Penticton residents will soon have their say on the proposed construction of a facility that would feature two NHL-sized ice rinks, baseball training spaces, and residential apartment units.
The mixed-use development, located at 955 Timmins Street behind a Canadian Tire store, will be subject to a public hearing on Tuesday, Nov. 5.
Officially named the Peach City Sportsplex, developers are hoping to clear the public-hearing hurdle next week and move one step closer to providing multiple recreational facilities, 72 apartment units and "unspecified" commercial space at the site.
The plan also features indoor and outdoor pickleball courts, as well as office space. Applicants have "requested the ability to operate short-term rentals within the
residential units to support the various recreational uses on site," a report to council reads.
Proposed zoning at the site includes changing its designation from High-Density Residential to Mixed-Use. A site-specific policy statement of allowing tourists as a permitted use is also included.
All costs related to the project are the responsibility of the developer.
In a report to council, staff describe the site as a "unique area of the city." Initial plans, as of October 2024, show 217 parking spaces, 97 bicycle parking spaces, and landscaping along property lines.
The property in question is a 1.8-hectare parcel of land on the outskirts of downtown Penticton. Developers hope to transform what's currently a warehouse into a multi-use facility.
"Green space surrounding the site and landscape design will augment what is currently a blank industrial site, creating a welcome edge to the south side of King's Park," a letter of intent submitted to council reads.
City officials have already taken steps to gauge potential public support or opposition to the project.
During a public feedback phase in September, a total of 400 feedback forms were submitted. Around 83 per cent of those forms, according to city officials, expressed support for the proposed zoning changes at the site.
Another 12 per cent supported the changes but shared concerns related to the potential for noise from the outdoor pickleball courts and increased traffic in the area. The remaining 4.5 per cent of respondents did not support the land-use changes.
Those behind the project, meanwhile, have taken to social media several times this fall to share their plans with the community.
Most recently, on Oct. 27, an account titled Peach City Sportsplex outlined its vision for the baseball training space, which would be called "Grandslam Training Centre" and feature batting machines, pitching mounds, and specialized training equipment.
Penticton City Council voted on Oct. 15, to send the project to a public hearing.
While council's regular meeting is set for 1 p.m. on Nov. 5, the public hearing will begin at 6 p.m.
