How much is your quality of life worth?
DEAR EDITOR:
I am concerned about the rate of growth that is happening and will continue to happen in the City of Kelowna.
Why would we want to drastically increase our population during the next 10 to 20 years?
As frequently noted by our mayor, councillors, city planners and developers, we have a beautiful city and people want to live here. But at what cost to our existing residents?
Our transportation corridors are already “clogged” at many times of the day. We already have hundreds of cars idling and disgorging CO2 fumes along Highway 97, Springfield Road, Enterprise Way and Lakeshore Road for many hours of the day.
When we build highrise towers on Leon Avenue, where will the most marginalized people of our community find shelter?
For me to enjoy the amenities (including parks) that are downtown, where will I park?
I live on a road with limited bus service. Although the city has been involved in purchasing lakeshore property when it becomes available, what about the “green spaces” in the other urban areas? Where is the sense of community and humanity within our urban environment?
If Kelowna is so desirable, why are we continuing to give tax breaks and beneficial lease arrangements to developers?
Are these developers required to assess their environmental impact? Are they required to complete infrastructure and transportation studies? How much do they contribute to those additional costs?
It is widely recognized that concrete is one of the most environmentally damaging building materials. I understand the city is going to hire an “environmentalist.”
I wonder what hope this person will have in addressing the big issues of our community.
With the number of proposed highrises in the South Pandosy and downtown areas, there will be a need for land to build schools and day-care centres. Where are those locations?
How will our hospital, emergency services and fire departments cope with this increase in population?
There are many other points worthy of consideration. Do our city officials understand the responsibilities they have to ensure a clear understanding of the effects of these decisions and the future trajectory of them?