A developer proposing to build a towering hotel along Kelownasa国际传媒檚 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.

sa国际传媒淲ith projects of this size and complexity, itsa国际传媒檚 not uncommon for things to take time,sa国际传媒� said WestCorpsa国际传媒檚 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.

sa国际传媒淚tsa国际传媒檚 a marvellous looking building sa国际传媒� theresa国际传媒檚 no question about it,sa国际传媒� said Hodge. sa国际传媒淏ut I have been opposed to this proposal for a number of years now. As much as I think itsa国际传媒檚 a beautiful building, itsa国际传媒檚 in the wrong location.sa国际传媒�

Hodge continued, saying the project will have a significant impact on Kelownasa国际传媒檚 downtown core but the negatives outweigh the positives.

sa国际传媒淚 hope Isa国际传媒檓 wrong, but to be consistent with what Isa国际传媒檝e been from the beginning I cannot support this project,sa国际传媒� he said.

Hodgesa国际传媒檚 colleagues lauded the buildingsa国际传媒檚 design, speaking of the vibrancy it will bring to downtown Kelowna.

sa国际传媒淚 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,sa国际传媒� 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 provincesa国际传媒檚 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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