One of the largest proposed housing projects in Penticton is set to go before the public on Oct. 3
The proposed Health and Innovation District would be located across from the Penticton Regional Hospital at 1704 Government Street and add between 1,200 to 1,500 units of residential housing.
Before it can proceed, the property would need updates to change its Official Community Plan designation from Industrial to Mixed Use as well as a property variance to allow for buildings of up to 12 storeys.
A public hearing on the proposed changes to the property to allow for the project is scheduled at 6 p.m. on Oct. 3 in the council chambers at City Hall.
The residential units would be split between strata and rentals, and commercial space is also being proposed for the development.
The 10-acre property was formerly the site of a modular home developer that closed down in 2020, with the property sitting unused ever since.
The units would be spread between 11 buildings in the current draft plan, with heights ranging from six storeys up to 12. Even with a city-approved site policy to allow for 12-storey buildings, the developer would still require separate approvals due to the nearby helicopter landing pad at the hospital.
After the public hearing, the project will still need votes from council on whether it will go ahead.
If the project is approved, and once the design is finalized, it is expected to be built in phases over several years.
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