The City of Penticton is moving forward with its commitment to modernize and enhance civic infrastructure with the latest update to the Civic Places and Spaces project.
On July 15, Council will receive a progress report on the renewal plan for both fire halls and the development of a new Community Safety Building (CSB), reaffirming its strategic focus on public safety, service accessibility and long-term sustainability.
With Council’s previous direction to proceed with planning for a new Fire Hall Headquarters at the site of Fire Hall #2 on Dawson Avenue, significant progress has been made on the design stage. The report notes that a Class B cost estimate for the new Fire Hall Headquarters is nearing completion and will be presented to Council in a future meeting.
As for the development of a new Community Safety Building, while initial plans considered participating in a new build at 450 Martin Street for community policing, bylaw and emergency management services, recent analysis has shown that leasing existing downtown commercial space could offer a more cost-effective and timely solution.
While the vision for a co-located public safety presence downtown remains strong, staff found that leasing existing space would be more cost-effective and allow for a solution to be delivered to the community much sooner while maintaining a downtown presence.
“By exploring lease options in existing buildings, we can meet our space needs faster and at a lower cost, while still delivering high-quality services to the community,” said Kelsey Johnson, General Manager of Community Services. “This approach reflects our commitment to fiscal responsibility and smart urban planning.”
The City has been actively monitoring available office space in the downtown core to address growing space limitations at City Hall and the current Bylaw Services office. Staff reviewed multiple lease options and determined that existing commercial properties could accommodate civic functions more efficiently than new construction, while also aligning with the City’s long-term planning principles.
The Civic Places and Spaces initiative, launched following the City’s 2021 Asset and Amenity Management Plan, prioritizes investment in core civic facilities. Alongside the CSB, other key projects include a new twin arena, a downtown arts and culture centre, and continued modernization of City Hall.
Council will consider this report at the upcoming Regular Meeting on Tuesday, July 15 at 1 p.m. To read the report and background information, visit our Shape Your City webpage at shapeyourcitypenticton.ca/civic-places-and-spaces.