Future of Kelowna Springs site in limbo
Developer Denciti Group and its plans to redevelop the Kelowna Springs golf course into an industrial and commercial property are in limbo after a motion by Kelowna city councillor Luke Stack to re-examine the future land use of the property got the backing of his fellow councillors.
The Denciti Group, a development company that claims a long history in Kelowna, said in a media release last week, that it completed the purchase of the 104.6 acre Kelowna Springs golf course site last fall.
Denciti said its decision to move ahead with the purchase of Kelowna Springs was based partially on the failure last summer of a motion by Stack to retain the site’s use as recreational.
The company said it placed the Penno Road site under contract for purchase in January, 2022 and completed the sale last fall.
The property at 480 Penno Rd. has been a bone of contention for Kelowna city council since city planning staff recommended five years ago the property’s future use be designated industrial in the Official Community Plan. That status was enshrined in the OCP when it was unanimously passed by city councillors last year.
In its media release, Denciti said it intends to moved ahead with turning the golf course into an industrial and commercial development although it may retain a portion of the property for recreational use.
“We have a long history in Kelowna and the Central Okanagan region and we understand the significance of this property in its size and location,” said Denciti Development Corp. CEO Garry Fawley.The company claims a thirdparty environmental assessment “confirmed 480 Penno Road site is not a wetland and the wetland boundary is entirely outside of the development area,” although in the media release, Fawley claims “environmental considerations will be a key driver in planning.”
However, Coun. Stack has said previously the golf course is adjacent to a significant wetland and is one of a number of golf courses in the city that have been redeveloped, reducing the amount of green space available to residents.