Following models such as the Fairmont Pacific Rim, Hotel Georgia, Shangri La and Le Germain, the hotel project will include a limited number of residences in the upper levels of the tower. This is a one-of-a-kind site in a very special place in the world. The hotel, and the stunning homes that will accompany it, will bring a presence and grace to the waterfront that will compete on the world stage.
Phil Milrov. President and CEO Westcorp.
Westcorp Development submitted a new development proposal to the City of Kelowna in March 2022 after their previous development permit expired. This development is going to be located at 289 Queensway, in the heart of downtown Kelowna, at the end of Bernard Avenue near The Sails, Kerry Park, the Visitor Information Centre, and more.
The unnamed hotel has been in the works for years. It received initial approval in 2018, then went back to the city with new changes in late 2019. Westcorp Development received final approval for the project in February 2020, had completed their sales centre and was set to launch sales when COVID-19 arrived. It delayed the project until now.
Architect/Design
The architecture firm that designed the hotel is GCA Architects, based in Barcelona, Spain, in collaboration with IBI Group. GCA Architects was responsible for another well-known building in Kelowna, Martin’s Lane Winery. GCA Architects has designed hotels throughout Europe and other parts of the world. More images of the hotel rooms can be found on their website: Downtown Kelowna Hotel.
The Tower
The development is going to be a 33 story tower:
- 184 hotel rooms
- 65 residences (on the higher levels)
- restaurant and coffee shop on street level
- conference centre
- retail stores on Water Street
- Restaurant on the 18th floor
- secured parking spread both underground and above ground
Major landscaping improvements are also included in the development plans, which are badly needed for that area. Kerry Park has seen better days and tends to be an eye sore while walking along the waterfront boardwalk from City Park to the Visitor Information Centre and Waterfront Park. The sidewalk for Bernard Avenue on the north-side will be extended which will allow for better flow of pedestrian and vehicle traffic along that stretch of road.
The development as a whole will be a wonderful addition to the bustling population of downtown and add some valuable hotel rooms to the downtown core which is limited compared to other major cities. No information about the hotel residences has come available yet apart from their location on the upper levels of the tower (presumably above the restaurant on the 18th floor).
This page will be updated as new information comes available.
Full development plans for 289 Queensway are available on the city of Kelowna website.
Photos from the development package on the city of Kelowna website.