The Regional District of the North Okanagan has given first reading to a zoning text amendment that is intended to help legalize a rhythmic gymnastics facility in East Vernon.
A renovated shed facility was turned into a gym on the agriculturally zoned property and found to be an illegal use by inspectors.
RDNO Chair Bob Fleming says they are actually working on two issues to make sure the facility can continue to operate.
“The zoning text amendment is an effort to specifically zone that property for that specific use, so that is moving that part of it towards compliance. There’s also the building inspection issue, which is also moving that towards compliance.”
RDNO has also supported an application by the owner Camille Martens for a non-farm use for the property to the Agricultural Land Commission.
“Staff is still working with the Martens to kind of move them through the process to get them compliant with each of these issues that arose on that property.”
Fleming says he and the board support the efforts of the operators to comply so the local Club can continue.
“It’s a facility that is obviously being used by a lot of people and it’s a bit unique obviously. That was part of the reason for moving the zoning text amendment forward was the unique nature of the enterprise.”