Members of Penticton city council attended the 2026 Southern Interior Local Government Association (SILGA) conference in Revelstoke to take part in working sessions on issues connected to council priorities, including community safety and resilience, as well as livability and accessibility.
The annual SILGA conference brings together elected officials and senior staff from across the Southern Interior to exchange practical approaches to common challenges. This year’s conference included participation from three provincial cabinet ministers, providing an opportunity to raise regional concerns directly with the province.
Key sessions included:
• Housing and growth: Infill redevelopment and the increasing role of multi family housing.
• Emergency preparedness and climate impacts: Watershed management, flood prevention and emergency response planning to support community safety and long term resilience.
• Affordability: Revenue options beyond property taxes to help fund services.
• Health care access: Efforts to attract health care workers and expand the role of nurse practitioners.
• Economic sustainability: The future of forestry, including community forest models.
• Indigenous relations and governance: A session led by George Abbott and Don Lidstone on recent legal developments affecting local governments, including the Cowichan Tribes decision and its implications for planning and decision making.
Tourism sessions examined a shift toward destination management, with a focus on balancing visitor demand with local capacity, community livability and environmental protection, including working with First Nations to reflect culture and history respectfully.
Council attendance at SILGA conferences supports shared learning and practical approaches to issues affecting Penticton’s ability to remain safe, resilient, livable and accessible.
The estimated cost for Penticton’s participation was $11k covering registration, travel and accommodation. Council attendance is part of regular governance responsibilities and supports informed decision making on complex local issues shared across the region.
At the conclusion of the conference, Penticton was announced as the host community for the 2027 SILGA conference. Hosting responsibilities rotate among local governments and support regional cooperation and knowledge sharing. To view video that accompanied that annoucement, visit: YouTube.
To learn more about City Council and Council priorities, visit: Penticton.ca/council.