5-storey project approved for Peachland waterfront

Town council clears way for building that critics said is too tall for Beach Avenue

The tallest building in Peachland — a five-storey waterfront development on Beach Avenue — cleared the last hurdle Tuesday night with council’s final approval of the controversial project.

Council voted 5-2 to amend the official community plan, which had set a height limit of three storeys on the scenic lakeside street, so Peachtree Village can proceed.

Supporters described the project as attractively designed, and said it would bring more vibrancy to downtown and serve as an important signal that Peachland welcomes new investment.

“If we don’t move forward and progress, this town is going to stall out,” Mayor Cindy Fortin said.

“I believe the people that elected us in 2014 were looking for change, and I also believe that change was, ‘Let’s get some new development into the new community,’” said Coun. Keith Thom.

Although the project required a change to the OCP, a majority of councillors said that was not a particularly unusual development.

An OCP, Coun. Mike Kent said, is a “malleable” document that can be amended to reflect a community’s changing priorities and goals. And he noted Peachtree Village would be only 2.7 metres higher than the existing Gateway building farther north on Beach Avenue.

“We have to be flexible. Otherwise, we’re not going to get any new development,” said Coun. Pam Cunningham.

More than 300 people attended a public hearing on Peachtree Village last month, with most who spoke opposing the project. Critics said it was simply too tall for the street and wanted council to abide by the three-storey limit for new buildings.

“We have seen an overwhelming number of people endorse the idea that it should be two or three storeys on Beach Avenue,” said Coun. Terry Condon.

“This is not the right fit for the District of Peachland,” agreed Coun. Mario Vucinovic, who with Kent voted against the Peachtree Village proposal.

In favour were Fortin, Cunningham, Kent, Thom and Coun. Peter Schierbeck.

Schierbeck said he didn’t necessarily like the idea of a five-storey building on Beach Avenue but accepted that Peachtree Village is “a very attractive building.”

The development, in the 5500 block of Beach Avenue, will have ground-floor shops, second-floor offices and three storeys of residences with a total of 10 suites.