The City of Kelowna spent $27.8 million on waterfront property on Okanagan Lake to develop a hotel and a year later the city decided it’s going to be a Marriott.

The city bought the 289 Queensway Avenue property for the hotel development in October 2025, and it is just now taking the next step, according to a press release from the city issued today, Sept. 29.

Now, in the middle of an election, the city announced that Marriott International is going to partner with the city for a premium hotel on the property.

The idea for the downtown hotel has a tumultuous history.

The city bought the land from Westcorp who wanted to build a hotel there in the early 2000s.

Due to some land use regulations the plan for the hotel wasn’t viable, but Westcorp tried to revive it again in 2022 to no avail.

Then, the city stepped in and spent $27.8 million to breathe new life into the vision. Along with the property on Queensway Avenue the city also bought the Kelowna Marina and nearby properties 1440-14460 Pandosy Street as part of the same deal.

“This project reflects the momentum and bold investment shaping Kelowna’s waterfront and city,” mayor Tom Dyas said in the release.

This announcement comes on the heels of a plan to build an $18 million swim venue not far from the proposed hotel.

Marriott is a huge chain with 10,000 properties in 148 countries.

“A premier waterfront hotel will help create a destination that attracts visitors, supports businesses and brings energy downtown year-round,” Dyas said.

Along with Marriott, the city is working with Avington Financial Limited who is going to advise the city and drum up investors for the hotel’s development.

The city did not say what the timeline is for when investment will be secured or when it aims to break ground.