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A development a decade in the making and one which struck a nerve with farmers in the Naramata area, resulting in petitions and many protests, has been nixed.
Penticton city council voted Tuesday afternoon against the proposed Vinterra Penticton development, which was slated for the hillside to the east of Naramata Rd. and north of Campbell Mountain Landfill.
Developer Canadian Horizons wanted to build 307 single family homes on a 50 acre parcel officially located at 1050 Spiller Road.
After a presentation and debate which lasted just over an hour with a short technical break, Mayor John Vassilaki and all five councillors present (Councillor Jack Kimberley is ill and has announced his resignation), voted against giving first reading for Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 2021-05 and Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2021-06.
A protest against the development in front of city hall provided a backdrop to council proceedings, which took place via Zoom.
“I would like to see us move forward as staff has presented,” said Campbell Watt to kick off council debate. “Ultimately, we are not saying yes or no to the project, we’re saying yes or no to public engagement.
“I think a full engagement process would allow our community to get all of the facts.”
But the development never made it that far.
“The tractor rally, the letters we’re receiving, and the wineries on the Naramata Bench I think quite strongly oppose this,” stated councillor Frank Regehr. “But to echo councillor Watt, although I believe there's misinformation on this project, there’s also legitimate and real concerns with some of the issues that are outstanding, and the impact this would have.
“I believe if we do a public consultation, that allows opportunity to clarify information and solutions.”
Canadian Horizons believed it would take 10 years to complete the project, which had the potential to create 1,000 jobs.
But there were many protests, and a petition against the development.
“We only get one chance to do this right. This is a great area, the Naramata Bench. The Naramata Bench has value. It brings value to the city,” said councillor Julius Bloomfield. “Now we are dealing with some of the challenges of that success because the land value has increased so much and we get this kind of pressure.
“There are people that are happy with 300-plus homes. I think the vast majority are acknowledging that development will happen, but they want it to be done well.”
Bloomfield went on to suggest a balanced approach that would see any development fit within the confines of the current zoning from a density point of view.
Councillor Katie Robinson appeared to base her decision on the density aspect.
“I really see this as an urban project that’s trying to move out into the country, and that’s why I feel so strongly that country residential, which is the zoning they already have, is the appropriate one for this project,” she stated. “I don’t want to lead anyone down a garden path nor do I want to put the area through all the stress and concern that comes with this.
“I think the developers need a clear message that this is not what our community is looking for.”
Mayor Vassilaki weighed in on the important topic.
“I won’t be voting in favour of going to first reading, and not because I don’t believe in the process, but I don’t believe the proponent should keep going forward and spending more money and the city spending even more on staff time,” said Vassilaki. “I have issues with the way this project stands.
“It's way too large for my standard for the Naramata Bench.”
Council voted to keep the current zoning as country residential.
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