Penticton comes to terms with B.C. Housing on 54-unit housing with focus on recovery

Penticton City Council has given the thumbs up to B.C. Housing to build a recovery-focused housing development in the city.

The building will be four storeys tall with 54 units and located at 3240 Skaha Lake Road.

It was a split vote with just four of the city’s seven councillors supporting the letter of agreement with B.C Housing during the regular meeting on Nov. 2.

Staff have now been directed to issue a development permit for the building, according to a press release from the city.

Leading up to the agreement there had been months of discussions between the City of Penticton, B.C. Housing, as well as the facility’s operators, ASK Wellness Society and the Ooknakane Friendship Centre.

Councillors also listened to the community and surrounding neighbourhood, which included public feedback from when the project was announced in December 2020.

“Decisions such as this one require time to clarify information, confirm positions and, in some cases, revisit issues a second or third time. On behalf of council, I would like to thank all parties for their patience as we worked through this process,” said Penticton Mayor John Vassilaki, who voted against the letter of agreement.

“We valued the consistency of the feedback our community shared along with B.C. Housing’s willingness to listen to and incorporate local priorities into their project. Council also appreciates the work and leadership being undertaken by the Ooknakane Friendship Centre and ASK Wellness Society throughout this project.”

Going forward council will be supportive of B.C. Housing’s goal of providing housing to those in recovery, but will also communicate any concerns involving the organization’s services.

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