PENTICTON, B.C.—Okanagan Label and Print is looking to purchase three city-owned lots in Penticton, B.C. that have long been pegged for affordable housing developments.

Company president James Parker approached city council and explained that the business needs to expand and install a large new press that its current facility can't fit. "We've opened up international markets and we need another machine to accommodate the current orders," he told PrintCAN. A year-long search for an adequate commercial property has proven fruitless.

Parker acquired Penticton Commercial Printing, established in 1972, six years ago and transformed it into Okanagan Label and Print. The company now specializes in premium wine labels and its Penticton location places it in the centre of B.C. wine country. Although the business can continue operations in an another city, Parker said he would prefer to not have to move.

The Penticton Western News reports that city council voted six to one to begin the land's sale process, with conditions that developments be required to accommodate affordable housing. Parker told the paper he would be willing to add a housing component following a period, upwards of three years, during which he would focus on building the business.

The lots will go through a public process, meaning Parker could be out-bid by other prospective buyers. "It is what it is," he said, acknowledging the possible need for relocation. "The city is somewhat challenged for growth. It needs industrial manufacturing in order to provide jobs, but has no industrial land to house that manufacturing," he said.