City looking to develop bus barn site

The City of Penticton is looking for someone who wants to develop a piece of city-owned real estate in the downtown.

FitzKidz is moving from the blue building they’ve occupied since 2013 at 199 Ellis Street, also known as the old bus barn.

Related: FitKidz takes over bus barn

Last October, city hall received a proposal to buy the property. It wasn’t accepted, but the city decided to issue an expression of interest to see if there was interest in developing the former Greyhound bus repair shop.

In accordance with the Land Disposition Policy, city hall is seeking proposals outlining possible development opportunities for the property.

“The City is seeking proposals from respondents interested in making an investment in our community to strategically contribute to Penticton’s downtown by providing infrastructure for the benefit of our community and an eventual development that helps grow our downtown core,” said Anthony Haddad, director of development.

Related: FitKidz moving in September

The city says Downtown Penticton is experiencing an increased level of both public and private investment in line with the vision identified in the Official Community Plan. A variety of new uses have occurred over recent years and are contributing towards increasing the level of service and vibrancy in the downtown core. Residential development has also increased according to their release, not only within the commercial core of the downtown through mixed-use developments but within the periphery of the downtown core through a variety of residential projects.

The city is encouraging interested proponents to submit proposals in accordance with the requirements of the Expression of Interest:

1. Clearly outlining the offer, proposal and intended use;
2. Demonstrating how their proposed development will comply with the Official Community Plan, Zoning Bylaw, Penticton Creek Master Plan and how the proposed development meets the specific points of the Assessment Criteria;
3. Outlining their project’s anticipated economic impact and/or benefits to the community;
4. Providing high-level concept drawings including at a minimum a site plan showing the location of the development on the parcel of land a conceptual rendering of the proposed development;
5. Sharing a detailed timeline for the development to occur, including any phasing required

For additional details, visit the city’s procurement portal at https://penticton.bonfirehub.ca/portal.