Phase four of Grandview Heights underway, with 36 new lots coming to Merritt
After nearly three decades of planning, zoning changes, and infrastructure challenges, the Grandview Heights residential project is steadily taking shape in Merritt's hillside.
Developer Frank Rizzardo, president of Merritt Plateau Holdings and Nicola Lakeshore Estates, has been at the helm of the multi-phase project since the property was purchased in 1996. He says the road to development has been long and often complicated.
"When we purchased the property, we started a master plan for zoning,” Rizzardo explained. "We pre-zoned the properties as we thought was necessary at the time.”
The site, which includes a mix of single-family homes, apartments, and seniors' housing, is planned to eventually reach close to 500 lots across nine phases. Current work is focused on Phase Four, which has been reduced from 39 lots to 36.
One of the biggest hurdles, Rizzardo said, has been meeting water pressure requirements.
"We were the first in town to build our own reservoir and pump station,” he said. "It increased house pressure to 85 psi—enough to meet fire protection standards and provide residents with strong, consistent water flow.”
Building on a hillside has presented both advantages and challenges. The land is stable, composed of glacial till and granular material, which Rizzardo says is 'free draining and will last a lifetime.” The terrain also offers unimpeded views, with south-facing homes benefiting from ample natural light.
Prev
Linear Mode
