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City allows five storeys for affordable housing project

The developer will still need to seek and receive a development permit with their plans
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An affordable housing project proposed for 612 Main St. is asking for a zoning variance to go up five storeys instead of three. A public hearing on Monday had varied opinions. (Brennan Phillips - Western News)

After debate and a public hearing, a proposed Main Street affordable housing project will be allowed to present a plan for a five-storey building.

Council approved the contentious amendment to the city’s zoning bylaw and official community plan in a 3-2 vote on Dec. 7.

READ MORE: Penticton council to weigh allowing five-storey affordable housing development

The variance would allow the building on the property to be five-stories and 17.5m tall, instead of the designated three-stories and 15m height in the zoning bylaw and OCP.

M’akola Housing Society still has to bring its plans to the city for a development permit, which can still be denied by the city and council at that time.

Councillors Julius Bloomfield, Campbell Watt and Frank Regehr voted in favour, with councillors Judy Sentes and Katie Robinson opposed. Mayor John Vassilaki recused himself from the matter due to a conflict of interest.

READ MORE: Opposing opinions aired about affordable housing project on Penticton’s Main Street

At the public hearing on Dec. 7, residents aired opposition and support for the project, including concerns from the Downtown Penticton Association and support from the South Okanagan Women In Need Society (SOWINS).

The commercial space on the ground floor of the proposed building would be used in part for a regional office for the M’akola Housing Society as well as for a new office for SOWINS.

To report a typo, email: editor@pentictonwesternnews.com.

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Brennan Phillips

About the Author: Brennan Phillips

Brennan was raised in the Okanagan and is thankful every day that he gets to live and work in one of the most beautiful places in Canada.
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