By Lyonel Doherty

Oliver Chronicle

A proposal to change the building material for the new Coast Hotel’s main entrance is not sitting well with the Town of Oliver.

On Monday, council deferred its approval of a development permit amendment requested by Mundi Hotel Enterprises. The company that is building the four-storey, 83-room hotel on Station Street wants to change the previously approved timber frame canopy entranceway to a steel frame canopy accented with wood.

Chris Garrish, the Town’s contract planner, said the proposed changes are minor and do not deviate in a substantial way from the design guidelines of the Town Centre Development Permit Area, but he noted the requested modification will not be an improvement over the original design.

Bruce Holm, the hotel’s project manager, said council received an incorrect set of plans for the covered entrance. He explained that the timber frame concept would cost the company over $300,000, a price that is “totally out of budget” for them. So they came up with a steel frame alternative (with wood accents) for approximately $200,000.

But Councillor Petra Veintimilla wasn’t convinced this alternative is in the best interests of the town.

“We had an opportunity to have a fabulous gem of a building in our community,” she said, noting the requested change is quite substantial.

Veintimilla pointed out that the new Tim Hortons north of Oliver features beautiful wood beams at its entrance.

Councillor Dave Mattes said the proposed modification boils down to a one per cent difference in cost for the company.

“It’s up to council to determine what they want it (the hotel) to look like 40 years from now,” he said.

Councillor Larry Schwartzenberger suggested that council defer its decision to give the hotelier time to come up with a different plan.

Mayor Ron Hovanes agreed, saying he wants the developer to come back with the timber design that was originally offered.

Mundi Hotel Enterprises wants to change the entrance to a steel frame canopy accented with wood. (Image submitted)

According to the applicant, the steel frame modification will be painted to match the building. Fir timbers will be used as an accent around the perimeter of the top of the structure to bring “warmth, texture and a reflection of the natural surroundings.” The base of the pillars will be cultured stone to match the base of the hotel.

Holm explained that the timber frame concept was originally presented before the supplier notified them that the cost would triple.

“Unfortunately, the budget increase would not work for the hotel … it’s strictly a financial issue,” Holm said.

He did note the company would make up for the change or “soften” it by using natural woods and enhancing the landscaping.

Holm was asked if the steel beams could be covered in wood veneer. He said yes.

Holm pointed out that wood structures in the Okanagan’s desert climate tend to deteriorate more than steel. But Mattes disputed that claim, saying wood stands up better in desert areas compared to rainforest climates.

Holm said he would do his best to convey council’s wishes to the hotelier.

Council deferred the matter to February 13.