Okanagan College looks to use unoccupied Penticton student housing as hotel space
Published 10:49 am Wednesday, September 16, 2026
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Okanagan College (OC) is looking to use its housing units in Penticton as hotel space when not occupied by students.
Penticton City Council has sent the request to a public hearing, set for Sept. 29.
In a letter of intent submitted to the city, the college said offering hotel accommodations would allow rooms that would otherwise be vacant to be used as an alternative option for tourists.
“The additional revenue generated would also allow Okanagan College to offer students living on campus affordable rates during the academic year, as well as to help to pay for future improvements,” the letter reads.
Current rates for student housing at Penticton’s campus range from $3875 to $4825 per semester, with studio to four-bedroom apartments available.
OC said student housing would typically be unoccupied and used as hotel space in the summer months when there is limited programming at the college.
To allow the use, council would have to amend both the Official Community Plan and the zoning (Public Assembly) to allow for tourists’ use at the site.
Kelowna approved a similar application at its OC campus last year.
In 2024, Penticton City Council gave the green light for OC to build student units. There are now 101 beds in 89 units at the site.
Local student housing is located at 1080 Railway St., along Highway 97 and south of Canadian Tire.
If approved by council following the public hearing, OC would be responsible for all development costs.
The public hearing will begin at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 29, inside council chambers.