To the editor:
I am writing in regards to hand railings in Prospera Place. I am 86 years old and have attended every WHL hockey game since the building opened.
I have had meetings with former mayor Walter Gray, contacted Kelowna Rockets president Bruce Hamilton as well as the building inspector about the lack of hand railings.
Gray indicated that some railings would be installed last fall, but it’s a good thing I didn’t hold my breath over that. I have written two letters to R.G. Properties, one by registered mail, and I’m still waiting for a reply.
I have watched over the years people struggle to get up the arena stairs, especially the older ones. Some of them have quit going to the hockey games because of it. What I have found is that people with the power to do something don’t seem to give a damn. They are playing the blame game at our expense.
The city along with R.G. Properties are to blame for this matter. The city had to approve the plans for the building and the occupation permit when it was completed.
R.G. Properties built the arena to code at that time, but they should have used their common sense knowing you shouldn’t have steps without railings. It’s like building washrooms without toilets. Stairs and railings, they are like two peas in a pod, you can’t have one without the other.
In constructing the arena, the workers had to follow safety rules—hard hats, proper boots, guard railings and safety ropes. Through the years, safety has always been a concern of mine, and it should be for everyone else as well.
With regards to the stair railing at Prospera, I have even thought of writing a cheque to cover the cost of railings for my seat section.
But do not think that by using fancy words this situation will go away. I will do whatever it takes to get this situation rectified.
It’s time Prospera Place was brought up to the present day building code.
Henry Johnson, Kelowna
