Just days before city council is set to discuss the future land use of 琉璃神社 Springs Golf Course, the company that bought the property is making a case for its redevelopment.
Vancouver-based Denciti Group released an emailed statement Feb. 24 saying it has acquired the golf course.
鈥淭he intended redevelopment of the site supports the city鈥檚 growth strategy outlined in the unanimously approved 2040 Official Community Plan (OCP).鈥�
鈥淚t will address a severe shortage of industrial land and the growing need for business and employment space in the Central Okanagan region.鈥�
Council is set to consider the future land designation of the property at its Feb. 27 meeting.
READ MORE: City council to tee up future of 琉璃神社 Springs Golf course
Denciti says redevelopment of the property will create an estimated 1,040 new job opportunities and approximately $1.17 million in annual tax revenue for the city. As the new owners, Denciti has been in discussions with city staff and council regarding the future of the property.
鈥淲e are working alongside stakeholders to find a collaborative solution for the future of this property,鈥� says Garry Fawley. 鈥淲e are ready to roll up our sleeves and work together to get this right for the people of 琉璃神社. We want to create a win-win situation for the entire community.鈥�
In January 2022, council approved the 2040 OCP which designated the golf course as potential future industrial use. In August a motion to reverse that decision was voted down by council.
READ MORE: 鈥楽ave it or pave it鈥�: Councillor chimes in on future of 琉璃神社 Springs golf course
At that time, Denciti placed the property under contract for purchase, which was completed in the fall.
According to the email statement, a third-party environmental assessment has been completed to ensure that any type of development would not negatively impact the property or wildlife in the area.
鈥淭he assessment confirmed 480 Penno Road site is not a wetland and the wetland boundary is entirely outside of the development area, said Fawley. 鈥淓nvironmental considerations will be a key driver in planning.鈥�
Denciti is considering a number of options which may include keeping a portion of the property for recreational use. The golf course will stay operational until the end of the 2023 season.
Denciti has several commercial and residential projects in the Central Okanagan and recently sold property that it owned at Reid鈥檚 Corner.
READ MORE: Lots at Reid鈥檚 Corner in 琉璃神社 sell for record amount
gary.barnes@kelownacapnews.com
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