Photo: EllisDon

A draft rendering of a four-storey rental apartment proposed in downtown Oliver.

Plans are being proposed for a major affordable housing complex in the heart of Oliver.

The apartment is proposed to be built at 6089 Main Street — currently a vacant lot at the intersection of Fairview Road and Main Street which is across the street from town hall.

Preliminary plans show the building would be four stories with 46 residential units — 25 one-bedroom and 21 two-bedroom units, reportedly ranging from 580 to 870 square feet.

There would also be close to 2,900 square feet of commercial space on the ground floor and 74 parking stalls on the property.

The project is proposed by EllisDon — the developer behind a similar rental apartment currently being built in downtown Penticton. After completion, there is an agreement in place for B.C. Housing to purchase the property and administer the building.

During Monday's council meeting, EllisDon will be asking the Town of Oliver for a letter of support to give to B.C. Housing in regards to the proposed Oliver apartment.

Acting Mayor of Oliver Dave Mattes couldn't speak for council on the project since they won't know any details until Monday. Mattes said there is "a need everywhere" for affordable housing, and said Oliver is no exception.

A member of EllisDon said the project is subject to approval and funding from B.C. Housing, which they have not yet applied for. 

* The earlier version of this story said the largest units were up to 2,350 square feet in size, which has since been corrected.