No gas stations at collision-prone Highway 97 intersection, staffers recommend

A collision-prone intersection across from Antler’s Beach in Peachland probably isn’t the best place to build a gas station or drive-thru restaurant, according to District of Peachland staffers.

Currently, those businesses could operate on the empty lot at 6705 Highway 97 under its existing zoning of convenience commercial, as there was once a A Thrifty Service gas station there. 

Staff recommended in a report that will be presented to town council, March 8, to change the zoning to a manufactured home park as the property is right beside a mobile home park, on the corner of Hardy Street and Highway 97.

Current zoning is considered “a relict and inappropriate land use for the parcel,” according to the staff report.

Developers have been showing interest in the property and even more over the past year, which is “not surprising,” according to the report, adding staff have been working with the property owner and prospective buyers.

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The district recently received a proposal from someone who wants to build a gas station, convenience store and boat wash facility on the property, however, staff made “little progress” finding investors interested in using the land for something else. 

The primary reasons staff want to prevent those businesses from opening shop is for traffic access and safety, potential environmental impacts as it's only 40 metres from Peachland Creek and because it’s on a floodplain area.

Staff reminded council that “floodplains can present increased opportunities for parks, natural space, and recreation when not flooded.”

There were also 26 reported collisions at the intersection between 2011 and 2020, according to ICBC data, and 13 of those collisions were in the past year including one fatality.

Other issues involve the “nature of the parcel as part of the gateway to the community” and council’s other priority of encouraging downtown revitalization.

In a letter to council, the existing property owner said the property does not lend itself well to many other viable uses aside from its current zoning, but “if down-zoning my property is inevitable, I would certainly appreciate it if you would rezone to become (multi-family residential),” he said, adding that it can fit 14 townhomes.

Council will decide on the future of the property’s zoning during its regular council meeting next week.

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