Province buys 3 Penticton motels to turn into low-income housing

The provincial government has spent $7.9 million on a trio of Penticton motels.

It’s part of a proposed redevelopment plan to preserve and revitalize 103 affordable homes for community members with low incomes.

The three properties are:

• Meadowlark Motel at 2730 Skaha Lake Rd.
• Sun Valley Motel at 2784 Skaha Lake Rd.
• Mayfair Motel at 2824 Skaha Lake Rd.

"The purchase of these motels will help ensure existing affordable housing in Penticton is maintained and improved so people can continue to live affordably and thrive in the community," said David Eby, minister responsible for housing.

"We will continue to explore new and creative avenues like this one to help tackle the housing crisis and meet the needs of renters and homeowners across BC."

The long-term plan is for BC Housing to apply for rezoning to redevelop the three motels, with the details of the projects being determined through community consultation.

BC Housing already owns Skaha Sunrise Apartments at 2872 Skaha Lake Rd. and 179 Green Ave. W., which will be included in this project as well.

The three newly purchased motels are all being used as below-market short-term rentals at this time.

BC Housing will take over the 57 tenancy rental agreements at the motel and make some minor improvements to the buildings, but current residents will not be affected by the renovations.