Earthworks at Frind Estate Winery. (photo credit: Frind Estate Winery/Facebook)

By Kevin Rothwell

Overland water issues

Work still on pause at Bella Vista winery property

Jun 9, 2021 | 6:00 AM

Full scale work on a vineyard property owned by tech mogul Markus Frind still hasn’t resumed as the City of Vernon’s community infrastructure and development team continues to work on storm water drainage.

The city ordered earthworks stopped in early February following complaints from neighbours about run-off and flooding from the site in the Bella Vista area onto adjacent properties.

The issue was compounded by heavy rain in January, and despite a dryer than normal spring, work still can’t go ahead.

“City staff continue to work with the property owner on the required storm water management plans. Limited work has been permitted on site during this time. At such time as all permitting requirements are met, the property owner will be able to resume full work activities on the site,” City of Vernon Communications and Grants manager Christy Poirier told Vernon Matters.

The 900 acre property stretches from just below the Rise Golf Course to above Bella Vista Road.

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The company had been shaping and grading the property to establish the vineyard.

Frind, the ‘Plenty of Fish’ dating site founder, also owns Frind Estate Beach Winery in West Kelowna on the former Bennett property.