Council to debate future of Kelowna Springs lands on Monday

Photo: Kelowna Springs

The future of Kelowna Springs Golf Course will be determined, at least in part, by city council Monday.

At issue, a resolution to change the future land use of the golf course on Penno Road from industrial to private recreational.

The future land use of the popular golf course was changed from parks and open space to industrial in the latest 2040 Official Community Plan adopted earlier this year, sparking outrage from the golfing community.

That change resulted in an offer to purchase the course from a Lower Mainland company.

At a recent council meeting, Coun. Luke Stack asked that staff provide the rationale behind the change.

Planning staff indicated it was owners of the course who approached the city asking for a potential land use change, suggesting the golf course wouldn't be around in 20 years.

Staff stated the location of the golf course in an area partially surrounded by industrial property making it an ideal location for the growing need and demand for industrial, storage and warehouse space in the city over the next 20 years.

Council voted 4-3 at a previous meeting asking staff to bring back an amendment to the OCP returning the property to private recreational.

Council will vote on that amendment Monday.