A brief and informal summary of key decisions and discussions from the March 17, 2026, Penticton City Council meeting.
Delegations
Community Foundation of the South Okanagan (CFSO)
Council heard an update about the opening of the Neighborhood Small Grants Program, as well as the Food Security Summit and the Municipal Grants Program.
Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) - Solid Waste Management Plan
Council heard an update from the RDOS about their Solid Waste Management Plan as they move into a public engagement phase.
Residents of Penticton are encouraged to provide their input into this plan as feedback received will help shape how waste reduction, recycling and organics are handled across the region for the next decade.
Council Decisions
License to Use Area – 185 Lakeshore Drive West
Council referred the Request for Proposal to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee for their review and recommendation regarding the use of .55 acres of Rotary Park and associated building for water-based leisure activities for up to 5 years.
Esplanade Renewal Plan: Phase 2 Public Engagement Results
Council heard an update on the Esplanade Renewal Plan including phase 2 engagement results and gave direction to advance the project into a draft plan. This draft plan will be available for public review later this spring.
Official Community Plan Amendment Application – 434 Lakeshore Drive West
Council gave direction to commence public engagement for a proposed OCP Amendment to change the future land use designation from “Low Density Residential” to “High Density Residential”. Engagement will begin later this spring.
Bylaws & Permits
Council made the following decisions:
- Adopted several bylaws updating business licensing, ticketing, and enforcement, including participation in an inter community business licence program.
- Approved amendments to the Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw to support additional proactive planning updates.
- Adopted a Tenant Protection Bylaw, along with related Official Community Plan and development procedure amendments.
- Approved a loan authorization bylaw to support the replacement and upgrade of City fire halls as part of the Firehall Renewals Project.
- Adopted a zoning amendment and approved a development variance permit for properties on Comox Street, Westminster Avenue West and Burnaby Avenue.
Notice of Motion
Council directed staff to send a letter to the Province of British Columbia requesting that municipalities are exempt from the 7% provincial sales tax on professional services.
More information about these projects, including Council Reports and presentations, can be found on our Council Agendas Webpage.