Dump proximity threatens residential development in Kelowna

CENTRAL OKANAGAN – The future of a North Glenmore development is up in the air because of its proximity to the city landfill and a negative recommendation from city staff.

“The land is zoned A1, so if Diamong Mountain doesn’t go ahead then we’re looking at 17 ten-acre lots that only the wealthiest of the wealthiest will be able to afford,” Troika Developments representative Calvin Lechner said.

Lechner says the company learned last fall the City of Kelowna would be expanding and altering the layout of the Glenmore Landfill, putting primary operations directly opposite the Diamond Mountain development.

As part of that, the city asked for an expanded landfill nuisance analysis which concluded the risk was high future Diamond Mountain residents would hold the city to legally to blame for “dust, noise and smells” coming from the dump.

That in turn could threaten the lifespan of the landfill, costing the city millions by forcing it to close much earlier than the 75 years being planned for because of legal action.

The Diamond Mountain area structure plan would see about 1,000 units of mixed housing styles including townhouses and low-rise apartments built on the 88.8 hectare land assembly.

Lechner said the Tonn family, majority landowner of the project, has been working on the idea for Diamond Mountain since the 1990s.

He questions why the city is blocking Diamond Mountain when other neighbourhoods such as Quail Ridge and Wilden are similarly affected.

Lechner claims the support of UBC Okanagan which he says will be sending a representative to appear alongside his own staff before Kelowna council on Monday, March 16.

To contact a reporter for this story, email John McDonald or call 250-808-0143 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.