Penticton City Council has approved an assent voting (referendum) question that will ask voters whether they support removing a historic land-use restriction affecting City-owned property located at 325 Power St. during the Oct. 17, 2026 general election.
The question relates to a trust condition contained in a 1912 indenture that limits the use of the property to games, sports, athletics, horse racing, park purposes, agricultural or fruit exhibitions, and other objects of a public nature.
Eligible voters will be asked:
"Are you in favour of the removal of the trust condition included in the 1912 Indenture that restricts the use of the City of Penticton property located at 325 Power Street to 'games, sports and athletics of all kinds whatsoever and for horse-racing, park purposes, agricultural or fruit exhibitions or other objects of a public nature', so that the City may use, convey, lease and otherwise deal with that property free of that trust condition? YES or NO"
If approved by voters, the removal of the trust condition would allow the City to consider a broader range of future land-use options for the property, subject to existing zoning regulations, the Official Community Plan, public consultation and future Council decisions.
If the question is not approved, the historic restriction would remain in place and continue to limit potential uses of the property.
"Council has chosen to seek elector approval so voters can determine whether this historic restriction should remain in place or be removed,” said Mayor Julius Bloomfield. “This vote is about giving the community the opportunity to weigh in on the future flexibility of this property."
The City is emphasizing that the assent voting question is not a decision on any specific development proposal.
A "yes" vote would remove the 1912 restriction and allow the City to continue exploring future opportunities for the site, including the possibility of an attached hotel at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre. Any future proposal would still require its own review and approval process.
A "no" vote would maintain the restriction and continue limiting the property's use to the purposes outlined in the indenture.
Dedicated park land, including Bambino Field, is not included in the assent voting question and would remain unchanged regardless of the outcome.
Information about the assent voting question, including voter information and frequently asked questions, is available at penticton.ca leading up to the election.
Quick facts
- The assent voting question relates only to the removal of a land-use restriction contained in a 1912 indenture affecting property located at 325 Power St.
- The vote does not approve a hotel or any other specific development proposal.
- Any future development proposal would require separate review and approval processes.
- Dedicated park land, including Bambino Field, is not affected by the assent voting question.
- Voting will take place as part of the local government election on Oct. 17, 2026.
For more information, visit shapeyourcitypenticton.ca/ptcc.