Okay, your city hall just made a big move on our waterfront

Good morning from the Okanagan — the lake is calm, the vines are growing, and we have things to discuss.

Your Kelowna City Council voted 6-1 this week to approve the sale of the city-owned parcel at 1234 Waterfront Drive to a Vancouver-based developer, Coastline Resorts Inc. Now, this is a prime piece of real estate, right there near City Park Beach, a stone's throw from the Ogopogo statue. The proposed development includes a 12-story luxury hotel and a public promenade, meaning our downtown core is about to get a serious facelift. The lone "no" vote came from Councillor Chang, who cited concerns about affordable housing and potential traffic impacts on Bernard Avenue.

Okay, but here's the thing nobody talks about. The city's official release emphasized the "significant economic benefits" and increased tourism revenue this project is expected to bring. We're talking about potentially hundreds of new jobs, which is always welcome, especially as we head into a quieter fall.

* **Property Sold:** 1234 Waterfront Drive

* **Buyer:** Coastline Resorts Inc.

* **Development:** 12-story luxury hotel, public promenade

* **Council Vote:** 6-1 in favour

This decision is going to reshape our waterfront skyline, and it’s a big bet on Kelowna’s future as a high-end tourist destination. Keep an eye on the development permits and public consultations that will surely follow — this isn't the last we'll hear about it.

That’s the record from City Hall. Have you had your coffee yet?

Nina Papadimitriou, MiTL Sports Desk, Kelowna.

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