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Consultation has concluded

A conceptual rendering of the proposed mixed-use development at 1704 Government Street.

UPDATE: Feedback for this engagement project is now closed. Results are available in the Documents section and were shared with Council the Regular meeting of September 12, 2023.

The City has received an application to build a mixed-use development at 1704 Government Street. Located across the street from the Penticton Regional Hospital, the draft plan proposes high density residential development, with the potential for 1,200-1,500 apartments, along with retail and office space. Preliminary plans show eleven buildings between 6 and 12 storeys in height.

The proposal would require an amendment to the City’s Official Community Plan to change the future land use designation on the property from "Industrial" to "Mixed Use". A site-specific policy would be required to allow 12 storeys in that designation.

Before the application is considered by City Council, the City would like to understand whether or not residents are open to changing the future land use of this property.

How can I participate?

  • Review the proposal materials and complete the feedback form below before July 30, 2023.

  • Attend the Open House in McLaren Park on Wednesday, July 5 between 4 pm and 6 pm.

  • Register to attend the Online Info Session on Thursday, July 13 between 7 pm and 8 pm

  • Visit the City's booth at the Penticton Farmers' Market on Saturday, July 22 from 8:00 am to 11 am.

  • Questions? Contact the Planning Department at planning@penticton.ca or 250-490-2501

UPDATE: Feedback for this engagement project is now closed. Results are available in the Documents section and were shared with Council the Regular meeting of September 12, 2023.

The City has received an application to build a mixed-use development at 1704 Government Street. Located across the street from the Penticton Regional Hospital, the draft plan proposes high density residential development, with the potential for 1,200-1,500 apartments, along with retail and office space. Preliminary plans show eleven buildings between 6 and 12 storeys in height.

The proposal would require an amendment to the City’s Official Community Plan to change the future land use designation on the property from "Industrial" to "Mixed Use". A site-specific policy would be required to allow 12 storeys in that designation.

Before the application is considered by City Council, the City would like to understand whether or not residents are open to changing the future land use of this property.

How can I participate?

  • Review the proposal materials and complete the feedback form below before July 30, 2023.

  • Attend the Open House in McLaren Park on Wednesday, July 5 between 4 pm and 6 pm.

  • Register to attend the Online Info Session on Thursday, July 13 between 7 pm and 8 pm

  • Visit the City's booth at the Penticton Farmers' Market on Saturday, July 22 from 8:00 am to 11 am.

  • Questions? Contact the Planning Department at planning@penticton.ca or 250-490-2501
Consultation has concluded

Enter your questions about this proposal here, and our team will work to provide a response within 2 business days.

  • Share In the draft traffic impact assessment they make referral to the traffic in the official community plan. I again ask for the link to the link to the official community plan. Thank you. on Facebook Share In the draft traffic impact assessment they make referral to the traffic in the official community plan. I again ask for the link to the link to the official community plan. Thank you. on Twitter Share In the draft traffic impact assessment they make referral to the traffic in the official community plan. I again ask for the link to the link to the official community plan. Thank you. on Linkedin Email In the draft traffic impact assessment they make referral to the traffic in the official community plan. I again ask for the link to the link to the official community plan. Thank you. link

    In the draft traffic impact assessment they make referral to the traffic in the official community plan. I again ask for the link to the link to the official community plan. Thank you.

    Cindylou281 asked 10 months ago

    Please see the Official Community Plan at the link here: https://www.penticton.ca/sites/default/files/uploads/bylaws/Consolidated%20Official%20Community%20Plan%20Bylaw%20No.%202019-08%20-%20December%202021.pdf

  • Share Please send me the link to the Official Community Plan. Thank you. on Facebook Share Please send me the link to the Official Community Plan. Thank you. on Twitter Share Please send me the link to the Official Community Plan. Thank you. on Linkedin Email Please send me the link to the Official Community Plan. Thank you. link

    Please send me the link to the Official Community Plan. Thank you.

    Cindylou281 asked 10 months ago

    Hi there, the Official Community Plan can be found here: https://www.penticton.ca/sites/default/files/uploads/bylaws/Consolidated%20Official%20Community%20Plan%20Bylaw%20No.%202019-08%20-%20December%202021.pdf 

  • Share In reviewing the Draft Development Plans it states that 1200 to 1500 units will be built. So this could mean between 2000 to 3000 people in the development. Am I correct? on Facebook Share In reviewing the Draft Development Plans it states that 1200 to 1500 units will be built. So this could mean between 2000 to 3000 people in the development. Am I correct? on Twitter Share In reviewing the Draft Development Plans it states that 1200 to 1500 units will be built. So this could mean between 2000 to 3000 people in the development. Am I correct? on Linkedin Email In reviewing the Draft Development Plans it states that 1200 to 1500 units will be built. So this could mean between 2000 to 3000 people in the development. Am I correct? link

    In reviewing the Draft Development Plans it states that 1200 to 1500 units will be built. So this could mean between 2000 to 3000 people in the development. Am I correct?

    Cindylou281 asked 10 months ago

    Hi cindylou - yes, that's correct, based on Penticton's average of 2.1 persons/household, according to the latest census. 

  • Share What are the target age and income demographic for these apartments? on Facebook Share What are the target age and income demographic for these apartments? on Twitter Share What are the target age and income demographic for these apartments? on Linkedin Email What are the target age and income demographic for these apartments? link

    What are the target age and income demographic for these apartments?

    Kat M. asked 10 months ago

    Hi Kat, those details aren't known at this stage, but the developer notes in their application package they are looking at a mix of ownership and rental apartments. The main question to the community at this time is if they are open to a 'mixed-use' style development on the property.

  • Share Where do we find the plan for parking? Penticton has a parking problem throughout the entire city because we removed parking to make room for the bike lanes AND staff/council are regularly granting variances for developers who request it. City staffers seem to think residents will opt to walk, cycle or use city transit and we know that isnt realistic. Where is the parking plan for this project and does it meet the basic requirements for residential & business developments? Parking in the Carmi neighbourhoods are already at capacity+. Failing to demand adequate parking be allocated for this mega-project would be irresponsible. on Facebook Share Where do we find the plan for parking? Penticton has a parking problem throughout the entire city because we removed parking to make room for the bike lanes AND staff/council are regularly granting variances for developers who request it. City staffers seem to think residents will opt to walk, cycle or use city transit and we know that isnt realistic. Where is the parking plan for this project and does it meet the basic requirements for residential & business developments? Parking in the Carmi neighbourhoods are already at capacity+. Failing to demand adequate parking be allocated for this mega-project would be irresponsible. on Twitter Share Where do we find the plan for parking? Penticton has a parking problem throughout the entire city because we removed parking to make room for the bike lanes AND staff/council are regularly granting variances for developers who request it. City staffers seem to think residents will opt to walk, cycle or use city transit and we know that isnt realistic. Where is the parking plan for this project and does it meet the basic requirements for residential & business developments? Parking in the Carmi neighbourhoods are already at capacity+. Failing to demand adequate parking be allocated for this mega-project would be irresponsible. on Linkedin Email Where do we find the plan for parking? Penticton has a parking problem throughout the entire city because we removed parking to make room for the bike lanes AND staff/council are regularly granting variances for developers who request it. City staffers seem to think residents will opt to walk, cycle or use city transit and we know that isnt realistic. Where is the parking plan for this project and does it meet the basic requirements for residential & business developments? Parking in the Carmi neighbourhoods are already at capacity+. Failing to demand adequate parking be allocated for this mega-project would be irresponsible. link

    Where do we find the plan for parking? Penticton has a parking problem throughout the entire city because we removed parking to make room for the bike lanes AND staff/council are regularly granting variances for developers who request it. City staffers seem to think residents will opt to walk, cycle or use city transit and we know that isnt realistic. Where is the parking plan for this project and does it meet the basic requirements for residential & business developments? Parking in the Carmi neighbourhoods are already at capacity+. Failing to demand adequate parking be allocated for this mega-project would be irresponsible.

    jackie frederick asked 10 months ago

    Hi Jackie, thank you for your comments. At this stage, the plans are conceptual as the question is focused on whether or not the community is open to 'mixed use' development on this property. Prior to any future rezoning, a parking plan will be required. The parking counts will be based on the exact number of units proposed and the exact size of commercial space. The City's standard parking requirements are set in the Zoning Bylaw: 1 space for every dwelling unit, plus 1 visitor space for every 4 units. For commercial uses, the requirement is 1 space for every 30sqm or 50sqm - depending on the specific use. Dedicated bicycle parking is also required by the Zoning Bylaw. If different parking requirements are sought for this development, the developer will need to ask for that at the rezoning stage and provide justification for Council to consider before making a decision on rezoning the lands.

  • Share I am in favour of increased infilling within the city limits with a plan for including trees and do not go above 6 stories. Will a development of this size take the pressure off also spilling into the last natural areas and urban-wild interface? Am appalled at the development above Valley view. This has to stop. We need affordable housing where people can walk to services not constant building of megahomes. on Facebook Share I am in favour of increased infilling within the city limits with a plan for including trees and do not go above 6 stories. Will a development of this size take the pressure off also spilling into the last natural areas and urban-wild interface? Am appalled at the development above Valley view. This has to stop. We need affordable housing where people can walk to services not constant building of megahomes. on Twitter Share I am in favour of increased infilling within the city limits with a plan for including trees and do not go above 6 stories. Will a development of this size take the pressure off also spilling into the last natural areas and urban-wild interface? Am appalled at the development above Valley view. This has to stop. We need affordable housing where people can walk to services not constant building of megahomes. on Linkedin Email I am in favour of increased infilling within the city limits with a plan for including trees and do not go above 6 stories. Will a development of this size take the pressure off also spilling into the last natural areas and urban-wild interface? Am appalled at the development above Valley view. This has to stop. We need affordable housing where people can walk to services not constant building of megahomes. link

    I am in favour of increased infilling within the city limits with a plan for including trees and do not go above 6 stories. Will a development of this size take the pressure off also spilling into the last natural areas and urban-wild interface? Am appalled at the development above Valley view. This has to stop. We need affordable housing where people can walk to services not constant building of megahomes.

    Nancy Baron asked 10 months ago

    Hi Nancy, thanks for submitting your questions and comments. Landscaping details will be submitted to the City by the developer in the future, and is required at the Development Permit stage. The City holds a deposit from developers to ensure the landscaping is installed as per the approved plan. As for building heights, the developer is requesting additional density beyond 6 stories at this location - with the potential for up to 12 storey buildings. Any infill development in the built-up core of the city takes pressure off hillside developments, and through the OCP there are very few hillside development areas left in Penticton - compared to the 2002 OCP which envisioned much more hillside development.

  • Share What size are your apartments? Are they family, couple or single units? What proportion of each will be included? I think that more family sized units are required during this period of rapid growth and high housing prices.? Will there be access to green space? I hope you will not repeat the packed assembly of condos that were built along Marine Drive---Ugly and uninviting. Are you going to add low cost housing units to the mix? on Facebook Share What size are your apartments? Are they family, couple or single units? What proportion of each will be included? I think that more family sized units are required during this period of rapid growth and high housing prices.? Will there be access to green space? I hope you will not repeat the packed assembly of condos that were built along Marine Drive---Ugly and uninviting. Are you going to add low cost housing units to the mix? on Twitter Share What size are your apartments? Are they family, couple or single units? What proportion of each will be included? I think that more family sized units are required during this period of rapid growth and high housing prices.? Will there be access to green space? I hope you will not repeat the packed assembly of condos that were built along Marine Drive---Ugly and uninviting. Are you going to add low cost housing units to the mix? on Linkedin Email What size are your apartments? Are they family, couple or single units? What proportion of each will be included? I think that more family sized units are required during this period of rapid growth and high housing prices.? Will there be access to green space? I hope you will not repeat the packed assembly of condos that were built along Marine Drive---Ugly and uninviting. Are you going to add low cost housing units to the mix? link

    What size are your apartments? Are they family, couple or single units? What proportion of each will be included? I think that more family sized units are required during this period of rapid growth and high housing prices.? Will there be access to green space? I hope you will not repeat the packed assembly of condos that were built along Marine Drive---Ugly and uninviting. Are you going to add low cost housing units to the mix?

    HarveyQuamme asked 10 months ago

    Thanks for these questions. More details about the exact number of units, their size, and green space will be known at the rezoning stage. We can share this input with the applicant.

  • Share Is the city able to locate more industrial land? What will happen to existing businesses that currently are considered noisy/dusty nearby? I have witnessed in other communities where changing the land use resulted in shrinking industrial area. Industrial provides jobs and a tax base; I am concerned that if this is rezoned it will have a negative impact on neighbouring businesses. on Facebook Share Is the city able to locate more industrial land? What will happen to existing businesses that currently are considered noisy/dusty nearby? I have witnessed in other communities where changing the land use resulted in shrinking industrial area. Industrial provides jobs and a tax base; I am concerned that if this is rezoned it will have a negative impact on neighbouring businesses. on Twitter Share Is the city able to locate more industrial land? What will happen to existing businesses that currently are considered noisy/dusty nearby? I have witnessed in other communities where changing the land use resulted in shrinking industrial area. Industrial provides jobs and a tax base; I am concerned that if this is rezoned it will have a negative impact on neighbouring businesses. on Linkedin Email Is the city able to locate more industrial land? What will happen to existing businesses that currently are considered noisy/dusty nearby? I have witnessed in other communities where changing the land use resulted in shrinking industrial area. Industrial provides jobs and a tax base; I am concerned that if this is rezoned it will have a negative impact on neighbouring businesses. link

    Is the city able to locate more industrial land? What will happen to existing businesses that currently are considered noisy/dusty nearby? I have witnessed in other communities where changing the land use resulted in shrinking industrial area. Industrial provides jobs and a tax base; I am concerned that if this is rezoned it will have a negative impact on neighbouring businesses.

    Platymama asked 10 months ago

    Thank you platymama for this feedback. There is limited industrial land in the City, and much of the industrial park is built-out with few areas available for infilling with new industrial development. With Penticton's limited land base there is not much opportunity to designate new industrial lands. The potential impacts of this proposed development on neighbouring industrial uses will need to be carefully considered, along with considering the housing unit potential the development offers. 

  • Share We have a manufacturing plant bordering this property, employing over 100 people and have been at this site for over 50 years, since 1973. We operate one shift currently but have for decades operated until 2am on a second shift and Saturday and Sunday shifts as well. We have an industrial sandblaster that runs all day (similar to a jet engine), 3 trucks per hour coming & going, we operate stadium style industrial lighting throughout the yard all night to deter theft, we have loud industrial noises all day long with much commercial traffic. All of the proposed 1500 residents will be calling your complaints department day and night to ask that we curb our business activity, which is a large economic driver in the community - typically top 5 employer in the City. We pay many millions of payroll dollars and hire many local contractors on a regular basis - the dollars of which get circulated within the City. How will the City handle removing one of Penticton's largest industrial lots irreversibly from the industrial sector, and replacing it with residential homes in complete conflict with the surrounding zoning. There will be literally only yards between someone's apartment window and our industrial property. Anyone suggesting a mitigating buffer zone should spend an hour standing in our yard listening to the industry at work. Without exception, cities with the lowest tax rates have a proportionately significant industrial business community. Our industrial sector provides a significant number of high paying jobs and consistently, each month, deposits millions of outside dollars into our cities economy from around the world. PIDA (Penticton Industrial Development Association) unequivocally and wholeheartedly rejects any and all proposals to remove the indispensable, invaluable and unique property at 1704 Government street from our industrial land base. on Facebook Share We have a manufacturing plant bordering this property, employing over 100 people and have been at this site for over 50 years, since 1973. We operate one shift currently but have for decades operated until 2am on a second shift and Saturday and Sunday shifts as well. We have an industrial sandblaster that runs all day (similar to a jet engine), 3 trucks per hour coming & going, we operate stadium style industrial lighting throughout the yard all night to deter theft, we have loud industrial noises all day long with much commercial traffic. All of the proposed 1500 residents will be calling your complaints department day and night to ask that we curb our business activity, which is a large economic driver in the community - typically top 5 employer in the City. We pay many millions of payroll dollars and hire many local contractors on a regular basis - the dollars of which get circulated within the City. How will the City handle removing one of Penticton's largest industrial lots irreversibly from the industrial sector, and replacing it with residential homes in complete conflict with the surrounding zoning. There will be literally only yards between someone's apartment window and our industrial property. Anyone suggesting a mitigating buffer zone should spend an hour standing in our yard listening to the industry at work. Without exception, cities with the lowest tax rates have a proportionately significant industrial business community. Our industrial sector provides a significant number of high paying jobs and consistently, each month, deposits millions of outside dollars into our cities economy from around the world. PIDA (Penticton Industrial Development Association) unequivocally and wholeheartedly rejects any and all proposals to remove the indispensable, invaluable and unique property at 1704 Government street from our industrial land base. on Twitter Share We have a manufacturing plant bordering this property, employing over 100 people and have been at this site for over 50 years, since 1973. We operate one shift currently but have for decades operated until 2am on a second shift and Saturday and Sunday shifts as well. We have an industrial sandblaster that runs all day (similar to a jet engine), 3 trucks per hour coming & going, we operate stadium style industrial lighting throughout the yard all night to deter theft, we have loud industrial noises all day long with much commercial traffic. All of the proposed 1500 residents will be calling your complaints department day and night to ask that we curb our business activity, which is a large economic driver in the community - typically top 5 employer in the City. We pay many millions of payroll dollars and hire many local contractors on a regular basis - the dollars of which get circulated within the City. How will the City handle removing one of Penticton's largest industrial lots irreversibly from the industrial sector, and replacing it with residential homes in complete conflict with the surrounding zoning. There will be literally only yards between someone's apartment window and our industrial property. Anyone suggesting a mitigating buffer zone should spend an hour standing in our yard listening to the industry at work. Without exception, cities with the lowest tax rates have a proportionately significant industrial business community. Our industrial sector provides a significant number of high paying jobs and consistently, each month, deposits millions of outside dollars into our cities economy from around the world. PIDA (Penticton Industrial Development Association) unequivocally and wholeheartedly rejects any and all proposals to remove the indispensable, invaluable and unique property at 1704 Government street from our industrial land base. on Linkedin Email We have a manufacturing plant bordering this property, employing over 100 people and have been at this site for over 50 years, since 1973. We operate one shift currently but have for decades operated until 2am on a second shift and Saturday and Sunday shifts as well. We have an industrial sandblaster that runs all day (similar to a jet engine), 3 trucks per hour coming & going, we operate stadium style industrial lighting throughout the yard all night to deter theft, we have loud industrial noises all day long with much commercial traffic. All of the proposed 1500 residents will be calling your complaints department day and night to ask that we curb our business activity, which is a large economic driver in the community - typically top 5 employer in the City. We pay many millions of payroll dollars and hire many local contractors on a regular basis - the dollars of which get circulated within the City. How will the City handle removing one of Penticton's largest industrial lots irreversibly from the industrial sector, and replacing it with residential homes in complete conflict with the surrounding zoning. There will be literally only yards between someone's apartment window and our industrial property. Anyone suggesting a mitigating buffer zone should spend an hour standing in our yard listening to the industry at work. Without exception, cities with the lowest tax rates have a proportionately significant industrial business community. Our industrial sector provides a significant number of high paying jobs and consistently, each month, deposits millions of outside dollars into our cities economy from around the world. PIDA (Penticton Industrial Development Association) unequivocally and wholeheartedly rejects any and all proposals to remove the indispensable, invaluable and unique property at 1704 Government street from our industrial land base. link

    We have a manufacturing plant bordering this property, employing over 100 people and have been at this site for over 50 years, since 1973. We operate one shift currently but have for decades operated until 2am on a second shift and Saturday and Sunday shifts as well. We have an industrial sandblaster that runs all day (similar to a jet engine), 3 trucks per hour coming & going, we operate stadium style industrial lighting throughout the yard all night to deter theft, we have loud industrial noises all day long with much commercial traffic. All of the proposed 1500 residents will be calling your complaints department day and night to ask that we curb our business activity, which is a large economic driver in the community - typically top 5 employer in the City. We pay many millions of payroll dollars and hire many local contractors on a regular basis - the dollars of which get circulated within the City. How will the City handle removing one of Penticton's largest industrial lots irreversibly from the industrial sector, and replacing it with residential homes in complete conflict with the surrounding zoning. There will be literally only yards between someone's apartment window and our industrial property. Anyone suggesting a mitigating buffer zone should spend an hour standing in our yard listening to the industry at work. Without exception, cities with the lowest tax rates have a proportionately significant industrial business community. Our industrial sector provides a significant number of high paying jobs and consistently, each month, deposits millions of outside dollars into our cities economy from around the world. PIDA (Penticton Industrial Development Association) unequivocally and wholeheartedly rejects any and all proposals to remove the indispensable, invaluable and unique property at 1704 Government street from our industrial land base.

    amceachern asked 10 months ago

    Hi amceachern - thank you for providing this feedback. You're right that the result of this proposed development would be the loss of industrial land, which is something that will need to be carefully considered by Council prior to making any decisions on this proposal. The Official Community Plan has policies that support new housing developments, and also has policies that support preserving the industrial land base. For applications like this one which propose to amend the 'future land use designation' of a property, the City leads extensive public engagement before any decisions are made to gather feedback from the community at large on the proposal to help inform future decision making.

  • Share Will there be a designated childcare facility for PRH staff? Also, I would like to see included some 3 bedroom units for families - not just studios, 1 & 2 bedroom units. Will there be a communal playground for children? Or a community garden space? on Facebook Share Will there be a designated childcare facility for PRH staff? Also, I would like to see included some 3 bedroom units for families - not just studios, 1 & 2 bedroom units. Will there be a communal playground for children? Or a community garden space? on Twitter Share Will there be a designated childcare facility for PRH staff? Also, I would like to see included some 3 bedroom units for families - not just studios, 1 & 2 bedroom units. Will there be a communal playground for children? Or a community garden space? on Linkedin Email Will there be a designated childcare facility for PRH staff? Also, I would like to see included some 3 bedroom units for families - not just studios, 1 & 2 bedroom units. Will there be a communal playground for children? Or a community garden space? link

    Will there be a designated childcare facility for PRH staff? Also, I would like to see included some 3 bedroom units for families - not just studios, 1 & 2 bedroom units. Will there be a communal playground for children? Or a community garden space?

    Mama of four asked 10 months ago

    Thanks for sharing this input. A child care facility will be explored in this development and is a need identified by the hospital and the community at large. We are at the early stages of this development proposal, but as the plans get more refined we will see more details around the unit counts, greenspaces, and amenities in the development.