The developer behind the proposed Wharton Street project would like a little more time to finalize the agreement.

Earlier this month, Mike Rink of New Future Development Group asked municipal council for a one-year extension on the agreement.

A Jan. 15 deadline had been put in place, but Rink told council the soft market and economic downturn are making it difficult to proceed at present.

“It’s not his own doing,” said Mayor Janice Perrino. “It’s the market.”

The plan calls for a series of buildings on Wharton Street, Brown Street and Kelly Avenue.

The first floor would be used to house public facilities and commercial services, while housing would be available on the upper floors.

The proposal has already caused some controversy over the seven-storey height Rink has requested.

The first building, which would be on Wharton Street, would later house the Summerland branch of the Okanagan Regional Library. The present library building was opened in 1981 and because of increased use and demand, a facility at least twice the size would be needed to meet the present needs.

“The building they are using is a hindrance,” Perrino said. “What they need is double the space.”

But she added that moving the library to a larger location in the interim is not feasible.

The extension, if approved, would not be the first for Rink.

In November, 2008, he approached council to ask for a one-year extension of the timelines for the development agreement. That extension was approved. Once the agreement is in place, the developer has 120 days to apply for a building permit. Once that permit has been issued, the excavations and footings for the main floor must be completed within 120 days.

When construction begins, Rink has said it should take around 16 months before it is completed.

A decision on whether to extend the timeline has not yet been made.