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What is happening in our community?
Recently, there have been talks in the RDOS to change our large residential property zoning to include a mobile home as an accessory dwelling. There is a proposed development on Reservoir Rd going to a public hearing on September 12. And a new multi-family development, Sokana, nearly sold out of their first phase in days!
Reservoir Rd Development and Community Acceptance
“Progress of the proposed development on the edge of Penticton”
A proposed 33-lot residential subdivision on Penticton’s northeast corner has cleared its initial regulatory stage. The development aims to transform a natural hillside area into 33 single-family lots, with a portion of land being donated for inclusion in the Campbell Mountain trail system. City council’s approval of variances to the Official Community Plan and zoning bylaw marks the first step. The plan involves OCP amendments to reduce minimum lot size due to municipal water supply and zoning changes for front-yard setbacks. Public discussions and information sessions are scheduled ahead of a September 12 public hearing. However, the project must secure various authorizations before proceeding, including a hillside development permit. The development’s projected impact includes job creation, development charges, and new residential taxes.
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RDOS Zoning Change
“Mobile Homes may soon be allowed on Large Residential Properties”
The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen is set to hold a public hearing regarding a proposed bylaw change that would allow mobile homes as accessory dwellings on properties larger than one hectare. The district’s board granted initial readings to the bylaw during their August 3 meeting. The adjustment comes after considering alternative housing strategies, including a reevaluation of the existing rule that restricts mobile homes to parcels exceeding four hectares. This change applies to properties over one hectare where accessory dwelling use is permitted. For parcels under four hectares, the primary dwelling must be a single detached unit, except for zones earmarked for manufactured home parks. The shift aims to offer a more cost-effective solution for new rural-residential homes while addressing regional housing needs. Approval from the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure is also required due to the proximity of the proposed amendments to controlled access highways. The housing crisis and affordability issues are outstanding in BC, and our team believes that this is an example of responsible densification.
Sokana | Multi Family Development
“First Phase nearly sold out in days!”
Sokana is a contemporary riverside community offering Studio, 1-, 2-, & 3-Bedroom Residences starting from the High-$300s. This development is comprised of two 6-storey buildings: Boardwalk, and Riverview. 91 units in Boardwalk have been pre-sold with 5 units remaining, and 138 units in Riverview will be available for pre-sales soon. Our team has speculated that many of the units sold in Boardwalk are more than likely investors who have an existing relationship with the developer, Kerkhoff. Sokana is located at the North West corner of Penticton, offering easy access to Riverside Village, Penticton Channel, and the city’s diverse attractions, including culinary experiences, beaches, wineries, and outdoor adventures, making it an exciting and well-connected place to call home.
