The O’Rourke Winery proposal for Carr’s Landing will be up for discussion at the Lake Country council meeting Tuesday night.
The winery proposal is the subject of a public hearing for Official Community Plan and zoning amendment bylaws to allow the project to proceed, and an agency referral from the B.C. Liquor Control and Licensing Branch regarding a proposal to add a winery lounge to the existing family vineyard facility.
The plans for the winery have been a point of contention in Carr’s Landing and created some disagreement among the candidates for the ward’s upcoming civic by-election on June 24.
Arguments, pro and con, have been voiced about the current construction impact on the winery property neighbours to how it will fit in with the existing agriculture rural residential environment of Carr’s Landing.
Debate has centred around the vision for the estate winery being too overwhelming for Carr’s Landing vs. the winery’s potential agri-tourism appeal and development job creation benefits.
Project proponent Dennis O’Rourke first brought his application for rezoning of 12 properties, totaling 49.89 hectares (123.29 acres), in July 2015 to permit the development of an estate winery under the appropriate amended zoning.
The properties occupy a triangle-shaped land layout bordered by Barkley Road, Carr’s Landing Road and Commonage Road.
The five most northerly lots would initially have a winery facility, with an assessment of its commercial success, providing the basis for future development.
It initially received first and second readings, then in November 2015 there was an amendment to second reading with the following provisions required before advancing to public hearing:
1) Concept plan outlining location of the facilities, access and egress issues and any information that would have an impact on the provision of services to and from the combined properties.
2) Detailed erosion and drainage plan—the district had concerns with clearing of the land to build a water reservoir for agricultural purposes which has led to drainage issues.
3) Traffic impact study and recommendations for improvement of the Carr’s Landing Road/Commonage Road intersection.
4) Further study concerning water intake, system, piping and irrigation.
Matt Vader, strategic and support services manager for the District of Lake Country, said the applicant has been working with the district to meet these requirements prior to the file being moved to the public hearing stage.
Watch for a public hearing update next week on the Lake Country Calendar web page www.lakecountrycalendar.com.