Lumby building lots hit the market

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New Lumby building lots come on stream.

ORIGINAL: The demand for new homes could have consumers looking to Lumby in the future.

There continues to be a significant shortfall of rental and affordable housing options in the North Okanagan, and the village’s council has been taking steps to remove barriers for new housing developments.

“Lumby is a quiet but progressive village working hard in many ways to provide housing so that, as our families grow, they can stay in our community. We have already made major changes to our zoning bylaws and are continuing to look for new ways to improve and keep up with demand,” Mayor Kevin Acton told Vernon Matters.

The Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) housing needs assessment states:

The RDNO is home to approximately 84,300 people living in 40,000 dwellings;
RDNO population is older (49.5 years) than the B.C. average (43 years);
The housing stock is quite old, with only 13 per cent of dwellings constructed since 2001;
The region’s growth is completely dependent upon migration as natural deaths outpace births within the region;
12 per cent of the region’s households are in core need, with affordability being the main challenge;
There are a significant number of households with three or more bedrooms, occupied by only two people. These households may want to downsize but there is not a lot of suitable homes for them to move into within their community. Additional small format two bedroom plus a den, townhomes and larger apartments would provide that diversity that is currently missing;
The region is expected to add roughly 300-350 households each year over the next 20 years. Based on our demographics and projected needs, 50 percent of those dwellings should be two bedroom apartment, townhouse or small homes; 25 per cent 1-1.5 bedroom apartments and per cent 3+ single family dwellings;
The biggest challenge the region is facing is a backlog in unmet need for affordable housing units ($500-$1000/month rent range), specifically for one-person households in the age range of 45-64.

High Mountain Homes and Lands is underway with phase one of “The Edge” development on a ten acre parcel on the outskirts of Lumby at 1700 Mountain View Avenue.

The mountainside development will consist of 11 single family lots, 15 duplexes, six rental four-plexes and potential for another 30 to 40 more homes in a final phase.

High Mountain Homes and Lands is a partnership between David and Robert Borden.

The Borden family are no strangers to development having owned and operated Coldstream Meadows for many years.

Submitted photos’ High Mountain Homes and Lands

“The rental stuff we plan to roll our next year. Apparently the rental vacancy rate in Lumby is zero, so this will give us an opportunity to provide some more housing options in the area,” co-developer David Borden said.

Photo submitted Village of Lumby

Both Gallon Avenue and Schunter Drive are proposed to be extended to accommodate the development.

Developer David Borden talks to Vernon Matters Business Editor Kevin Rothwell about “The Edge.”

The company hasn’t determined pricing yet as a result of volatile prices for fuel, and materials, but hopes to have more attractive pricing than buyers can find in Vernon.

An office is now open on Vernon Street (Main) in downtown Lumby in the former post office building.

by Kevin Rothwell

Lumby building lots hit the market

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