Concept artwork for the Commonage development project (Image Credit: Kerkhoff Develop-Build)

By Liam Verster

OCP Amendment First Reading

More steps required for proposed Commonage development to go forward

Mar 23, 2026 | 3:01 PM

A proposed major development in Vernon’s Commonage area received its initial go ahead, but still has much work to do before it can get shovels in the ground.

Kerkhoff Develop-Build has proposed building a neighbourhood located at 580 Commonage Road that would include 3,571 housing units, with 40 per cent of them to be set at attainable rates. The developer had previously proposed closer to 4,000 units but later revised the plan to reduce the number of units and their footprints to lessen the development’s encroachment on environmentally sensitive areas, and also committed to covering infrastructure costs.

The developer applied for an Official Community Plan (OCP) amendment in the first steps to move ahead with the project, and as part of that provided Vernon City Council with a preliminary lifecycle cost analysis.

Council received the application for the OCP amendment at the regular meeting Monday, March 23, where councillors raised some concerns.

Coun. Brian Guy stated he was unimpressed with the preliminary cost analysis report, stating a more thorough one would be needed to give a clearer view of the cost-benefits of the project. Coun. Kari Gares also agreed, though noted the plan was conceptual and that the report would have assumptions no matter what.

OCP Amendment First Reading

More steps required for proposed Commonage development to go forward

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Coun. Kelly Fehr also expressed concern about the precedent this project would set in building more sprawling neighbourhoods in Vernon rather than infill.

City staff recommended that council give the OCP amendment first reading, and then task the developer with coming back with a comprehensive lifecycle cost analysis, and that restrictive covenants regarding attainable housing be registered on the property. 

Despite the concerns, council voted unanimously in support of the recommendation, giving their initial approval for the project.

Council also voted in favour of holding a public hearing regarding this project before June 30, 2026.

More details to come.