Take a look inside these new affordable apartments in Rutland

Imagine a studio apartment in Kelowna for under $1,200 a month.

That’s the reality at a new housing development that has been formally unveiled called ‘The Woods’ that just opened in Willow Park Shopping Centre in Rutland.

The 95-unit rental complex consists of studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments, within a mixed-use building and has been under construction over the past year and a half.

Argus Founder and CEO Ted Callahan told Kelowna10 the apartments fit the need for community-focused developments that cater to the changing demographics and growth in Rutland and Kelowna.

“We've seen tremendous growth in all of Kelowna and Rutland in particularly. The population is really starting to change and expand within the city of Kelowna,” Callahan said. “Having the University of British Columbia here, we're seeing a lot more students, a lot more of a younger population within the Okanagan. The smaller size units and the more affordable units are very much going to be hitting the affordable housing need that we see in the community.”

He added the specific location, which is among existing stores and businesses, made it the most logical as the infrastructure is already in place such as sewer, water, road systems and other amenities.

“We're walking distance to the parks that already exist, Shoppers Drug Mart, IGA. We've got Wings as a restaurant, and several tenants that are all within easy walking distance,” Callahan explained. “It's really a part of the walkability, shop, and livability of the community.”

Not surprisingly, the rental units have proven very popular. As of Wednesday fewer than 10 were still available.