A development proposal for 92 townhome units in the Banks Crescent area went before Summerland council on Aug. 13.

The property covers 5.8 hectares and has multiple addresses, including 13610 and 13606 Banks Cres. and 13417 and 13401 Bristow Rd. 

While it is zoned A1 and designated as Agricultural, it is not within the Agricultural Land Reserve, and the properties would need rezoning before the project could move forward. 

This parcel of land is within Summerland鈥檚 urban growth area, but outside of the Summerland Fire Department鈥檚 10-minute response zone.

The developer says the townhome development will increase the housing supply in Summerland.

鈥淭his will help address the shortage of affordable housing within the community. By building townhomes on smaller footprints, more homes can be built on the land than if it were a single-family subdivision,鈥� the applicant's rationale states. 鈥淭his results in an efficient use of land, which is of particular importance within the Okanagan, where land is increasingly scarce and expensive.鈥�

A public information meeting on this project was held in late March. The municipality has also reached out to outside agencies and organizations for feedback.

The Penticton Indian Band recommends the completion of an Archeological Impact Assessment and a Traditional Ecological Knowledge Keepers Assessment.

This is not the first time the Banks Crescent area in Summerland has been examined for development.

In 2017, a 424-unit seniors care facility was promoted for the same location. This was met with opposition from people living in the area and others in the community. In October, 2017, a petition opposing the development was presented to Summerland council with more than 3,000 signatures, including close to 2,500 from Summerland residents.

Another proposal for the Banks Crescent area came up in late 2018, calling for a 38-lot subdivision in the area. 

For the present development proposal, Summerland council gave first reading to the Official Community Plan amendment and the zoning amendment. 

The bylaw will be held at first reading until an archaeological impact assessment and a traditional ecological knowledge assessment have been completed. There is no estimate for when the assessments will be completed. 

A public hearing will be held after second reading, to hear comments from the public on the Official Community Plan and zoning amendments.