To the editor:
Re: Cedar Avenue development (also referred to as South Pandosy Lakeshore).
Apparently saying “open and transparent” means as little to the current city council as does “please voice your opinion.” Both terms are used when convenient and are meant only to appease the public. When public consultation is ignored it is a huge waste of everyone’s time.
Trying to voice an opinion on the website was difficult as the questions only allowed a yes or no response. Also a large segment of the taxpayers are unfairly eliminated in this process because not everyone has a computer or is computer savvy enough to navigate the site.
The properties along the lakeshore were bought specifically for the purpose of providing a park as the city’s own documents prove, so why not make it a park? Once waterfront property is developed for another purpose it is virtually impossible to reclaim for a park as we all know.
So why ruin one of the last remaining areas in Kelowna eliminating its intended purpose? This seems particularly strange upon the recent announcement of the city’s plan to replace sand on a lakeshore area near Strathcona Park.
If there is inadequate funding to develop a park immediately perhaps the amenities could wait, but let’s keep it for the original purpose. Why does the city refuse to include the four other lots in this parcel?
Recently someone suggested that the city may have a developer waiting in the wings for this prime area. If this is truly the case, inform the citizens.
Denton and Dianne Powles,
Kelowna
