Peachland April 1, 2011 Peachland, BC Volume 07 | Number 13
PEACHLAND SOLD! Local business and developer team up to acquire the last of downtown properties
By Justin Hue-Moore Special to the Peachland View A small group of local citizens protested outside the municipal office on Wednesday after word leaked of the hush-hush deal in the works between the district and a well-known local business to acquire the remaining properties in the downtown core. In accordance to the Charot Process, the company (which can not be named until their application is officially filed with the District) has first purchase rights on the remaining properties situated between 1st and 6th Streets, including the downtown business core, the Chamber of Commerce, District of Peachland, the parking lot adjacent to the Legion, Recreation Centre, Community Policing Office, 50+ Centre, and Primary School properties.
The company has already entered into a preliminary partnership agreement (PPA) with a second larger development, located near Drought Hill, to purchase the remaining properties, as well as construct an overpass (a catwalk-type link) between the two areas in order to bridge the communities. Surveyors have been spotted along Highway 97 in the last few weeks, marking the potential overpass anchor points. “New Peachland”, a name being considered for the future two-tier town, will have a distinct Mediterranean flavour, 20,000 new residentail units, while still maintaining the small town appeal. According to a staff member with the district office (who spoke on the condition of anonymity), “We absolutely were not trying to keep this a secret from the citizens of Peachland. But while we do believe
in public openness and consultation, all proposals are treated with confidentiality until the application documents are officially signed and reviewed, and a proper presentation can be put forward.” She would not comment on the PPA or the Area Structure Plan (ASP) already on the table by the alleged partner in this venture, which has, over the previous couple of years, been undergoing separate consideration by council. Said one irate protester on Wednesday: “I just can’t believe it! This has to be a joke! Next thing you know, they’ll be selling off our lease rights to the foreshore.” Foreshore considerations are not expected to take place until May. However, a public consultation meeting is tentatively scheduled for April 31st at the Community Centre at 2 am.
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