When it comes to Summerland’s downtown theme and design guidelines, business people and residents have mixed feelings.

On Thursday evening, Bob Inwood of Mainstreet Consulting Associates presented his observations about the community’s theme and appearance at a meeting for business owners.

Inwood said the Summerland theme, often described as an Old English or Tudor look, is most visible in the Bank of Montreal building on Main Street.

That building, constructed in 1917, was designed by Samuel McClure, one of the province’s leading architects of the time and is a revival of the Victorian era design.

Inwood said the overall streetscape in Summerland is attractive, but the individual buildings need some additional work.

Audience response to the downtown design was mixed.

Art Sewell, who was involved in the initial design guidelines, says Summerland has strayed from its original theme concept.

“It’s not an Old English theme; it’s a Tudor theme,” he said. “The two are quite different.”

Examples of the Tudor design include the London tower and the city of Chester, England.

He said other communities, especially Leavenworth, Washington, serve as models of towns which have successfully adopted a theme.

Others questioned whether the downtown theme has any connection to Summerland’s history or character.

But David Gregory wants the connection to McClure’s architecture reinforced.

He said McClure was the province’s second most important architect. Only three communities — Vancouver, Victoria and Summerland — have two or more of his buildings.

Kent Israel asked how the theme could be used to enhance the downtown’s look.

“How can you encourage quality?” he asked.

“You can see some areas where it was done poorly.”

Municipal planner Ian McIntosh said the theme affects the downtown commercial area.

“It gives a certain continuity to the town,” he said.

Others believe the theme is not a proper expression of the community.

“To come up with a theme is to say we are something we’re not,” said Linnea Good.

Susan Scott also said Summerland needs to consider its theme and identity more carefully.

“Summerland needs to look at rebranding itself,” she said.

Helen Poncelet said the downtown appearance has been a factor in Summerland’s two wins in Communities in Bloom competitions.

“The judges really liked the theme,” she said.

Inwood said the look of the town can be strictly controlled or more relaxed.

“You don’t necessarily have to have a very rigid theme,” he said.

McIntosh said a committee will be formed to examine the downtown design guidelines.

He added that it will be at least six months before a bylaw will come before council.