Council forces Petro-Canada owner to install window-shades

PENTICTON – The owner of the new Petro-Canada gas station has to install louvers on his windows or face daily $100 fines.

City hall came down hard at Monday's meeting as the louvers, horizontal slats meant to shade windows, were included in a council-approved design. The station is located at the avenues of Eckhardt West and Westminster West and its original look would have made it appear as any other gas station. Council wanted better for Penticton's northern entrance.

The owner came back with the current design that included a sweeping and layered roof and louvers for the front windows that stretched from floor-to-ceiling. The louvers were not installed.

Council discussed the matter at Monday's meeting which left Coun. Judy Sentes disturbed.

"This is really troubling to me," Sentes said. "We have a construction industry that is watching us."

She wanted city council to force the owner to comply with the design council approved. "Our credibility is on the line here."

Coun. John Vassilaki echoed Sentes. "We have rules for a reason. You have to do the building the way it's presented."

Development director Anthony Haddad said the owner could face $100 fines a day for not complying.

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