Penticton Council has thrown its support for the development of a four-storey, 62-unit BC Housing project on Winnipeg Street in downtown Penticton.
The building would be located on two properties purchased by the City earlier this year at 594 and 600 Winnipeg St.
Senior planner Blake Laven said the housing project would be located between Penticton Anglican Church and Christian Science Church.
There are currently two, single-detached family homes on the adjoining lots, he said.
“The proposed development will see the consolidation of the two lots for the construction of a four-storey, congregate care building for up to 62 residents,” said Laven during presentation to Council Tuesday evening. “The building features a common dining area, lounge, counselling rooms and medical space.”
Prior to construction, BC Housing is required to take out a development permit for the high-density residential permit area, he said.
Things like building materials, colours, landscaping, neighbourhood fit and other particulars will be included in that permit, he said.
The building will be occupied by persons who are at risk for homelessness or who need additional supports to maintain their housing, he said.
“The types of services and supports that will be on-site for the residents of the building include 24/7 staffing, security and support services, a safe place to sleep,” he said. “There will be meals provided to the residents, laundry services, certainly opportunities for social interaction and other such services that these persons will need to make steps to improve their lives.”
This project is part of BC Housing’s Rapid Response to Homelessness initiative announced earlier this year, which has a goal to build 2,000 similar units across the province, he said.
Services will be provided by ASK Wellness, an experienced provider of services and counselling in projects of this nature, said Laven.
ASK Wellness also manages the Fairhaven BC Housing project in Penticton.
No outstanding servicing or technical issues were identified by City staff relating to this project and there is adequate water and sewer services on the site, he said.
Because this is a development permit, there was no need to hold public consultation on this project, but BC Housing and Ask Wellness decided to hold a recent open house on Sept. 10 and invited people who live in the immediate neighbourhood to attend, said Laven.
“A lot of issues were discussed at that meeting,” he said. “I think most of the people that attended did acknowledge the need for this type of housing in the community, but there were some anxieties and concerns raised both with the management of the building and the building itself.”
Some neighbours were worried about limited parking, the number of units being more than what some were expecting and what would happen if funding wasn’t maintained.
“Overall I think people did understand the need for this type of housing in the community,” he said.
The building being proposed is attractive and modern, he said.
There will be landscaping, boulevard upgrades, screened fencing with security measures, dog run and outdoor amenity area, he said.
The construction will be modular and units will be built at Penticton’s Metric Modular factory, he said.
This project replaces a previous similar proposal in the Green Avenue area of the City, which was eventually turned down by Council after complaints and concerns by neighbours, many saying the housing complex would be located too close to schools.
Mayor Andrew Jakubeit said he’s very pleased this project will be moving ahead with construction to begin soon.
“I guess there’s no ideal location, but I think BC Housing working with the City to come up with another alternative to where they had proposed in the south end of town, which was near schools and they already had 46 units (in that area),” he said. “This is probably a better fit for the community, so I”m happy to see they have found a solution and are moving forward to helping house those who are vulnerable.”
Providing housing and supports for the residents will play a significant role in helping them get back on their feet and turn their lives around, he said.
The fact Ask Wellness will be involved is also important as residents will be able to access the services they need at all times, he said.
Construction is expected to begin within the next several weeks once BC Housing finalizes all of its building permits with the City.
For more information on BC Housing, click here.
For more information on ASK Wellness, click here.
