A proposed cluster development, between Garnett Valley and Highway 97, passed second and third readings with unanimous municipal council support following a public hearing on Tuesday.
Patrick Murphy, the developer of the Hunters Hill neighbourhood plan, said the development has been in the works for the past 10 years.
The initial plan called for the development of the site into one-hectare lots, but the developers later chose to go with a cluster option. “We believe it to be in Summerland’s best interests,” Murphy said.
Half of the 69-hectare site is being donated to the municipality for park land.
“I’m really excited that we are able to get a park out of it,” said Jordan Said during the public hearing.
Others said the housing plan is needed since Summerland has a shortage of homes on the market.
“A lack of housing in Summerland… is cited as a barrier to living here,” said Christine Petkau, executive director of the Summerland Chamber of Commerce.
Vickie Ohmenzetter, a real estate agent, said some people interested in relocating to Summerland have moved elsewhere in the region because of the lack of houses on the market.
“We can’t find them what they need,” she said.
Karen Martens, who lives near the proposed development, said she is excited about the neighbourhood plan, since it provides housing on land outside the Agricultural Land Reserve. “I really want to see something wonderful done here, for the whole town,” she said.
While members of council liked the cluster development, several raised concerns about the possible effects of the development. Coun. Erin Carlson and Coun. Richard Barkwill both raised concerns about the effects of wastewater and septic fields over the long term.
“A lot will depend on the environmental assessment,” added Coun. Doug Holmes.
Mayor Peter Waterman said the development concept has merits, but added, “We have extensive environmental impact concerns.”
