Allan Patton said he was shocked after witnessing the first real test case of the Regional Growth Strategy (RGS).

Owners of land at Vaseux Lake have been given an amber light to proceed to the next stage of getting permission to develop after heated debate at Regional board table today. A unnamed developer is hoping to build 12 residences, a winery and a vineyard on the land immediately south of the Vaseux Lake corner on Highway #97.

Brad Elenko on behalf of the owners says the area is zoned C/T (Commercial/Tourist) at the lake side and AG (Agriculture) on the highway side to the east. Neighbouring parcels are owned by the Nature’s Trust and a number of RDOS directors said they want to keep the area pristine rather than allow more development.

Director Ron Hovanes said he agreed with the RGS when it was adopted calling for certain areas for expansion not the development of more housing away from a municipality and without any services on site.

The Board disagreed but the hurdles for the developer to get action on the site are still difficult as applications for a change to Area D’s Official Community Plan and a rezoning application still have to be made and agreed upon by rural directors alone.