The City of Kelowna appeared to give the Fintry Queen the brush off this week when it rejected owner Andy Schwab's request for a new dock in City Park.
And that's too bad.
We agree with council's decision not to pursue the proposal. The dock would have taken away valuable beachfront and swimming area in Kelowna's prime waterfront park.
But we think every effort should be made to save a home for the Kelowna landmark.
The stately old vessel has fallen on hard times in recent years and doesn't quite look as regal as she once did, that much is true.
But that doesn't mean she can't once again be a source of pride and happy memories for locals and tourists alike.
And since when has council been in the habit of dismissing local entrepreneurs who want to make a go of what could be a valuable addition to downtown Kelowna?
Without a prime waterfront location, the Fintry Queen is doomed, and Schwab has said he would take it to any other Okanagan city expressing interest.
That would be a shame. The boat was narrowly saved from the scrap yard last year; this really could be its last chance.
The city's official response had an air of finality about it, saying there is no suitable place on public property for the boat.
Schwab was basically thanked for getting it out of the way and wished all the best in finding permanent moorage.
That's a sad end for a familiar piece of Kelowna history.
- Managing Editor
Jon Manchester