Is it the last year for this popular Kelowna golf course?

The future of the Kelowna Springs Golf Course seems destined for industrial and business use, although part of it may yet remain in some sort of recreational capacity.

Vancouver-based Denciti Development Corporation has announced its purchase of the 106 acre site on Penno Road, five minutes south of the airport, off Highway 97.

The purchase announcement Friday came ahead of a discussion expected to be had by Kelowna city councillors on Monday around the need to retain open green spaces like Kelowna Springs Golf Course.

In a media release, the company said its development plans will support the city’s official growth strategy and address a severe shortage of industrial land, as well as the growing need for business and employment space in the Central Okanagan.

New owners promise to work for 'win-win' outcome

The media release said the development will create over a thousand new jobs and over $1 million in annual tax revenue.

“We have a long history in Kelowna and the Central Okanagan region and we understand the significance of this property in its size and location,” CEO Garry Fawley said.

The 45-year veteran of the real estate industry said: “Any decisions for the best use of this site will be based on extensive research and planning in consultation with the community. We are committed to working and growing with Kelowna for the long term.”

The company said it is exploring a variety of options, which may include retention and possible enhancement of a portion of the property for recreational use.

As the new owners of 480 Penno Road, Denciti said it has been engaging in discussions with city staff and council regarding the future of the property.

"We are working alongside stakeholders to find a collaborative solution for the future of this property,” Fawley said. “We are ready to roll up our sleeves and work together to get this right for the people of Kelowna. We want to create a win-win situation for the entire community.”

A third-party environmental assessment has been completed to ensure that any kind of development would not negatively impact the property or wildlife in the area, the company said. The assessment confirmed 480 Penno Road site is not a wetland and the wetland boundary is entirely outside of the development area.

'Responsible redevelopment'

“Environmental considerations will be a key driver in planning,” Fawley said. “We will work steadfastly with the city to ensure an innovative and responsible redevelopment of this property.”

The golf course is confirmed to stay operational until the end of the 2023 season.

City councillor Luke Stack will bring a resolution Monday calling for the site to return to its long-held designation of ‘private recreational.’

It was moved to an ‘industrial’ designation by a divided council last year.

Stack has said the continuous loss of open green space is negatively affecting the quality-of-life Kelowna residents and visitors enjoy.

“Citizens, visitors and wildlife in the area will benefit more from private recreational space than they will from industrial factories and warehouses," Stack has said, while conceding any decision to retain the golf course remains with the property owner.