Residents are invited to learn more and share their feedback about a development application for 435 Green Avenue West. The City has scheduled two events for the community to consider the proposal which could see 84 townhomes added to Penticton’s inventory.
“This development proposal would add new units in a well-connected area of the City that is close to schools, shopping, transit and trails,” said Audrey Tanguay, Planning and Licensing Manager with the City of Penticton. “We look forward to hearing the feedback from residents on this new development proposal for the property.”
First presented to Council at their meeting on May 3, 2022, the proposal features 44 two-bedroom units and 40 three-bedroom units split into ten buildings. The buildings range from two- to three-storeys in height. An Official Community Plan (OCP) amendment is required to change the future land use designation on the property from Detached Residential to Ground Oriented Residential and a Zoning Amendment is required to change the current zoning from R2 (Small Lot Residential) to RM2 (Low Density Multiple Housing). A previous proposal from a different developer, which proposed an apartment development consisting of 130 units split between one four-storey building and one six-storey building, was denied by Council based on concerns from area residents about density and height.
The City has initiated its OCP Amendment Engagement Procedure to ensure residents are aware of the proposal and the opportunities to get involved. Letters are being mailed to homes and businesses in the area and signs are being installed at the subject property. Copies of the application, maps, staff reports and technical reviews are available at shapeyourcitypenticton.ca.
Citizens who are interested in discussing the proposal with staff are invited to attend one of the following information sessions.
• Thursday, May 19 from 4pm to 7pm – in-person, Penticton Trade and Convention Centre, 273 Power Street
• Wednesday, May 25 from 6:30pm to 8:00pm – online (Zoom), sign up to receive the link at shapeyourcitypenticton.ca
Citizens may also want to listen to the first episode of the City’s new podcast PenTALKton to hear how this proposal could help address demands for housing in Penticton. The first episode of the podcast titled “Growing Pains?” discusses how the City is planning for and can address the growth highlighted by recent Census results. The podcast is available at shapeyourcitypenticton.ca and penticton.ca as well as on popular streaming services.
The City will collect feedback on the 435 Green Avenue West proposal until June 5, 2022. A feedback form is available at shapeyourcitypenticton.ca. Paper copies are also available at the Shape Your City kiosk at City Hall, Monday to Friday, between 9am and 4pm.
“Council is looking forward to understanding the community’s perspective on this major development proposal,” said Penticton’s Mayor John Vassilaki. “Please take advantage of the opportunities to learn about the application, become informed on the issues and share your feedback.”
Feedback gathered will be provided to the developer, Council, and shared with the community. In addition to the activities described, the community will have another opportunity to provide input as part of the statutory public hearing for the OCP amendment and rezoning application, currently scheduled for June 20, 2022.