The gateway to Coldstream is being eyed for development.
A two-acre parcel between Dutch’s Campground and the Alpine Centre on Kalamalka Road is for sale and changes are in the works to make it more desirable for potential buyers.
“We get ongoing complaints on the looks of it,” said Mayor Jim Garlick of the property that is used for piling snow and currently houses a rental home and RVs for sale.
“The other thing I get is, it’s the entrance to the community and what’s the plan for it.”
At the request of the listing real estate agent (Craig Broderick, a former District of Coldstream staff member) a covenant is being removed on the property which would open up the possible land uses.
Currently the property has two covenants on title, which are in conflict with each other.
Coldstream has agreed to remove one of the covenants, and will consider removing the other if and when a development proposal for the property comes forward.
“It’s still maintaining ultimate control in council’s hands what goes there,” said Coun. Maria Besso.
Now the property is restricted to rental cabins only (minus a .49 acre northern portion of the property), but council is willing to re-examine removing the covenant if a buyer for the property is found.
Broderick requested that both covenants be removed, as it would make the property more appealing to potential buyers.
“These documents (covenants) are barriers to sale and subsequent development of this important site which is at one of the entrances to the District of Coldstream,” said Broderick.
As one of the few commercial properties in Coldstream, Broderick says the property could generate increased tax dollars and economic spin-offs for the community.
“The underlying zoning (C2 – highway and tourist commercial) would allow for a range of uses that could bring substantial investment to the District of Coldstream.”
He has had queries for a variety of uses on the site, including a yoga/wellness studio, professional offices and cafe/restaurant.
Oddly enough, Broderick admits the two contradictory covenants that were put in place were likely during his tenure as director of development services at the district.
“That was an oversight from staff, which was probably me at the time. But it’s problematic in my role now.”
