Osoyoos town council is considering an amendment to a zoning bylaw which would allow for a strata development including eight duplex lots near the Osoyoos Golf Course. A public hearing will take place on June 17. (Vanessa Broadbent / Osoyoos Times)

By Dale Boyd

Osoyoos Times

The public can have their say at an upcoming council meeting about a subdivision development near the Osoyoos Golf Club.

Applicant Rod Mitchell is seeking to amend a zoning bylaw which would allow for a strata development including eight duplex lots which would house 16 residences and one single-family dwelling lot.

The property is located at the top of the Dividend Ridge subdivision next to the Osoyoos Golf Club and the proposed development would infill the remnant parcels of land left over from the development. A small portion of road would be dedicated to the subdivision as well.

Coun. Brian Harvey forwarded concerns of area residents who are seeking a small park for children.

• Read more: Town AGM on Monday

“We’ve had requests and stresses in respect of parkland for families with children up in Dividend Ridge. I’m wondering if this additional eight duplex units will probably put additional stress on that situation,” Harvey said. “Is there any way to get a park for kids out of this project?”

Director of planning and development services, Gina MacKay, said she worked very closely with the developer to try and achieve some kind of park facility, but they were unable to find a suitable spot.

“It’s just not feasible. None of these lands offered any sort of place you want to send your kids to play at,” Mackay said.

However, the town is still looking at other available spots in the area for possible purchase.

“We’ve looked at a couple of pieces of property up there with this in mind, unfortunately not every piece of property up there would be suitable for a park,” said Mayor Sue McKortoff.

The first and second readings of the bylaw amendment passed unanimously at the June 3 meeting and a public hearing will be held on June 17 at 4 p.m. after the regular council meeting at Town Hall.