70 more affordable homes

Photo: Contributed

New, affordable rental housing announced Monday in Penticton will add 70 suites to the local market.

Under a new agreement between the provincial and municipal governments, the family homes will be built along Brunswick Street.

The location will provide residents with access to downtown Penticton and park amenities at nearby Okanagan Lake.

MLA Dan Ashton said it is good news for those in need of affordable housing.

"I encourage local non-profit housing providers to look at this as an opportunity to help many individuals and families in Penticton, which will impact our community in an incredibly positive way.”

The property at 284-298 Brunswick St. will be developed first. A second site is under lease until 2020 and will be developed at a later date.

A request for proposals for a non-profit housing society to design, construct and operate the first site will be issued later this month. Provincial funding will be determined once qualified societies are selected.

Housing Minister Rich Coleman explained the partnership with the city will allow more families to have a safe place to call home.

Meanwhile, the province has selected three non-profit housing providers to add more than 110 units of new affordable rental housing for seniors and people with disabilities in the Okanagan.

Following a request for proposals, the successful proponents are:

• Peachland Seniors Support Society – 68 units for seniors at the 4400 block of 6th St.
• Enderby Seniors Housing Society – 36 units for seniors added to the 15-unit building the society operates at 708 Granville Ave.
• Penticton and District Society for Community Living – eight units for people with disabilities at 180 Industrial Ave. W.