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Summerland council sinks private dock proposal for lake shore

‘Historically that area has been a water playground for everyone, not just a fortunate few’
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The structure, proposed to be built in front of the Lakeshore Racquets Centre, drew plenty of public opposition. (Photo/District of Summerland)

Plans for a 32-slip private dock as part of the Oasis development on Lakeshore Drive were unanimously voted down by Summerland council Monday (July 25).

The structure, proposed to be built in front of the Lakeshore Racquets Centre, drew plenty of public opposition.

Staff told council 162 pieces of correspondence were received, with 21 in support and 141 opposed.

Coun. Doug Holmes raised questions over Oasis residents believing the dock was already approved and the developer claiming it was part of the original plans.

“But if you look at the developer’s website you’ll see the original conceptual drawing, and in that you’ll see there is no dock, no wharf, no marina of any sort,” he said.

Holmes added when council rezoned the property three years ago to allow the condo build, questions were asked by council and the public about potential plans for a dock.

“It was an unequivocal no.”

Coun. Richard Barkwell echoed Holmes’ comments.

“They want, without any compensation, to impinge on the area that rightly belongs to the racquet club,” said Barkwell. “It defies logic to see this large dock over there, and the public has certainly spoken.”

Barkwell also noted concerns about the impact that boating activity might have on Rotary Beach.

“My own sister was hit and killed by a boat. It can happen.”

Mayor Toni Boot said both present and previous councils have striven to increase livability for Summerland residents as a whole.

“Historically that area has been a water playground for everyone, not just a fortunate few,” she said.

The developer can resubmit its application again in six months, or provide a rationale to the district to waive the waiting period.

READ MORE: Construction continuing on Oasis development in Summerland

READ MORE: Summerland council seeking speed limit change on Highway 97


@GaryBarnes109
gary.barnes@kelownacapnews.com

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Gary Barnes

About the Author: Gary Barnes

Recently joined Kelowna Capital News and WestK News as a multimedia journalist in January 2022. With almost 30 years of experience in news reporting and radio broadcasting...
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