Quality homes, amenities, strong sense of community attract investors to Predator Ridge
Diversity of home types, prices, size ranges make this Okanagan development stand out
It has become common practice for a new residential development to be marketed as promoting a specific lifestyle, but the final product turning out pretty much the same as any other development — which ultimately mitigates its value as a reliable, long-term investment.
Predator Ridge, located just a short drive south of Vernon, is the exact opposite: a genuine community of beautiful, quality homes and an overwhelming amount of amenities, with every element intended to enhance its reputation as a place for active people who want to enjoy the outdoors.
In fact, everyone from empty nesters to sport enthusiasts and snowbirds consider buying into Predator Ridge the best investment they’ve ever made, and they continue to be delighted by its smalltown camaraderie and the palpable sense that their needs are always attended to.
Two factors have prevented Predator Ridge from becoming just another housing project. First, it has evolved slowly: for 27 years, to be exact. “We began life as a golf course, then evolved into a golfing community, and today, although our two 18-hole courses are more popular than ever, that’s just a fraction of the activities we offer,” says Brad Pelletier, senior vice president of Wesbild Holdings Ltd., Predator Ridge’s owner.
The second factor that has made and maintained Predator Ridge’s uniqueness is its hands-on management. “We’ve always been eager to attract people who are physically active, but we’re also mindful that tastes change,” says Pelletier. “That’s why in addition to golf we created walking and biking trails, tennis courts, swimming and workout facilities, restaurants — in short, something for everyone.”
Pelletier and his colleagues abide by an ambitious goal: to provide the community with three new elements yearly, “That’s why you can now enjoy a game of pickleball on one of four courts and beautiful lavender fields that we recently cultivated,” he says. “This demonstrates confidence to our residents — as well as prospective new buyers.”
Add to this a judicious amount of new home construction — about 50 are added to Predator Ridge yearly — and you have the perfect recipe for a safe, long-term investment. “We deliver on our promises, and homeowners can be assured that the desirability of their neighbourhood will be maintained,” says Pelletier. “We even cut and weed everyone’s lawn, because we want to keep up the best of appearances. This works out well for them, because it enables them to have a garage full of toys, not tools.”
This degree of care is understandable, given the quality of construction that Wesbild puts into the homes and their handsome appointments, such as those found in its Affinity series: chef ’s kitchens with expansive islands and stainless steel appliances; hardwood flooring throughout the great rooms, dens, and foyers; and even heated floors in the en suites of the dual upstairs bedrooms.
Diversity of home types, sizes, and price ranges has also helped Predator Ridge distinguish itself from other communities, and when pressed to disclose what series of homes he is particularly fond of, Pelletier replies, “I’m proud of the Commonage detached and semi-detached homes and ranchers. The ranch style architecture blends in beautifully with the surroundings, and we’re augmenting it with over 27 acres of dedicated park space.”
As for the lifestyle elements, they have made Predator Ridge recognized around the world. Residents enjoy 12.5 kilometres of biking specific trails,
with gradual climbs in a forested setting. There is also shuttle access to the new 48.5-kilometre Okanagan Rail Trail that takes cyclists from Vernon to Kelowna, along the lakefront, creeks, and through unique natural habitat. In addition, over 35 kilometres of trails are well maintained on property, with picnic tables and an abundance of scenic vistas.
There’s much more. Commons Park is a 3.5-acre retreat that contains the pickleball courts, as well as tennis courts, a playground and plenty of relaxing spaces; for those seeking sustenance, they can enjoy the Range Lounge & Grill as well as Pallino’s, an Italian bistro.
Of course, being located in the Okanagan, Predator Ridge homeowners have quick access to wineries, skill hills, and cultural events; and Kelowna International Airport is just a 25-minute drive away.
Finally, with prices starting at under $700,000 for a four-bedroom home, Wesbild has ensured that Predator Ridge is accessible to a wide range of outdoor lovers. Pelletier says, “We’ve ensured that everything is in place at Predator Ridge, and we’ll continue to enhance its appeal. As an investment, I can’t imagine a more attractive prospect.”