A massive housing and golf course development in Peachland has taken its next step.
Peachland council gave second reading to the development, which would see about 500 homes and a golf course built on Pincushion Mountain, dubbed ‘The Pines at Ponderosa’, moving it to a public hearing.
Plans for a Greg Norman-designed 18-hole course fell apart more than 10 years ago. Property ownership has changed since adoption of the original development plan.
Over the past two years, staff have been working with one owner, Romspen, to develop a revised phasing strategy to accommodate a revised development concept, consisting of approximately 445 housing units and a nine-hole “high caliber” golf course.
A previously envisioned plan, including a commercial, mixed-use village centre, winery, and hotel is no longer being considered for Romspen-owned properties.
A district staff report notes development of the golf course is to be built at the same time as residential units and needs to be completed by November 2025.
There is a requirement for the golf course to be transferred to the district if it fails to become operational.
The developer, Liberty Ridge Homes, held an open house on May 6 at the Peachland Community Centre, with around 130 people attending. Council, at its July 11 meeting, was told that some of the top questions asked were regarding when the course would open, whether there be discounts for residents of the neighbourhood, and whether there be road improvements.
According to the district, the developer would have to construct a road connecting Somerset Road and Ponderosa Drive.
In its presentation to council, Liberty Ridge Homes said that the vision is to “use the existing development template as a guide, create a beautiful, inclusive mountainside community with access to golf, as well as new trails, parks and amenities, all within a stone’s throw of the District of Peachland and all it has to offer.”
District staff consulted with the Central Okanagan School District, who after review, decided that if the project was to go through that a new school site of about six to eight acres should be constructed.
A date for the public hearing is yet to be announced. A land use analysis is also ongoing.
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@JakeC_16
Jake.courtepatte@kelownacapnews.com
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