A proposed five-storey affordable housing project in downtown Penticton is coming back to council in September.
Located at 603 Main Street and operated by the M’akola Housing Society, the proposal was first brought to the city in 2020 before the developers cleared a number of hurdles related to height.
The development will need to get approval for one more variance and zoning amendment to allow for an extra 2.4 metres of height before construction can begin.
Known as the largest Indigenous affordable housing provider in B.C., the operators serve more than 5,000 family members across the province and plan on offering 28 units in its proposed five-storey building in Penticton.
Among the concerns with the project, last time around, included its height, which would exceed the downtown’s core Official Community Plan maximum of three storeys. The proposed development has since received a site-specific OCP amendment, allowing for the building to exceed the height limit.
The five-storeys will accommodate a mix of one, two and three-bedroom units for families and seniors, as well as for individuals. Along with the 28 total units, the operators plan on developing their own regional office on the ground level of the building.
With its proposed office space, the non-profit group expects to pursue more affordable housing projects in Penticton and surrounding areas.
Located at the intersection of Main Street and White Avenue, the building design features an interior courtyard that will provide outdoor space for tenants.
The developer is also looking to for approval to increase the maximum number of small car parking spaces out of their total parking to 53 per cent.
Council will consider the proposal at its Sept. 6 meeting.
The project is funded by BC Housing.
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