Naramata Bench group applauds Penticton city council decision to deny rezoning

Photo: Casey Richardson

Society for the Preservation of the Naramata Bench protested outside City Hall before council started on Tuesday

The Society for the Preservation of Naramata Bench issued a statement on Wednesday in response to the unanimous decision by Penticton city council to deny Canadian Horizons’ rezoning application at 1050 Spiller Rd.

“In voting to prevent high-density housing from being built on the Naramata Bench, city council has acted in the best interest of all of Penticton, not just the farmers, wineries and residents of the Naramata Bench," David Kozier, society member and grape grower said in the statement.

“We all stand to benefit from the preservation of our tourism and agriculture economy and the careful environmental stewardship of this land for future generations.”

“We very much appreciate council and city staff’s thoughtful consideration of the important issues at stake and believe that councils’ decision has shown that Penticton believes in smart and sustainable development – not development at all costs.”

Canadian Horizons, the Vancouver company also behind Penticton's Sendero Canyon subdivision, had recently unveiled changes to its plans after receiving feedback, but some residents still voiced opposition to the project.

The development had narrowed down the total number of lots from 355 to "about 307" and included more conservation and park areas in the site plan.

Council determined the development still didn't fit the area, with one councillor describing it as “a city styled subdivision in a country setting."

“We applaud our councils’ leadership and thank the thousands of individuals who have voiced their support for this important cause,” Kozier said.