A brief and informal summary of the latest decisions made by Penticton City Council.
Short-term rental review will look at potential changes
Penticton’s growing reputation as a summer destination has seen an increase in the number of vacation rentals and that’s led City Council to ask staff to review the short-term vacation rental program and explore the need for any potential restrictions.
Council received a report outlining growth in the number of vacation rentals and raised questions about impact on the city’s housing supply, local hotels/motels and noise disruptions.
As of June 2022, there are 322 licensed short term rental units in the City of Penticton and approximately 40 that are in various stages of licensing approval.
Along with the number of short term rental units increasing, the City has also seen a steady rise in revenue from the program. Revenue is estimated to top $90,000 in 2022. Currently, the program is not fully funded and staff will be requesting an increase in fees in 2023 to ensure the program is self-sufficient.
DCCs approval goes ahead
Council has given the green light to increased Development Cost Charges – the fees used to help provide city infrastructure – and it now goes to get the approval from the Inspector of Municipalities.
After not altering the rates in more than a decade, Council agreed the proposed bylaw was appropriate and would place Penticton in the middle when it comes to comparable DCC rates in the Okanagan.
Once the province has approved the bylaw, it will return to City Council for final approval.
Approval for projects add to housing supply
Council gave final approval to projects that will add more than 100 units to Penticton’s housing supply.
Approved were an 84 townhouse project at 435 Green Avenue, a mixed-use development at 713, 737 and 795 Westminster Avenue West that will consist of two three-storey buildings with a total of 22 townhouse units and a project at 221 Huth Avenue that will divide the existing lot into two lots.
Projects off to public hearing
City Council is sending three more housing projects to public hearings.
A project at 770 Argyle Street that would feature five duplex buildings has been sent to public hearing by City Council after first reading was given to changes to the Official Community Plan and Zoning Amendment Bylaw that would allow the project to proceed and replace an older, single family home.
City Council also has given first reading to changes that would see construction of one two-storey, back-to-back duplex on each subject property. The properties are located at 747 and 755 Revelstoke Avenue.
As well, Council has given first reading to a Zoning Amendment Bylaw that would see the construction of a four unit, three-storey townhouse at 561 Jermyn Avenue.
All three public hearings are scheduled for August 16, 2022.
Public hearings outcomes
Council moved two projects along – one at 650 and 666 Eckhardt Avenue and the other at 169 Maple Street – following public hearings. Council voted against moving the project at 924 Fairview Road to the next stage.
Peach Festival ready to return
The president of the Penticton Peach Festival says the 75th anniversary will be bigger and better than ever.
Don Kendall noted the Snowbirds, Glass Tiger, Honeymoon Suite, Canadian Tire Mega Motocross and the Peter Bros Parade are some of the entertainment highlights as the festival returns.
He also told Council about the Canadian Forces Skyhawks, the West Coast Lumberjacks, beach volleyball events and a special dinner for all previous Peach Fest royalty (who also take part in the parade).
The five-day Peach Fest is one of the largest free festival of its kind in Canada.
Shovel ready on South Main
Council has approved $50,000 in work to get land at 2509 South Main Street shovel ready for a potential housing project.
The South Okanagan Brain Injury Society is working on developing housing on the site but an earlier proposal for funding was not accepted. By providing this funding and developing the site further, staff believes this will better position a future application.
The funds will come from the City’s Affordable Housing Reserve and staff anticipate the$50,000 investment could result in a $6 to $10M investment in attainable housing in Penticton.
These highlights are intended to provide a brief summary of recent Council proceedings. The summary is not inclusive of all agenda items. For a detailed account of the full agenda, including staff reports, other supporting documents and official meeting minutes, please consult the City’s website (www.penticton.ca/council) or call the City’s Corporate Administration Department at 250-490-2400.