The City of Penticton and the Penticton Indian Band (PIB) have finalized a bulk water agreement that will provide PIB with an emergency and interim source of safe, treated drinking water — supporting the immediate needs of the community while reflecting a shared commitment to partnership, reconciliation, and a strong future together.
The City will supply up to 50 litres per second (4.3 megalitres per day) at a connection on Green Avenue under a 20 year agreement. The agreement also responds to PIB’s request for an emergency connection while it continues to plan for its own long term, community-led water solutions, including a potential water treatment facility.
“Access to safe, reliable water is essential for the health and well being of our members,” says Chief Greg Gabriel of the PIB. “This emergency water connection provides critical support during a time of need and helps ensure our community can respond quickly and safely to any disruptions. We appreciate the hard work of our staff and the collaboration with the City, which demonstrates the positive outcomes that come from working together to protect people, public health, and shared infrastructure.”
“This agreement is about respect, responsibility and reconciliation,” says Mayor Julius Bloomfield. “By working collaboratively with the Penticton Indian Band, we are taking a meaningful step to address an urgent water need in a way that supports public health, honours our shared stewardship of water and ensures the City of Penticton remains financially and operationally sustainable.”
The agreement ensures full cost recovery for the City, with no impact to municipal water rates or growth capacity. PIB will fund all connection and infrastructure costs, manage distribution within its service area, and meet or exceed City conservation and metering requirements.
The agreement is limited to bulk water supply and does not extend service beyond PIB’s defined service boundary.
More information about the agreement is provided at penticton.ca.