iN PHOTOS: Six signs of growth in Penticton

PENTICTON – Signs of growth in the city aren’t hard to find lately as six major projects, in various stages of construction, are actively underway in Penticton.

Just about every major street has something under construction, whether it’s the Penticton Regional Hospital patient care tower, downtown revitalization or new apartment or condominium complexes.

It’s a busy time in the city, with help wanted signs seemingly everywhere, contractors heavily booked, vacancy rates low and – inevitably, increasing traffic on city roads.

Here’s a look at six of the biggest construction projects currently underway in the Peach City:

PENTICTON REGIONAL HOSPITAL

Interior Health Communications Officer Megan Kavanagh says construction of the new six storey, 26,155 square metre Penticton Regional Hospital Patient Care Tower officially began July 12, 2016. To be constructed in two phases, phase one will include the patient care tower and a parkade, and phase two involves renovation of parts of the current hospital and expansion of the emergency department.

Later this week, a crane will be assembled on site, to remain there for the three year construction phase.

The project is on time, with an anticipated opening in 2019.

STARLINE CONDOMINIUMS

Starline Enterprises' construction of the first of three residential towers at 3388 Skaha Lake Rd. is also well underway. The $10 million, 12-storey, 75-unit residential complex will have garden suites on the first floor in the first phase of development on the property.

GATEWAY'S NEW PENTICTON CASINO

The $25 million Gateway Casino has been underway since early May. Gateway spokesperson Tanya Gabara says the core of the building is nearing completion and the project remains on time with a projected opening in spring of 2017.

SEYMOUR DEVELOPMENTS

Seymour Developments' $5.5 million two-tower apartment project known as Bridgecrest Place at 151 Duncan Ave. began in September with site preparation and excavation taking place this week.

The development consists of two five-storey wood-framed apartment buildings.

LAKESIDE RESORTS

Lakeside Resort’s six-storey, 70-room annex is also well underway, with first floor framing completed.

The $12 million expansion began in late February.

DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION

City revitalization of 100 block of Main is on track for Dec. 2 completion. It's currently 60 per cent complete with water, sewer lines and irrigation installed and street bases for lights installed.

The city’s downtown revitalization plan moved into its second phase in September, 2016 with work ongoing in Main Street’s 100 block after completing the 200 block this spring.

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