28 affordable rental homes open for Indigenous residents in Penticton

Rendering of M’akola Housing Society’s 28-unit affordable housing development at 603 Main Street in Penticton. Image courtesy of M’akola Housing Society.

The five-storey development includes accessible units for families, individuals, seniors and Elders

PENTICTON — Twenty-eight affordable rental homes are opening in downtown Penticton, with priority given to Indigenous families, individuals, seniors and Elders with low to moderate incomes.

The five-storey building at 603 Main Street includes one-, two- and three-bedroom units near public transit, schools, restaurants, shops and other services. Residents are expected to begin moving into the building in August.

M’akola Housing Society, a non-profit Indigenous housing provider, owns and operates the development. The organization manages more than 2,400 homes across British Columbia.

“M’akola looks forward to welcoming the first residents to 603 Main St.,” CEO Kevin Albers said in a provincial news release. “These 28 affordable homes will provide Indigenous families, individuals and Elders with a safe and stable place to call home that’s close to the services, amenities and community connections that support well-being and belonging.”

The building includes 12 one-bedroom homes, six of which are wheelchair accessible. An elevator provides access to a second-floor outdoor community area designed for gatherings, events and cultural activities.

Each unit has a heat pump to provide cooling during hot weather. Covered parking is also intended to improve access during winter.

Margaret Pfoh, CEO of the Aboriginal Housing Management Association, said urban Indigenous residents and Elders are experiencing increasing housing insecurity, particularly people living on fixed or low incomes and those with accessibility needs.

“Those with low or fixed incomes can’t afford market rentals, and this is where AHMA members play a critical role in community wellness and stability,” Pfoh said.

Penticton Mayor Julius Bloomfield said the development supports the city’s goal of improving housing access for residents at different stages of life.

“These new affordable homes will help more individuals, families, seniors and Elders find a safe, stable place to live in our community,” Bloomfield said.

The federal and provincial governments provided approximately $21.6 million toward the project.

The federal government contributed $16.1 million through the Affordable Housing Fund. The province provided approximately $4.4 million through BC Housing’s Community Housing Fund, while another $1.1 million came through a joint federal-provincial housing agreement.

The province will also provide almost $665,500 annually to support the operation of the building.

The Penticton development is among more than 450 provincially supported homes that have been completed or are underway in the city since 2017, according to the province.