Exciting Proposal for "Area 11"
At the ALC hearing on Wednesday I referred to an offer made to the Municipality some time ago for the 152 hectares of ALR land in N. Prairie Valley. I will provide more information when I have obtained the approval of the investment group to release it, but I can tell you now this is a very innovative proposal from serious investors with a proven track record and strong credentials. At least one of the principals has been involved in agriculture and agribusiness development projects in over 50 countries worldwide. The group offers to pay fair market value and to match or exceed the price offered by Summerland Hills.
The proponents say the development will include a diverse array of crops and livestock opportunities. This is a large, integrated project, apparently making use of all of the land with agricultural potential - and yes, exactly as the professionals (Peter Waterman and Gary Strachan) stated, some of the class 6 and 7 land is suitable for grapes due to the special climatic conditions on that particular property.
The project would include cherry production, a goat meat and dairy operation, a vineyard and winery, cheese manufacturing, a visitors centre and restaurant, and agro-tourism initiatives (more on this later).
This appears to be a very serious offer from a group which blends local and international agricultural experience. It could be a wonderful opportunity for Summerland.
Experts including Peter Waterman months ago provided detailed analysis proving that "Area 11" had considerable agricultural and economic potential. Why did our Agricultural Advisory Committee recommend the removal of these lands from the ALR?
Our Mayor and Council have been very proactive in supporting the Summerland Hills Group, jointly engaging consultants to push through the ALR removal process. This effectively precluded any other parties from proposing alternatives.
Let us hope that Council and staff are not so fixated on having a giant subdivision built on this agricultural land that they ignore this opportunity.
The proponents say the development will include a diverse array of crops and livestock opportunities. This is a large, integrated project, apparently making use of all of the land with agricultural potential - and yes, exactly as the professionals (Peter Waterman and Gary Strachan) stated, some of the class 6 and 7 land is suitable for grapes due to the special climatic conditions on that particular property.
The project would include cherry production, a goat meat and dairy operation, a vineyard and winery, cheese manufacturing, a visitors centre and restaurant, and agro-tourism initiatives (more on this later).
This appears to be a very serious offer from a group which blends local and international agricultural experience. It could be a wonderful opportunity for Summerland.
Experts including Peter Waterman months ago provided detailed analysis proving that "Area 11" had considerable agricultural and economic potential. Why did our Agricultural Advisory Committee recommend the removal of these lands from the ALR?
Our Mayor and Council have been very proactive in supporting the Summerland Hills Group, jointly engaging consultants to push through the ALR removal process. This effectively precluded any other parties from proposing alternatives.
Let us hope that Council and staff are not so fixated on having a giant subdivision built on this agricultural land that they ignore this opportunity.
posted by tony cooke |
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