I write to express my concerned opposition regarding a proposed 96-unit housing development at 6545 Okanagan Landing Rd.
Concern: that the survey stakes are already in the ground next to the road, and that a $1 million donation may compel city council/planning to rush this project without adequate community planning and consultation. Opposition: for the reasons stated below:
1. Addressing the housing shortage:
Vernon, like most Canadian communities, is facing a shortage of affordable housing.
Yes - the housing should be constructed – but not at the expense of only a few communities in this city.
Okanagan Landing Road is already slated for multiple increased-density housing projects between 27th Avenue and Apollo Road. The projects are at various stages of construction with apparently little or no community consultation.
An example is The Nest in the 5600 block of Okanagan Landing Road.
This property formerly accommodated a single mobile home and is now crammed with seven new townhouse units.
One outer wall of a townhouse abuts the deck of an adjacent home on separate property.
Access to the sloped driveways in the project is perilous and there is no surrounding greenspace.
There appears to have been little thoughtful planning or concern for neighbouring properties here.
Along with housing, there needs to be adequate space for people to enjoy and care for their living space.
If not, densely-built housing projects are at risk of simply becoming run-down and derelict.
2. The property:
The property at 6545 Okanagan Landing Rd., designated for the new housing is not a rocky, overgrown vacant lot. The acreage has been landscaped with grass and several rows of mature trees.
This is exactly the quality of land that needs to be conserved, at least partially, to mitigate the heat and other severe consequences of climate change.
Every tree destroyed is a loss. Every square foot of asphalt adds to warming. Surely this needs to be considered in any new Okanagan residential construction.
3. Effect on existing infrastructure:
Okanagan Landing Road has experienced at least two or more water main leaks/disruptions within the last year.
The Landing is an older area of Vernon with aging roads and infrastructure.
The previously-mentioned Nest accommodated one home. When complete, seven townhomes will tap in to the existing water/sewer facilities on this site.
The property proposed for development at 6545 Okanagan Landing Rd., accommodates one household. The proposed development is 96 housing units with their massive utility requirements.
What is the effect of this increased density on our already fragile water and sewer systems?
Who will bear the cost of upgrades and repairs?
Why has a multi-million-dollar Active Living Centre (which will be used by only a small segment of the population) been deemed more necessary than housing and infrastructure upgrades in an area of Vernon with the space to do this?
4. Community traffic and noise:
As residents on Okanagan Landing Road for 12 years, we have seen an explosion of traffic (notably commercial trucks and construction vehicles) and noise along this corridor.
The road connects to communities such as The Outback on Eastside Road, Adventure Bay, development along Eastside Road – and potentially the large commercial/recreational complex to be constructed on Okanagan Lake. I
t is also one of the main thoroughfares connecting to Highways 6 and 97.
It makes no sense to continuously expand high-density development along this route, with no regard for access from existing communities - or for the safety of drivers, pedestrians and school students.
Okanagan Landing residents must be informed and allowed input on the future of their community.
If the long-range city plan for Okanagan Landing Road is rapidly expanded housing density and a massive traffic corridor, consultation meetings should begin immediately to include area residents, Vernon city council and planning officials.
Sincerely,
Pat Hodgins