A brief and informal summary of key decisions and discussions from the September 29, 2026, Penticton City Council meeting.
Delegations
• October 13-16, 2026 was proclaimed as Homelessness Action Week, raising awareness of homelessness and housing challenges in the community.
• Council received an update from Visit Penticton regarding the renewal of the Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT) program.
Council Decisions
Travel Penticton Society (Visit Penticton) – Agreement Renewal
Council directed staff to apply for a five-year renewal of the Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT) program in partnership with Travel Penticton. Council also directed staff to negotiate a five-year agreement for visitor services and include a $250,000 annual contribution for visitor services in the draft 2027-2031 Financial and Corporate Business Plan for consideration during the 2027 budget process.
Fire Hall Headquarters – Project Validation
Council received and endorsed the validation report for the Fire Hall Headquarters project, confirming the project scope, target budget of $33 million and anticipated completion in Q3 2028. Council also authorized staff to enter into an Integrated Project Delivery contract with the project team.
2026 Q3 Financial and Corporate Business Plan Update
Council received the 2026 third-quarter Financial and Corporate Business Plan Update and approved related budget amendments to the 2026-2030 Financial Plan.
2027 Permissive Tax Exemption Bylaw
Council gave first, second and third reading to the 2027 Permissive Tax Exemption Bylaw, granting permissive tax exemptions as listed in Schedule A for the 2027 tax year.
KVR Trail Strategy – Phase 3 Engagement Update, Final Draft Strategy and Implementation Plan
Council received a report on the KVR Trail Strategy and endorsed the final strategy and implementation plan, which provides a long-term vision for the future development and management of the trail.
McGregor Park and McNicoll Park – Engagement Findings and Recommended Concepts
Council received a report on the proposed concepts for McGregor Park and McNicoll Park and supported the preferred concepts for both parks. Staff will share the concepts with the community and proceed with detailed design for construction.
Park Sign Standardization Project
Council endorsed the Parks Signage Design Guidelines as the standard for future signage installations and replacements within City parks, recreation facilities, trails, beaches and open spaces.
Penticton Beach Accessibility Assessment
Council received the Penticton Beach Accessibility Assessment and directed staff to develop a comprehensive implementation plan outlining timelines, costs, funding opportunities and priority actions to improve beach accessibility.
City of Penticton Accessibility Plan 2023-2026 – Final Progress Report
Council received the City of Penticton Accessibility Plan 2023-2026 Final Progress Report and directed staff to use the findings to develop the City of Penticton Accessibility Plan 2027-2030.
Endorsement of the 2027-2032 Community Safety and Well-Being Plan
Council endorsed the 2027-2032 Community Safety & Wellbeing Plan as a strategic framework to guide collaborative action, partnership development, advocacy and implementation priorities that support a safer, healthier, more connected and more resilient Penticton.
Net Metering Program Limits
Council gave first, second and third reading to bylaws updating the City’s Net Metering Program to apply to customer-owned energy systems with a generating capacity of 30 kW or less. Systems larger than 30 kW will require individual power purchase agreements approved by Council.
Development Services Division Review update and Development Service Division Review Task Force recommendations for endorsement
Council received an update on the Development Services Division Review and endorsed 12 recommendations from the Development Services Division Review Task Force. Council also directed staff to incorporate the recommendations into the broader third-party review and implementation process.
Draft Urban Deer Management Strategy
Council received the Draft Urban Deer Management Strategy and directed staff to share the draft with the public for feedback before bringing it back for final consideration. Council also directed staff to begin planning for a fall deer count.
Development Variance Permit PL2026-10201 and Development Permit PL2026-10202
Council approved a Development Variance Permit and Development Permit for 1258 Main Street to support an addition to the existing commercial building, including variances related to landscaping and building setbacks.
Bylaws and Permits
Council adopted the General Fees and Charges Amendment Bylaw and the Zoning Amendment Bylaw for 264 Wade Avenue West. Follow the public hearing, Council gave second and third reading to Official Community Plan and Zoning Amendment bylaws for 1080 Railway Street.
More information about these projects, including Council Reports and presentations, can be found on our Council Agendas webpage.