Lakeside project faces criticism ahead of public hearing
Aqua project’s critics object to appearance, height of towers
Critics of a major new lakeside resort proposed for Kelowna are raising objections about the project’s appearance, height and impact on traffic.
A total of 350 suites in towers of 19, 16 and 13 storeys are planned for the Aqua development immediately south of the Cook Street boat launch.
“The aesthetic appearance of such an enormous white structure so close to residential homes, (is) yet another blight on our lakeshore landscape,” Pamela Cook of Cook Road writes in a letter to the city.
“We are absolutely against this rezoning proposal to accommodate an overwhelming and overbuilt development proposal,” write Darryl and Sharyn Ruff of Truswell Road.
Only one piece of correspondence supporting the Aqua project had been received as of Thursday afternoon by the city clerk’s office.
“We feel this development will positively define Kelowna as a world-class destination for its wine country and lake amenities,” write Cathy and Barry Jaenen of Abbott Street.
A public hearing on the development proposal will be held Tuesday evening at City Hall.
City council would have to approve a height variance for Aqua as the current building limit for the site is envisioned to be six storeys.
“That is quite a variance! What is the point of having designated maximum heights, conducive to a homogenous neighbourhood, if they will be completely disregarded . . . this is outrageous,” writes Lesley Eames of Truswell Road.
City planners endorse Aqua as an appropriately sized tourist-commercial development for the area. Buildings taller than six storeys have been approved, though not yet built, in the area.
When the matter first came before council last month, there was general support for the project and particular enthusiasm for its vision of a public boardwalk and widened beach area along the lakeshore.
“It’ll be fabulous to have the foreshore open to the public,” Coun. Tracy Gray said at the April 10 meeting.
Mayor Colin Basran was more reserved in his assessment of Aqua: “It’s big, for a lack of a more intellectual term,” Basran said. “That’s a lot of building for that particular site.”