A proposal to allow for the construction of a hotel at Julia Street and Rosedale Avenue in Summerland has received its first two readings.
The Official Community Plan and zoning amendments are for 9514 and 9518 Julia St. and 14406 and 14408 Rosedale Ave. The site is near the intersection of Rosedale Avenue and Highway 97.
The proposal is for a four-storey, 51-room hotel and a six-storey, 84-unit apartment building. The apartments would be rental units, not part of a strata development.
In a report to Summerland council, Brad Dollevoet, director of development services for the municipality, said the site is within an existing single-family area, but adjacent to existing tourist commercial designated areas.
He said Rosedale Avenue is a collector road in the community’s Official Community Plan and Highway 97 is the only arterial designated road in Summerland.
He added that the need for a new hotel near the downtown core has been identified as a priority in Summerland. Where the community has the Summerland Waterfront Resort as well as other motels and inns, a larger facility is needed.
“The lack of a larger hotel in the downtown core is a barrier to hosting events, sports tournaments, as well as supporting our existing tourism operators and wineries,” the report stated. “A hotel located in proximity to the downtown can also support downtown businesses by bringing new visitors to the community.”
The proposed apartment building is intended to add to Summerland’s housing supply, with a mix of one-bedroom and two-bedroom units. These units are not intended to be age-restricted or geared to seniors, Dollevoet said.
Summerland’s 2021 Housing Needs Assessment noted the community needed an additional 772 housing units since the 2016 census. In addition, there were 445 households, or four per cent, in core housing need in 2016.
“A greater proportion of renter households are in core housing need, which has increased by 15 per cent over past census periods,” Dollevoet said.
Members of Summerland council believe the proposed hotel would be an amenity to Summerland.
“We know that we need more affordable housing,” said Coun. Janet Peake. “I think this is a very useful addition to the community.”
Coun. Adrienne Betts said the facility would also help when Summerland hosts tournaments and other events.
Coun. Marty Van Alphen also spoke in support of the proposal.
“I think it would be a real added plus to our community,” he said. “It’s much needed at that area.”
Council gave unanimous support to the first two readings of the bylaws for this development. A public hearing will be held on Jan. 16.
