Update: With no opposition to the plan to build a second hotel across from Kelowna's airport during a public hearing Nov. 1, Kelowna city council gave second and third reading to the rezoning bylaw required to allow the project to move forward. Final approval by the Ministry of Highways is still required because the site is located close to Highway 97 across from the entrance to YLW. After that approval has been received, a development permit will be considered for the project, say city staff.
Original story: Kelowna council will hear from the public tonight about a plan to build a second hotel on land across Highway 97 from Kelowna International Airport .
The plan for the six-storey hotel is supported by city staff and because it requires an amendment to the city's Official Community and rezoning of parts of two properties, it must go to the public hearing.
In a report presented to council earlier this month, staff said the new hotel will not conflict with neighbouring land uses and the addition of a second hotel in the Airport Industrial Park will help support businesses in the area, as well as provide needed additional accommodation near the busy airport.
According to city staff, there is strong demand for a second hotel in the area. The Four Points by Sheraton Hotel has been operating alone in the area for the last few years.
Kelowna's airport has been growing steadily in terms of passenger numbers and earlier this year had its busiest month ever. The airport is the 10th busiest in Canada and annually, 1.6 million passengers pass through its terminal.
The proposed hotel would be located on Innovation Drive, just north of Fleet Court on land currently zoned for light industrial use. The new zoning, if approved, would be tourist commercial.
The site is located directly south of the existing Four Points by Sheraton hotel.
The public hearing is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. in council chambers at Kelowna city hall.