Proposed building too high, residents complain

500 people sign petition against 5-storey mixed-use project in Peachland

Almost 10 per cent of Peachland residents have signed a petition against plans for a fivestorey building on Beach Avenue.

The mixed-use project, which includes 10,600 square feet of commercial and office premises and 10 residential units, is too large for the waterfront, critics say.

“The height of the building, at 55 feet (16.8 metres), is overwhelming for Beach Avenue,” says Dora Stewart of the Peachland Residents Association.

Peachland’s official community plan foresees buildings of just three storeys on Beach Avenue, Stewart says.

About 500 people, among Peachland’s 5,200 residents, have signed a petition that calls on council to reconsider its approval of the project, called Peachtree.

Council voted 6-1 in late June to grant third reading for the project, approving a number of variances, including one for the building’s height.

“It looks very good,” Coun. Peter Schierbeck said at the time. “I’m very much in favour of this as something that might help revitalize downtown.”

“I see this as a welcome addition to the downtown. It’s a beautifully designed building,” Mayor Cindy Fortin said. “It will stick out at first, but people will get used to it.” Coun. Terry Condon was the lone objector. “It’s inconsistent with the sustainable downtown plan we’ve built,” he said.

Fourth and final reading, to be considered at an upcoming council meeting, is usually a formality.