Council supports, in principle, new 4,000 home development

Feb 10, 2025 | 6:36 PM

Vernon City Council held a lengthy discussion about a proposed residential development in the community, but did give it the initial okay.

At the regular meeting Monday, Feb. 10, council received a request for an Official Community Plan and Zoning amendments to develop a potion of the property at 580 Commonage Road to create 4,000 new homes. The plan said of those, 1,8000 would be set at affordable prices for low- and middle-income people to purchase.

The proposal sparked a long discussion at the council meeting Monday, Feb. 10.

Councillor Brian Quiring brought up that there have been wildfire risks at the proposed site, and recommended the developer take that into account in the planning of the properties.

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Mayor Victor Cumming said there were some much needed information that should be included in the public engagement process, such as full environmental assessments, maps and renderings, clarity on terms in “lease to own” agreements, and details about the timing of the amenities planned for the neighbourhood which include opportunities for child care facilities, community centre and retail shops. Cumming said that information was likely already available through the developer’s preliminary work, and suggested that be made available for open house and public engagement events.

He also said the city and public needed more clarity on the long term infrastructure costs involved in this project.

Councillor Brian Guy noted the area has ecological value that should be acknowledged by the developer in the planning stages, and raised concerns about the water and sewer servicing the area.

He added the proposal’s inclusion of a “community hub” was important, though noted there was “vagueness” in the proposal over who would build those and the time line for having those established. City staff said those details would be reviewed during future zoning planning.

Cumming then proposed some amendments to the initial public engagement process, asking for full clarity on the issues he brought up be included in the information provided to the public during open house events; details about wildfire insurance for the development; and concept images of the housing types planned for the site.

He also suggested having a “two step” process in the committee reviews where the budgets are proposed in one meeting and recommendations in a following meeting, and then have those recommendations and feedback from the public provided to council for further review.

Cumming also proposed the developer hold a second open house once all that information had been compiled so the public could learn more of the project and any changes that had been made as a result of the recommendations.

Councillor Teresa Durning agreed with the motion, saying this would allow the developer to have a better understanding of the information it should present to the public.

Councillor Kari Gares noted the request at the meeting was for support in principle, and there would be time for further reviews in the future, and added there is a need for housing that this development could fill.

Councillor Kelly Fehr indicated the cost analysis would be important to bring forward in the public engagement sessions so people can learn of the costs associated with infrastructure, emergency services and more, and balance that with the known need for more housing.

Council ultimately voted in favour of supporting the proposal, in principle, along with Cumming’s amendments.

Staff was then directed to work with the developer to schedule open house events so the public could learn more about the proposed project.

by Liam Verster

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