Felt bullied by city council

Re. Kelowna council backs staff against bullying and harassment (Castanet, Feb. 5)

As a resident of the Abbott Street Heritage Conservation Area (in Kelowna), I was very troubled by recent media reports that (residents) are making work life miserable for city planners.

I do not condone any form of harassment or bullying, nor do my neighbours. Being respectful is paramount, always. However, along with many residents, I am very frustrated that, since council's approval of the updated Heritage Conservation Guidelines in the summer of 2025, staff supported a seven-unit, three-storey townhouse project at 355 Beach Avenue that didn't meet the guidelines or zoning and recently permitted a similar project at 2072 Abbott Street.

The 2072 Abbott Street site was clear cut despite having two beautiful 100-year-old Catalpa trees, a community asset that cannot be replaced. A piece of the front of the original house is all that is left of the Spanish Revival heritage home.

Although it is completely unacceptable for residents to make comments that can be seen as threatening, during the Feb. 2 city council meeting, I felt bullied and was surprised by how quickly the mayor and most councillors piled on to pillory all residents for advocating for the livability of their beloved neighbourhood.

We strongly believe the Abbott Street Heritage Conservation Area should be protected as an asset for all of Kelowna and we believe we should be able to advocate for this.

Erica Bell-Lowther, Kelowna