Revised plans for the proposed development near Shelter Bay show more lots but with higher density and more open land than previously proposed.
Developer Ender Ilkay was in Revelstoke on Tuesday for an open house and presentation to go over the revised plans for his proposed development near the Shelter Bay ferry terminal south of Revelstoke. He last presented plans to the community in November 2010.
The new plans calls for 774 lots, up from 722, but the lots are clustered together more and are closer to Highway 23 south. They are divided into six planning areas. The previous plan proposed more lots on the hill above the highway.
“This is a concept for a recreational community,” said Ilkay during the presentation. “We see this as being a 25-year project from beginning to end.”
Most of the lots are smaller ones that will have full sewer and water servicing, while there will also be 60 lots ranging in size from 2.5 to 5 acres that will have their own water and sewage systems.
The focal point of the development will be the Feather Point Lodge. “This we see as being a lodge with restaurant, spa, dining, fitness facilities, hot and cool pools. Just a beautiful setting with the accommodation being these duplex units surrounding it,” said Ilkay.
The plan also calls for a marina, and a network of walking, hiking, mountain biking and cross-country skiing trails that will be open to the public.
The trail network will be non-motorized but there will be staging areas at the northern and southern limits of the property for snowmobilers and ATVers to access crown land beyond the limits of the 5,200-acre property.
During a lengthy question and answer session that followed the presentation, Ilkay answered questions on a variety of subjects.
– On servicing, Ilkay said the denser areas would have full water and sewage services. The larger lots would use wells and have their own treatment systems. The developer would build the systems but the CSRD would operate them once completed.
– The lots would be sold with pre-fabricated homes on them. Ilkay said this would mean a smaller footprint during the construction stage. The houses would be built in a factory and assembled on site. “Both from marketing perspective and from a control perspective, it’s nicer to offer a finished product and finished houses as opposed to saying, ‘Here’s lots, now come and build at your own pace,'” Ilkay said.
– When asked what the cost of developing the property was, Ilkay said it would be in the tens of millions to build the neccessary infrastructure. He declined to say what it would cost to buy a property there. “I can’t tell you what the prices will be because we’re not there yet,” he said. “It’s critically important that the first phase is priced attractively enough so it moves.”
– When asked about the market for such a development, Ilkay said he thought the property presented a “real opportunity.” He said it would not be developed with a golf course. “There’s one amenity right now in public desire more than golf courses, and that’s a trail network,” he said. “You have the natural amenity of the lake. You have the natural amenity of hundreds of thousands of acres of Crown land immediately behind us. We do have these magnificent draws we do think will be very popular.” Later he added that the property would be landscaped to preserve its natural character.
– For fire protection, Ilkay said the development would have its own volunteer fire department once it gets built out enough. “Before it’s big enough to have its own, it burns,” said Area B director Loni Parker. Ilkay added that the need for insurance provided an incentive for fire protection, such as sprinklers. “If you can’t insure it, you can’t sell it,” Ilkay said.
– Hunting will not be permitted on the property.
– Wildlife corridors have been mapped out and taken into consideration for the plans, said Alexandra de Jong Westman, the environmental consultant working on the project. Signage will be put in place to educate residents about wildlife in the area. A wildlife management strategy will be developed over time. “Those management strategies are going to be developed over time as the project progresses,” Westman said.
– A large general store will be built near the ferry dock. It will feature groceries, a coffee shop, deli counter, pizza over and more, said Ilkay. “Everything from eggs to real estate will be sold at this general store.”
– An amendment to the official community plan will be required to proceed. Currently the Area B OCP allows for a 143 acres minimum parcel size for rural resource areas and 9.98 acres for rural holdings. “The only way it’s going to happen is if it has broad support,” said Ilkay. “There’s no way we can provide the type of amenities that would make it viable project and are appealing in a 60 lot project. The math couldn’t work.” Andy Parkin, a member of the Area B Advisory Planning Commission said he thought there were too many units for the development to be permitted, considering what is stipulated in the OCP.
– Peter Bernacki, the owner of Nu-Trend Construction, expressed his support. “I’m grateful that you and your team have this project because the neighbour to the south did a disastrous job,” he said, referring to the clear-cutting done by Sage Investments, the owners of the nearby Eagle Bay lands.
Ilkay said that he would begin going through the public zoning process shortly. If it doesn’t get approved he said it could either be maintained as a rural resource or divided into 36 large holdings.
“It is a great piece of property,” he said. “I certainly hope that doesn’t happen, but if it’s going to happen, I’d rather know sooner than later. You have to work with what you have.”
***
What do you think of the proposed development? Get your opinions on the record in a public forum by leaving a comment below.
