A brief and informal summary of the latest decisions made by Penticton City Council.
Council received updates from the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen regarding its Regional Growth Strategy, as well as from the Regional Crown Counsel of BC Prosecution Services, which presented its 2024/25 Annual Report, all of which can be viewed online.
Proclamations
- May 3-9, 2026 as National Hospice Palliative Care Week
- Mary 3-9, 2026 as Emergency Preparedness Week
Council Decisions
Council supports call for Ebus service
Following a presentation from resident John Cowan, Council directed the CAO, in coordination with the Regional District CAO, to begin discussions related to establishing a long‑distance Ebus service to Penticton. Council also agreed to provide a letter of support to accompany the request.
Taxation rates set for 2026
Council gave first, second and third readings to Tax Rates Bylaw No. 2026‑20, which establishes property tax rates for the 2026 tax year and reflects a 5.93% tax rate increase.
Council maintains existing parking payment practices methods
The City explored QR codes as a potential way to make parking easier but ultimately decided against them due to fraud risks and added costs. Other cities have seen widespread issues with fake QR codes placed on parking meters that redirect people to fraudulent websites and Council followed the staff recommendation to maintain the payment system as is.
City to request third-party housing audit
Council will request the Province of B.C. to commission an independent, third-party audit of all BC Housing-funded shelters and low-barrier supportive housing facilities. The purpose of the audit is to provide updated comparative results to the April 14, 2022 Penticton Supportive Housing Review, as well as to assess the evaluation of program delivery, compliance with service requirements, identify opportunities for improvement, examine impacts of these facilities on surrounding neighbourhoods, and recommend actionable steps to address any issues identified through the audit.
City to create Development Services Review Task Force
Council directed staff to develop Terms of Reference for a Development Services Review Task Force addressing development approval processes and divisional improvements, to be brought forward at the May 5, 2026, Council meeting.
More information about these projects, including Council Reports and presentations, can be found on our Council Agendas webpage.