Rejected six-story lakefront development in Vernon gets second chance

VERNON – A proposal for a six-story lakeshore apartment building rejected by Vernon city council in June is coming back for councillors to reconsider.

After a lengthy public hearing on June 28, Vernon council rejected the proposed rezoning of a site just off Okanagan Landing Road that would allow for a six-story, 19-unit apartment complex to be built on the site.

However, the project is scheduled for another public hearing Aug. 19. City staff confirmed the application has not changed, and the project submitted by the developer remains the same.

The proposed project was slated for two adjacent lots at 7497 and 7501 Brooks Lane just off Okanagan Landing Road, near the Strand Lakeside Resort. The rezoning would take the land from single residential use to tourist commercial and allow buildings of up to nine stories.

Coun. Kari Gares was the only council member to vote in favour of the development although she still said she had a "difficult time" with the development.

Vernon Mayor Victor Cumming, who lives nearby, also said he had a "difficult time" with the project and voted against it.

The public hearing is scheduled to take place on Aug. 19.

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