Vernon development on the rise

A Vernon housing development has grown to three storeys tall from two and a half storeys, despite strong opposition from some members of the neighbourhood. 

It was a full house in council chambers Monday when residents were given a last chance to speak their minds about the height increase.

The multi-family residential development proposed by MQN Architects would sit at 5750 Bella Vista Road, and some residents believe its presence will impact their own property values.

"I've lived here for 45 years," resident Rose Pollock told Vernon city council. "With three storeys, my view would be severely impacted. I'd lose a third of my view and the value of my (home)."

Other residents attacked the public input process, saying they were never properly consulted, while others were concerned about blasting during the construction phase.

One thing they all agreed on was the colour—red ochre. They said the proposed shade would not fit in well with the general theme of pastel tones in the neighbourhood.

Darrin Collie of MQN said in general the community has been receptive to the development, its height and its colour.

"The colour is subjective," Collie said. "We made a conscious effort to work this development into the hillside."

To the dismay of the residents who showed up for the meeting, council voted in support of the height change.

Mayor Rob Sawatzky said council always keeps residents' best interests at heart when making these decisions.

"It's been unfortunate it didn't come out in the public hearing, the information in the report explains it sits at or below Bella Vista Road. It's been paramount it doesn't interfere with anyone's sightlines. With our Official Community Plan, the intent is always to increase property value. It usually goes up over time." Sawatzky said. "And the colour, it's a matter of personal taste."

To contact the reporter for this story, email Charlotte Helston at chelston@infotelnews.ca or call (250)309-5230.