The City of Penticton will share the results of Phase 2 public engagement and ask Council to endorse several early actions for the Esplanade Renewal Plan at the March 17 Council meeting. These actions are based on strong feedback from the community about improving public access, protecting nature and supporting recreation.
“People want easier ways to walk, and bike in the area, and they want us to protect natural spaces and support recreation,” said Blake Laven, General Manager of Development Services. “These steps are guided by what we heard and the conversations we had during our engagement process. They balance public access, environmental care and the needs of the groups who use the space today.”
What the City is asking Council to support
• Preliminary design of a formal connection between the Esplanade and the KVR trail to make walking and wheeling safer and easier.
• Designate the eastern natural beach for non motorized watercraft, and remove the former yacht and tennis club building, which cannot be repaired.
• Start the process for a new building near Marina Way Beach with community space, restaurant/retail options and new yacht club offices. This would replace the aging yacht club/Rusty Anchor building, when the time is right.
• Work with the Penticton Tennis Club on possible relocation options that could allow for better washrooms, storage, parking and long term stability of the club, while keeping the shoreline focused on water based activities.
“Two thirds of participants said the updated concepts reflect their vision,” Laven said. “We also listened carefully to concerns. For example, we removed ideas that would have changed marina parking or added public access on the breakwater. Those features won’t move ahead, if next steps are approved by Council.”
Working together with user groups
As planning work continues, the City will keep working closely with user groups in the area, including the Penticton Yacht Club, Penticton Tennis Club, and Penticton Disc Golf Club as well as other groups who have interest in the Esplanade area.
“Our goal is to finalize this planning with our partners, to develop this long-term blueprint for this special area” Laven said. “We want to make sure any changes are practical, safe and support the long term success of all the user groups as well as the general public.”
Next steps
If approved, a draft Esplanade Renewal Plan will be presented to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee and to Council this spring. The public will have an opportunity to view the draft plan at the upcoming Council Open House on May 6.
For more information, and to read the Council Report, visit: Penticton.ca.