Council OK with new subdivision
A new residential subdivision dubbed The Ridge went before Penticton city council, Tuesday.
Located on 18 hectares of land west of the Sendero Canyon subdivision, if approved the property will include 100 new single- and two-family homes, two parks, a protected environmental area, a trail that connects with the Penticton Creek walkway, plus a view of both lakes.
It was originally part of the Columbia Heights neighbourhood plan penned in 1997. The original plan included space for a school, which will be dropped from this proposal due to a lack of student enrollment.
City planner Blake Laven said an open house held Oct. 30 attracted 80 residents with the three most common concerns being traffic, construction disturbance and the loss of trees.
“There was a lot of support for this development, they just want assurances that it will be done in a proper way,” Laven told council.
Laven said a one-for-one replanting will take place for the 247 trees that will be removed during construction. He said an environmental review as well as consultation with the Penticton Indian band have both taken place. Traffic calming measures will be provided by the developer.
The $54-million project will benefit the city with $1.75 million in development charges, $300,000 in annual taxes and $650,000 in permit values.
Coun. Campbell Watt praised Laven for what he called “a really well-done presentation that answered all of my questions.”
Mayor Andrew Jakubeit believes this subdivision has all kinds of potential.
“Sendora Canyon and Skaha Hills are selling out; this would certainly be another option for housing in the community,” Jakubeit said.
Council voted 6-1 in favour of the project moving ahead to a public hearing on Tuesday, Feb. 7, at 6 p.m. Anyone in the public may speak to council about the project. Correspondence will also be accepted at City Hall from anyone with concerns or opinions.
Coun. Tarik Sayeed was the lone dissenting vote, questioning if a one-to-one replacement ratio for trees is adequate. He suggested it should first go before the city’s community and sustainability committee.