Kelowna

Between 50 and 100 people working on projects at Kelowna Mountain are about to receive their pink slips.

Lawyer Garry Benson, spokesman for the controversial multi-million dollar project, says the layoff notices will be issued to those working at the mountain if the Regional District goes ahead and adopts the South Slopes Community Plan.

Photo: Contributed

"If the Regional District passes the OCP, then the project has to stop," says Benson.

"Without the OCP, there are certain works that require provincial government approval. Once the OCP comes in they will require the Regional District's approval. No matter how many millions have been spent to date everything will come to a halt."

Benson says he has received the necessary approvals from the province, but he was not able to say just how many millions have already been spent.

He says the workers have been putting in the ski runs and ski lifts, suspension bridges, the waterfall and other amenities.

Developers of Kelowna Mountain met with the workers Monday and informed them their pink slips would be issued May 15.

The Kelowna Mountain project is the brainchild of developer Mark Consiglio.

It is proposed for a 259 hectare (640 acre) piece of property he owns just south of Kelowna City limits above the Upper Mission area and would include:

• A world class golf course
• Wineries
• Ski hill
• Mountain bike park
• Suspension bridges
• Commercial amenities, shops and restaurants
• Residential and resort accommodations

It is that project which prompted Okanagan East Regional Director, Patty Hanson, to ask Regional Board Chair Robert Hobson to excuse himself anytime the project came before the board.

She made the same request of  Director of Planning, Dan Plamondon.

Hanson stated both Hobson and Plamondon have "deliberately misled the board."

It's her feeling Hobson does not want any development on the South Slopes.

A public hearing on the South Slopes OCP will be held in Kelowna City Council Chambers next Monday, May 14 at 7 p.m.