City-owned sites for Housing

Housing availability and affordability is at critical demand, and Penticton is developing a framework to address housing needs in the community. The Official Community Plan Housing Task Force identified that using city-owned lands for non-market housing may be one of the most available and affordable ways to provide land for affordable housing needs, and with recent motions from Council directing staff to explore options for housing specifically for seniors, youth and the workforce, staff have identified three sites.

Ellis Street North Block (225, 231, 235, 241, 251, 253, 271, 283 Ellis Street and 99 Nanaimo Avenue East)
Eckhardt Ave Block (971, 977, 985, 999 Eckhardt Avenue West)
2509 Main Street

Information about these sites, including reports, draft plans and other documents will be provided in the Documents section as the information becomes available. Engagement related to the Social Housing Plan and potential future land dispositions of the three sites will be held separately.

A note about the Social Housing Plan: The Social Housing Plan will be a tactical plan that goes beyond identifying social housing targets. The Social Housing Plan will provide a more comprehensive list of potential housing sites on ‘community land’, including sites owned by the City along with sites owned by non-profit partners, faith-based groups, and other levels of government and their agencies which may be suitable for social housing development, with linkage to potential capital funding sources to build on the identified sites. The term ‘Social Housing,’ according to the Province, refers to “housing development that government subsidizes and that either government or a non-profit housing partner owns and/or operates.”

Ellis Street North Block (225, 231, 235, 241, 251, 253, 271, 283 Ellis Street and 99 Nanaimo Avenue East)
Eckhardt Ave Block (971, 977, 985, 999 Eckhardt Avenue West)
2509 Main Street

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If you have a question about what is being proposed for the three city-owned sites, ask it here or email planning@penticton.ca

Share Please advise if Geotech investigations have been organised for the 3 sites on Facebook Share Please advise if Geotech investigations have been organised for the 3 sites on Twitter Share Please advise if Geotech investigations have been organised for the 3 sites on Linkedin Email Please advise if Geotech investigations have been organised for the 3 sites link

Please advise if Geotech investigations have been organised for the 3 sites

Nino welland asked about 2 months ago

Hi Nino, at this early stage geotechnical investigations have not been completed. These will be conducted once building details are better known (i.e. design underway). That said, we do know from other projects across the City that a high water table will need to be factored in when any development proceeds.
Share The site at 99 Nanaimo East has, for years, been designated to be the location of a South Okanagan Performing Arts Centre. Will that be included in any plans that could also include housing? If not, why not? Why is the city looking to build more hockey rinks when the Performing ARts Centre is needed more than those? on Facebook Share The site at 99 Nanaimo East has, for years, been designated to be the location of a South Okanagan Performing Arts Centre. Will that be included in any plans that could also include housing? If not, why not? Why is the city looking to build more hockey rinks when the Performing ARts Centre is needed more than those? on Twitter Share The site at 99 Nanaimo East has, for years, been designated to be the location of a South Okanagan Performing Arts Centre. Will that be included in any plans that could also include housing? If not, why not? Why is the city looking to build more hockey rinks when the Performing ARts Centre is needed more than those? on Linkedin Email The site at 99 Nanaimo East has, for years, been designated to be the location of a South Okanagan Performing Arts Centre. Will that be included in any plans that could also include housing? If not, why not? Why is the city looking to build more hockey rinks when the Performing ARts Centre is needed more than those? link

The site at 99 Nanaimo East has, for years, been designated to be the location of a South Okanagan Performing Arts Centre. Will that be included in any plans that could also include housing? If not, why not? Why is the city looking to build more hockey rinks when the Performing ARts Centre is needed more than those?

PJ asked 10 months ago

Hi PJ, as the Ellis project moves forward, a mix of uses will be considered. With Council's endorsement, social housing will be part of any future project on that site, which may include other commercial and civic uses as well.
Share I am concerned that some of the future inhabitants of the low cost housing development proposed for the area of Eckhardt Ave north and Comox Street will add to the current problems that the owners of Fairway Village already face. Theft, property damage, safety issues and trespassing are chronic problems for the neighbourhod. My question is, what exactly does the proposed 'low cost housing' for this area mean/ look like? As in, will it house the homeless, mentally ill and addicted population? These people desperately need housing, but not in an area heavily populated with retirees. The area proposed for subsidized housing does not fit into the North Gateway Project, which is to be a pleasing and safe area. on Facebook Share I am concerned that some of the future inhabitants of the low cost housing development proposed for the area of Eckhardt Ave north and Comox Street will add to the current problems that the owners of Fairway Village already face. Theft, property damage, safety issues and trespassing are chronic problems for the neighbourhod. My question is, what exactly does the proposed 'low cost housing' for this area mean/ look like? As in, will it house the homeless, mentally ill and addicted population? These people desperately need housing, but not in an area heavily populated with retirees. The area proposed for subsidized housing does not fit into the North Gateway Project, which is to be a pleasing and safe area. on Twitter Share I am concerned that some of the future inhabitants of the low cost housing development proposed for the area of Eckhardt Ave north and Comox Street will add to the current problems that the owners of Fairway Village already face. Theft, property damage, safety issues and trespassing are chronic problems for the neighbourhod. My question is, what exactly does the proposed 'low cost housing' for this area mean/ look like? As in, will it house the homeless, mentally ill and addicted population? These people desperately need housing, but not in an area heavily populated with retirees. The area proposed for subsidized housing does not fit into the North Gateway Project, which is to be a pleasing and safe area. on Linkedin Email I am concerned that some of the future inhabitants of the low cost housing development proposed for the area of Eckhardt Ave north and Comox Street will add to the current problems that the owners of Fairway Village already face. Theft, property damage, safety issues and trespassing are chronic problems for the neighbourhod. My question is, what exactly does the proposed 'low cost housing' for this area mean/ look like? As in, will it house the homeless, mentally ill and addicted population? These people desperately need housing, but not in an area heavily populated with retirees. The area proposed for subsidized housing does not fit into the North Gateway Project, which is to be a pleasing and safe area. link

I am concerned that some of the future inhabitants of the low cost housing development proposed for the area of Eckhardt Ave north and Comox Street will add to the current problems that the owners of Fairway Village already face. Theft, property damage, safety issues and trespassing are chronic problems for the neighbourhod. My question is, what exactly does the proposed 'low cost housing' for this area mean/ look like? As in, will it house the homeless, mentally ill and addicted population? These people desperately need housing, but not in an area heavily populated with retirees. The area proposed for subsidized housing does not fit into the North Gateway Project, which is to be a pleasing and safe area.

Lynn O'Brien asked 10 months ago

Hi Lynn, the Eckhardt site is geared to working people and working families, with the units rented at a mix of market rates and 20-30% below market rates. Residents will need to be income-tested to qualify and meet a minimum income threshold, under the BC Builds program which is funding the project.
Share I'm in favour of social housing on the 2 sites proposed #1 & #3. Both are, or can be well served by nearby bus-stops. Downtown Penticton will benefit from more housing on the Ellis Street site. A 6 storey building (bottom level off-street parking for cars and bicycles, and 5 levels of small square footage residential suites above) would fit very nicely on the property beside the newly constructed roundabout. Is it really necessary to use the land on Eckhardt Ave for another residential project? I don't think so. The Northern Gateway development will offer more attractive choices for residential living compared to what living in a building along a busy thoroughfare like Highway 97 would. Can something else be planned for the Eckhardt site, or sold as is to a private developer? on Facebook Share I'm in favour of social housing on the 2 sites proposed #1 & #3. Both are, or can be well served by nearby bus-stops. Downtown Penticton will benefit from more housing on the Ellis Street site. A 6 storey building (bottom level off-street parking for cars and bicycles, and 5 levels of small square footage residential suites above) would fit very nicely on the property beside the newly constructed roundabout. Is it really necessary to use the land on Eckhardt Ave for another residential project? I don't think so. The Northern Gateway development will offer more attractive choices for residential living compared to what living in a building along a busy thoroughfare like Highway 97 would. Can something else be planned for the Eckhardt site, or sold as is to a private developer? on Twitter Share I'm in favour of social housing on the 2 sites proposed #1 & #3. Both are, or can be well served by nearby bus-stops. Downtown Penticton will benefit from more housing on the Ellis Street site. A 6 storey building (bottom level off-street parking for cars and bicycles, and 5 levels of small square footage residential suites above) would fit very nicely on the property beside the newly constructed roundabout. Is it really necessary to use the land on Eckhardt Ave for another residential project? I don't think so. The Northern Gateway development will offer more attractive choices for residential living compared to what living in a building along a busy thoroughfare like Highway 97 would. Can something else be planned for the Eckhardt site, or sold as is to a private developer? on Linkedin Email I'm in favour of social housing on the 2 sites proposed #1 & #3. Both are, or can be well served by nearby bus-stops. Downtown Penticton will benefit from more housing on the Ellis Street site. A 6 storey building (bottom level off-street parking for cars and bicycles, and 5 levels of small square footage residential suites above) would fit very nicely on the property beside the newly constructed roundabout. Is it really necessary to use the land on Eckhardt Ave for another residential project? I don't think so. The Northern Gateway development will offer more attractive choices for residential living compared to what living in a building along a busy thoroughfare like Highway 97 would. Can something else be planned for the Eckhardt site, or sold as is to a private developer? link

I'm in favour of social housing on the 2 sites proposed #1 & #3. Both are, or can be well served by nearby bus-stops. Downtown Penticton will benefit from more housing on the Ellis Street site. A 6 storey building (bottom level off-street parking for cars and bicycles, and 5 levels of small square footage residential suites above) would fit very nicely on the property beside the newly constructed roundabout. Is it really necessary to use the land on Eckhardt Ave for another residential project? I don't think so. The Northern Gateway development will offer more attractive choices for residential living compared to what living in a building along a busy thoroughfare like Highway 97 would. Can something else be planned for the Eckhardt site, or sold as is to a private developer?

timmers asked 10 months ago

Hi there thanks for those comments. For the Eckhardt Ave site, the North Gateway plan calls for over 2,000 new homes and the need for 200+ workforce homes. The goal of the Eckhardt Ave project is to help achieve that workforce homes target, with units below average market rates in a redeveloping area.
Share Global news recently featured newly constructed "affordable housing" in Vancouver. Monthly rents are in the range of $4,000.00 per month. This is NOT affordable. Rather than calling it "affordable" and then receiving approval from City Hall, perhaps an agreement or an understanding as to what the rents MUST be should be done prior to building or prior to approving a manager. An option for rent calculation(s) could be worked out as a percentage of the renter's monthly income rather than a set amount (?).. Thank you. on Facebook Share Global news recently featured newly constructed "affordable housing" in Vancouver. Monthly rents are in the range of $4,000.00 per month. This is NOT affordable. Rather than calling it "affordable" and then receiving approval from City Hall, perhaps an agreement or an understanding as to what the rents MUST be should be done prior to building or prior to approving a manager. An option for rent calculation(s) could be worked out as a percentage of the renter's monthly income rather than a set amount (?).. Thank you. on Twitter Share Global news recently featured newly constructed "affordable housing" in Vancouver. Monthly rents are in the range of $4,000.00 per month. This is NOT affordable. Rather than calling it "affordable" and then receiving approval from City Hall, perhaps an agreement or an understanding as to what the rents MUST be should be done prior to building or prior to approving a manager. An option for rent calculation(s) could be worked out as a percentage of the renter's monthly income rather than a set amount (?).. Thank you. on Linkedin Email Global news recently featured newly constructed "affordable housing" in Vancouver. Monthly rents are in the range of $4,000.00 per month. This is NOT affordable. Rather than calling it "affordable" and then receiving approval from City Hall, perhaps an agreement or an understanding as to what the rents MUST be should be done prior to building or prior to approving a manager. An option for rent calculation(s) could be worked out as a percentage of the renter's monthly income rather than a set amount (?).. Thank you. link

Global news recently featured newly constructed "affordable housing" in Vancouver. Monthly rents are in the range of $4,000.00 per month. This is NOT affordable. Rather than calling it "affordable" and then receiving approval from City Hall, perhaps an agreement or an understanding as to what the rents MUST be should be done prior to building or prior to approving a manager. An option for rent calculation(s) could be worked out as a percentage of the renter's monthly income rather than a set amount (?).. Thank you.

Jill Citizen asked 10 months ago

Thanks Jill, you're right that a dollar figure of affordability is hard to determine - what's affordable to one family may not be for another. Often social housing rent is tied to a % of household income, or set rates at a % below average market rates. In a not-for-profit operation, the costs remain lower over time versus for-profit rental developments.
Share Has the City Council considered making there properties into non-market rentals? For those unaware, non-market housing are rental units run by a government, non-profit organization, or renter Co-op with out the need for profit. Operating costs are covered by rents, and large irregular renos and repairs are covered by levies. Where social house can provide assistants to some people in current groups facing hardship, non-market housing provided real competition to for profit rentals and help keep rental prices down. This helps all the residents of Penticton and reduces the need for social housing. To be clear. I am a home owner in Penticton, this does not direct effect me. I believe this direction would provided the greatest benefit to the city and it's residents. This is a system that has worked very well in many European countries. on Facebook Share Has the City Council considered making there properties into non-market rentals? For those unaware, non-market housing are rental units run by a government, non-profit organization, or renter Co-op with out the need for profit. Operating costs are covered by rents, and large irregular renos and repairs are covered by levies. Where social house can provide assistants to some people in current groups facing hardship, non-market housing provided real competition to for profit rentals and help keep rental prices down. This helps all the residents of Penticton and reduces the need for social housing. To be clear. I am a home owner in Penticton, this does not direct effect me. I believe this direction would provided the greatest benefit to the city and it's residents. This is a system that has worked very well in many European countries. on Twitter Share Has the City Council considered making there properties into non-market rentals? For those unaware, non-market housing are rental units run by a government, non-profit organization, or renter Co-op with out the need for profit. Operating costs are covered by rents, and large irregular renos and repairs are covered by levies. Where social house can provide assistants to some people in current groups facing hardship, non-market housing provided real competition to for profit rentals and help keep rental prices down. This helps all the residents of Penticton and reduces the need for social housing. To be clear. I am a home owner in Penticton, this does not direct effect me. I believe this direction would provided the greatest benefit to the city and it's residents. This is a system that has worked very well in many European countries. on Linkedin Email Has the City Council considered making there properties into non-market rentals? For those unaware, non-market housing are rental units run by a government, non-profit organization, or renter Co-op with out the need for profit. Operating costs are covered by rents, and large irregular renos and repairs are covered by levies. Where social house can provide assistants to some people in current groups facing hardship, non-market housing provided real competition to for profit rentals and help keep rental prices down. This helps all the residents of Penticton and reduces the need for social housing. To be clear. I am a home owner in Penticton, this does not direct effect me. I believe this direction would provided the greatest benefit to the city and it's residents. This is a system that has worked very well in many European countries. link

Has the City Council considered making there properties into non-market rentals? For those unaware, non-market housing are rental units run by a government, non-profit organization, or renter Co-op with out the need for profit. Operating costs are covered by rents, and large irregular renos and repairs are covered by levies. Where social house can provide assistants to some people in current groups facing hardship, non-market housing provided real competition to for profit rentals and help keep rental prices down. This helps all the residents of Penticton and reduces the need for social housing. To be clear. I am a home owner in Penticton, this does not direct effect me. I believe this direction would provided the greatest benefit to the city and it's residents. This is a system that has worked very well in many European countries.

HaydnMB asked 11 months ago

Hi there, Council has supported social housing for these sites to help address affordability concerns for seniors, workers, and youth. Being City-owned land already, the rents will be lower as the land does not need to be purchased for new homes.
Share Just wondering if residents of these potential Social Housing sites will have to live by the same rules and enforcement that the rest of us taxpayers live by? ie. enforcement of criminal law breaking and no hard drug use or dealing. Compass Court is a sad example of completely ignoring blatant Criminal activity and becoming an absolute nuisance to the community. Ask yourself, would you want your family living next to Compass Court or Burdoch House? If the answer is no, then more sites should not be built. Nearly every day I see Bylaw giving out Parking tickets downtown, while numerous real crimes are ignored. Truly mind blowing. As a starting point, residents of any government funded housing site should be required to live a law abiding lifestyle. This really isn't too much to ask I think. Building more Social housing and enabling the constant property crime and drug use will only bring Penticton down even deeper. on Facebook Share Just wondering if residents of these potential Social Housing sites will have to live by the same rules and enforcement that the rest of us taxpayers live by? ie. enforcement of criminal law breaking and no hard drug use or dealing. Compass Court is a sad example of completely ignoring blatant Criminal activity and becoming an absolute nuisance to the community. Ask yourself, would you want your family living next to Compass Court or Burdoch House? If the answer is no, then more sites should not be built. Nearly every day I see Bylaw giving out Parking tickets downtown, while numerous real crimes are ignored. Truly mind blowing. As a starting point, residents of any government funded housing site should be required to live a law abiding lifestyle. This really isn't too much to ask I think. Building more Social housing and enabling the constant property crime and drug use will only bring Penticton down even deeper. on Twitter Share Just wondering if residents of these potential Social Housing sites will have to live by the same rules and enforcement that the rest of us taxpayers live by? ie. enforcement of criminal law breaking and no hard drug use or dealing. Compass Court is a sad example of completely ignoring blatant Criminal activity and becoming an absolute nuisance to the community. Ask yourself, would you want your family living next to Compass Court or Burdoch House? If the answer is no, then more sites should not be built. Nearly every day I see Bylaw giving out Parking tickets downtown, while numerous real crimes are ignored. Truly mind blowing. As a starting point, residents of any government funded housing site should be required to live a law abiding lifestyle. This really isn't too much to ask I think. Building more Social housing and enabling the constant property crime and drug use will only bring Penticton down even deeper. on Linkedin Email Just wondering if residents of these potential Social Housing sites will have to live by the same rules and enforcement that the rest of us taxpayers live by? ie. enforcement of criminal law breaking and no hard drug use or dealing. Compass Court is a sad example of completely ignoring blatant Criminal activity and becoming an absolute nuisance to the community. Ask yourself, would you want your family living next to Compass Court or Burdoch House? If the answer is no, then more sites should not be built. Nearly every day I see Bylaw giving out Parking tickets downtown, while numerous real crimes are ignored. Truly mind blowing. As a starting point, residents of any government funded housing site should be required to live a law abiding lifestyle. This really isn't too much to ask I think. Building more Social housing and enabling the constant property crime and drug use will only bring Penticton down even deeper. link

Just wondering if residents of these potential Social Housing sites will have to live by the same rules and enforcement that the rest of us taxpayers live by? ie. enforcement of criminal law breaking and no hard drug use or dealing. Compass Court is a sad example of completely ignoring blatant Criminal activity and becoming an absolute nuisance to the community. Ask yourself, would you want your family living next to Compass Court or Burdoch House? If the answer is no, then more sites should not be built. Nearly every day I see Bylaw giving out Parking tickets downtown, while numerous real crimes are ignored. Truly mind blowing. As a starting point, residents of any government funded housing site should be required to live a law abiding lifestyle. This really isn't too much to ask I think. Building more Social housing and enabling the constant property crime and drug use will only bring Penticton down even deeper.

Joe Citizen asked 11 months ago

Hi Joe, Council has given the direction for these sites to be geared to either workers, seniors, or youth specifically. These sites will be similar to other below-market apartments in Penticton, such as the newer 'Rise on Nanaimo' project. The expectation is that these future developments are professionally managed by qualified operators. Council will have future decisions and approvals on these projects before construction begins to ensure the projects align with their vision.

Page last updated: 15 Apr 2025, 03:26 PM

City-owned sites for Housing

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Please advise if Geotech investigations have been organised for the 3 sites

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