Pair of Peachland condo developments clear first hurdle

Photo: District of Peachland

A, 84-unit condo development proposed in Peachland, across from the Elementary School

Peachland council Tuesday evening pushed a pair of large condo developments through to public hearings.

The projects, proposed by Porchlight Developments, are planned for the site of Todd’s RV and Campground and across from Peachland Elementary.

Peachland Centre condos

The proposal for an 84-unit, four-storey condo building off Clements Crescent behind the Peachland Centre shopping plaza was met with skepticism by some around the council table.

“I have so many concerns with this proposal, I hardly know where to begin,” said Coun. Keith Fielding.

He said it was “completely inappropriate” for the developer to propose that the municipality spend some of the development service charges collected in relation to the project on a grant program for first time home buyers. Fielding suggested the District of Peachland has done its share on the issue of housing affordability.

He said he was also worried about the impacts of traffic and the loss of trees.

Coun. Terry Condon was on the same page, calling the grant proposal a “diversion.” He shared traffic concerns, said 84-units is too big for the area, and added he was worried about flood risk from nearby Trepanier Creek.

The rest of council, however, were more receptive to the plan.

“We are desperately in need of some attainable housing,” said Coun. Patrick Van Minsel, calling it a “well thought-out plan.”

Coun. Pam Cunningham said the district should seriously consider the housing affordability grant proposal.

“This is a unique idea, obviously, with the grant. But keep in mind, we’ve given property for seniors affordable housing… we’ve waived all the charges for the elderly, now it's time to do something for young families that can’t afford to buy a house.”

Mayor Cindy Fortin echoed those statements, arguing that council needs to help families get a foothold in the community.

“If we don’t do something to help young families get established… we’re not going to be able to manage in 5-15 years, we are going to have property taxes so high to keep this place [the] resort town it's going to turn into.”

Council voted to send the proposal to a public hearing, with both Couns. Condon and Fielding opposed.

Todd’s Campground condos

Porchlight Developments is proposing to construct a half dozen six-storey condo buildings and four single-family homes — totalling 46 units — at the Todd’s Campground site at the north end of the community.

Council voted unanimously to send the development to public hearing, while voicing some concerns.

Coun. Fielding suggested a condo development doesn’t fit the resort designation for the property in the Official Community Plan.

“Is this really related to tourism? I can’t see that connection myself,” he said.

Coun. Mike Kent countered that it is a good thing that the land will be utilized year round, rather than the current seasonal campground.

Mayor Fortin lamented the loss of Todd’s Campground after 60 years in the community.

“My heart aches to see the campground go. But my head says that you guys have every right to sell this property,” she said.

The mayor said she raised the issue of the municipality or regional district buying the campground, but “it’s just not feasible for a local government to spend this kind of money on keeping a campground for sentimental reasons.”

Public hearings will be held for both projects at a later date.

Photo: District of Peachland

The development proposal for the Todd's Campground site.