With the decision by City Council to move two proposals forward to public hearing, Penticton could see almost 400 new housing units added to the City’s housing inventory.
“As a community, we want to ensure that Penticton is a welcoming community and one where people can build a life for their families,” says Mayor John Vassilaki. “These two projects fit into the vision of the Official Community Plan and now we will hear from the public about the proposal details as the next step in working towards addressing the need for housing in Penticton."
Council approved first reading of a zoning amendment bylaw for a project located at 813, 825 and 877 Westminster Avenue, the El Rancho site, that would see a total of 305 units and 2,000 sq. ft. of commercial retail space developed over five, six-storey apartment buildings and one six-storey multi-use building.
As a condition of the zoning amendment, the developer must make improvements to both the Power Street and Westminster Avenue W frontages. These improvements will include the construction of a multi-purpose walkway along Power Street, which is a higher standard than the requirements set out in the Subdivision and Development Bylaw, as well as the long-term protection of the four City-owned American Elm boulevard trees along Westminster Avenue West.
With the potential for disruption for those currently residing at the El Rancho site, the City’s Social Development Department will work with local and provincial social agencies to develop plans for affected residents should the proposal move forward.
The other project – at 435 Green Avenue West – would see a total of 84 strata townhouses built, consisting of 44 two-bedroom units and 40 three-bedroom units split into 10 buildings ranging from two to three-storeys. Council gave first reading to a bylaw amending the Official Community Plan that would see the designation of the property change from detached residential to ground-oriented residential.
The City will now initiate the engagement process for this OCP amendment to consult the community on the 435 Green Av West proposal in advance of the public hearing scheduled for June 20, 2022. Engagement activities will include the creation of a page on shapeyourpenticton.ca, letters to residents, site signage, information sessions and a public hearing on June 20. Dates for the activities will be communicated once confirmed.