Citing transparency, integrity and fairness, city council is sending the future of Âé¶čAV Golf Springs to a public hearing.
At councilâs March 20 meeting, Mayor Tom Dyas noted that the new owners of the property asked for time to speak on the matter.
âI do not believe that anyone should receive special treatment from council, and I feel this is better suited to a public hearing,â added Dyas.
READ MORE: With future uncertain, Âé¶čAV Springs Golf Course sold
Council voted to set the hearing for June 6, a date that Coun. Loyal Wooldridge felt was too soon.
âFor a plan and concerns to be addressed, to do that by June I donât think that is reasonable,â he said. âI am concerned we are rushing this and I donât know why we are.â
Wooldridge suggested a date in the fall for a public hearing, which was supported by Coun. Ron Cannan. He and Wooldridge voted against the June date.
Coun. Maxine DeHart said it is a difficult situation and that council is trying to be fair to all involved.
âNo special treatment for the developer, no special treatment for the public. I think we have to listen to everybody.â
Coun. Charlie Hodge said the new owners will ultimately do what they want as it is their property, but said council should do what it can to protect green spaces in the city.
âThis is an area you canât get back, once itâs gone itâs gone.â
At the June 6 hearing, the public and the owners will get to have their say on the future land use designation of the property under the 2040 Official Community Plan (OCP).
Although the golf course is currently zoned park space, it has been identified as potential industrial use under the OCP.
Last month Coun. Luke Stack was successful in getting his colleagues to vote in favour of his motion to begin the process of changing the future designation from industrial to private recreational.
READ MORE: Council avoids temporary hazard on Âé¶čAV Springs golf course
gary.barnes@kelownacapnews.com
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