Naramata Bench winery hotel proposal passes first test
20-room hotel proposed next to Poplar Grove Winery on Naramata Bench
Penticton city council voted unanimously Tuesday to throw its support behind a proposed boutique hotel on the Naramata Bench.
Should it go on to gain approval from the Agricultural Land Commission, and then rezoning from the city, The Inn at Poplar Grove would be four storeys in height, offering 20 guest rooms, all about 90 square metres in size.
The hotel, promoted as a centerpiece for agri-tourism, would be located at 468 Lower Bench Rd., adjacent to Poplar Grove Winery.
“This will benefit the community greatly. Visitors from all around the world will be able to enjoy everything Penticton has to offer,” applicant Tony Holler, who owns Poplar Grove, said during a 75-minute public hearing, prior to the vote.
“Wineries and vineyards are dependent on agri-business. Many tourists who have the financial resources to buy our product are not staying in Penticton, they’re staying in either Kelowna or Osoyoos. We want them to enjoy luxury accommodation here in Penticton and spend time and money on the Naramata Bench.”
Holler said many young people are leaving the area due to a lack of employment and believes tourism will keep them from moving out of town.
Objections came from neighbours who warned council supporting non-farm use of the land would be precedent-setting as other wineries and vineyards on the bench will soon want to offer the same.
Several suggested the hotel belongs in the downtown, where it would be closer to amenities such as shopping and restaurants. Others suggested complained the hotel will take up valuable farmland, which is at a premium.
“This is an internal contradiction with the community plan and a very dangerous precedent,” resident Denis O’Gorman said.
Mayor Andrew Jakubeit repeatedly asked presenters, “If this was a 10-unit proposal, would you have any objection?”
The developers said about 2,000 square metres of soil would be removed with the intention of replanting at least 1,400 square metres of the soil.
The hotel proposal was supported by the city’s agriculture advisory committee, chaired by Rod King.
“We have an advisory committee. They’re passionate about farming. We need to listen to their recommendations,” Coun. Judy Sentes said. Coun. Max Picton echoed her thoughts. “I don’t believe this is precedent-setting,” he said. “It’s not a very farmable property. The Naramata Bench is one of the most magnificent places on earth and people need to experience that.”
Coun. Helena Konanz said she understands the concerns of the neighbours.
“The boutique hotel will have a positive effect on Penticton as a whole,” she said. “We need to bring people in from other places and show them what real agriculture is.”