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Hunters Hill plan approved

After earlier concerns about the Hunters Hill Neighbourhood Plan, municipal approved the concept on Monday evening.

After earlier concerns about the Hunters Hill Neighbourhood Plan, municipal approved the concept on Monday evening, but the decision was not unanimous.

The proposed development, between Garnett Valley and Highway 97, has three separate titles with a total of 69 hectares.

It can accommodate 35 to 40 lots of one hectare or larger.

Patrick Murphy, one of the developers of the project, described it as “a really amazing opportunity for Summerland.”

Speaking at a public hearing, Thor Clausen said he had concerns at first, but has since become a supporter of the concept.

“I think it would be a really good development for the property,” he said.

Some at the public hearing had concerns about the ability of the area to absorb additional water.

Lorraine Bennest said the bedrock will not absorb water, so downstream property owners will be affected.

“Ultimately, the taxpayer will have to pay to correct problems,” she said. “It has significant potential to add water to a challenging environment.”

Lisa Scott, a member of the Summerland Environmental Sciences Group, said the decision should be delayed until an adequate environmental study can be conducted.

Murphy said the low density of this proposed development would not result in the same drainage problems as have plagued property owners downhill from the Deer Ridge subdivision.

When the proposal came before council in September, several council members raised similar concerns about drainage in the area.

On Monday, Coun. Peter Waterman raised questions about the effects of water from the development on land in the area and on nearby properties.

A pair of bylaws to amend the Official Community Plan to add the Hunters Hill Neighbourhood Plan and to amend the designation of the lands received council approval, with Waterman opposed/

 



John Arendt

About the Author: John Arendt

John Arendt has worked as a journalist for more than 30 years. He has a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Journalism degree from Ryerson Polytechnical Institute.
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