A brief and informal summary of the latest decisions made by Penticton City Council.
Council will share tariff concerns, revive Love Local
Noting the dispute over unfounded imposition of tariffs is with the American government not the American people, Council directed staff to write a letter to the provincial government outlining key areas of concern and that staff bring back the Love Local initiative. Staff will also include a targeted question in the upcoming business climate survey to assess the impact of tariffs and counter-tariffs on local businesses.
For more on council’s response, click here.
Staff to see if province will fund extension
Council approved staff’s recommendation to determine if the provincial government would provide funding for an extension of the temporary winter shelter and to have the Public Safety Advisory Committee review the possible length of an extension.
A final decision has not been made on whether to extend the shelter and would return to Council for consideration of a Temporary Use Permit for the site.
For more information, click here.
Council proposes more equitable distribution of services
Have an idea to bring your neighbourhood together? The Neighbourhood Small Grants (NSG) program is now open, providing up to $500 to support resident-led projects that strengthen community connections and make Penticton an even better place to live.
Offered by the City and Penticton and the Community Foundation of the South Okanagan Similkameen (CFSOS), NSG funds small but impactful initiatives that bring neighbours together, promote inclusivity, and build a sense of belonging. In 2024 alone, Penticton saw 22 community projects come to life, engaging over 1,500 residents.
For more information, click here.
Nsyilxcən art installation coming soon
A project that honours the history, culture and language of the Sylix Okanagan peoples is coming to Riverside Drive.
Council was updated on the collaboration between the Ooknakane Friendship Centre and the City that will see a piece by artist Clint George be put up at the entrance to Penticton. The piece is also movable and can be placed at events throughout the city.
The sign reads way̓ – which means hello – and is expected to be installed later this spring.
Looking into Youth Climate Corps opportunities
Following a presentation for a former Penticton Secondary School student and members of the Pen High Sustainability Club, Council has asked staff to report back with estimated resources to support the ask of the Youth Climate Corps in Penticton.
The Youth Climate Corps BC is an employment program dedicated to connecting young people with meaningful green jobs and training in their communities, scaling up local climate projects while earning a living wage.
YCCBC has partnered with First Nations, local governments, trade unions and non-profits, such as the District of Squamish, the City of Kamloops, the City of Nelson, the Regional District of Central Kootenay, BC Insulators Union, Wildsight, and Da'naxda'xw First Nation.
RFPs for concessions, for aqua park
Council has given staff the go-ahead to issue Request for Proposals to seek operators for the use of two concessions – the Skaha East Concession and the Peach Concession. The RFP will be for a three-to-five-year term.
Council also directed staff to issue a one year Sub-License to Use Agreement to Penticton Water Park Ltd. – the Wibit - for the use of approximately 0.25 hectares of Okanagan Lake, for a floating water park, and a portion of Okanagan Lake Beach for an operations tent and lifejacket storage area and also issue an RFP for an aqua park provider for a five-year term commencing operation for the 2026 season.
Affordable housing incentive proposed
Council directed staff to make changes to the Permissive Tax Exemption Policy that will allow non-profit housing providers to apply for a 10-year exemption.
Staff recommended the change for the ‘affordable rental housing’ and ‘special needs and supportive housing’ categories to support the development and acquisition of affordable rental homes by non-profits. This will avoid the annual application process and directly support rent reductions for residents in the non-profit model.
The incentive improves budget assurance for the non-profit operator while not adversely impacting City revenues compared to the current policy, as exempted taxes are collected through distribution to remaining taxpayers.
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.