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The Rise

The Rise Resort is transforming a Vernon hillside but the developer insists the environment isn't losing out. Construction is well under way on the billion-dollar Bella Vista project, which includes 1,200 homes, a golf course, a winery and two hotels. But president Leona Snider says only one-third of the 735-acre property is being used.

"We've done our best to be sensitive," said Snider. "I want to be environmentally responsible because this is my community."

Work didn't begin until an environmental impact study was done by EBA Engineering Consultants. Construction can be disruptive, but Snider says efforts are being taken to minimize the impact.

"We have an environmental person on site every week to review where we're at and where we can work," she said.

Among the actions taken are timing construction activity so it avoids bird nesting periods, limiting cleared areas to the development footprint and preserving on-site natives species wherever possible. Indigenous plants will be salvaged when clearing and replanted in restoration areas and cut and fill requirements will be reduced.

The developers are also looking at restoration of grassland and forest habitats, as well as providing corridors for animal species. Restrictions are also being considered on house cats to reduce the negative impact on birds. Snider is quick to point out that being environmentally sensitive is important but it adds to the cost of the development as well as the timeline for construction and planning.

"I've been at this for 15 years. I don't call that fast-tracking," she said.

City of Vernon officials are pleased with what's going on at the Rise. "We've been up there on a regular basis," said Dale Danallanko, manager of environmental services.

"It's a neat and tidy construction site but the impacts are visible from parts of that. That's what happens when you build roads on hillsides." The city didn't grant development approvals to the Rise until an environmental covenant established specific guidelines.

"We will keep an eye on the project and make sure they're keeping to the terms of the covenant," said Danallanko.

Environmental advocates are also watching activities at the Rise. Jim Bodkin, with the North Okanagan Naturalists Club, believes the Rise is following guidelines. "All things considered, it has some good features for the community - the golf course and the winery. It won't be another Middleton Mountain with house after house," he said. Bodkin admits, though, that construction is creating some challenges such as dust. "A lot of wildlife has been disrupted with the terracing of the hillside."

Reprinted from The Vernon Morning Star
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