The City is planning several events in October to review the results of the Asset and Amenity Management Project with the community. The project was initiated in 2020 to evaluate the City’s aging assets and amenities and develop a long-term plan to manage the assets that is fiscally responsible and continues to deliver quality services. Now complete, the report identifies Fire Halls #1 and #2, the Library / Museum, the Art Gallery, Leir House, Memorial and McLaren Arenas, and City Hall as priorities for the City’s Asset and Amenity Management Plan and makes four recommendations for the future of these civic assets.
Council received the results of the report prepared by Colliers Project Leaders at their meeting on Sept. 21, 2021 and directed staff to proceed to consult with the community on the recommendations. Over the month of October, staff will meet with interested community groups and will provide several opportunities for the general public to learn more and discuss their concerns.
“The City needs to invest over $100 million in these assets over the next 15 years. The decisions on how those investments are made, create very different results for Penticton, so it is very important that residents do some homework to inform themselves and consider all factors before they form their opinions and share their feedback with the City,” said Public Engagement Program Manager JoAnne Kleb.
Anyone interested in learning more about the review can read the report online at shapeyourcitypenticton.ca/civic-places-and-spaces. Paper copies are available at the City’s engagement kiosks at City Hall and the Library. Interested citizens are also invited to attend the following events*:
- Oct. 15 - Drop by the Community Pop-Up during the Vees Game at the SOEC between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
- Oct. 19 – Attend an online Community Information Session #1 between 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. for residents with a special interest in the recommendation for the arenas.
- Oct. 21 - Attend an online Community Information Session #2 between 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. for residents with a special interest in the recommendation for the arts and culture centre.
- Oct. 23 – Drop by the Community Open House at the PTCC between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. to review the materials and discuss the findings with staff.
- Oct. 27 - Attend an online Community Information Session #3 between 7 p.m. and 8.30 pm. for residents with a general interest in all of the recommendations.
*Register to attend one of the three Community Information Sessions at shapeyourcitypenticton.ca/civic-places-and-spaces. All Community Information Sessions will feature the same presentation but will bring together participants with similar interests and information needs. COVID-19 protocols will be in place for all of the in-person activities.
“Council has a responsibility to ensure the City plans for the future of Penticton’s infrastructure,” said Penticton Mayor John Vassilaki. “These are not going to be easy decisions and we encourage the community to take advantage of the opportunities provided to learn more about this work and the thinking behind the recommendations.”
Once residents have the opportunity to learn more about the report in October, staff will host workshops in November to gather feedback on the recommendations in the plan and inform Council’s decisions on how to proceed. Members of the community will also have the opportunity to provide their feedback through the City’s shapeyourcitypenticton.ca website and at the engagement kiosks.