Hotel Partner Chosen for Wine Village

from The Oliver Chronicle

Bellstar Hotels and Resorts has been chosen as the hotel partner to co-develop the core of Oliver's wine village, in partnership with the Co-operators Development Corporation (CDCL).

"It means CDCL has joined forces with Bellstar to develop the first phase - 1.6 acres - of Oliver's wine village," explained Les Lawther, Oliver's economic development officer.

"This is exciting. The first phase will be around $30 million in construction," he said. "It means jobs, taxes, civic pride, community pride... a central core that will have a four star boutique hotel." He added it will likely include a health spa, wine centre, culinary school, indoor-outdoor pool, commercial space and residential space.

Matthew McKenzie, CDCL's chief operating officer said the partnership between Bellstar and CDCL offers a combination of experience and financial strength to further Oliver as a tourist destination.

"We plan to complement Oliver's Wine Capital designation with an integrated village that will extend their downtown commercial district," he said.

Lawther agrees it's a good combination. He said CDCL has its roots in agricultural Canada, has won awards, and is becoming known for environmentally friendly development initiatives.

"Bellstar is dedicated to providing high quality resort facilities," he said. Based in Calgary, the company develops and manages resort properties in BC and Alberta. Its collection includes 13 resorts in the Okanagan Valley, Vancouver Island and Canmore - including Spirit Ridge, being developed in Osoyoos in partnership with Osoyoos Indian Band.

CDCL is a subsidiary of the Co-operators group of companies, and is a developer of office, residential, commercial and industrial properties throughout BC, Alberta and Ontario. CDCL recently won four silver Tommie Awards from the Canadian Home Builders Association for its Casa Del Lago development in Osoyoos.

But there's not yet a shovel in the ground in the Wine Capital of Canada.

"Business terms between CDCL, Bellstar, and the Town of Oliver are still being negotiated," Lawther said. Oliver chose CDCL in April, to develop the Wine Village, which will sit on 93rd Street, near 350th.

While the wine village will eventually total 4.6 acres - stretching across an area from the CPR station to 350th, behind the library - the first stage is only 1.6 acres, said Lawther. And though there are several draft concepts already, it's unclear just where the hotel portion would sit. One idea is it would front 350th Avenue. Another is it would sit in the middle portion, along 93rd Street.

The wine village will be planned to embrace Smart Growth principles, and is said to be an "authentically themed" community. It will focus on celebrating the culture and heritage of the South Okanagan and its relationship to wine and agriculture.

There are still a lot of stages to be complete before any construction starts. First and foremost, there are the business negotiations.

"Nothing is set in concrete until everybody signs off," he said. There is also the whole zoning process, including public hearings and Town Council decisions.

But Lawther hopes the construction might actually start to happen by June, 2007.

"It's happening. It is happening," he said. "I think this is going to be terrific. Am I excited? Ya. Finally."

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