City councilors waved goodbye to a proposed design for a new “Welcome to Kelowna” sign on Monday.
While council generally approved of the design from an artistic perspective, several other issues were raised.
The most prevalent being the sign's proposed location north of Kelowna International Airport on the right side of Highway 97 near Lakeview Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
"The vast majority of our visitors come from the airport, with this location are all the visitors going to see it?" asked Coun. Loyal Wooldridge.
"I also don’t see it representing the Syilx first nation and from a reconciliation lens that’s really important."
Designed by Ontario-based artist Ted Fullerton, Coun. Charlie Hodge said he was "surprised" city staff didn't consider a local artist.
As a hobbyist clay sculpturer herself, Coun. Mohini Singh appreciated the artistic merit of the piece but questioned its practicality as a welcome sign.
"I like the materials and the scale, but my first thought is this does not say Kelowna to me," said Singh.
"To me, this isn't a public art piece, it's a sign first and foremost."
Meanwhile, Coun. Gail Given supported the design as well as its location.
"We've now had people arriving for years with no welcome sign, to me this is a public art piece," explained Given.
"Adding public art to our entrance creates a unique statement about the City of Kelowna."
In the end, council voted 6-3 against having public art as part of the welcoming sign.
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