Kelowna city council has thrown its support behind a local winery’s bid to hold two large fundraisers on its property this summer.
But Kitsch Winery still needs the approval of the provincial agricultural Land Commission.
On Monday, council voted to support the events—one a celebration of the winery’s latest vintage which is expected to attract 500 people to the south-east Kelowna property in July and the other, a fundraiser for the annual Dream Car Rally on Aug. 3.
Provincial and city approval is required because the events are bigger than the 150-person maximum currently allowed under the ALC’s non-farm use of agricultural land policy.
The winery’ owners sought city approval for the same two event last year, but while they won it after agreeing to reduce the size of the events from 1,000 and 500 people respectively, they were too late in making their application to the ALC and had to hold the events at other locations.
Only Coun. Gail Given voted against supporting the application to the ALC, saying she was concerned about the impact the events on nearby residences.
The farm, on Neid Road, is close to the Hall Road subdivision.
To report a typo, email:newstips@kelownacapnews.com.
@KelownaCapNewsnewstips@kelownacapnews.comLike us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
