Quality of Life - Penticton, Okanagan, BC

Penticton offers all of the amenities of larger urban centres yet maintains its small town charm and friendliness. It is a great place to work, live and invest in a new or existing business.

Climate
Even within the Okanagan there are differences in the climate. The overall quality of life in Penticton is enhanced by the attractive climate in all of Canada, with low levels of precipitation, high average temperatures, comfortable humidity levels, short winters and early spring seasons. For employers, this can be an important consideration in attracting new employees.

Source: Environment Canada

Penticton has the best climate in Canada
When Environment Canada did its national survey, Penticton came out shining. In the Climate Severity Index based on four factors of discomfort, psychological effect, hazard, and outdoor immobility, Penticton rated the lowest at 16. The lower the score out of a possible 100, the less stress is induced by climate.

Comparative Climate Studies of BC Interior Cities

Education
The mission of the Okanagan Skaha District (#67) is to provide a learning environment for all students to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes that will enable them to become productive members of a changing global society. The District enrolled 7,927 students in the Penticton and Summerland area in thirteen elementary schools (kindergarten to grade 7), three middle schools (grades 6 to 8), two junior secondary schools and two senior secondary schools. All schools offer a full range of programs including special education services, practical arts, fine arts and French as a second language. French Immersion is available in grades 6 to 12, and E.S.L. programs are available at all elementary schools as well as at the junior-senior secondary school.

Graduating students constantly score higher than the provincial average on provincial examinations and are more successful at obtaining provincial scholarships. Career Preparation programs and High Tech training, such as Cisco and information technology, are offered at the senior secondary level. For more information call the school board office at 770-7700.

Enrollment In Penticton Schools
School Grades Enrollment
Penticton Secondary ......................................9 - 12 ......................1,481
McNicoll Park Jr. Sec. ....................................8 - 10 ........................536
Princess Margaret Jr. Sec................................9 - 10 ........................336
Skaha Lake Middle School..............................6 - 8 .........................449
KVR Middle School........................................6 - 8 .........................439
Carmi Elementary ..........................................K - 5.........................331
Columbia Elementary.....................................K - 7.........................368
Kaleden Elementary........................................K - 5.........................151
Naramata Elementary .....................................K - 7.........................202
Nkwala Elementary.........................................K - 7.........................316
Parkway Elementary .......................................K - 5.........................326
Queen's Park Elementary ...............................K - 5.........................276
Uplands Elementary .......................................K - 7.........................338
West Bench Elementary ..................................K - 5.........................168
Wiltse Elementary...........................................K - 5.........................310
Source: School District #67 May 31st, 2000

Okanagan University College
Okanagan University College (OUC) is committed to quality education at its Penticton Campus and boasts a compliment of excellent faculty and staff dedicated to ensuring that students leaving the Penticton Campus are well prepared for employment or further studies.

Through a large network of 5 major campuses and several Continuing Education Centres in a region that extends from Revelstoke to Oliver/Osoyoos and Princeton, OUC offers a wide range of educational opportunities in degree and non-degree programs. At the Penticton Campus, students enjoy first and second year university courses in Arts & Humanities, first-year Science, Business Administration, Hospitality Management (a special Penticton 2nd year option in Business Administration), Adult Basic Education, Office Administration, Home Support Resident Care Attendant and computers. Penticton's Continuing Education Department offers an exciting variety of certificate and general interest courses, with particular emphasis on computer training through its Technology Training Solutions centre. Inquiries about customized training for business and industry are always welcome. Penticton campus facilities include classrooms, computer labs, science and language labs, a library, a 130 seat lecture theatre and a community room with a lounge and cafeteria. Approximately 700 students, plus hundreds of others in Continuing Education, take advantage of the opportunities available at OUC's Penticton Campus. For general information call (250) 492-4305; for Continuing Education information call (250) 490-3959. Or OUC's website: "www.ouc.bc.ca/penticton".

Day Care Centres
There are 46 licensed group and family daycare facilities in Penticton, ranging in size, facilities, age limits and hours. For a list of facilities and requirements for licensing contact Penticton & District Community Resources Society at 492-5814.

Theatre Groups
There are over six theatre groups in Penticton providing classes in everything from speech to costume and set design. Most provide regular productions from drama to musicals. For more information, the Visitor Information Centre (492-4055) has a complete listing or contact the Community Arts Council at 492-7997 or 492-4061.

Religious Organizations
There are 33 Churches and religious organizations here and 35 service clubs and lodges in Penticton. A complete listing is available in the telephone book yellow pages.

Similkameen Country
Keremeos, Cawston, Olalla, Hedley " Fruit Stand Capital of Canada "
Visit Similkameen Country, an area that's uniquely diverse. We assure you there is something for everyone every season of the year. We have activities for- rock hounds, history buffs, horse people, snowmobilers, skiers, hikers and sunbathers. There's fishing, wildlife viewing, canoeing, cycling and camping. Visit the little art galleries and shops. Picnic under the fruit trees in blossom time, sample the fruit when ready or enjoy the bounty at harvest time. Enjoy meeting the friendliest folk this country has to offer.

Colourful fruit stands line the highway, offering a diversity of taste throughout the long summer months. It's possible to spend a day visiting all the stands to discover the unique items each has to offer, along with the freshest abundance of produce available. No other area can match the taste of a Similkameen Tomato or the juiciness of our local fresh fruits.

The art, science and passion of wine may be experienced at our local wineries as you explore our orchards, vineyards, ranches or desert areas. Take a drive into the past through one of Canada's only covered bridge. The "Red Bridge", located just west of the Village of Keremeos is the local swimming hole and the start-off point for a relaxing afternoon tubing down the Similkameen River back to Keremeos or on to Cawston.

For an exhilarating backcountry experience suitable for all ages, the Ashnola River Corridor and Cathedral Provincial Park is hard to top. Accessed by crossing the "Red Bridge" and continuing up the Ashnola River Road will bring you past Forestry Service camp spots and into Cathedral Provincial Park. In summer the drive takes you into a cool shady place that's quite secluded -perfect for a little privacy and down time. Hiking to the core area of the 33, OOO-hectare park provides spectacular scenery in a mountain wilderness of azure lakes, alpine meadows and jagged peaks. Snowmobiling, skiing, snowshoeing and ice fishing provide the winter enthusiast with opportunities just minutes away from downtown Keremeos.

Similkameen Country has a history that' s been preserved and awaits you in our Heritage Sites and Museums. The Grist Mill and Gardens, Similkameen Museum and Hedley Heritage Museum provide visitors the opportunity to explore our past. The Grist Mill, an 1877 flour mill is the last remaining pioneer mill west of Ontario. The rich agricultural past of the valley has been preserved in the gardens and displays. A tearoom and gift shop, working waterwheel, a hands-on exhibit centre and Mrs. McPherson (an old school marm) round out the experience. Resident Mountain Goats, Mule Deer and California Bighorn Sheep can often be spotted on your drive to the pioneer mining town of Hedley and the Hedley Heritage Museum. The historic mining town lies nestled between Nickel Plate and Stemwinder Mountains. (30 KM west of Keremeos) Much of Hedley's colourful era has disappeared, but nestled high on the cliffside the weathered remains of one of the richest and most illustrious mines in British Columbia still remains. and is in the process of being restored. When the mine closed operations it had produced more then ten tons of pure gold.

Similkameen Country scenery, friendly folk and a "laid-back" relaxed atmosphere will no doubt entice you to stay a little longer. No matter when you visit you will always find a friendly welcome and a delicious home-baked pie waiting for you in one of our many coffee shops and restaurants.

Summerland - The Okanagan's Olde English Towne
Summmerland is ...home to the Kettle Valley Steam Train, spectacular beaches, Old English Theme Shops and vistas that are second to none.

The gem of the South Okanagan, Summerland is nestled amid rambling orchards and lush vineyards on the hills overlooking Okanagan Lake, just 35 minutes from Kelowna and 15 minutes to Penticton.

A growing, friendly community of almost 12 thousand people, Summerland will soon have a 76 room Lakefront Hotel to complement our accommodation offering of four motels, 14 bed and breakfasts and four tent and trailer parks.

Summerland offers plenty to do; from golfing at the 18 hole regulation golf course or 9 hole executive par 3 course, hiking the trails on Giants Head Mountain, playing some tennis, hitting one of many nearby beaches or the waterpark... to skimming the water in a sail boat, power boat or canoe. Winter time fun includes curling, skating and hockey at our arena complex and skiing the slopes of three excellent ski resorts in the Okanagan Valley.

Enjoy the beauty of Summerland year round and experience one of the many colourful festivals and attractions. Take the Kettle Valley Steam Train May through October. Visit the exquisite Ornamental Garden & Museum at the Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre and our estate or cottage wineries. Feast on delicious fruit and vegetables, home grown and ready for you at the quaint fruit stands and our weekly Farmer's Markets.