One new building rather than 16 tourist cabins could be built on a waterfront property between Peachland and West BԪַ.
Landowner Trent Kitsch says the original development plan for the Seclusion Bay site may not be viable for a variety of factors.
“We have been investing time and money into the project but it looks more likely we will either sell the project, consider purpose-built rentals, or a marina,” Kitsch said in an email.
A meeting is planned this month with West BԪַ city staff to consider one building, rather than the 16 cabins that were approved by the city in 2020.
At the time, the project was described as being an environmentally-friendly reclamation of a steep hilliside that had been burned in a wildfire.
The proposal included some solar- and wind-powered features, and was designed to “remain off-the-grid from municipal services”, the original plans stated.
However, construction never started. Reasons include high interest rates, the introduction of the speculation and vacancy tax, and the cityBԪַ introduction of higher development cost charges, Kitsch says.
Along with an adjacent property, the site is currently listed for sale at $8.5 million. Together, the two properties have more than 1,500 feet of shoreline.
“The project continues to be a good investment as waterfront land values continue to increase,” Kitsch said.
Trent KitschBԪַ other business interests have included a federally licensed marijuana production plant in West BԪַ and a winery in BԪַ. He also developed a popular line of menBԪַ underwear, Saxx, before selling the company for $630 million in 2018.
His colourful entrepreneurial career has included presenting British billionaire Richard Branson with a pair of Saxx underwear in Toronto in 2007. Branson took the underwear and put them on over his pants.