Opposition likely against Manteo development

A lakefront resort in Kelowna may soon be in for a massive makeover.

Manteo Resort is hoping to undergo a $130 million redevelopment. Owner Adrian Block wants to revamp the site and built two new towers: one that is a vacation condo tower and the other would hold hotel rooms.

The proposed 10 and 12 storey towers exceed the 6 storey height restriction in the city’s Official Community Plan.

City council would have to make an amendment to the plan. In exchange, Manteo would give the public some lakefront land that would extend the current path from the El Dorado to Rotary Beach.

“Most of our lake edge in Kelowna is preoccupied by homes so any lake edge the public has access to is a good thing,” Block said.

Manteo is directly across from the Playa Del Sol condo resort development.

“I haven’t had any owners contact me directly but just our discussion among council members, there will be some very upset owners,” said Playa Del Sol strata president Bill Ferguson.

Some owners will be upset because their lake view will be at least partially blocked by the new towers. However, because many of the units are resort rentals, Manteo’s plans will also be of benefit.

“The commercial aspect, we understand that they will enjoy or welcome the potential increase in clientele those towers could bring into the area,” Ferguson said.

Despite any opposition, Block is standing by his proposal, saying it makes more sense to built up rather than sticking with the current height restriction.

Block says a 6 storey building all across the Manteo site would look like a canyon on Lakeshore Road.

“Instead we are putting a two storey building closer to the edge of the road and stepping the towers back from that. Plus we separate the two towers so that we have about 135 feet between the two for a corridor of view for the Playa Del Sol residents,” Block said.

Those who oppose the plans have an opportunity to voice their concerns during a public hearing at Kelowna City Hall on March 12.