Predator Ridge resort prospering
Predator Ridge Resort shot well under par in 2012, both in the golf and real estate games.
The resort’s golf academy received a big boost with the introduction of AJ Eathorne, former LPGA player, and Dick Zokol, a two-time PGA winner. Extra corporate support came in the form of a partnership with Telus, along with the resort being named Hockey Canada’s official summer home.
Along with a string of fantastic summer weather, Predator added to its list of program offerings with Eathorne’s Swing Like a Girl program, helping it achieve its busiest August in 20 years of operation.
“AJ is really upping her game with the academy,” said Jason Koverchuk, a real estate specialist at Predator. “We really want to elevate the golf program here.”
Members will soon get to work out the kinks in their swings at Predator’s revamped practice facility, which is slated to open in May.
From a real estate perspective, Predator welcomed 37 new owners to the resort community in 2012.
“It’s at the point where it’s tipped as a community,” said Koverchuk, adding there is a general store being built this year. “The amount of homeowners we’ve welcomed just in the last few years, it’s at the point where there are nearly 600 people here.
“We’ve got more people coming from the Vernon and Kelowna areas because it’s become a viable active community. It’s no longer the second home.”
The development, owned by Wesbild Holdings, also garnered the Builder of the Year award in the large-volume, single-family homes category at the 2012 Tommie Awards. Predator also picked up a gold Tommie for Excellence in Kitchen design, as well as seven silver awards.
“There’s some great builders in Kelowna, but sometimes we get overlooked up here,” said Koverchuk. “Between Predator Ridge and Turtle Mountain, the amount of homes we build, the number of permits we pull and the number of people we employ to build these homes, we felt it was a good story.
“We’re proud of our accomplishments, even in tough times. We’re not going anywhere; we’re looking at the next neighbourhood that’s going to open up another 67 homes.
“There’s still 1,000 properties to come in the big picture.”
Predator added to its list of home sites last summer with 11 new units, including five new building designs, at Birdie Lake Place.
Working in partnership with HGTV designer Kelly Deck and architect Bill Poss, Predator unveiled its new Ellison showhome, which received three silver Tommies on its own.
COMMENTS
Let's keep comments:
We ask that all participants own their words by logging in with their Facebook account. It's a simple process that will take seconds and helps keep our comments free of trolls, cranks, and “drive-by” commenters.
We reserve the right to remove comments from anyone using screen names, pseudonyms or false identities. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.