The Commonage property where the 3,500 home development is proposed. (Image Credit: Kerkhoff Develop-Build)

By Liam Verster

Environmental Sensitivity, Infrastructure Costs

Developer of proposed multi-thousand unit neighbourhood addresses public concerns

Mar 6, 2026 | 1:49 PM

Kerkhoff Develop-Build said it has heard from the public and that environmental conservation is “at the very core of the proposed plan to build a new residential community.” 

The developer has drafted and submitted a revised proposal for major housing development proposed in Vernon’s Commonage area. The revised plan focuses on preserving environmentally sensitive areas by reducing the number of planned units to 3,500 new units, 1,400 of which would be offered at below-market rates, having smaller footprint units so as to not encroach on sensitive lands or steeper slopes. The revised plan also provided more clarity on water and sewer systems and road extensions, and saw the developer promise to contribute millions of dollars to fully cover the new water infrastructure.

Despite the revised plan being released after being submitted to the City of Vernon, the company said there was still public commentary against the proposed project and the possible impact it would have on environmentally sensitive lands, and issued a new release to address those concerns.

“We welcome comment and debate based on facts, but commentary that tells only half the story is counter productive. It doesn’t lead to a true and accurate understanding of what’s proposed as this important land use decision is made,” Leonard Kerkhoff, President and CEO of Kerkhoff Develop-Build, stated.

“Several myths, including flawed predictions of environmental and wildlife ruin, fail to mention our now upgraded environmental plan which protects 64 per cent of the entire property as a preserve that will be protected from development in perpetuity. Three hundred acres of that preserved land would also become public parkland. And most importantly, the amended submission now also includes saving all of the most environmentally sensitive ESA 1 category portions of the 580 Commonage property. This is a significant benefit to the environment when compared to the existing zoning.”

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The developer added that the property is privately owned with no environmental preservation requirements in place, but despite this the plan would still be to only develop a third of the available area.

Kerkhoff Develop-Build said recent public discourse also focused on infrastructure costs to the taxpayers, but again reaffirmed that the company would be covering those costs and not putting the burden on residents.

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