The potential impact of a hotel development on Middle Vernon Creek is a concern for two Lake Country councillors. 

An application to the district proposes a six-storey building with 52 units and two commercial spaces at 11511 Turtle Bay Court next to the creek and within 220 metres of Wood Lake. 

鈥淚 would be remiss if I didn鈥檛 reiterate the importance of Middle Vernon Creek as our last spawning habitat for Kokanee because it seems our shore-spawners are no longer shore-spawning where they鈥檙e supposed to,鈥� Coun. Tricia Brett said at council鈥檚 Oct. 15 meeting. 

Manager of Current Planning, Carie Liefke, told council the provincial Streamside Protection Enhancement Area (SPEA) provides an initial 30 metre buffer around the creek.

鈥淭hey鈥檝e gone through the assessment for it and reduced it (to approx. 16m),鈥� she said.

Coun. Todd McKenzie asked if an additional protection area is needed as the SPEA buffer is reduced. Liefke told council it is not required.

鈥淚t could be something that staff look at provided that our Official Community Plan allows or asks for an additional buffer area from that.鈥�
   
Council gave initial consideration to rezoning the property (1st/2nd bylaw amendment reading) from small-scale multiple housing to tourist commercial.

鈥淭here isn鈥檛 a lot of tourist commercial land in the district at the moment, so this will be able to increase that type of taxation base for us,鈥� Leifke said.

The project would need to proceed to a public hearing at a later date.