Okanagan Gondola is being proposed by the Kelowna-based development company, Ridge North America, on 100 hectares off Bailey Road in the Regional District of North Okanagan's Electoral Area B. (submitted image)

By Pete McIntyre

$50 million plan

Gondola plan receives third reading from RDNO board

Oct 18, 2023 | 5:00 AM

UPDATE: Oct. 19

Staff at the Regional District of North Okanagan say both the official community plan and zoning amendment bylaws for the Okanagan Gondola received third reading at the RDNO board meeting on October 18.

“There are conditions still required to be met prior to final adoption of the bylaws,” Ashley Bevan, deputy corporate officer told Vernon Matters. “Those conditions are outlined in a resolution from the July 19, 2023 board meeting, which can be found on our website. One of those conditions was amended at the board meeting on Wednesday: condition 4.b to include “(subject to lower light intensity)” after the word “areas.””

Gondola plan before board for third reading
Oct. 18, 2023

A proposed multi-million dollar commercial-tourism venture south of Vernon will be looking to get another level of approval from regional politicians on Wednesday (Oct.18).

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Okanagan Gondola is being proposed by the Kelowna-based development company, Ridge North America, on 285 acres (100 hectares) overlooking Kalamalka Lake off Bailey Road in the Regional District of North Okanagan’s Electoral Area B.

The RDNO board passed second reading of both the rezoning and official community plan bylaw applications in December 2022. The requests still have to receive third reading and final approval before the project can proceed.

The proposal would include a gondola, zip lines, restaurants, retail sales, wedding and event venues, an amphitheatre, mountain biking and walking trails and agricultural activities. The investment in phase one is estimated at $50 million.

The applications will be before the RDNO board Oct. 18 for third reading which RDNO staff are recommending be approved.

A delegated public hearing into the proposed bylaw changes was held Oct. 5 by the RDNO.

Amanda Shatzko, chair of the Electoral Areas Advisory Committee, said in a report, there were eight people who spoke, and this was her summary of the points that were made:

• This will bring economic benefit to the region. Money is being invested in this region: wineries, etc, making it a tourist destination.
• Adding more amenities is beneficial to the entire community.
• Opportunity for the youth of the region and future generations to utilize this area for educational purposes.
• Respect for the planning department for not supporting the project.
• Environmental concerns: property has sloping terrain, moderate to high and very high environmental conservation use.
• Concerns regarding loss of habitat for at risk species.
• Concerns regarding Bailey Road, it needs an upgrade regardless of the proposal.
• Zoning for commercial is broad – request that the applicant post a covenant on the title, however should that covenant ever need to be rescinded by the applicant there should be an opportunity for public comment.
• Concerns regarding the lack of fire protection.
• Questions regarding the likelihood of the water system being extended.
• Concerns regarding remediation — who would be responsible for the remediation if the project does not succeed.
• In favour of reasonable and responsible development.
• Support and encourage inclusive and accessible experiences.
• Appreciate the shoulder season potential of the attraction.
• Support for the project but recognizes the concerns.

Shatzko said there were 17 written submissions received prior to the start of the hearing, with some in favour and some not, and the main points listed here.

• Supportive of the economic impact of the proposal including increase tourism and job creation.
• Supportive of the proposed outdoor recreational opportunities.
• Commending the applicants commitment to environmentally responsible development.
• Concerns regarding increased traffic at the Highway 97 and Bailey Road intersection.
• Concerns over increase car, bike, foot traffic at Predator Ridge and concerns regarding parking in the area.
• Concerns regarding light pollution and visual impact from Predator Ridge residents.
• Concerns regarding future use of the property if the proposal is approved.
• Concerns regarding the at risk species located on the property.
• Concerns regarding the proposed onsite water and wastewater disposal systems.
• Concerns that the approval would set a precedent for future commercial development in the area.