in 2004.

The casino lease expires in 2017, and it has made plans to relocate.

Construction on the expansion is slated to start in mid-March, and it is expected to open sometime in 2017.

It Jakubeit's hope that other tourist accomodations in the city follow suit.

"David Prystay (the hotel's general manager) is taking the lead, and hopefully other people will consider modernizing their offerings," he said.