Council has supported the Downtown Penticton Business Improvement Association’s request to conduct a petition-against process for the renewal of its levy. The decision was made at a Special Meeting of Council held today following receipt of a letter from the DPBIA expressing concern about the time constraints associated with Council’s decision to require a petition-for-service process.
“The City hopes that the DPBIA is successful in their renewal,” said Acting Mayor Frank Regehr who chaired the meeting. “We’re pleased to have the assurance that the community market and other celebrated events will continue at this most important time.”
With today’s decision, Council has rescinded motion 78/2022 and gave the Downtown Business Improvement Area Bylaw first, second and third reading. The City is now preparing to initiate the petition-against process in time for the bylaw to be adopted prior to the May 15, 2022 deadline.
As part of the bylaw, Council also included the addition of a clause to ensure adequate time for the process to renew future levies and changed to a set annual levy amount.
Guidance on the process for a business improvement area is provided under the Community Charter. A petition-against means the levy is successful as long as the City does not receive petitions against the levy from more than 50 per cent of the property owners representing 50 per cent of the assessed value. A petition-for-service requires the applicant to seek petitions in support of the levy from more than 50 per cent of the property owners representing 50 per cent of the assessed value.