Apple Beach RV Park may soon undergo another rezoning application to allow for a possible motel or hostel.
The owners of Apple Beach RV Park in Oliver are pursuing “plan B” and considering the development of a budget motel or hostel.
James and Catherine Hodge addressed Town council recently to request a slight change in the property’s designation at 915 Bulrush Road. The Hodges want to change from a Commercial Tourism 1 zone to Commercial Tourism 2 to allow for a motel establishment. It also allows for a hotel, too, but they are not pursuing that type of development.
The Hodges recently applied to change the zoning from commercial tourism to low density residential to accommodate a 10-lot subdivision. The application was turned down by council, which is undertaking a review of the Town’s Official Community Plan (OCP).
The couple previously explained that running the RV park is no longer financially viable, and many of their ailing willow trees have to be removed or cut back on the advice of their arborist.
Their initial application did not draw much fire from local residents, but council turned it down as it did not want to approve a significant rezoning prior to the OCP review.
James said council felt there was not a lot of public input on their original proposal, despite the media coverage and two public hearings.
“We feel that this is due to lack of interest. If the public had an opinion about the development of our property, they would have taken the time to write or attend,” he pointed out.
Now it’s “back to the to the drawing board,” said Catherine, noting they want to submit a new application for council’s consideration.
The Hodges made it clear they “do not have the luxury of waiting” for the completion of the OCP review.
James said they are asking that council treat their property the same as other local campgrounds that can build motels under their CT2 designation.
The Hodges said they have two options for their campground: to increase the number of tent sites and move to a younger audience; or build a budget motel or hostel.
To extend the campground the Hodges would submit a building permit for a new summer washroom facility to accommodate the increase in tents.
To build a motel/hostel they need to rezone to CT2, the same zoning as the adjacent campground.
Catherine said they want to maintain a family crowd at Apple Beach, but acknowledged that a budget motel or hostel could attract a “rougher clientele.”
James said he envisions feedback from his neighbours about this proposal.
Councillor Larry Schwartzenberger said the latest proposal is not a change in the OCP but merely in the zoning designation. Therefore, he sees no reason why the Hodges have to wait for the OCP review before moving forward.
Mayor Ron Hovanes said he’d like to see the Hodges come back to the table with a new application.
Catherine admitted they were annoyed when council turned down their first proposal, but are now looking to the future.
“We’re trying to make the property more viable.”
