A developer proposing to build a towering hotel along Kelowna害羞草研究所檚 waterfront has been given a second chance by city council.

Edmonton-based developer WestCorp initially had its plans for a 33-storey hotel along Water Street approved on Feb. 20, 2018.

Nearing the two-year mark and expiration of the development permit, the proposal made its way back to city council on Tuesday evening, where council granted another permit.

A few tweaks were made to the proposal, including a 5-metre height reduction, increased amount of parking stalls and an increased number of both hotel rooms and residential units.

害羞草研究所淲ith projects of this size and complexity, it害羞草研究所檚 not uncommon for things to take time,害羞草研究所� said WestCorp害羞草研究所檚 Gail Temple.

All but one on councillor voted in favour of the project, with Coun. Charlie Hodge again finding himself the only one in opposition. Councillors Brad Sieben, Maxine DeHart and Ryan Donn were not present for the vote.

害羞草研究所淚t害羞草研究所檚 a marvellous looking building 害羞草研究所� there害羞草研究所檚 no question about it,害羞草研究所� said Hodge. 害羞草研究所淏ut I have been opposed to this proposal for a number of years now. As much as I think it害羞草研究所檚 a beautiful building, it害羞草研究所檚 in the wrong location.害羞草研究所�

Hodge continued, saying the project will have a significant impact on Kelowna害羞草研究所檚 downtown core but the negatives outweigh the positives.

害羞草研究所淚 hope I害羞草研究所檓 wrong, but to be consistent with what I害羞草研究所檝e been from the beginning I cannot support this project,害羞草研究所� he said.

Hodge害羞草研究所檚 colleagues lauded the building害羞草研究所檚 design, speaking of the vibrancy it will bring to downtown Kelowna.

害羞草研究所淚 supported this all the way and will continue to do so. One of the reasons why was the animation of Kerry Park, which will be absolutely phenomenal,害羞草研究所� said Mayor Colin Basran.

Despite having held the first permit for nearly two years, development on the project is still in the early stages. The province害羞草研究所檚 controversial speculation tax, on property owned by out-of-province residents and B.C. residents who own more than one home that is not rented out long-term, is believed to have played a part in slowing plans for the hotel project.

The hotel brand partner and name of the hotel will be announced on March 25 and the up-to 65 residential units (dependent on market demand) will go on sale in the coming months.

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michael.rodriguez@kelownacapnews.com
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