Kelowna’s Mission area is growing up — way up

KELOWNA – Kelowna has grown up a lot in the last few years as towers rise in the city’s downtown and central areas and, soon perhaps in prime lakefront property in the Mission.

Picture a building roughly the height of Discovery Pointe — the downtown towers — in view from the south at Gyro Beach or in the view to the north from The Ponds or nearly anywhere there’s a lake view from the south Mission.

Except it’s not just one lakefront tower proposed for Lakeshore Road between Cook and Truswell Roads, as they are now, but three — 13, 16 and 19 storeys. The proposed Aqua community resort would have a fourth building — a four storey boat storage facility.

For reference, Discovery Pointe on Sunset Drive — and also waterfront — is 22 storeys. Waterscapes Skye across the street from Discovery Pointe, is 26 storeys, Landmark Six is on Highway 97 is 19 storeys.

The only thing close to the proposed Aqua tower heights in the Mission right now is Sopa Square, which should soon be built out to 14 storeys. Manteo Resort, just north of the proposed Aqua resort, is only four storeys. 

Aqua has some preliminary approvals but still has a long way to go through City of Kelowna regulations before it can be built, including a height variance. A public hearing is expected in May.

Currently, Aqua Marine Valet takes up a portion of the property that is proposed for the resort. 

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