New marina, dock for Eldorado going ahead

KELOWNA – A proposal for a new and expanded marina at the Eldorado hotel was approved by council Monday, but it wasn't unanimous.

Mayor Colin Basran reminded councillors about the unexpected controversy when the Manteo Resort next door expanded its dock in 2014. 

"I am harkening back to the huge outcry of when the Manteo dock itself was approved and under construction and fortunately the owner at the time listened to that public outcry and scaled the project back," he said. "So this is not only a dock expansion but it’s adding a large structure on top of it. And so, I’m sorry I have an issue with the form and character in this location.”

All but two members of council voted to approve a two-storey marina building at the Eldorado and a doubling of its dock which will soon extend 186 metres, or 610 feet, into the lake.

The new marina would replacing two current, aging structures, and will have washrooms, as well as providing rental, boat fueling and customer services.

The structure is designed to resemble the original Eldorado Hotel, similar to a barn.

The two-storey proposed building will be about eight feet higher than the existing buildings and set back 200 metres from the shore. The height difference, as well as the appearance of the building was a concern to some councillors, but only Basran and Coun. Luke Stack voted against it. 

“I don’t disagree in that I think there should be a structure that offers the services that are being requested,” Mayor Colin Basran said. “But I do have a problem with the form and character in the location that is being requested.”

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