Rule on the Simpson Covenant

Thank you to everyone who attended last evening's Chamber of Commerce/Downtown Kelowna Association All-Candidates Forum.

I was fortunate to receive a question in regard to the proposed Lawson's Landing development.

While I am in favour of redevelopment in the downtown, including the mixed use, density and height allowable under the C7 zoning, I favour the stepped back approach recommended in the downtown sector plan. I know that this plan allows for a "landmark" development near the foot of Bernard, but this should not occur at the expense of public space that was dedicated to the citizens of Kelowna so many years ago. Nor should any of the precious green space downtown be given up - this will be the one saving grace for the downtown in years to come.

As far as Lawson's Landing is concerned, I believe the project is not right for that particular part of downtown. It would saturate the need for retail and residential space, creating a deterrent to redevelopment in other parts of the downtown core.