The District of Lake Country has purchased a BC Tree Fruit site on Bottom Lake Road for $9.1 million.
According to the city, the property was put up for sale after the BC Tree Fruits cooperative went into receivership earlier this year.
The 8.4 acre lot, right next to the Winfield Arena activity hub, went through a very quick court-ordered sale process and the District’s bid was accepted by an appointed monitor and approved by the court on Nov. 27, the municipality said in a news release.
The District took the opportunity to purchase the property in recognition of the growing population and the demand for recreation opportunities, greenspace and other public amenities.
“Balancing the community’s priorities to make strategic investments without sacrificing service and amenities is never easy,” said Mayor Blair Ireland.
“And when a unique opportunity like this comes along, when grant funding and reserves are available to make a purchase that will benefit the community long into the future, it feels like a win for all!”
The municipality says the property is a “strategic” addition to Lake Country’s assets and holds potential for expanded recreation, parking, and possibly a new location for the RCMP detachment.
There are two buildings on site, totalling 73,965 sq ft and 4800 sq ft.
Throughout 2025, the District will be engaging the community to help establish priorities for the use of the property.
Lake Country’s Sports and Recreation Needs Assessment, Official Community Plan, Mobility Master Plan and other guiding documents will help guide the development of the land.
“The right time, location and price don’t often align, so we made sure we did our due diligence in quick order so we could direct staff to make a fair bid in the best interest of the community,” said Ireland.
“And we were thrilled when the court approved it this morning.”
