New Commonage neighbourhood unites past and present for a beautiful future

It’s always been difficult to describe Predator Ridge to those who haven’t had the experience of arriving here after landing at the Kelowna International Airport, just a 25-minute drive away. Surrounded by the vast sky and the blue Monashee Range, you open the car door and inhale the pure, sweet air of the high grassland plateau. Wherever you’ve come from, it’s now a long way away – along with whatever stress that may have plagued you until just a few minutes ago.

But what’s it like to live here? Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of interviewing many welcoming Predator residents, and I’m always touched by the way they describe their home.

“People take care of each other here.” “It’s paradise.” “It’s like Bali.” “It’s the Provence of Canada.” “We travelled all over the world… and decided this is where we wanted to retire.” And perhaps my favourite of all time: “They say every place has its share of [rhymes with brass bowls]. But if there is one here, I still haven’t met him.”

Since its launch more than 25 years ago, Predator has gone from being best known as a world-class golf destination to so much more. It an ideal home base for those seeking a mild climate and a fourseason outdoor lifestyle, with easy access to lake sports, a vast network of hiking and biking trails, downhill and Nordic skiing and snowboarding, and dedicated cycling clubs for all levels of experience and fitness. Predator’s impeccably equipped fitness centre opens onto the spectacular outdoors in summer and becomes the social heart of the resort when the golf clubhouse closes for the winter. There is even a booming bocce ball league.

The Okanagan’s wine and food culture continues to be a major attraction, and all the health care, cultural and shopping amenities of the city are within an easy drive.

Launching this spring and summer, the new Commonage neighbourhood will make this unparalleled lifestyle available to an additional 200 families.

Built on the rolling hills overlooking the ridge, the Commonage will feature 27 acres of dedicated park space, including a dazzling 3.5-acre lavender field developed in partnership with UBC Okanagan. Adding to the resort’s already rich amenities are a dog park, an extended trail system, tennis and pickle ball courts, more outdoor yoga platforms and natural wildlife habitat reserves.

The Commons recreational area will also include playgrounds and grass fields, creating a natural destination for visiting grandchildren from all of Predator’s neighbourhoods.

“These homes aren’t even built yet, and they’re already generating excitement and interest,” says property specialist Dick Zokol. “People can see what we’ve demonstrated in the past, and the leap of faith necessary to buy in a new neighbourhood is a lot smaller because they can see what we’ve been able to deliver in other neighbourhoods like Whitetail. It was such a massive success, and two years later, the community is thriving. It’s almost built out, and it’s sold out.”

The Commonage architecture and name is inspired by the land’s history as winter grazing pastures shared by First Nations and early settlers, as well as by the deep sense of community that defines Predator Ridge. A classic, modern-ranch inspired design invites interactions between neighbours and with family, with front porches and open outdoor entertainment spaces that flow seamlessly from the living areas.

“There is a great, long vista from many of the lots,” adds property specialist Claire Radford, one of Predator’s earliest residents. “It’s a different exposure than we’ve offered here before – some of the homes look over the golf course right down to the Mackay Reservoir.”