Yes side jumps out of the blocks in West Kelowna city hall referendum

WEST KELOWNA – If early organization is any indication, the yes side in the referendum on West Kelowna’s city hall is out of the gate first.

The group who would have West Kelowna taxpayers vote to borrow $7.8 million to build a new civic centre has already opened an office in Westridge Centre next door to the proposed site on Elliot Road.

Mayor Doug Findlater will lead a kick-off event on the site Thursday, August 18 where they will lay out their argument for borrowing the money.

Yes side spokesperson Peter Wannop says they bear no ill will to those who oppose the project.

“We’re not upset at the no side, they have every right to their opinion. We just want to make sure the public have the information to make an informed decision,” Wannop says. “We believe once people have that information, they will vote yes. The status quo is not an option.”

Arguments against the location don’t wash with Wannop.

“Part of the reason for the siting of this thing is that a number of revitalization studies show that’s the area we need to inject capital."

Wannop also says the deal where the Mount Boucherie Community Centre was converted into a municipal hall hinged on it being returned for use by the community within ten years, a date that’s soon approaching.

The no side of the referendum is much more low key with no office to speak of and only the enthusiasm generated by winning the alternative approval process to bolster them.

Ian Graham, a vocal opponent of the city hall loan and one of the organizers against the alternative approval process did not immediately return calls.

The yes side rally goes ahead Thursday, August 18 from 11:30 p.m. to 1 p.m. at 3641 Elliot Rd.

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