A brief and informal summary of the latest decisions made by Penticton City Council
TWS showing signs of success
Initial data from the Temporary Winter Shelter suggests the collaborative approach between organizations is leading to success.
In a presentation to council by Julie Czeck, the City’s director of public safety and partnerships, Tanya Behardian of 100 More Homes and Frank Conci of the Penticton Industrial Development Association, Council heard that people experiencing homelessness have received needed services and that the safety plan implemented has seen a reduction in calls to the area by safety agencies.
For more on the report, click here
Next step for Integrated Services Centre
Council received a report on the Penticton Substance Use System of Care Transformation project and directed staff to provide additional information on the proposal, including potential location options.
The report outlined the progress of the City of Penticton’s collaboration with the Penticton Community Action Team (CAT) and Urban Matters on a substance use systems change initiative. Phase 1 of the project, supported by a Vancouver Foundation grant, focused on research and successfully identified key gaps in the local substance use care system, including the need for universal prevention strategies and integrated care pathways.
Building on these findings, phase 2 aims to implement a solution, specifically the creation of an Integrated Services Centre that consolidates health, housing, and other critical support services to better serve vulnerable populations.
A further report is expected at a council meeting in March.
Council proposes more equitable distribution of services
A motion asking the province to increase the equitable distribution of supportive housing and shelter services across British Columbia will be submitted to the Southern Interior Local Government Association.
The intention of this motion is not to reduce urban or regional investments, but to seek a more equitable and balanced approach across the province that allows individuals to remain within their home communities, fostering social connections and support networks; and enhances the capacity of smaller and rural communities to address local housing needs effectively.
Budget amendment for Ellis 4 Dam construction
Council approved a budget amendment for the Ellis 4 dam upgrade to a revised total cost of $18 million, with $11 million to be funded through external debt financing.
A series of unexpected construction costs have resulted in a need to increase the overall budget for the Ellis 4 Dam upgrades. The Ellis 4 Dam, which is nearly 100 years old, is a critical piece of City infrastructure that provides both flood protection and irrigation demands, and the consequences of a failure are extremely high. A further report to start the borrowing process is expected at a council meeting in March .
For more details, click here
More mobi-mats coming
The success of mobi-mats at Sudbury Beach last summer has led to an expansion for the coming year.
Council approved the purchase of two sets of Mobi-mats and chairs for the upcoming year, with the $60,000 cost being covered by the Gaming Reserve.
It is expected that new mats will be in place this summer.
Accessible Lakawanna Park moving ahead
Council has given staff the go-ahead to detailed design and procurement for a revamped Lakawanna Park.
The current playground and spray park require significant improvements due to aging equipment and accessibility issues. City staff have engaged with the public and advisory committees, presenting two preliminary options and incorporating feedback received into the final design concept.
The estimated cost of the project is $1.575 million, with a built-in contingency of 30 per cent, and construction is anticipated to begin in late 2025.
Q4 Reports show continued progress
Council received three quarterly reports that deal with the City’s priorities of building a Safe & Resilient and a Livable & Accessible community.
The Public Safety and Partnerships Division highlighted the increased collaboration between safety agencies, the modernization of the Bylaw Department and progress on social housing, childcare and accessibility issues. The full report can be seen here
The RCMP highlighted the success of several new programs and that five-year averages show a continued decline in crime rates. For more, click here
And the Housing and Economic Development report noted the majority of the new housing totals came in the form of multi-family developments – townhouses and apartments. The report also noted a new marketing campaign for the ‘Start Here Penticton’ resident recruitment initiative is set to launch in early 2025. This follows on The Globe and Mail which ranking Penticton as one of Canada’s most livable cities. For the full report, click here
Active transportation grant sought
Council gave the greenlight for staff to seek an active transportation grant from the federal government to help with upcoming work on Duncan Avenue planned for 2026/2027.
If successful, the grant would reduce the cost of reconstruction work planned for Duncan Avenue. Surface restoration of the roadway is already required due to the planned utility renewals. Introducing enhanced active transportation infrastructure will allow the project to be eligible for this grant and thus reducing the overall cost to taxpayers.
A further decision by Council will be required should the City be successful in obtaining the grant before proceeding with construction.
Housing needs report sets targets
The 2024 Housing Needs Report shows Penticton will need 315 units per year to meet the 20-year demand.
In a report to Council, it is noted staff will review the Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw in 2025 to ensure that appropriate land uses are in place to meet the projected 20-year housing needs (6,296 additional units). Staff also note that accommodation for these levels of housing addition were contemplated in the work to update the OCP in 2024, when the significant policy updates were approved by Council.
Concessions and Wibit off to PRAC
Council referred recommendations on the use of two City food concessions to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee.
The committee will look at the Skaha East Concession and the Peach Concession, with the goal of seeking an operator for the concessions for a three or five-year term.
As well, Council referred to the committee an extension for one year for Wibit and the issuing of a Request for Proposal for an aqua park provider for five-years beginning in 2026.
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, click here.