Mission Hill project proceeds

A controversial 12-home development on the lower slopes of Mount Boucherie can proceed, West Kelowna council has decided.

Despite misgivings, council this week authorized Emil Anderson Construction and Dilworth Homes to begin work on the project.

“I have no choice on this and quite frankly it bothers me substantially,” Coun. Rick De Jong said. “It leaves me shaking my head and feeling very poorly.”

“This is beyond our control,” said Coun. Carol Zanon. “It may be legal, but it’s not justice for our residents.”

Residents of established neighbourhoods were concerned about the developer’s plan to provide access to the new homes through two lanes. The lanes are fairly narrow, and residents expressed concerns about safety and additional traffic.

However, the accesses were approved by the Ministry of Highways in a development plan for Mission Hill that dates back to the early 1990s, long before the City of West Kelowna was incorporated.

Denying the necessary approval for the project, council heard from municipal staff, could invite costly legal action from the developers.

Coun. Rusty Ensign said he sympathized with residents of Apple Way Boulevard and Golden View Drive. But he also praised the developer for agreeing to widen the lanes and take other measures to mitigate the impact of the new project on established neighbourhoods.

“They did what they didn’t have to do,” Ensign said, praising both companies as longestablished, reputable builders.