2-storey medical building approved

A two-storey medical building on the corner of Leir Street and Carmi Avenue was finally approved by Penticton city council.

Dr. Ali Moshaver returned to council Tuesday with some tweaks to his building plan, which will house his practice and up to three additional specialists.

“I’m very excited to be in this community and with exciting new medical innovations,” Dr. Bree Harris said during a 45-minute public hearing prior to council’s vote.

Dentist James Jung, who operates his office on Front Street, also spoke in favour.

“We need doctors — that’s very clear and evident,” Jung said. “This group practice should draw doctors from all over and we, as a community, should support efforts to recruit as many doctors and specialists as we can.”

Being located across the street from the new Penticton Regional Hospital tower, Jung said, it’s a better use for the site than if it were to be converted to a condo development.

Residents Larry and Vicki Morgan, speaking on behalf of the Leir Park Residents Association, outlined multiple concerns, which included parking, added traffic, and safety of nearby residents. Larry Morgan also called out Coun. Helena Konanz, stating she was “biased” in statements made at a previous public hearing.

Konanz took exception to his remark and stated, “If you look at my track record as a councillor for the past seven years, I am a very opinionated councillor.”

Council voted 6-1 in favour of the project. Coun. Tarik Sayeed was opposed due to the wording of the motion.

Council subsequently voted against two other motions which would limit the building’s future use to health services and to install added concrete barriers, along with a fence, to improve safety.