The Metropolis of Kelowna, B.C., is floating the concept of reworking its floating bridge into an iconic landmark.
Metropolis council was not too long ago offered with a have a look at its 10-year capital plan.
Among the many initiatives up for consideration is the addition of lights to the W.A.C. Bennett Bridge to create Kelowna’s personal outstanding landmark, such because the lit-up CN Tower in Toronto and illuminated waterfalls in Niagara Falls.
“I think it’s just beautification for the city,” stated West Kelowna resident Debbie Scott. “I think it brings tourism. The prettier it is, the more people that will come.”
In keeping with town, reworking the bridge into that iconic landmark would value round $1 million.
It’s an quantity, nevertheless, some Kelowna taxpayers say ought to be spent in additional significant methods.
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“Fixing things up, making roadways safer, providing more housing, affordable housing,” stated Kelowna resident Kaitlyn McCulloch. “It could definitely be utilized in a different manner that would be more beneficial to the community.”
“I don’t like the government spending taxpayers’ money on very unnecessary things,” stated Anna Vinogradova, one other Kelowna resident.
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It’s the type of sentiment echoed by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, which stated town ought to be prioritizing core providers.
“British Columbia is the centre of the national affordability crisis and including the Okanagan, including Kelowna and city governments need to be finding real savings for taxpayers right now, not blowing a million dollars on pet projects,” Canadian Taxpayers Federation B.C. director Carson Binda stated.
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On the opposite facet of the bridge in West Kelowna, whereas taxpayers wouldn’t be footing the invoice, many stated in the case of bridge, there are far greater priorities.
“Improving the bridge. Who cares what the bridge looks like,” stated Ron Reitmeier. “Making the traffic flow better. You know, going into downtown kind of sucks.”
“A million dollars just to light up a bridge is wasted money,” stated Anjali Birks, one other West Kelowna resident. “We need another crossing.”
Whereas speak of a second crossing has lengthy been talked about, it’s a choice that in the end lies with the province and could be much more pricey.
“I agree but I would be willing to pay a toll for that crossing,” Birks added. “Absolutely willing to be paying for that.”
Kelowna metropolis council is anticipated to debate the challenge when it begins funds deliberations in early December.
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