The last few years have been difficult for Naramata Centre and we are facing significant financial challenges. We are selling some of our land that is surplus to our needs to support the long-term sustainability of Naramata Centre.

For additional information on our work to achieve organizational sustainability, please review Naramata Centre’s Strategic Plan for 2023-2027.

We are selling the land upon which Robson House (also known as Children’s House) sits.

This parcel is located south of McLaren Hall, between First Street, Gwendoline Avenue and Third Street.

The initial expression of interest for sale of land included the McLaren Hall lands. These lands are not being sold at this time.

The land will be bought and developed by Chesterman Properties, which is owned by Robert Brown of Vancouver.

The Board of Directors of Naramata Centre is excited to work with Robert who has a long history of bringing a values-based approach to his housing projects. Robert’s community focused philosophy and values align with those of Naramata Centre. Robert has spent time in Naramata and understands the unique community. Testimonials from folks who have collaborated on projects with Robert speak to his community-oriented approach. Here are a couple of examples:

“He is a connector and convener of people with shared vision and values. Robert inspires those in the business of hope. He offers his expertise in service of others and their mission.”

“Robert’s approach to business, and to life in general, exemplifies good citizenship and generosity of spirit.”

Robert has over 43 years of experience in commercial and residential real estate, both in his native Scotland and in Vancouver since 1988. Through Chesterman Properties, he has worked to develop affordable housing projects in Metro Vancouver and resort/hospitality properties in Tofino, BC.

In 2013, Robert founded Catalyst Community Developments Society – a unique non-profit developer, owner and operator of below-market rental homes and affordable community spaces. In his time as leader of Catalyst, the company completed several affordable housing projects. Currently, Robert sits on the Board of BC Housing.

The Chesterman Properties website provides more detail about Robert’s background, philosophy and experience.

The Naramata Centre Society Board of Directors approved the conditional sale of the land to Chesterman Properties on February 15, 2024.

The Pacific Mountain Region of the United Church of Canada approved the conditional sale on February 22, 2024.

Chesterman Properties will apply to the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen to have the land rezoned to allow for construction of seven single-family homes. Rezoning must be obtained for the sale of the property to proceed.

After zoning conditions are met, Chesterman Properties has up to five days to consider if the project is still viable before completing the purchase.

Chesterman Properties plans to build seven single-family homes on the land.

The proposed development still needs to secure Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen approvals. Once these approvals are in place the cost and resulting price of the homes will be confirmed. It is Chesterman's intention to create well designed homes that are sympathetic to the smaller lot sizes, and these homes will be aimed at the local Naramata market.

The Naramata Centre Board of Directors, in consultation with the Executive Director, will determine use of the sale proceeds including but not limited to maintaining infrastructure vital to our operations.

Owner Robert Brown met with all parties involved – the Naramata Centre Society Board of Directors and the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) – before conducting a feasibility study into developments on both the Robson and McLaren Hall lands.

The feasibility study investigated matters regarding septic, water, zoning, riparian setback, market research and engineering. Robert also met with Naramata Centre and RDOS representatives regarding zoning, building variances and utilities.

The feasibility study revealed that with current construction costs and interest rates, moving forward with a multi-unit rental project is not financially viable at this time. Naramata Centre has decided not to sell the McLaren Hall lands with the hopes that market conditions will change, allowing such a project to be built in the future.

Robert Brown and Naramata Centre hosted an open house for the community on March 18, 2024, to share details of the sale and plans for construction, as well as to answer questions and concerns. The open house was well-attended by members of the Naramata Centre Society and residents of the village of Naramata.

The plan is to take the feedback from the Open House and finalise and submit a rezoning application to the RDOS in April. Assuming this approval is secured pre-construction work including building permit submission will be finalised and Chesterman hopes to start construction in early summer with completion in late Spring 2025.

Upon the completion of a successful rezoning some of the homes may be made available on a pre-sale basis. Please contact Robert at Chesterman for more details.

The feasibility study completed by Chesterman Properties revealed that with current construction costs and interest rates, building rental housing on the McLaren Hall site is not financially viable at this time. Chesterman Properties remains interested in pursuing a multi-unit rental project if market conditions change.

We know that a great need exists in the village for attainable housing and we had hoped that this multi-unit rental project would support that.

In its initial response to Expression of Interest, Chesterman Properties proposed building a multi-unit rental project on the McLaren Hall lands. Chesterman has decided not to proceed with the rental housing project at this time.

Unfortunately some of the trees on this parcel of land will need to be removed to make way for the proposed homes. Chesterman’s intention is to plant replacement trees on the site.

Naramata Centre Society’s Board of Directors welcomes your questions. Please reach out to us at siteplanning@naramatacentresociety.org.