WATCH: Canoe club controversy

KELOWNA — New use of a valuable piece of city owned lakeshore property is creating waves in a Kelowna neighbourhood.

City council approved a temporary zoning change last month to allow the Kelowna paddle center to set up a members only club on an empty residential lot.

The property is part of a larger parcel of lakeshore that neighbours were hoping would be turned into a park, but they are now suspicious that the city is sneaking in plans without widespread community input.

“I support that idea, it’s just how they’re doing it here seems very suspicious” says neighbour, Michael.

The finishing touches were complete Thursday morning on a parking lot for the Kelowna Paddle Centre on Abbott Street.

The City of Kelowna is said to have spent $25,000 to improve this lakeshore oasis for a private members club all at taxpayers expense.

The Kelowna Paddle Centre will be selling memberships at about $125 a year and will only be charged $2500 a year to rent for 3 years.

“It’s open to the public, but it’s like most activities, its user pay, there’s a membership” says Joey Hertz with the Kelowna Paddle Centre.

City council unanimously approved the temporary commercial permit and lease to the paddle club about 3 weeks ago hoping to invest in a growing sport.

But neighbours believe the temporary use is a danger that threatens public input on how the property should be developed.

“Something is going to happen, pretty soon, this whole park will be gone” says neighbour Bob Whitehead.

“It will be a little piece there, and a little piece there, but the whole concept of a 1000 foot linear park on absolutely beautiful properties will be lost.”

No one from city council was available to talk about the project Thursday.