If council doesn’t like it, they should demand something better

The headline on page 3 of the Tuesday, Feb. 2 edition of “The Daily Courier” reads “Councillors criticize housing complex for dull appearance.” This article records the reaction of councillors Brad Sieben and Mohini Singh to a proposed development on the southeast corner of Laurier Avenue and Ethel Street.

Sieben is quoted as saying, “I’m not certain this (proposed development) is going to stand the test of time in the next 20 years,” adding that it is a “very common design,” found throughout Kelowna, which he finds unappealing.

Singh apparently shared

Sieben’s concerns.

After all was said and done, a form and character permit was approved, allowing the proposal to go proceed.

I agree with Sieben and Singh, but wonder why the rest of the council, including Mayor Colin Basran, do not share the concern about the “very common design” of the Laurier Avenue development, replicated dozens of times throughout Kelowna.

By rejecting proposals, which feature this much-overused design, Kelowna’s planning department can take a lead role in ensuring that it is not a part of every new development. There should be no further developments with that same “very common” look, as they do not enhance the look of our city.

If projects using this same design somehow make it to council for approval, Mayor and council can also show leadership by turning back these applications, demanding that competent and imaginative architects be employed, by the developer, creating buildings which are esthetically pleasing and worthy of construction.

I challenge Kelowna’s planning department and council to demand more – and mean it – from developers and not rubber stamp every proposal which is brought to them.

Bob Hayes, Kelowna

Artist’s rendering Drawing shows what proposed complex at Ethel and Laurier might look like when completed. Some city councillors criticized the building’s look as dull, though council did approve the project.