All residents are asked to mark their calendars and plan to attend the first Council-hosted Open House on March 9 from 4 pm to 7 pm at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre. Members of Council will be on hand to discuss their priorities, community safety, the utility rate review as well as the proposed 2023-2027 Financial Plan.
“Events such as this are the community’s opportunity to learn about the challenges and opportunities the City is facing and share their views before decisions are made,” said Penticton Mayor Julius Bloomfield. “We have some very important issues to deal with this term and we encourage residents to take steps now to get involved in the future of the community in ways they may never have before - beginning with attending this Council open house.”
Council’s new priorities and the proposed 2023-2027 Financial and Corporate Business Plans are expected to be finalized and released as part of a Special Council Meeting on Feb. 28 for residents to review in advance of the open house.
Residents will also have the opportunity to learn more about the City’s plans for community safety and the upcoming Utility Rate Review. RCMP Superintendent Brian Hunter, Fire Chief Larry Watkinson and Bylaw Services Manager Tina Mercier, and members of their teams, will be in attendance to discuss the City’s plans for community safety.
Get involved in the 2023-2027 Financial Plan
The Council Open House is one of several opportunities for residents to get involved in the 2023-2027 Financial Plan. Residents and businesses interested in learning more about the budget and sharing their feedback will have the following opportunities during the public consultation period which runs from Feb. 28 through to end of day on March 10.
- Review the proposed 2023-2027 Financial Plan at www.shapeyourcitypenticton.ca. Paper copies can be viewed at the City’s engagement kiosks at City Hall, the Community Centre and the Library. Feedback will be collected through to the end of day on March 10.
- Attend an online information session on March 6 between 6:30 - 8 pm. Participants will receive a short presentation and have the opportunity to ask staff questions. Register to attend at www.shapeyourcitypenticton.ca.
- Members of the business community are invited to see an address by the Mayor about priorities for the City in a separate event on March 8, 2023 hosted by the Penticton and Wine Country Chamber of Commerce. Check the Chamber’s website (www.penticton.org) for information on how to purchase tickets.
- Drop by the Council Open House on March 9 between 4 pm – 7 pm at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre to discuss the budget, community safety and the utility rate review with Council and staff. RCMP Superintendent Brian Hunter, Fire Chief Larry Watkinson and Bylaw Services Manager Tina Mercier will also be in attendance to speak with residents.
- See the presentation of the engagement results shared with Council at the start of budget deliberations on March 14 at 8:30 am.
- Attend budget deliberations in person in Council Chambers beginning March 14, 2023 from 8:30 am to 5 pm and continuing on March 15 from 8:30 am to 5 pm. An extra session is planned for March 16 beginning at 2 pm if required. Can’t attend in person? The deliberations will be streamed online at www.penticton.ca.
- Residents will also have the opportunity to address Council in-person or on Zoom during the deliberations. Watch for details when the agenda is published.
