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Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park may grow by about 150 acres if a proposed expansion of City of Penticton limits moves forward.
City council directed staff Tuesday to get the ball rolling on obtaining residents approval for the Skaha Bluffs annexation, about 300 acres of property east of the north end of Skaha Lake.
The property is currently uninhabited, but has space for about 180 housing units, proposed to be built by a developer. The homes would bring an estimated $500,000 in tax revenue to the city.
When news of the possible expansion first broke in February, recreational users were anxious about what the development might mean to the area. It was always private land, but was frequented by hikers and rock climbers.
On Tuesday the developer announced their intention to formally gift about half the block to Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park.
A presentation from Penticton special projects manager Ben Johnson stated the donation would create the possibility for new maintained trails and conservation opportunities.
BC Parks has voiced support for the idea, according to the report.
The City of Penticton will be using the alternate approval process to gain voter approval for the annexation. That will see the city formally declare its intentions, giving the public the opportunity to voice opposition. Ten per cent of voters need to oppose the idea to kill it.
That process will be taking place in October, but the majority of the technical work and community engagement on the housing development will be taking place in early 2018.
