By ROY WOOD

The town’s efforts to encourage industrial development at the lands near the Osoyoos airport are apparently bearing some fruit as a proposal has been made for a new business on the site.

An un-named potential purchaser of an industrial lot wants a rezoning to allow operation of an automotive repair and restoration business.

The lot is question is across Highway 3 from the Buena Vista Industrial Park. The town, which owns the lot, has received an offer to purchase, subject to site-specific zoning amendments that would allow the project.

According to a report from senior planner Dilys Huang: “The prospective purchaser … wishes to construct a facility for the purpose of indoor automotive storage, repair and restoration, and sales. These uses are proposed to be located either in one building or within two separate buildings.

“A caretaker suite with a floor area of up to 1,080 square feet is also proposed.”

The parcel is located south of the Osoyoos airstrip and abuts other vacant lots to the east and west.

Mayor Sue McKortoff said council is pleased that the proposal is moving forward.

“This is a viable business that will employ several people,” she said.

Finance director Jim Zakal told council that the province, which is a co-owner of the land, has been involved in discussions so far and are on board. Eventual proceeds from the sale will be shared with the province.

According to Huang’s report, “The proposed development would allow the prospective purchaser to relocate an existing business and expand its operations within the community.”

Council approved first and second reading of the amendment.