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Summerland council alters zoning on waterfront property

Zoning bylaw changed to limit uses on portion of waterfront on Lakeshore Drive
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The zoning has been changed for a portion of Lakeshore Drive in Summerland. (District of Summerland map)

Summerland council has altered the zoning of a property on Lakeshore Drive.

At the Dec. 13 council meeting, council gave adoption to a bylaw to change the zoning designation of an unsurveyed portion of Okanagan Lake adjacent to 13607 Lakeshore Dr., to prohibit a marina among other uses.

The zoning on the property was changed from Intensive Water Use Zone to Recreational Water Use Zone 2. While both zoning designations allow for water activities, the recreational zone does not allow marinas, docks or other structures.

The property is adjacent to the Oasis Waterfront Development.

Those who commented or submitted written statements for a public hearing on Dec. 13 were opposed to the proposed marina.

“The natural beauty should be preserved,” Andrew Massey said in a letter to council. “There is very limited waterfront in Summerland for the public already and this would just fill more of it with private access.”

“Adding more boats to the area will only further diminish the available space where the public and visitors can enjoy the lake using their paddleboards, kayaks and other self-propelled watercraft,” Dave Hill said in a letter to council.

He added that the municipality should consider revising the plan for Summerland’s Lowertown.

Sonja Schloegl, who owns properties near the proposed marina, was also opposed to the proposal, as there is already a problem with vehicle and boat parking in the area in the summer.

“We feel that allowing a marina at that location runs contrary to our key mandate,” said Colleen Power, president of the Summerland Recreational Society. The society operates the Summerland Racquets Club, adjacent to the Oasis development. She added that all except one member of the recreational society were opposed to a marina at the site.

Under the Recreational Water Use Zone 2 designation, boating, recreational water activities, uses permitted by provincial crown lands and public utilities will be allowed at the site. Marina equipment rentals, docks, boat launches, boat lifts and other related uses are not permitted.

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John Arendt

About the Author: John Arendt

John Arendt has worked as a journalist for more than 30 years. He has a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Journalism degree from Ryerson Polytechnical Institute.
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