There are calls to delay a proposed residential development in Okanagan Landing, even among a supporter of the project. Vernon council is anticipated to consider rezoning and official community plans for the 100-unit Whitepoint resort on the old Paraiso Point campground site Sept. 10. 
But Coun. Jack Gilroy, who backs the development, now believes there may be a need to hold off. “With so many questions, maybe we should wait until the OCP review is done,” said Gilroy. “I can see where people are worried about the clubhouse. There are so many pros and cons to look at.”
A delay in the approval process would satisfy the Vernon Taxpayers Association, which issued a list of 10 concerns to council Wednesday. The association believes the proposal goes against the current OCP and any amendments to the document should be on hold until the current review is done. “It’s going to be compiled in May so we are saying wait,” said spokesman Tony Stamboulieh. “It (development) is another example of tinkering with the OCP.”
Gilroy takes 
issue with the association’s view that the development goes against the current OCP. “It’s a document that keeps growing and living. We can change the document,” he said. But the association is getting some support from Coun. Buffy Baumbrough. “Their comments about the OCP and whether it (development) is appropriate has been raised at council,” she said of concerns expressed by herself and Councillors Barry Beardsell and Juliette Cunningham. “I have some real concerns on moving forward until we have a big picture in place from the OCP review.” Baumbrough is also convinced the development doesn’t follow Smart Growth principles because it is some distance from the city and is now a mixed land use.
But developer Craig Stowe points out that resort residential uses can’t be in the city core, and he disagrees that the project should be held up for the OCP review. “It’s already zoned high-density tourist commercial and what we are asking for is down-zoning,” he said. “I don’t think anything would change in the OCP. It (project) will take the zoning to what it will eventually be.” In terms of possible impact on taxpayers, Stowe says he is spending $400,000 on Eastside Road improvements, $1.2 million to bring water to the area, $1 million for a reservoir for the neighbourhood and the resort, and $1.3 million in development cost charges.
Stowe also says that he has the support of permanent residents in the surrounding area and he has met all requirements put forward by the city. “I’m committed to making it work. I am moving to the neighbourhood,” he said.
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