The final meeting of the 2018-2022 Penticton City Council saw final approval given to a variety of projects and a request to secure provincial funding for the Penticton Fire Department.
Seeking Fire Protection Grant
Council threw their support behind a grant funding application for $30,000 to be used towards the creation of a second Structure Protection Unit, which will be utilized for deployment on Wildland Urban Interface Wildfires within the City of Penticton.
“This allows us to protect homes within the City of Penticton,” says Penticton Fire Chief Larry Watkinson. “Currently we can protect about 25 homes and structures and I’d like to double that.”
As the grant specifies, this SPU trailer would be dedicated to the protection of homes within the City of Penticton municipal boundaries and fire service agreements. This would allow the current SPU trailer to be deployed to mutual aid emergencies and provide cost recovery opportunities for the City.
This is a grant opportunity through the Union of BC Municipalities’ Community Emergency Preparedness Fund. The Department wishes to utilize the funds to partially finance the purchase of a SPU trailer (and equipment).
New Development Cost Charges approved
The City received Statutory Approval from the Deputy Inspector of Municipalities for the Development Cost Charges Bylaw in September allowing Council to adopt the bylaw at their meeting on October 18, 2022.
DCCs are mandatory levies placed on new construction to fund things like roads, sewers and parks needed to service the new homes.
After not altering the rates in more than a decade, Council agreed to the changes that would place Penticton in the middle when it comes to comparable DCC rates in the Okanagan.
Permissive Tax Exemptions approved
Council approved the 2023 Permissive Tax Exemptions on Tuesday, providing support to a wide-ranging collection of Penticton groups.
A total of 186 properties received a permissive tax exemption. These are available for qualifying Penticton-based registered not-for-profits using property for municipal, recreational, religious, cultural or charitable purposes.
The exemption is to recognize the value of volunteers and volunteer groups and agencies to the social, cultural, educational and physical well-being of Penticton.
Final infrastructure approvals
City Council gave final approval to borrowing $12.9 million of the estimated $18.7 million cost to upgrade and expand the Advanced Waste Water Treatment Plant and the Ridgedale Reservoir, and to replace the Penticton Avenue Pressure Reducing Valve.
Currently, the City’s debt servicing levels have dropped from 46.25 per cent to 12.88 per cent following the repayment past borrowings, including the South Okanagan Event Centre, putting the municipality in a favourable position to take on debt.
Council also approved applying for a grant from the Union of BC Municipalities (UCBM) Canada Community-Building Fund Strategic Priorities Fund (SPF) for the purpose of the Penticton Ave Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) Replacement capital project. If successful, the financial plan would be amended.
Zoning allows housing project to proceed
Council approved a zoning amendment that allows a six-storey, 16- unit building on Churchill Avenue proceed.
The building would be located on the south side of Churchill Avenue, between Alberni Street and Sydney Street.The applicant plans on providing 20 parking spaces at the building.
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.