The Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO) board is set to make a crucial decision next week regarding the development of a new campground near the Okanagan Connector in Peachland. This comes less than a year after the same application was denied by the board.
In the upcoming Thursday meeting, the board will consider a request for a three-year temporary use permit for a 2.1-hectare, 40-site campground at 4690 Trepanier Road.
The proposal also includes a 0.5-hectare outdoor storage facility. The applicant intends to use the temporary permit to establish the business, with plans to explore a rezoning application letter for a more permanent solution.
In June 2022, the board denied a similar application from the same applicant, citing concerns over environmental issues, fire safety, community egress, public opposition, and lack of servicing.
Currently, the property houses two mobile homes—one occupied by a long-term tenant and the other by the applicant.
The present zoning does not permit a campground, making the temporary use permit necessary.
RDCO Director of Community Services, Todd Cashin, reported that the regional district received 28 letters of support and 14 letters of opposition for the project. A petition of opposition has also been submitted, carrying 36 signatures. Consequently, RDCO staff recommend that the board not support the application.
Staff from the District of Peachland have expressed concerns about the project, suggesting that a wildfire hazard assessment should be required if the campground is permitted.
They also recommend that any mitigation measures be completed before construction, as Peachland Fire Rescue does not respond to the area.
Additionally, Peachland staff raised concerns about the potential for long-term camping or permanent dwellings on the site, recommending that stays be limited to one week if the campground is approved.
The Peachland Watershed Alliance opposes the application due to the lack of proper bio-waste facilities in the proposal and the “contamination risks” to Trepanier Creek.
The Ministry of Forests’ Archaeological Branch staff also noted a “high potential” for previously unidentified archaeological sites to exist on the property.
The board is expected to vote on the temporary use permit application on May 4. The decision will have long-term implications for the local environment and economy.
Campgrounds in the area provide valuable recreational opportunities for residents and tourists, but they also require careful planning and management to ensure the safety and well-being of both campers and the surrounding ecosystem.
In conclusion, the outcome of this decision will have lasting effects on the Peachland community, as it determines the future of a potential new campground in the region.
Balancing the interests of residents, businesses, and environmental concerns is a critical aspect of the board’s deliberations. As the decision day approaches, the Peachland community awaits the board’s recommendation on this controversial proposal.