BC Housing has unveiled its plans for the largest project yet in the South Okanagan: 600 units of housing on Penticton’s Skaha Lake Road.
The project would use up several lots currently occupied by motels that have been bought up by BC Housing over the last few years.
The government agency is currently looking at two draft options, one for 581 residential units across five buildings, and the other for 612 units across four buildings, both with 20 per cent of the units fully accessible.
In comparison, the North Wiltse Block development, approved by council in June of 2022, is set to add close to 700 units of housing spread out over single-family homes, duplexes and apartment buildings.
READ MORE: 700-unit housing development gets zoning approval from Penticton council
The project dubbed the Skaha Assembly Redevelopment is described by BC Housing as providing a variety of housing options focused on affordable rentals for singles, families, seniors, and persons with disabilities living and working in the community.
Such a project would have a large impact on the shape of the south end of the city, and BC Housing is hosting several in-person focus groups and workshops in May for the public to provide feedback.
Attendance requires registration, which can be done online through BC Housing’s letstalkhousingbc.ca website.
The currently scheduled sessions are on May 30 and May 31, at the Penticton Seniors Centre on South Main Street.
There will also be an online May 23 public information session, a May 24 virtual focus group and a May 25 virtual community workshop.
BC Housing is also conducting an online survey through its website.
READ MORE: BC Housing’s redevelopment of Penticton motels facing design delays
The site of the redevelopment is currently occupied by the Mayfair, Meadowlark, Sun Valley motels and the Skaha Sunrise apartments.
The project is currently planned to be built in three phases, with the first ready for residents to move in by 2028, according to BC Housing’s Let’s Talk Housing page for the project.
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