The Hallō developers’ plan revolves around converting an unprofitable golf course into the centerpiece of a new resort community in Nelson, BC.
But questions remain about its viability.
They’ve promoted an extensive array of amenities—many of which would require zoning approvals that are far from guaranteed.
Our concerns extend beyond just questioning…
- the realism of the proposed amenities (see Amenities)
- the viability of economically revitalizing the golf course (see Granite Pointe’s Last Drive)
- the reliability of some of Hallō’s other promises (see Short Term Rentals)
…we also challenge the very concept of a “luxury resort community” itself as a development objective.
They seem to think it’s predetermined. But is it even feasible?
- We learned that Nelson has had a luxury resort penciled into their OCP (Official Community Plan) since 2013.
—Farhad Ebrahimi
Hallō Visionary
Big plans for luxury golf resort unveiled in Nelson
Vancouver Sun
Oct 16, 2024
No Explicit Mention of a Resort Community
The term “resort community” implies a large-scale development with extensive amenities catering to tourists, which is Hallō’s vision.
But the OCP does not explicitly mention the development of a “resort community” at Granite Pointe or anywhere else in Nelson!
Discussions around the golf course focus on residential housing development, not a full-fledged resort community.
Direct Evidence from the OCP
The Nelson Official Community Plan (2013) makes no reference to a resort community. Instead, it states:
"Encourage a mix of housing types and densities to support affordability and sustainability, ensuring new development integrates with existing neighborhood character." (OCP, Section 4.2)
"Support the ongoing viability of recreational amenities such as golf courses through compatible residential development." (OCP, Section 6.4)
Nowhere does the OCP mention a resort, luxury accommodations, or large-scale tourism infrastructure.
Housing Development vs. Resort
The OCP encourages housing development at the Granite Pointe Golf Course to support housing diversity and potentially increase golf course viability by attracting new members.
This is different from a resort community, which would typically include not just housing but also significant tourism infrastructure like hotels, entertainment facilities, and possibly commercial and recreational amenities designed specifically for tourists.
Community Input and Character
The OCP emphasizes the importance of maintaining neighborhood character and involves public input for significant changes.
Meanwhile, Hallō describes their proposed duplexes as: a fully turn-key, curated experience, unlike anything else available in Canada.
Given its scale and impact on the local area, a resort community development would require extensive community consultation, likely beyond what has been indicated in the OCP.
Hallō Has Boxed Itself In
Hallō has everything it needs to build its initial 12 duplexes (Phase One). But for the larger vision they’ve sold to buyers, they will need significant rezoning approvals—and eventually, community engagement.
Right now, Farhad may believe he can avoid open houses and public scrutiny. But in reality, he will have to seek community support to realize his long-term vision.
And therein lies the problem: Hallō has already turned off the very people they will need on their side.
Exaggerated Promises and Community Backlash
By marketing Phase One units as part of a future luxury resort, Hallō has created expectations that they cannot guarantee will be met. They are selling investors on a future that hinges on approvals that do not yet exist.
Meanwhile, their exaggerated claims—such as falsely stating a resort was already in the OCP—have alienated the community. The same community they must eventually win over for rezoning approvals.
This is the true sand trap: Hallō has backed itself into a corner. If the luxury resort vision falls apart, will Phase One buyers feel misled? Will the city trust a developer that has already stretched the truth?
Zoning and Land Use
The OCP’s zoning and land use policies do not appear to designate or imply a change to zoning that would automatically allow for a resort community.
Residential development mentioned at the golf course would still need to comply with existing zoning for such development, which is more aligned with traditional housing rather than tourist-centric resorts.
Infrastructure Implications
The development of a resort community would have substantial infrastructure demands, which the OCP discusses in terms of supporting existing community needs, but certainly not in the context of a new, large-scale tourism project.
There’s no clear indication that the infrastructure planning in the OCP anticipates or explicitly supports such a significant shift toward tourism development in Rosemont.
Economic and Social Goals
While tourism is supported, the OCP’s economic development strategy focuses on a balanced approach, enhancing local business, supporting local employment, and ensuring housing affordability.
A resort community would not align neatly with these goals without additional planning or amendments to the OCP.
Environmental Considerations
The OCP emphasizes that any development, especially of the scale of a resort community, would need to weigh environmental impacts heavily.
The OCP does not provide evidence that such an extensive project, with its environmental footprint, was ever contemplated at Granite Pointe.
In Conclusion
The developer’s claim that Nelson already has a resort community “penciled into its OCP” at Granite Pointe appears to be a gross misinterpretation or brazen overstatement.
The OCP provides for residential growth and supports tourism in general terms, but it does not lay out a plan or imply the development of a comprehensive resort community.
Such a development would require specific amendments to the OCP, further public consultation, and a detailed assessment of its compatibility with the city’s broader planning goals.
If you are considering purchasing a duplex in Hallō with the incentive that it will be part of a resort community, you should investigate further.
We recommend you contact the City of Nelson’s planning department (±12503528260) to inquire about the feasibility of this vision.
It’s entirely possible that, by marketing this vision internationally without first consulting the community, the inexperienced Hallō developers have now fallen into a sand trap.
We advise you to steer clear of the same fate!