By Dan Walton

Oliver Landing is taking itself to new “Heights.”

The local development corporation, which made its mark last year breaking ground on a 131-unit project on Co-op Avenue, is planning to build hundreds of new affordable homes in town.

Each unit is expected to have around 800-plus square feet of living space. An accurate forecast of pricing is nearly impossible at this point, but developers will make every effort to minimize costs with hopes of price tags in the low $200,000s.

“These will be homes that won’t have a huge lot or be huge in size, but they will allow young families, retirees, people on a fixed income – people who would otherwise have to rely on renting – it gives them a real chance to own property,” said community engagement officer Dale Cory.

Senior project manager David Perehudoff envisions this new neighbourhood to be called Oliver Heights. The 21-acre neighbourhood will operate as a strata and is located near the municipality’s limits in the Rockcliffe residential area and has enough space to offer upwards of 400 homes.

“It’s up the hill and looking towards Osoyoos – it’s a pretty beautiful place to be,” Cory said. To the west of Oliver Heights are mountains and other adjacent properties, including orchards which are part of the Agricultural Land Reserve and a cemetery. “It’s an area unto itself.”

Town council has signalled its support with the recent passage of a bylaw that will allow modular homes in residential areas.

Over at Oliver Landing, where each four-plex unit ranges from 1,200 to 1,400 square feet, all 12 units in Phase One have sold out, which means orders are now being taken for Phase Two.

The first new owners from Phase One are expected to move in as early as the fall. A concept video of what the neighbourhood will look like was recently posted at www.oliverlanding.ca.

Developers are optimistic that both projects will achieve their potential. With the recent launch of the Area 27 motorsports park, the construction of the new Okanagan Correctional Centre and the revival of Mount Baldy Ski Area, Cory said there are numerous economic indicators that suggest the community is experiencing a healthy level of growth.

Perehudoff will be updating Council on his projects during the next regular meeting on Aug. 14. Visit www.oliverheights.ca for the latest on this project.

An open house at Oliver Heights will be held this Friday (Aug.11) from 1-4 pm at 5899 Princess Place (off Fairview Road).