Scotch Creek development

Board gives Okay to Osprey landing (OL) development
The Board gave third reading to a zoning amendment bylaw for the proposed development in Scotch Creek known as Osprey Landing. The applicant, plans to put in a 165 lot subdivision on the 16.4 hectare property on Zinck Road/Wharf Road. This scope of development was changed after the developer received feedback at open houses and public hearings. The developer agreed to downsize the original number of 195 lots to 165, as well as taking out ’vacation rentals’ and ’row house dwellings’ from the proposed uses. The proposed uses now include single family dwellings and duplexes. Secondary suites will be permitted in Development Area 1. Development Services staff recommended approval as Scotch Creek is identified in the Official Community Plan as a ‘Primary Settlement Area.’ Two covenants will be required: a covenant prohibiting development on the property unless the development is connected to a CSRD approved community sewage & water system and a covenant protecting vegetation within 15 meters of the Agricultural Land Boundary.


Osprey Landing (OL) thoughts:

For the most part the 'no' or 'substantially reduce the density' from the people who live directly in the area. Whereas the majority of support was from residents/businesses away from the development. I have gone through the questions on both sides and have tried to come up with a balance that is best for the community as a whole.

Having not heard the large support from residents in the North Shuswap until the last minute, I was very supportive of removing the affordable housing segment of the proposal (multi-family, 3 story segment,, residence for the elderly). The option was offered by the developers after considering the input that was received at the open house. The thinking was to lessen the impact by the densities to those local residents near the development. It was hard, to leave the affordable and accessible portion of the development that would service younger working, as well as the older and handicapped people, part of this proposal out. It is what was included in the OCP and is repeated that we need this sort of development for those people. The concern was for those who live directly in the area of the development and to support their concerns.

I do worry aboutthe impact the development is going to have on the people who live beside the lake access where the pumping facility could be going. They can be incredibly noisy though the developers have said they would try to not have it near homes I hope that it is very well insulated so the residents are not bothered by the sound.

Through our OCP, Scotch Creek was identifiedas a central place to allow growth, a “town center” if you will and limit higher density growth to a few areas. The community in general has supported this vision however it is not embraced by all in the Scotch Creek area. . In Scotch Creek there is little land for 1 hectare growth and it has to be higher density on community sewer and water systems in order to have sustainable growthIn order to provide that proper infrastructure it takes money and to provide that money there needs to be dense developments to pay for it. The only other way is for the present taxpayers to pay for a effluent treatment and water system; through the Liquid Waste Management plan this was made clear they were not willing to do this.

The North Shuswap has not had any large scale development that has had the benefit of working with the CSRD to be part of the infrastructure solution. Many of the large scale development that I am familiar with that has been started before bylaws, or found ways of avoiding Local Government and the communities input. Here we have a developer who is willing to put up all the safe guards needed to have a proper development.

The development could add an infusion of money and badly needed jobs to the area. The spin offs could be more work over a longer time period. The effluent treatment would allow development of commercial properties as well as other buildings not only for large subdivisions but for individuals with small lots. It may well be the instigator to have the NSLWMP come into fruition. The development could/would attract full time residents

There is no ability for Local Government laws to create the distinction between seasonal and fulltime residents. The removal of vacation rentals from the original proposal helps direct to a more full time residency. Having people calling Scotch Creek as their home would add to creating possibilities for more volunteers, school children, tax payers and people to stop future developments.

The carriage house could be affordable full time rental accommodation and help when accommodation is needed. The carriage houses allow for extended family to stay there such as the elderly. It allows owners to rent out and help pay for the mortgage.