89-unit student housing development opens at Okanagan College in Penticton

89-unit student housing development opens at Okanagan College in Penticton

Published 10:36 am Thursday, September 24, 2026

Student housing is now a reality at Penticton’s Okanagan College (OC) campus.

Around two years after the project was first announced, 101 beds and 89 units have opened at the site.

The campus joins Kelowna, Vernon and Salmon Arm OC locations in having student housing.

Students began to move in for the semester in late August, OC president Neil Fassina said.

“The fact that they’re already living in it, enjoying it and being part of this community and calling this place home is actually truly what we’re here to celebrate today,” Fassina added at a press conference on Sept. 23.

The $24 million project was announced in July 2024, in conjunction with the B.C. government.

Penticton City Council gave its stamp of approval to paving the way for construction.

The majority of the units are studio, with two-bedroom and four-bedroom options also available. All units feature private bedrooms and a kitchen.

While residents will live at the site for a full academic year, Fassina said there will also be those with short-term living arrangements who study in the trades and healthcare sectors.

“We’ve got dedicated spaces for those students that would otherwise just not be able to find housing,” he noted. “Many students’ paths are different, but the end point often remains the same.”

OC staff gave media and potential student residents a guided tour of the development on Sept. 23.

With elevators that can fit up to 25 people at once, the building’s floors are all painted different colours, representing OC locations across the region.

The second floor, for instance, is green and pays homage to Vernon’s campus.

All floors also have their own dedicated study space, which residents can use 24/7.

“Not only do our students get to come, live, and stay, but they’re actually members of this community,” Fassina said. “It’s those connections that matter because when those students graduate, we are hoping that they build their life and their career here in the Okanagan.”

OC is also looking to use its Penticton housing units as hotel space when not occupied by students. City council sent the request to a Sept. 29 public hearing.

Revenue generated from providing tourist accommodations would allow OC to offer student residents “affordable rates during the academic year, as well as to help to pay for future improvements,” the school said in a letter of intent submitted to council.

Current rates for student housing at Penticton’s campus range from $3875 to $4825 per semester, according to its website.