A brief and informal summary of key decisions and discussions from the September 1, 2026, Penticton City Council meeting.
Delegations
Council received a bi-annual update from United Way BC on the progress of the 100 More Homes initiative. Council also heard a presentation from representatives of the S.S. Sicamous Society regarding a funding request to support the proposed preservation and relocation of the S.S. Naramata.
Council Decisions
S.S. Naramata – Proposed Move
Council approved the S.S. Sicamous Society's request to proceed with the raising and relocation of the SS Naramata. The project will be funded through a $45,000 allocation from the Gaming Reserve, and Council directed staff to amend the 2026-2030 Financial and Corporate Business Plan accordingly.
2024-2026 Council Priorities – Quarter 2 2026 Updates
Council received a Quarter 2 update on the 2024-2026 Council Priorities. The report outlined progress toward Council's Livable and Accessible priority, highlighting coordinated efforts across economic development, land development, planning, and events. Council also received a Quarter 2 update on its Safe and Resilient priority, which highlighted progress on public safety and community well-being initiatives.
General Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw No. 2026-30
Council gave first, second, and third reading to the Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw, which establishes the City's general fees and charges for 2027.
Good Neighbour Bylaw Compliance Policy
Council approved amendments to the Good Neighbour Bylaw Compliance Policy to establish a tiered approval framework for property remediation projects. Under the updated policy, the Manager of Bylaw Services may approve projects up to $5,000, the General Manager of Public Safety & Partnerships may approve projects between $5,000 and $10,000, and projects exceeding $10,000 will require Council approval before work can begin.
Track & Field Facility – Project Update
Staff presented a project update on the Track & Field Facility and directed staff to present funding contribution options to Council for consideration at budget deliberations.
Dam Safety Review Updates
Council received a Dam Safety Review update, including the status of the recent Dam Safety Reviews, completed infrastructure improvements, and regulatory priorities.
Electric Utility Voltage Conversion
Council received a report on the Electric Utility Voltage Conversion project and directed staff to begin installing 25 kV-capable materials and equipment in current and future electrical infrastructure projects where practical and cost-effective.
Electrical Microgrid Update
Council approved a change to the 2026-2030 Financial Plan to reflect the full multi-year cost of the Electrical Microgrid project at $8.9 million. Funding is proposed to come equally from the City's Electric Capital Reserve and grant funding, with $4.45 million from each source.
snpink’tn (Penticton) Indian Band Energy Hub Support
Council directed staff to provide $5,000 of in-kind support to the snpink’tn (Penticton) Indian Band for its Resilient Energy Hub Feasibility Study.
Downtown Plan Project Framework Update
Council reviewed the Downtown Plan Project Framework Update and directed staff to begin community engagement round #1 in Q4 2026. Community engagement was set to begin in Q3 but was postponed due to the Bald Range Wildfire.
Notice of Motion – Skaha Lake Road and Green Avenue
Council reviewed a report on Skaha Lake Road and Green Avenue. Staff were directed to retain an independent, third-party qualified traffic engineering consultant – with no prior involvement in the design of the Skaha Lake Road and Green Ave corridor – to conduct an objective traffic impact review of the corridor, including congestion, safety, and emergency vehicle access, with findings and recommendations reported back to Council by October 20, 2026.
1080 Railway Street OCP and Zoning Amendments
Council gave first reading to Official Community Plan and Zoning Amendment bylaws for 1080 Railway Street that would allow tourist accommodation to be offered within existing student housing facilities. Council forwarded the bylaws to a Public Hearing on September 29, 2026.
301 Okanagan Ave East - Temporary Use Permit
Council approved a temporary use permit to allow the operation of an indoor pickleball facility for a three-year period. Council directed staff to issue the permit.
4650 Lakeside Road - Temporary Use Permit
Council approved a Temporary Use Permit to allow a rock crusher to operate at 4650 Lakeside Road for a two-month period. The permit includes conditions to minimize impacts, including restricted operating hours, dust and noise mitigation measures, environmental monitoring, wildlife protection requirements, and a security deposit to ensure compliance with all permit conditions.
366 Sudbury Avenue - Development Variance Permit
Council approved a Development Variance Permit for 336 Sudbury Avenue, allowing variances to zoning regulations related to lot coverage and front yard setback requirements. The approved permit will enable a larger building footprint on the property and a reduced setback from the front property line.
Bylaws and Permits
264 Wade Avenue West - Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2026-32
Following the public hearing, Council gave second and third reading to a zoning amendment bylaw for 264 Wade Avenue West. The amendment would support Interior Health's proposal to replace the existing single-family home with a new licensed community care facility offering in-patient mental health and substance use (detox) services for up to 10 clients.
For more information and to read the associated Council Reports, please visit: penticton.ca/council.