Laurel Packinghouse project in Kelowna going ahead

KELOWNA – A $235,000 B.C. Gaming Grant means an interpretive courtyard will be built on the south side of the Laurel Packing House in downtown Kelowna.

Original plans for the $630,000 project called for $150,000 from the Kelowna Museum Society, $165,000 from Kelowna taxpayers and the rest from grants.

But, after the city failed to secure a federal grant last year, council agreed to add another $200,000 to the project, for a total city contribution of $365,000.

With the Museum Society winning the gaming grant, city council agreed Monday, Sept. 24, to take back $120,000 from its funding commitment, although it’s still leaving in $80,000 of the extra $200,000 to cover contingencies.

“The design intent is to impart Kelowna's fruit growing and railway heritage through interpretive play elements and display of historic equipment," the city says on its website.

Completion of the courtyard is expected by June 2019.

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