The 2021 Annual Report is now available for the public to view in advance of Council consideration at their meeting on June 21, 2022.
“The creation of the annual report is an important exercise in transparent governance but also an opportunity to reflect on our achievements in the past year and outline our goals and objectives for the coming year,” said the City’s Chief Financial Officer and Director of Finance and Administration Angela Campbell. “We encourage residents to take a few minutes to review the document and learn about the work of the City in 2021.”
The focus this year was on minimizing the financial hardship to the community caused by the pandemic while maintaining levels of service. To this end, Council approved a moderate tax increase for 2021of 1.95% to address inflation and COVID-19 impacts. To deliver on this direction, the City conducted a thorough review of costs and implemented reductions with minimal impact to service levels.
“Despite the need to respond to the financial pressures of the pandemic, we were able to continue the services that the community relies on and address Council’s priorities to create a safe and stronger community,” said Penticton Mayor John Vassilaki.
Council made improving safety its primary focus in 2021 and again in 2022, adding four RCMP to strengthen policing capacity and target prolific offenders. The City also put plans in place to address the future of our aging assets, improve access to child care, reduce our contributions to climate change, and support an age-friendly community.
This year, the City is supporting the release of the annual report with a series of infographics on social media highlighting key facts and figures from the City’s main departments including: Finance & Administration, Community Services, Penticton Public Library, Infrastructure, Development Services, the Fire Department and RCMP.
Residents can access a copy of the annual report here. Limited print copies are also available at the Penticton Public Library.