Residents will get an inside look at how the City is delivering on its strategic priorities when the latest quarterly update is presented at the upcoming Council meeting on December 2.
The report highlights progress on two key focus areas: Safe and Resilient and Livable and Accessible. These Council Priorities guide the City’s efforts to make Penticton safer, more vibrant and better prepared for the future.
“We have made significant progress this past quarter, with positive trends in reducing crime, enhancing public safety and advancing housing. At the same time, we recognize there’s more work ahead, and we remain committed to building a safer, stronger and more vibrant community,” said City Manager Anthony Haddad.
Highlights: Safe and Resilient
- Crime Reduction: Property crime dropped 18% compared to last year, with significant declines in mischief (–38%), shoplifting (–38%) and bike theft (–21%).
- Targeted Enforcement: RCMP and partner agencies recovered stolen vehicles, seized weapons and drugs, and arrested prolific offenders during special operations.
- Community Safety Initiatives: Expansion of the camera program at 10 sites and six CPTED assessments to prevent property crime.
- Homelessness Response: Temporary Winter Shelter supported 161 individuals since opening, housing 28 people and connecting others to treatment and services.
- Future Planning: Work is underway on Penticton’s Community Safety & Wellbeing Plan, launching in early 2026, and a 2026 Intimate Partner Violence Awareness Campaign.
Highlights: Livable and Accessible
- Housing Growth: 451 new housing units approved through building permits this year, plus a major 200-bed long-term care facility breaking ground soon.
- Economic Development: Promotion of the ‘Love Local’ and ‘Start Here Penticton’ initiatives to support local businesses and attract skilled workers to the community, as well as the development of an air service demand study to strengthen Penticton Airport’s role in the region.
- Community Vibrancy: A record summer event season with 98 outdoor events, including Peach Fest, the Adventure Racing World Championships and the Peach Classic Triathlon.
- Long-Term Planning: Progress on the Esplanade Renewal Plan and KVR Trail Strategy to guide future development and public space improvements. Completion of the Lakawanna Park detail design, with construction set to commence early spring.
“Every initiative highlighted in the quarterly report focuses on creating and sustaining a community that is safe, inclusive and ready for the future,” adds Haddad. “We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished so far to turn Council’s vision into action.”
Residents can review the full report at penticton.ca or tune in to the December 2 Council meeting to learn more.