Update as of 3:35 p.m.
The City of Penticton's Emergency Operations Centre continues to support wildfire response efforts alongside regional partners and provide services for evacuees affected by the Bald Range Wildfire.
Penticton remains a welcoming place for evacuees, with food, recreation and community supports available throughout the weekend.
Food services update
The Emergency Support Services (ESS) Reception Centre at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre will continue food service through dinner on Saturday, Aug. 15. After that time, a number of community partners will continue providing food supports for evacuees.
Penticton Sikh Temple
The Penticton Sikh Temple continues to offer free hot meals (Langar) to anyone impacted by the wildfire.
Location: 3290 South Main St.
If you are unable to travel to the temple, meal delivery is available by calling or texting:
• 250-498-7632
• 250-499-0512
JCI Penticton
Food supports are available 24 hours a day outside the Penticton Community Centre.
Location: 325 Power St.
Available items include:
• Pancake breakfasts in the morning
• Hot dogs throughout the day
• Water, sports drinks, soft drinks and packaged snacks
Cascades Casino Buffet
The buffet remains available daily for evacuees.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Location: Cascades Casino, Penticton
The space is family-friendly and includes movies throughout the day.
Recreation opportunities
The Penticton Community Centre will offer extended hours this weekend from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Available amenities include:
• Free showers
• Drop-in open gym
• Family Play Zone
Please note the pool is closed for annual maintenance.
Comfort Centre
Princess Margaret Secondary (120 Green Ave. W.) is open from 10am to 8pm, providing washrooms including showers, device charging stations, indoor spaces to rest, light snacks and parking spaces to stay overnight.
The comfort center will be offering children’s programing, arts & crafts, movies, books and other comforting amenities.
Check out their Facebook page for daily updates
Free skating at McLaren Arena
Saturday public skating is available at no cost:
• Lap Skate: Noon to 1 p.m.
• Family Skate: 1:15 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Summer day camps
Spaces remain available in community centre day camps next week at the Penticton Regional Sportsplex.
Register online or call 250-490-2426.
Travel and transportation
Highway 97
Highway 97 remains open for pass-through traffic only between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. daily.
Travellers should continue to check DriveBC for the latest road conditions and closures.
BC Transit Route 70
Route 70 will have a revised schedule due to Highway 97 closures. For current schedules, route changes and service impacts, visit the BC Transit website.
Penticton Airport
Wildfire activity may affect flight schedules. Passengers are encouraged to contact their airline directly before travelling, as some flights may be delayed or cancelled.
For airline information, visit: yyf.penticton.ca/flights/airlines
Community services
• City-owned public washrooms remain open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• The Penticton Farmers' Market and Community Market will operate as usual on Saturday.
Stay informed and be prepared
While Penticton is not under an evacuation alert or order, wildfire conditions can change quickly. Residents and visitors are encouraged to stay prepared and monitor official sources for updates.
Key preparedness steps include:
• Signing up for Voyent Alert!
• Downloading the B.C. Services Card app
• Preparing an emergency grab-and-go kit
• Ensuring vehicles are fuelled and ready to travel
• Planning for family members, pets and livestock
Official information sources
For the latest information:
• City of Penticton: penticton.ca
• Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen: rdos.bc.ca
• RDOS Emergency Map: emergency.rdos.bc.ca/interactive-map
• BC Wildfire Service: wildfiresituation.nrs.gov.bc.ca/map
• Live regional updates: youtube.com/@OkanaganSimilkameen/streams
For a complete list of services available to evacuees in Penticton, visit penticton.ca/emergencies.
The City will continue to provide updates as information becomes available.