Residents raise questions about plan

By Jennifer Smith - Vernon Morning Star  Published: December 02, 2011 1:00 AM 
A number of Coldstream residents have aired their concerns over a potential commercial complex next door.  Residents in and around Inverness Drive packed Coldstream council chambers Monday night to discuss the Trintec Enterprises development, on Highway 6, next to the Regional District of North Okanagan office.  “I certainly appreciate and understand that the development is going to proceed and just want council to be considerate of those of us who live there,” said Bill Kirkland.  As long as concerns are addressed about setbacks, light pollution and height, which were echoed by many, Leigha Horsfield is actually eager to see some services open up nearby.  “We are rather excited about the proposed development on this property,” she said.  A lack of information was one complaint, from both a resident and councillor.  “The people have come here, they’ve talked about setbacks, they’ve talked about heights because they don’t know what they’re getting,” said Coun. Bill Firman, who does not support the district’s proposed changes to the bylaw until more details are recieved by the developer. Resident Darrell Spencer shared the sentiment.  “You (council) are approving something and you don’t even know what it is,” said Spencer, who favours the development if it is done well.  “What is the anchor? What is going to make this go.” Concerns about storm water, sustainable building, noise, road construction and congestion were also raised.  “We’re doing our best to minimize some of those impacts and at the development permit stage we can iron out some of those details further,” said Craig Broderick, Coldstream’s director of development services.  Trintec Enterprises president Bob McKay says the intent is not to upset residents, but to keep the building in line with Coldstream’s wishes, “It’s unfortunate that we’re not in the middle of the development permit approval process,” said McKay. “If we were, we would have finalized the drawings and addressed all the issues that have concerned people here tonight.”  McKay suggested that Coldstream preserve an eight-metre setback where the development backs on to residential properties, but move the setback to six metres elsewhere.  Council agreed and will also include a height limit of two metres for embellishments.  “I think this is reasonable,” said Coun. Pat Cochrane. “They (developer) clearly heard the message from the neighbourhood.”  The development is also approved for such land uses as libraries, bingo halls, fast food restaurants and hotels, while cabarets, automobile rental and transportation facilities are not permitted.  There are some concerns about one possible land use. “I don’t really want a hotel next to where I live,” said Jenna Skerratt.  The development will also be responsible for a new road, extending off Sarsons Road and connecting to Elgin Drive.  “This development will actually facilitate a sigificant safety improvement on Middleton Drive,” said Michael Stamhuis, Coldstream’s chief administrative officer.