By Pete McIntyre

Change of course for former auto racing site

Apr 6, 2020 | 1:39 PM

The owners of a former North Okanagan auto racing facility have applied to rezone the site from commercial use to industrial.

The application from Okanagan Aggregates, which also includes an official community plan change, will be before Spallumcheen council at its regular meeting tonight.

“If the application is successful, the applicant may develop the property, as a whole, for industrial use, may explore a lease arrangement, or may apply to subdivide the property. Alternatively, the applicant may opt to sell the property for development by others,” a staff report to council said.

The site at 9531 Highway 97 has not been used for a race track for four years.

The track used to be known as Sun Valley Speedway and then became Motoplex Speedway, hosting high-level car racing events and concerts.

12 hectare blaze

Wildfire near Chase controlled

20h ago

Charger rollout

Phased approach planned for EV chargers at Vernon ALC

Apr 24, 2026

Secondary Dwellings

Coldstream considering more housing on agricultural lands

Apr 24, 2026

The nearby Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB) has several concerns with the proposed change when it met with staff of the township in March.

The band said water supply to residents in the surrounding area must be maintained and water quality must be protected.

“OKIB expressed concern that the proposed industrial development could reduce the water supply available from the underlying aquifer and industrial development could lead to negative impacts on water quality by introducing contaminants to the aquifer,” the report said.

OKIB also said any demolition of existing buildings and infrastructure should include proper remediation to ensure the process does not result in contamination of soils, surface water or groundwater.

The band was also concerned about additional traffic that would be generated by the development.

“Traffic within the development may contribute to dust and noise which could impact nearby residents,” the report added.

Spallumcheen staff is recommending council give the application first reading and to withhold second reading until the applicant has provided a report regarding water supply, storm water management, and aquifer protection, and provided an archaeological overview assessment; and held a public information meeting.

As the property is located within 800 metres of a highway, endorsement by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure will be required prior to final adoption of the zoning change.

by Pete McIntyre

View Comments