The next step in creating more workforce housing in Penticton is being taken with the addition of a City-owned parcel of land to the BC Builds program.
“Over the last 18 months, Penticton has put a major focus on creating an environment to create attainable and accessible housing and sought out innovative ways to meet the demands of our growing community,” says Mayor Julius Bloomfield. “From updating our Official Community Plan to the establishment of an affordable housing pilot funding program, we have worked to develop the right infrastructure. We have also committed three parcels of City-owned land for development and today’s announcement is a positive step forward in expanding our housing stock.”
The site now listed on BC Builds is located at 971, 977, 985 & 999 Eckhardt Avenue West.
“Partnering with the provincial BC Builds team allows developers and non-profit operators the ability to submit proposals to build homes for middle-income workers on this site, for individuals and families earning between $84,000-$192,000 annual household income as per the BC Builds program parameters,” says Steven Collyer, the City’s housing and policy initiatives manager.
BC Builds has published a new Housing Development Opportunity calling for developers and non-profit operators to submit proposals for the Eckhardt Avenue West site. BC Builds is a provincial program that matches landowners with developers and funds viable projects with below-market repayable loans and grants to lower the cost of construction.
“This is part of the North Gateway Plan project that calls for workforce housing to be developed in this area to help local workers like those in small businesses, health care, teachers, and more who are working hard and still struggling to find housing in the private market,” says Bloomfield.
Interested developers and non-profit operators are encouraged to visit the BC Builds Housing Opportunity website and submit their proposals before the deadline on December 5, 2024, at: www.bcbuildshomes.ca/developers
A public information session will be held online on September 18 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Register here
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