The City of Penticton is advancing its affordable housing efforts by approving three city-owned sites for social housing development. This unanimous decision builds on the council’s 2022 directive to explore affordable housing opportunities on city land, with a specific focus on youth and senior housing.
The chosen sites, ready for development due to their zoning and vacancy, include:
- 225, 231, 235, 241, 247, 251, 253, 271, 283 Ellis Street and 99 Nanaimo Avenue East
- 971, 977, 985, 999 Eckhardt Avenue West
- 2509 South Main Street
Steven Collyer, Housing and Policy Initiatives Manager, emphasized the city’s need for more affordable housing, noting that many households spend over 30% of their income on rent. He highlighted the demand for family-oriented and workforce housing to support student enrollment at Okanagan College and the growing senior population.
Public input will be crucial in finalizing the social housing plan, ensuring the community’s voice in determining the best use of each site. The next steps involve securing capital funding and collaborating with partners, including 100 More Homes Penticton, to move these projects forward. Public engagement sessions will further refine the plans, leading to future council decisions on funding, agreements, and development permits.
