Okanagan Gondola moves ahead in regulatory process, despite rezoning concerns
Global News
Regional district staff were recommending politicians not provide even initial support for rezoning, which would have had the effect of killing the proposal.
Regional District of North Okanagan electoral area directors voted Thursday to allow the proposed Okanagan Gondola to move forward in the regulatory process.
By moving the plan forward, the politicians overruled the recommendations of regional district planning staff.
For Ridge North America, the company proposing the development, it was a positive first step.
“We are excited about the motion made here today it just allows us to continue the conversation,” said Rav Soomal, the vice-president of operations for Ridge North America.
Ridge North America is proposing a major tourist attraction south of Vernon, B.C. above Highway 97 that includes the Okanagan Gondola as well as zip lines, restaurants, and event spaces.
But to move ahead with commercial development on the proposed site the development will need zoning and official community plan changes.
Regional district staff were recommending politicians not provide even initial support for the changes at their meeting on Thursday, which would have had the effect of killing the proposal.
Planning staff said the gondola proposal doesn’t fit with the existing community plan which envisions the area keeping its rural character and discourages commercial development in the southern gateway to Vernon.
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