All letters to the editor published by KelownaNow reflect only the opinions of the readers who submit them, and not necessarily those of KelownaNow or its staff. Letters can be submitted to news@kelownanow.com

Dear Mayor Dyas and Councillors, 

With dismay we learned of the proposal to situate a new 1,600-seat performing arts building in Waterfront Park.

We need to at least retain our existing parks. Kelowna needs more trees and parks, not less. There are so many potential locations for this large new structure that would not require destruction of valued green space.    

Please – over the deliberations of the study committee; and of the recommendations of the presenters who participated in the committee's work; and the debatable wisdom of densification; and the Civic Precinct Plan to consolidate cultural venues in the downtown; and the vague suggestions of increased costs associated with other areas; — over all these arguments that favour chopping a huge hole in Kelowna's prized park, please send this recommendation back for reworking.    

Photo credit: KelownaNow

It is beyond comprehension why at the same time that we deliberate what to develop on the enormous vacant north-end Tolko site we would consciously remove trees and reduce well-used parkland for the construction of this facility. 

Kelowna has taken some excellent steps in greening certain areas of the City. 

Please do not negate your progress on making the city more livable.

Sincerely,