A controversial redevelopment proposal involving the Kelowna Springs Golf Course stays underneath debate.
The town is contemplating a proposed land swap that may see improvement firm Denciti obtain 9.1 acres of municipally-owned industrial land in alternate for a nine-hole golf course. As a part of the proposal, Denciti would additionally retain 46 acres of land adjoining to the course, which the corporate plans to use to rezone for industrial use.
“This may very well be some annoying months developing,” space resident Lorel Pearce stated.
“What we’re taking a look at at present in entrance of us is just not the identical as what we checked out a number of years in the past,” Mayor Tom Dyas stated throughout Monday’s council assembly.
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A public listening to in 2023 drew sturdy opposition from the group, and regardless of these issues, council voted 7-2 on Monday to present the applying first studying and advance it to a different public listening to.
Neighbouring farmers stay anxious that industrial improvement close to the golf course may disrupt pure springs within the space, probably growing the chance of flooding.
“They begin messing with that, they begin messing with the best way the water circulate goes, and almost certainly that water circulate will likely be proper in our yard,” Pearce stated.
Councillors Ron Cannan and Gord Lovegrove voted towards advancing the proposal, citing environmental issues and what they described as in depth public suggestions already acquired.
“I’m fairly ready to go away it as is,” Lovegrove stated, whereas Cannan pressured the necessity for warning.
“There’s no hurt in guaranteeing we get this proper. There may be potential hurt if we get this flawed. Time is on our facet, and due diligence is essential.”
Based on Denciti, the proposal would see 35 acres used for job-creating companies and a year-round pickleball facility, whereas preserving 51 acres for the prevailing nine-hole Kelowna Springs Golf Course.
Some residents, nonetheless, say they need the plan stopped altogether.
“We needed council to say no, only a flat-out no. We’re not doing this. Simply depart it an 18-hole golf course. That’s what we wish,” stated Pearce.
A second public listening to is scheduled for March 10, and it’s anticipated to attract heated dialogue as the talk continues.
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