Local Community Advertising
Kelowna residents and visitors alike have grimaced at the sight of it for well over a decade, but now it's gone. The demolition equipment tore into the last of the standing walls of Kelowna's infamous former burger joint like a hungry man on a Big Mac.
It's the end of a long road for a building that has been boarded-up on Kelowna's main thoroughfare since 2007.
McDonald's sued the city, arguing that the re-alignment of the highway associated with the construction of the bridge adversely affected the business.
Then this year it was all settled, with the city coming away with ownership of the property for just over $2 million.
The city can now repackage the property along with an adjacent lot and a portion of Water Street to create more of a full-meal-deal for potential developers.
"I think a lot of staff, as well as a lot in the community, are really excited about it," said Graham Hood, who manages land development at the city.
"It's kind of a watershed moment here, finally seeing that building come to the ground."
The re-configuration of roads hasn't been the only problem at the location. Homeless people have gravitated to the area, which has caused problems for people living and doing business in the area.
For the owners of the real estate office immediately next door the demolition is like an early Christmas present.
"Yeah, it's great to see some progress happening on the site," said Max Carbone at Century 21 Assurance Realty. "We've owned the business for almost four years and there's been some ongoing challenges on a regular basis with both the vacant site here and some of the homeless people that are involved in and around the city."
Carbone joined the Journey Home Task Force to get involved in looking for solutions to those problems. "We definitely think it's going to be a great contribution to the city and local businesses and community, neighbours in behind on Riverside and the like are happy to see it come down."
As a runner, Hood represented Canada twice at the Olympics, so he admits the city has had to pace itself on this issue. "We're coming to the end of a marathon here," he said with a smile.
"It has been a protracted process, I think we've been in discussions and litigation for, going back, almost ten years now," said Hood.
"So it really is nice to come to this moment."
Local Community Advertising