Nanaimo Avenue attainable housing project nears completion

PENTICTON – A much-anticipated housing project is close to completion and it's hoped it will help to alleviate the lack of low-cost housing options in Penticton.

OneSky Housing Society said in a press release issued this afternoon, Aug. 28, it is preparing to open 56 units of "attainable" rental housing in downtown Penticton on Nov. 1.

The complex, located at 285 Nanaimo Ave. West, is aimed at supporting middle-income renters who live and work in Penticton with a variety of suites and shared amenities for singles, families and seniors.

Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing communications director Lisa Leslie said last week in an email construction has been underway on Nanaimo Avenue since the spring of 2018. The units will be available to people of all ages with construction expected to wrap up in October.

The Rise contains 14 studio units, 20 one-bedroom units, 15 two bedroom units and seven three bedroom units with features that include in-suite laundry, air-conditioning, balconies, pet-friendly spaces, under building parking, bike storage and an amenity room.

OneSky program director Ian Gerbrandt says as a non-profit community agency, OneSky is able to offer monthly rents below market.

“We collect rents that allow us to cover operating costs and future maintenance,” he says.

Rents are set as low as $600 per month plus utilities for studio units with open floor plans. One and two bedroom units are priced at $825 and $1,000, and three bedroom units go for $1,400 monthly.

“OneSky invested in this project to help meet local needs for attainable housing. With this project, we are striving to build more housing options for people that live and work in Penticton,” Gerbrandt says.

A show suite will be ready in September for people to view and meet the staff.

To learn more about the apartments, visit the society’s website here.

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