The process for a new major commercial development in Lake Country is rolling once again. In 2007 council received an application to change the official community plan (OCP) land use designation for the AGM Steel and a neighboring residential property to allow for commercial development on the sites. A decision was put on hold while planning for the nearby Highway 97 realignment was being completed.
With work on the highway having commenced recently, council has now given two readings to the OCP amendment and will be holding a public hearing to gather input on the proposed changes.
A direct control zone, giving council considerable control over what the completed project might look like, would regulate development of the site, which is being called Turtle Bay Crossing.
A proposal for the property provided by applicant Gary Tebbutt of Compass Developments describes room for a pair of drive-thrus, commercial retail space, and professional office space.
Access is proposed to be from Oceola road across from the Lakewood Mall access. The close proximity to the Lakewood Mall access drew criticism from some councilors who foresee traffic problems at an already busy intersection.
Compass developments and an independent consultant hired by the municipality both say that the proposed entrance would be capable of handling the traffic.