Development touted for Old Par-3 Site

By ROY WOOD

A proposal for a 176-unit residential and commercial development on the Old Par-3 Golf Course site made its first appearance before Osoyoos town council Monday.

The early plans call for 61 townhouses, 55 single-family homes and 60 condos on the vacant location just across Lakeshore Drive from the Walnut Beach Resort.

Developer Chris Moradian of Vancouver and architect Tyler Schmidt took the opportunity at a council committee meeting to informally present the broad strokes of their proposal to the mayor and councillors.

As it moves forward, zoning changes and alterations to the Official Community Plan (OCP) will be required, along with detailed plans and various forms of public input.

In response to a question from Mayor Sue McKortoff, Moradian said the two man-made lakes currently at the front of the property are intended to be integral to the development.

As for order in which the various phases would proceed, he said the issue remains under study and will depend on market conditions. “We are exploring ideas,” he said. “We understand there is a need (in Osoyoos) for low-cost housing for seniors on fixed incomes.”

He also assured councillors that the homes directly up the hill to the east of the development would retain their lake vistas. The three-storey townhouses proposed for back of the property “won’t be blocking anyone’s views. The roofs will be at yard level.”

Moradian said that at this point there is nothing by way of access to the lake in the plan. He said he will explore options, including getting access to a lakefront parcel that currently houses an irrigation district pump house.

“It would be nice if we could attach the development to a little piece of waterfront … perhaps a small marina,” he said.

Moradian submitted a joint OCP amendment and re-zoning application to the town in January. Rules permit an applicant to make informal representations to council prior to consideration of their applications.

According to a report from planning director Alain Cunningham, “The intent is to apprise council of the developer’s intentions and obtain any feedback … Council is cautioned, however, that they cannot use the opportunity to make any comments that would effectively tie their legislative hands. …

“The latter considerations have to await council’s careful examination of the applicant’s supporting information, input from public hearing and staff recommendations.”