27 storey highrise on Barnard Avenue approved by stealth

I am very disturbed by Kelowna City Council’s recent decision to approve the application for a 27 storey building (a 12 storey height addition on top of 15 storeys that were already allowable under the existing zoning) at the site owned by Aquilini Development on the 400 block of Bernard Avenue. It is preposterous to treat a proposal to increase the height of a building by 77 percent as a routine application for a height variance as if it was only an additional one or two storeys being requested, yet that is precisely what was done in this case.  What the developer did here was make an end run around the present Zoning Bylaw and Downtown Plan, and a complicit city planning department, Advisory Planning Commission, and city council let him do exactly that instead of requiring that changes be made to those two planning documents with the full consultation of the public. How easy it is to get your way if you are a developer in Kelowna, especially if you have greased the palm of several city councillors by contributing to their election campaigns!

 

By caving into this developer, our city council has managed to significantly change the character of the downtown in much the same way as the Downtown CD Zone (21) would have done by setting a new standard for building heights which every developer from here on in will be demanding for their own projects there. No less important than the CD Zone because of its character-changing impact, the Aquilini proposal in contrast hardly received any public scrutiny or opportunity for public comment. That the item was on the agenda at the April 7 city council meeting was unadvertised and unbeknownst to all except those who regularly read the agendas for future city council meetings on the city’s website. I would venture to guess that 99.9% of the public were thus unaware that they had the opportunity to address city council on this important application that evening.

 

Compounding the egregious nature of the offense was the way the meeting was conducted. With a full agenda and the Aquilini application being the next to last item, city council did not begin to hear presentations on that item until around midnight. Council had an option to adjourn the meeting at 11:00pm considering the lateness of the hour, but Councillor Charlie Hodge moved that council press on. After all, there were still development applications to approve and no one on council wanted to stand in the way of “progress” even if it meant that the public gallery would be empty. Consequently, council approved a precedent setting and city character-changing development that the public was largely unaware was coming before them that evening and at an hour when nearly every member of the public was absent. But that is the way that city council conducts its business in Kelowna and, unfortunately, gets away with it.

Home is where the heart is

I recently returned from an extended stay in San Diego County, California where I visited the cities of Encinitas and Carlsbad before concluding my travels with a trip to Santa Barbara in the central part of that state. Not unlike Kelowna, each of these cities is in an incredible natural setting with an abundance of beauty, but their urban planning and response to growth has been markedly different from that of our city.

Rather than capitulate to the mindless notion promoted by the development community and its allies in the city administration, the media and at UBC-O that growth is inevitable and that the only logical response is to channel growth to high density urban centres, each community has successfully controlled growth in its own way. Encinitas has limited the number of building permits issued annually, Carlsbad has required that adequate infrastructure and public services are in place before allowing growth to occur, and Santa Barbara has controlled growth by adhering to strict zoning regulations. Furthermore, each of these cities has imposed sensible building height restrictions and has said “no” to highrises.

As a result, each has retained its community character and quality of life while Kelowna is losing its. Encinitas, for example, has recently built a new library with a magnificent panoramaic view of the Pacific Ocean. At one time, one could enjoy a splendid view of the mountains to the east from Kelowna’s downtown library, but now you cannot see the mountains from there for all of the highrises in the way. The construction of highrises would never be permitted in activist-oriented Encinitas as the majority of the public there is concerned about the preservation of its community character. In apathetic Kelowna, the majority of the public doesn’t care enough to vote in a civic election.

In Santa Barbara there presently is a vigorous debate over building heights but not over raising them as one might expect, but rather of lowering allowable heights from the present limit of 60 feet to 45 feet as many feel that even allowing too many 60 foot buildings threatens their community character. Although tourism is an important industry in both Santa Barbara and Kelowna, in the former city the business community is supportive of strict restrictions on development because it realizes that preserving community character is in its best interests. In Kelowna, however, the business community is short-sighted and blinded by its greed unable to see that the construction of highrises along the lakefront will kill the golden goose of tourism.

I am deeply disappointed by the lack of concern in Kelowna for preserving its community character and quality of life as it marches on seemingly hell-bent on destroying its uniqueness and becoming just another generic city full of highrises. One can only blame politicians for so long before one has to point the finger at those self-serving or ignorant residents who keep re-electing the people who are responsible for this state of affairs or electing others who are basically no different from them.

I am looking forward to spending more time in the future in the cities of Encinitas, Carlsbad, and Santa Barbara as the values of its residents are closer to my own. And when I’m there, I will make sure to spend lots of my retirement dollars to help support business people who appreciate their community character and have taken steps to preserve it. Although I will continue to reside in Kelowna, if there is any truth in the adage “home is where the heart is,” then my real home is elsewhere

Good riddance to arrogance i.e., Barrie Clark, Colin Day, Carol Gran and Norm Letnick

Outgoing city councillor Barrie Clark, expressed his displeasure in the Capital News on the possibility that the new city council could vote against the downtown CD Zone on fourth and final reading saying “To totally defy the work of the predecessor that’s been going on for two years and to just blatantly cut that off now, I think would be a tragedy for Kelowna.” Fellow out-going councillor Colin Day had made similar remarks earlier suggesting that the prospect of the new council taking such action was unprecedented.

 

Well, these two retiring councillors should have thought of that before voting to give the CD Zone second and third reading. City council had the option at that time of leaving the matter for the new city council which was going to take office is just a few weeks to decide, but no, they wanted to make the decision themselves right then and there before allowing the voters of Kelowna to democratically choose a new city council which might have a different take on the matter. Clark, Day, Carol Gran, and Norm Letnick, who each voted in favour of the CD Zone, all decided not to run for re-election with Carol Gran leaving town shortly after that vote was taken. I would just like to say good riddance to this group of four. You will be remembered for your arrogance and you will not be missed.

 

 

 

Letter of support

IN SUPPORT OF

J O H N   Z E G E R

For Kelowna City Councillor

 

In my opinion, over the past 34 years, the Citizens of the City of Kelowna were most fortunate to have had a variety of outstanding, dedicated, committed individuals Elected the Office of City Mayor and Councillor.  Some of these individuals were outstanding in the achievements that were accomplished.  These people have spent many hours of their own personal time, well over and above the expected normal time spent, attending meetings, committees, meeting with the concerns of Kelowna Citizens, etc., all on behalf of the quality of life of the Citizens of Kelowna.  Existing Mayor Sharon Shepherd is outstanding too and I hope that she will be our Mayor for many years into the future.  I thank these individuals for their contribution.

 

We have now reached a point in time, where change and major re-focus is needed on the City Council and with the direction the City of Kelowna will follow.  It’s time for a major change in thinking and planning of Kelowna’s Future !  We now have a good Mayor and we now need a good Council, a Council that will work together as a Team, who will build back the respect of the Citizen’s of Kelowna and who will give the necessary direction to the City of Kelowna Administration Staff.

 

*    The Community Spirit of Kelowna Resident’s that was so outstanding during the era as a smaller community, was respected by all age groups of the entire community. This type of Community Spirt has rapidly eroded and has been discontinued and replaced by current Council thinking that does not have a focus on the quality and lifestyle of the majority of Long Time Residents/Average Families, Seniors and the Young, the roots, that built this community. Kelowna Citizens that want their concerns brought to a Public Council Meeting should have their business placed first on the agenda and not have to wait until the end of these meetings.  Council should exercise full democracy. 

 

*    Population Growth is Now Rampant.

    The City of Kelowna can no longer properly plan and budget Municipal Infastructure, including road maintenance, service maintenance/up-grading improvements to existinh established neighbourhoods and many similar needs, without large Property Tax Increases.  With the Rampant Growth, Police and Fire Staffing Resources, City Employees are being strained.  Many Service Requirements, are put on hold, but actually need to be expanded.  Affordable Housing is being poorly handled, with little results accomplished.  Many Residents no longer feel safe on the streets at night with the crime.  Traffic flow through the City is in sad condition.  Agricultural land needs to be preserved. New Industry is required in Kelowna, Including Employment and Jobs.

It is important for the City of Kelowna to build it’s Tourism for All Seasons of the Year, which helps to generate good cash flow to the Hospitality Industry and subsequently builds Employment and Jobs too.

*    The Simpson Covenant was poorly and disrespectfully handled by the previous council in conducting this type of City Business behind closed doors.  We need a new council that will be transparent to the Citizens of Kelowna and demonstrate respect, to this major contribution made by the Simpson Family.

 

*    Downtown Comprehensive Development Zone. 

    A very important matter to all residents of the City of Kelowna, which was rushed through City Council and was not givem adequate time for the Citizens to digest.  Recommend this import business be delayed, put on-hold for up to 5 years, to allow input from the entire community and that only local Architects and Planners be used.  Not handled by City Council in a very Democratic manner.

Recommend this matter be presented to the Citizens of Kelowna in the form of Referendum in the Fall of 2012 or Spring 2013.

 

*    Okanagan Mission Sports Centre & Swimming Pool.

    These recreational facilities were badly needed in this section of the community, but the approach taken by City Council is another example of not having the costs and design building these facilities included in a Referendum, for the Citizens of Kelowna to make the decision.  The approach take was not Democratic.  Further municipal facilities should be included into a Full Referendum Process for the Citizens of Kelowna to make the decision.

Perhaps the B.C. Municipal Act should be amended too to remove the Alternate Approval Process?

TOURISM & COMMUNITY  LIFESTYLE

*    Annual Kelowna Regatta & Parade. 

    This event was downsized due to past problems with riots in the downtown area, mainly as a result of the sale and consumption of alcohol in the City Park.  Hopefully lessions were learned from mistakes and corrections can be made to restore the Regatta to it’s original status.

The Kelowna Regatta was famous in the past throughout the entire Province of B.C. and brought Tourists into Kelowna with a magnitude.  It is unfortunate that the old original old Aquadic/Regatta Building in the City Park, burned down and was not rebuilt. This old Acquadic Centre was outstanding for centralizing Water Sports  We understand that the Insurance Coverage Claim  for the Old Acquadic Building was not adequate and that these funds were contributed towards the Construction of the Parkinsons Recreation Centre.  Not the same for Kelowna.

Hopefully the Regatta can have a full time year around office to centralize and to promote tourism.  Hopefully this could be included in the pending New Kelowna Yacht Club Building.  It would be great if the Regatta were turned over to the Jaycees with their skill in these areas ?

*    The Wake Festival.

    The Wake Festival was discontinued by the current City Council, in their wisdom due to problems and concerns. We understand the City Council will be giving the Wake Festival further consideration and hopefully can be reinstated for next year ?

*    Children’s Fat Cat Festival.

    Hopefully this too can be revived, as it was successfull from day one.

 

Vote for  John Zeger

IT’S  TIME  FOR  A  CHANGE

As a resident in Kelowna since 1974, I have voted in every Municipal Election.  Over the years we have seen a number of New Mayors and Councils come and go.  Some good, some not so good.

I am supporting  “JOHN ZEGER”  as a candidate for City of Kelowna Councillor and encourage you to do the same.  “JOHN ZEGER” has an Outstanding Background, including leadership skills and I know that he will be an Excellant Hard Working Team Player and Spokesman on the New Council, for all of the Citizens of Kelowna and for every area of the City of Kelowna. 

 

Don Mortison,

Okanagan Mission,

Kelowna,  B.C.

 

 

 

 

San Francisco knows how to keep a good thing going

San Francisco has one of the liveliest, most interesting waterfronts in the world attracting 15 million visitors annually. Their city council is smart and knows how to keep a good thing going and has thus limited the height of buildings along the waterfront to 84 feet (7-8 storeys). What does this say about Kelowna’s city council?

Elect a new city council that opposes CD 21

Citizens for a Livable Downtown is endorsing a group of candidates that we are supporting for the November 15 civic election. Our organization would like to see the downtown redeveloped with structures built to human-scale so as to preserve the present character of the downtown especially along the waterfront. We also would to see the Downtown Plan revised for the whole of the downtown prior to city council considering the CD Zone. Finally, we would like a public referendum on the issue so as to make this a community decision rather than a political one. These are only some of our many objections to this proposal.

 

The CD Zone has not yet received 4th and final reading which is expected to happen after the new city council takes office. There is still a possibility that this proposal could be defeated on 4th reading and be sent back to the drawing board. However, the nature of the modifications that are made to the plan could range from minor changes to outright scrapping depending on who gets elected.

 

Citizens for a Livable Downtown sent out a questionnaire to all candidates and we have also reviewed responses that the candidates made to questionnaires of other groups and organizations as well as statements made by the candidates themselves. We have used this information to make a list of those candidates that we can confidently recommend to the public as having a strong and multi-reasoned opposition to CD-21. These candidates listed in preferential order are:

 

Mayor

Sharon Shepherd

 

Councillor

John Zeger

Angela Reid

Matthew Reed

Andrew Powell

Gunnar Forsstrom

Bill Vaughn

 

We are also giving an honorable mention to some candidates who have expressed a more limited opposition to the downtown CD Zone. This group, listed in alphabetical order, includes:

 

Dorothee Birker

Kevin Craig

Janice Henry

Robert Hobson

Charlie Hodge

Mo Rajabally

Michelle Rule

 

I would also like to give my personal thumbs up to Donald Forbes.

 

 

Although Citizens for a Livable Downtown did not approve an “avoid list”, here is my list of candidates to DO NOT VOTE FOR:

Joe Gates

Brian Given

Mary-Ann Graham

Jerry Hlady

Graeme James

Perry Mack

Shelley Nicholl

Toby Pike

J. C. Rathwell

Jason Rock

Lisa Simone

Luke Stack

Mark Thomsen

Scott Yule

The great swindle of the downtown CD Zone and density bonusing

I am providing a link to a recent article in the British newspaper The Evening Standard about London, but the article could just as easily be about Kelowna and how a certain developer pulled the wool over the eyes of an inept city council and convinced them to approve the downtown CD Zone.  Do people really want to re-elect these weak-kneed politicians who are readily and willingly conned by one developer after another? http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23582125-details/The+great+planning+swindle/article.do

The presence of the Gospel Mission is the obstacle to the revitalization of the downtown

Daily Courier Managing Editor Tom Wilson asked in his editorial of October 21 for opponents to the Downtown Comprehensive Development Zone to propose an alternative plan for the redevelopment of the downtown. I cannot speak for all the opponents of CD 21 here but only for myself.

 

I acknowledge there is a need for redevelopment in the downtown but I don’t think the cause of its present state is due to a lack of density but rather to the concentration of social service agencies on Leon Avenue. In fact, at the top of a list of weaknesses of the downtown identified in the Spaxman report presented to Kelowna City Council in June 2007 is “The street activity generated by the Gospel Mission.” The key to the revitalization of the downtown then is the relocation of the Gospel Mission which was suggested in another report to council two years ago. City council accepted the recommendations of that report and even offered to give the Mission some city owned land to facilitate the relocation. However, city council never had the backbone to follow through with this plan and has since withdrawn the offer of land.

 

A new city council should make as a priority the relocation of the Gospel Mission. Once it is relocated, the concentration of social service agencies dispersed, and the nightclubs in the area better regulated, the obstacles to redevelopment will disappear and developers will once again be eager to commence with new projects in the city core. I reject the absurd notion that we need densities in excess of what is present in Vancouver and building heights of up to 27 storeys in order to achieve this revitalization. I think it can be accomplished using mid-rise buildings between 6 and 8 storeys which will still preserve the historic character of the downtown. In fact, anyone who has been to our downtown lately has noticed the recently completed and fine looking Worman Building at Pandosy Street and Leon Avenue which at a height of 6 storeys plus a penthouse is a welcome addition to the area. If developers need 27 storey buildings and ultra-high densities as an inducement to build there, no one told builder Shane Worman.

Simplistic solutions will result in disastrous outcomes

 “Build up, not out.” I could train a parrot to say that because it really doesn’t take much intelligence to spout that kind of simplistic rhetoric. Yet if you asked the parrot how high or dense, he wouldn’t be able to answer because that requires a lot more gray matter. Like our parrot, Michael Pitwirny of the Okanagan Sustainability Insitute (Kelowna Capital News, Oct. 17, 2008) also has a simplistic reason for advocating highrises — they save land. Yes, indeed they do, but what about all the other resources consumed by the occupants of those towers like water, energy, and the additional resources that support the high consumptive North American lifestyle? Will the occupants use less of those? Not likely. (Pitwirny should check his facts if he thinks that highrises units consume less energy than other housing types because they don’t!). Our ecological footprint includes all of the resources we consume and not just land.  With or without increased density it continues to grow beyond the capability of the environment to support our numbers  moving us further down the road to an environmental collapse; and the higher the density, the greater the size of our ecological footprint.

People like Pitwirny with their simplistic reasoning are really very dangerous types. They lull us into a false sense of security that all we have to do is densify and, voila, we will become sustainable while they distract us from the real cause of our unsustainability which is population growth. Simply put, the more people we have locally or globally, the more resources we consume, the more pollution we emit, and the more unsustainable we become. Densifying just reduces the consumption of one resource — land, and that’s all, and we pay a heavy price for that in terms of a decline in our livability. As Al Bartlett put it, densifying is like buying a first class ticket on the Titanic — the trip may be better but the outcome is still the same. And I’m sure that those first class passengers on the Titanic were also feeling very secure at the onset.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kelowna City Council circumvents democracy yet again

I am appalled at the audacity of Kelowna City Council which by sending the matter of the downtown Comprehensive Development Zone to a public hearing on October 20 has signaled that it intends to make this monumental decision by itself during the short remainder of its term in office. Never mind that this council reflects the views of the electorate of three years ago and never mind that a council that reflects the current views of residents will be chosen in less than six weeks, the present city council thinks by virtue of its superior intellect and vision that it has the right to make this decision in the waning hours of its term.

 

Also never mind that our neighbouring communities of the Westside and Lake Country will be voting on referendums there, our all-seeing and all-knowing city council won’t be soiling itself by going to Kelowna residents for their opinion on the CD Zone in a referendum here. Our city council had decided some time ago that Kelownians don’t get to vote directly on matters of consequence like the Mission Aquatic Centre or the downtown CD Zone. Democracy is just a nuisance to these politicians who prefer to get it over with once every three years in order to get themselves elected, after which time they wash their hands of it and conveniently forget that the source of their power is the people. Then, during their term in office, they behave like total autocrats.

 

I am glad that Councillors Clark, Day, Gran and Letnick are not seeking re-election, but I am thinking that the remaining incumbents running for re-election are due for some serious humbling. Perhaps if Kelowna voters elected a new and all different city council, it would send a message to this bunch that, like the downtown CD Zone, they should not try to build their castles on unstable soil.

 

John Zeger for Kelowna City Council

REAL CHANGE for a Sustainable Kelowna

www.savekelowna.com