Residents are invited to learn more and share their feedback about a development application for 850 Wiltse Blvd and 160 Crow Place (“North Wiltse Block” lands). The City has scheduled several events and activities for the community to consider the proposal which could see 686 homes added to Penticton’s inventory.
“The North Wiltse Block has been set aside for residential development for decades. Now that the existing neighbourhood is nearly built-out, the North Wiltse Block is proposed to be rezoned and will provide a new neighbourhood for our growing community over the next 10 plus years,” said Audrey Tanguay, Planning and Licensing Manager with the City of Penticton.
First presented to Council at their meeting on April 5, 2022, the proposal features 183 single detached homes, 14 duplex properties (28 duplex units), 475 multifamily units and 39.8 hectares of dedicated land for parks and natural areas. An Official Community Plan (OCP) mapping amendment is required to update the future land use designation locations to reflect the proposed single-detached, multi-family, and parks zones.
The City has initiated its OCP Amendment Engagement Procedure to ensure residents are aware of the proposal and the opportunities to get involved. Letters have been mailed to homes and businesses in the area and signs have been 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.
• Tuesday, April 26 from 3pm to 5pm – in-person, outdoors at Wiltse School Playground, 640 Wiltse Blvd
• Wednesday, April 27 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm – online (Zoom), sign up at shapeyourcitypenticton.ca/north-wiltse-block-development
• Saturday, April 30 from 10am to 12pm – in-person at the Seniors Drop-In Centre, 2965 South Main St
Citizens may also want to listen to the City’s new podcast PenTALKton to hear how this proposal could help address demands for housing in Penticton. Introduced today, 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, penticton.ca, on the City’s YouTube channel, Spotify and soon on other popular streaming services.
The City will collect feedback on the North Wiltse Block proposal until May 8, 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 if Council gives further consideration to the development.
Should the land use changes ultimately be approved by City Council, further approvals will be required prior to any development occurring on the lands. These further approvals include subdivision approval, earthworks permits, Hillside Development Permits and Environmental Development Permits for each phase of the development.