Miniature passenger train, zip line, mountain coaster proposed for Horsting's Farm Market

Photo: Thompson-Nicola Regional District

Horsting's Farm Market.

Cache Creek farm market Horsting’s is one step closer to becoming home to a small amusement park after the Thompson-Nicola Regional District board of directors voted in favour of taking a necessary bylaw amendment to a public hearing.

The recommendation was brought forward to the board of directors meeting on Thursday afternoon.

According to a staff report, Horsting's owner has applied for a zoning amendment to develop new attractions for the farm market, which is located along Highway 97 just northwest of Cache Creek.

“Horsting’s Farm operates as a popular local and tourist commercial destination with a restaurant, bakery, farm market and other seasonal events,” the report said.

Staff said the owner has sought to expand upon the non-farm portion of the business for a number of years, hoping to attract more visitors and supplement farm income.

“The focus of this application is a new internal train network and open-land amusement attractions, including a zip line and a mountain coaster,” the report said.

According to staff, the proposed miniature train would be constructed on both Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) and non-ALR lands, while other amusement attractions would be on land not in the ALR.

Staff said a zoning amendment would allow the owner to construct the miniature passenger train along with the other attractions, while keeping agriculture and the farm market as the main focus of the property.

“Travellers and residents alike enjoy and support the local products sold at Horsting’s Farm,” the report said, adding that the additional land use would provide a number of benefits, including contributing to a “vibrant rural neighbourhood centre.”

A date for the public hearing has not yet been set.