June 3, 2021

Melting heat scorched the roof of One Water Street this week. I stared longingly at the crystal clear blue waters of Okanagan Lake. How I wished we could be floating in the serenity of the glacial waters. Instead, I was standing atop the highest man-made structure between Calgary and Vancouver, and the roof seemed to magnify the scorching temperature. It was 33 Celsius outside but I am sure it was close to 40 at the top. I could have worse problems.

I faced a first-world problem – I had to work.

I was setting up a swing stage and Brad and I sweated on the roof setting up the beams and weights that hold people’s lives in balance. It’s simple math and physics that keeps the stages on the side of the high-rise. The new 36 story building towers over Kelowna’s downtown core overlooking the stunning views of the waters far below. 

They had to get a window to the penthouse and the only way to do it was on the outside of the building. I felt anticipation and trepidation riding the stage to the top of the building. My job was simple enough; press a button and enjoy the view. Even after all these years working at heights there still is a small pit in the middle of me that flutters at the thrill of being where few dare to tread. I would have to say I was lying if I claimed I felt no fear.

But fear can be conquered.

Especially when all precautions have been taken and it is virtually impossible to have something go wrong. On an amazingly calm day like today floating up the side of the building was a thrill ride in itself. I still enjoy being outside and soaking in the sights and sounds. I felt confident as we went up the building, like so many things we do, there are safety rules and we ensure that we follow all of them. The redundancies are for our own protection and I am glad we have them.

The shiny new structure on the corner of Water Street and Sunset Drive is almost ready to have people move in. The penthouse sits a naked shell waiting for some wealthy person that wants the most prestigious condo at the highest point in the Interior. That lucky person will have two massive balconies with which to stare at the glimmering lake and rolling mountains. They will also have a hot tub on a glassed-in deck to relax on a cool evening. 

I would not want to live in that building for any amount. Some people like condo living but I need the space of a house a garage and a yard. I just don’t need the work. Everything comes with a price and a trade-off. If I were young and single a condo in the downtown core of Kelowna would be pretty amazing. Still, some of the suites are so small I doubt you could fit a queen-sized bed and a dresser in the room 

More first-world problems…

Brad and I stood waiting for the elevator again. Three small elevators service the building. Oddly, there is no larger elevator for moving. So far they have had lots of problems with the elevators, new technology seems to have a lot of glitches, again they are probably being over-cautious. I’m sure it will be ready for move-in day. We were relieved to be inside and out of the heat.

It has been a scorching start to summer. I’m thinking a rain dance is in order. I almost never wish for rain but right now I am wishing hard. The last thing we need Is a bad fire season and the valley becomes the smokanagan. 

Next week I will take down the stage and my time hanging out at the tallest building will come to an end. I look forward to a summer on the boat and connecting with the sun, the water, and the wonderful people that enjoy our piece of paradise. 

In the meantime… Let it rain, let it rain.