Summary

• Twenty-eight new affordable rental homes are opening at 603 Main St., Penticton, delivered through the Province’s Community Housing Fund
• The homes, prioritized for Indigenous people, provide a mix of unit sizes and rent levels for families and individuals, including seniors and Elders

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Another 28 homes are open in Penticton for families and individuals, including independent seniors and Elders.

These affordable rental homes are prioritized for Indigenous people with low to moderate incomes.

This five-storey development at 603 Main St. offers a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom homes that are close to public transit, restaurants, schools, retail and other services.

“People deserve the option to affordably live in the community they love, close to the family, friends and amenities they rely on,” said Christine Boyle, B.C.’s Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “We’re working in partnership with the federal government, housing providers, Indigenous leaders and organizations to help keep people connected and deliver the housing options they need.”

Design and amenity considerations

Each home is equipped with a heat pump for cooling during hot summer months. Covered parking spaces will ease potential mobility challenges during cold, snowy winters.

Six of the 12 one-bedroom homes are wheelchair accessible. An elevator provides access for all residents to the second-floor outdoor community space. This space provides an area for residents to gather in groups for events or cultural activities, fostering community well-being.

Experienced operator

This housing project at 603 Main St. is owned and operated by M’akola Housing Society, a non-profit society. Its focus is on providing safe, affordable and appropriate homes primarily for Indigenous people. The society is the largest Indigenous housing provider in B.C., managing more than 2,400 homes in communities throughout the province. Residents will move into their new homes in August 2026.

This project is part of a $19-billion housing investment by the B.C. government. Since 2017, the Province has more than 99,000 homes that have been delivered or are underway, including more than 450 homes in Penticton.

Quotes:

Stephen Fuhr, MP for Kelowna and Secretary of State, Defence Procurement –

“Canada’s government is committed to providing communities the support they need to develop local solutions to homelessness. This funding will provide Penticton residents with 28 new affordable homes to meet the diverse needs of the people who will be living here. This marks another step forward in our bold, ambitious plan to build Canada strong.”

Amelia Boultbee, MLA for Penticton-Summerland –

“This opening highlights Indigenous-led housing solutions delivered right here in Penticton. Affordable and with access to excellent amenities, these new homes reflect local needs and values, and we’re committed to delivering more homes like these in B.C. communities.“

Margaret Pfoh, CEO, Aboriginal Housing Management Association (AHMA) –

“Many urban Indigenous people and Elders in B.C. are struggling with housing precarity, especially 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. We raise our hands to M’akola Housing Society for its expertise in creating homes for those most in need.”

Kevin Albers, CEO, M’akola Housing Society –

“M’akola looks forward to welcoming the first residents to 603 Main St. Located in the heart of Penticton, 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. We are grateful to the Penticton community and our project partners for helping make these life-changing homes a reality.”

Julius Bloomfield, mayor of Penticton –

“Creating a livable and accessible city for people at every stage of life is one of council’s key priorities. These new affordable homes will help more individuals, families, seniors and Elders find a safe, stable place to live in our community. We are grateful for the partnership between the Province and M’akola Housing Society in delivering housing that is accessible, inclusive and supports the diverse needs of Penticton residents.” 

Quick Facts:

• The Province, through BC Housing, provided approximately $4.4 million from the Community Housing Fund for this development.
• The Province is also providing almost $665,500 in annual operating funding.
• The federal and provincial governments contributed nearly $1.1 million in joint funding through the Canada-British Columbia Bilateral Agreement under the National Housing Strategy.
• The federal government also provided $16.1 million from the Affordable Housing Fund.

Learn More:

• To learn how B.C. is working to deliver more homes for people, visit:
  https://gov.bc.ca/homesforpeople
• A map showing the location of all announced provincially funded housing projects in B.C. is available online: 
  https://www.bchousing.org/homes-for-BC
• To learn how BC Housing is helping to build strong, inclusive communities, visit: 
  https://www.bchousing.org/podcast
• For the most-requested Government of Canada housing information, visit: 
  https://www.canada.ca/en/services/finance/manage/housing.html
• Build Canada Homes is ready to partner with organizations committed to increasing the supply of affordable housing across Canada. To learn more about this portal and the Investment Policy Framework, visit:
  ​https://housing-infrastructure.canada.ca/bch-mc/approach-invest-approche-eng.html#how-to-submit