More parking a better use for city land than selling it
Editor: Upon reading information provided on the City of Kelowna website regarding the sale of land and new enhanced parking at Gyro beach, I would ask that the mayor and council not sell the property at 3326 Lakeshore Rd.
The idea of closing Watt Road and making everything smoother and more accessible is a good decision, but rather than sell this amazing property, why not create it as even more parking, this time for those with campers or trailers (large vehicles) who enjoy the waterfront in the summer and winter months.
Even additional regular parking stalls would be appreciated, especially considering the closure of the mini-parking lot where the recreational space is proposed.
Our previous councils bought this and other properties for their strategic placement and it would be a shame to get rid of it when it is so much more necessary now as our city population and tourism demand is increasing dramatically.
When I travel, I avoid crowded, overfull destinations in favour of sensible accommodating attractions as well as businesses.
Go to Disneyland, Universal Studios, Sea World, Mount Rushmore, any outlet mall in North America, Las Vegas etc. The one thing they all have in common is abundant parking to welcome their visitors who want to visit and spend money.
They even offer it for free or a nominal charge to encourage longer stays, which translates into more money being spent at the various businesses.
As a resident, and not as a tourist, I have been subjected to driving around and around, watching in hopes that someone is heading to their car in order to get a space.
Often, I had a car full of children and all the accessories needed for a day at the beach, and being disappointed or forced to park down Richter Street or worse, along Lakeshore, I kept thinking “why wouldn’t the city have more parking here?”
We own a $5-million property that is very valuable to whatever developer has his eye on it, but it belongs to us, the citizens of Kelowna.
I vote to keep the property and create more parking.
Krista Krohn, Kelowna