Housing plan will ruin Pinnacle golf course
DEAR EDITOR:
As a resident of Gallagher’s Canyon, I feel compelled to inform the residents of Kelowna, the Okanagan and tourists of a troubling new development that is being proposed on The Pinnacle Golf Course at Gallagher’s Canyon.
In November, the Canadian Retirement Corporation (CRC) and Burrard Group, communicated with the residents of Gallagher’s about their proposal to build a 4.5-storey, 40-unit condo apartment on the Pinnacle.
It will be situated on the highest point of the course between the fourth, sixth and seventh holes..
We were informed this development would minimally impact the popular, public course.
The multi-storey complex (Southeast Kelowna’s first) will stick out like a sore thumb on this beautiful course.
Part of the beauty and enjoyment of golfing at the Pinnacle is the scenic views, the nature and serenity. On any given day, you get to see deer, coyote, numerous birds and quails; even the odd snake.
Some of these species are endangered.
The developer wants to put a huge apartment block smack dab in the middle of this golf course. Unfortunately, the Burrard Group has made changes to other residential/golf communities in BC; the most recent at the Okanagan Golf Club.
The Pinnacle is very busy and continually enjoyed by a variety of golfers. It is played by all demographics; young, old, beginners, experienced, families, groups of men, women and couples. It is a great physical activity, source of socializing and wonderful for mental health. How fantastic it is to see three generations of a family on the course enjoying a couple of hours together outdoors. It has definitely been a great reliever of stress during the COVID19 pandemic.
The developer has indicated the development will have little impact to the golf course. This is so wrong. Not only will there be the huge building, but large surface areas will be required for residential, guest and service vehicle parking, as well as garbage, recycling and landscaped areas. The footprint required will be much larger than represented.
The developer is proposing a road into the complex between the fourth tee box and fairway.
Can you imagine waiting to tee off as vehicles, golf carts, pedestrians and dog walkers are crossing in front of you? This is a big safety issue for people and liability for the golfers.
Will the fourth and six holes eventually have to be changed from par 4s to 3s to ensure the safety of golfers and others? Imagine how many wayward shots will be hit resulting in injuries to people and damage to property?
Noise pollution, traffic congestion and adverse consequences to wildlife and endangered species will also be a result of the development.
I would urge anyone who is a golfer at the Pinnacle to write to Kelowna’s mayor and city council members and express your opposition to the development. Debbie Pypers, Kelowna