Natural Focal Point

Unfortunately, while I support the concept of redeveloping a portion of the downtown core....I cannot support this particular project.

The beauty of Kelowna is it's ability to work within its natural setting, not dominate it. So far, city planners have done a great job in having waterfront development compliment the surroundings.

This project would put a huge glass monolith at the centre of an area that has been trying desperately to recapture the heritage of the city. It would become the focal point...a big, gaudy, overbearing presence. It would cast the rest of the downtown in it's shadow. This project would be more appropriate for Yaletown in Vancouver. How on earth would the downtown core handle the traffic of so many permanent residents?

I want the area to be redeveloped, but it has to be within guidelines that enhance everything that attracts people to Kelowna. A smaller hotel, with retail spaces, and an improved waterfront walkway is much more in tune with this city.

I live on the lake, just down from the Dolphins and Lagoons. I think those projects are great....they fit in to the surroundings, and they are removed from central downtown. Keep big projects away from the downtown core.

The focal point of this city should be the natural beauty of the lake....not a steel and glass monument to a developers pocketbook and ego.

B.L.