Accessible City

Sudbury Beach is home to a Mobi-Mat and Mobi-chair, which provide improved accessibility to Skaha Lake. Mobi-Chairs are now available on a first-come, first-serve basis from the SUP Glow stand during summer. The mat is located on the east side of Sudbury Beach. 

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We are adding a new Mobi-Mat at Okanagan Lake Beach, near the SS Sicamous, which will provide improved beach access. Mobi-Chairs are now available on a first-come, first-serve basis at this location. 

The following accessible options are also available at Okanagan Lake Beach:

• Near Power Street: A wheelchair-accessible ramp goes from the main walkway down to a platform, which includes a fire pit and an accessible picnic table. 
• West of Lakawanna Park: A wheelchair-accessible ramp connects from the walkway and leads down to a concrete walking path to the water's edge, but does not reach the water. It also has picnic tables. 
• Just east of Riverside Drive: A wheelchair-accessible ramp goes from the main walkway down to a platform with a picnic table (pictured below). 

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Okanagan Lake Park (east of the Lakeside Resort)

• East of the Lakeside Resort: Concrete ramp to beach, near the dog park. 

We are adding a new Mobi-Mat at Skaha Beach, near the base of Parkview Drive, providing improved beach access. Mobi-Chairs are now available on a first-come, first-serve basis at this location. 

The following accessible option is also available:

• Near the concession stands, centre of the park: Accessible concrete ramp down to the beach, with two accessible tables. 

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Have you, or someone you know, experienced a barrier trying to access a City service or facility? If so, please complete this feedback form to report it to the City.

Report an Accessibility Barrier

Download the Accessibility Barrier form

Do you have feedback or comments related to the City's Accessibility Plan? Please fill out this feedback form to let us know what you think. 

Provide feedback on the City's Accessibility Plan

Download the City's Accessibility Plan form

Downloaded forms may be printed, completed and returned in the following formats:

• In person at City Hall (171 Main Street, Penticton)
• By mail: c/o Social Development, City Hall, 171 Main Street, Penticton BC V2A 5A9
• Email:  socialdevelopment@penticton.ca 

Picnics in the park have never been so accessible. Special picnic tables have been installed in many parks throughout the community - including Skaha Lake Park and Okanagan Lake - that enable individuals in wheelchairs to roll up closer to the table.

Outdoor fitness equipment at the Skaha Lake Fitness Park also helps those looking for an affordable and accessible workout.

Explore the city’s outdoor areas. The Rick Hansen Foundation reviewed the following two trail networks and deemed them RHF Accessibility Certified (RHFAC).

Trans Canada Trail, 45 Lakeshore Drive East: This 4.8 km trail is open all year round, following the route of the former Kettle Valley Railway. It’s a popular route for locals and tourists for biking, walking, running and sightseeing. The scope of the RHFAC includes trail and pathway vehicle access, exterior pathways, exterior stairs and ramps, three public washrooms and signage/wayfinding.  

Penticton Creek Pathway, 1050 Kensington Street: This trail and pathway is 1.8 km and open year-round. The scope of the RHFAC includes the trail, vehicular access to the trail/pathway, a viewing point, seating areas and information kiosks.

View a Google map marking both paths, with key points along the way.

We strive to make recreation available to everyone. The Penticton Community Centre offers accessible programs and has been updated to improve accessibility. For more information, and to learn about the Access Pass which is available to those who have a permanent cognitive or physical disability visit our Accessible Recreation page.

Older buildings can be an obstacle for those with mobility challenges, but several investments have been made to make City Hall easier to access. This includes a ramp at the front entrance and additional ramps in Council Chambers leading to a lower presentation table and microphone, allowing anyone using a chair or other mobility aid to address their local government officials with dignity.

If you are unable to move your garbage cart to and from your waste collection point due to physical hardship, you may be eligible for a Cart Exemption.

This exemption allows you to place your garbage, recycling and yard waste at your designated collection point in a container that you can handle in accordance with individual challenges. For more information, visit the Garbage, Recycling & Yard Waste page.

If you have further questions, please contact us at 250-490-2500 and we will be happy to explain your options.

Audible signal devices at crosswalks in downtown Penticton help those who have visual impairments know that it’s safe to cross. Newer intersections also feature a special plastic surface that helps those with white canes identify the edge of the road through sound.

Accessible parking options are available to those who have a vehicle with a valid permit on display.  The City also works with BC Transit to offer accessible options for people to get around town. Learn more about public transit in Penticton and about accessibility on BC Transit South Okanagan-Similkameen buses.

Creating a barrier-free environment, where all people can take part in our community through work, play and other daily activities.

According to the Accessible British Columbia Act, a barrier is anything that hinders the full and equal participation in society of a person with an impairment. It can be anything that stops people with disabilities from being included. Barriers can be caused by:

• physical environment
• architectural and structural builds
• attitudes and social
• policy and practice
• information and communication
• technology
• intersecting forms of discrimination

My husband Jeffry and I stopped by City Hall in Penticton and were given your business cards. We wanted to take a moment and say "Thank you." I myself have been coming to Penticton for the last 38 years. When my husband and I had children of our own we started the yearly "tradition" with our boys. We have 2 boys aged 15 and 12. Our 12-year-old is special needs. Christian uses a wheelchair and other mobility aids. We have not been able to go to the lake safely with Christian as it was just not assessable. 

We always stay at the Golden Sands because they have a pool and our vacation would just stay pool side due to safety. Until this year. We were filled with so much happiness to see the improvements on the Okanagan Lake for being inclusive and accessible. "Thank you" for allowing our family, for the first time ever, to safely enjoy the beach and water. 

We are filled with so much gratitude and needed to say "Thank you." We are looking forward to next summer, knowing we can all enjoy the lake as a family. 

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March 1, 2024

SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

The City is reminding the public of recently implemented safety features at traffic signals throughout downtown Penticton to give pedestrians and cyclists a head start to cross the road.

The following safety measures are now in place downtown and will be rolled out in phases at all signalized intersections throughout the city over the next few years.

Advanced walk and bike signals (on bike routes) that provide an opportunity for those on foot or wheels to move forward across the road before vehicles get a green light. Accessible pedestrian signals (APS), which provide auditory, visual and tactile information for the visually impaired, operate with these key features:

• When the push button is held down for 3 seconds, the voice message tells you the name of the street you will be crossing.
• A "Cuckoo" sound indicates that the "walk" symbol is on and the pedestrian has the right-of-way in the north-south direction. Listen to the Cuckoo sound.
• A "Canadian Melody" sound indicates that the pedestrian has the right-of-way in the east-west direction. Listen to the Canadian Melody sound.
• In addition to the "Cuckoo" and "Canadian Melody" sounds, the APS push buttons are equipped with a continuous tone called a "locator tone". This tone is produced from the push buttons to assist pedestrians, who are visually impaired, in locating the push buttons.
• The APS sounds and locator tones automatically adjust to background sound levels. During peak traffic periods where volume levels are higher, the APS sound automatically adjusts and is louder. During the overnight or off-peak periods they drop to their lowest volume level.
• The push buttons are also equipped with a raised tactile arrow that points in the direction of the pedestrian crossing. This arrow vibrates when held.

In addition, pedestrian and cyclist signals are now automatic throughout the downtown core, with no need to press the button to activate the signal unless an audible cue is required.  

Signs are being updated to educate the public while adjusting to the safety measures.  This initiative aligns with the Council Priorities of supporting a safe and resilient community, enhancing and protecting the safety of all residents and visitors, plus proactively planning for a livable and accessible city.  

For more information about transportation and road safety in Penticton, visit penticton.ca/active. 

Andrew visited Okanagan Lake Beach and was so thrilled he sent us the following in an email:

"Last night my daughter and myself had the incredibly lucky opportunity to visit your city beach. 
I was truly blown away at how accessible the beach was. Right from the time I parked, I knew something was different at your fine city. The handy cap parking spot were wide enough and had a ramp right next to it, along with a spot to get on the curb. 

Then using the concrete ramp to get down to the beach, the accessible park bench right there and then the ramp to get into the lake. Wow what a treat. I am not used to just traveling with my daughter so seeing this, made my night and most importantly her night.

We have traveled around BC to a lot of places that should be more wheelchair friendly like Stanley Park, Harrison Lake, Cultus Lake and of course Kelowna but have never seen this type of accessibility. Thank you so much, I know that we will definitely be back to spend more time in your fine city."

From BC Transit's website

BC Transit and the City of Penticton are advising handyDART customers of additional hours for the service starting May 11, 2024.

The additional hours include Saturday service being available from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m. thanks to additional funding for the existing taxi supplement program. Weekday service remains the same from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Booking times remain the same, Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.

This service expansion for Penticton handyDART has been made possible by an increase in local government and provincial funding. The operating grant provided in the 2024-25 provincial budget will allow BC Transit and the City of Penticton to continue to provide safe and reliable service and demonstrates that public transit remains a priority in our communities.

For more information about trip planning, schedules and to sign up for customer alerts, please visit bctransit.com/south-okanagan-similkameen.

Read the news release from BC Transit

On May 3, 2023, Council appointed a nine-member Accessibility Task Force to develop the City’s Accessibility Plan. Members of the Task Force share a commitment to serve their community and have an appreciation for some of the challenges that people experience accessing the City's services and facilities. Terms of Reference, meeting minutes and schedules are available on the Accessibility Task Force page.

I moved to Penticton about 4.5 years ago. Our son and daughter who were already living here had strongly encouraged the move. 

I lost my vision as a child. I have lived my life overcoming the obstacles and barriers that exist while functioning in a world where most have vision.

I attended university, worked as a civil servant and for over 40 years operated a business of piano sales and service. I have participated in a number of advocacy and service organizations whose aim was to level the playing field for those with a disability.

When I learned of the Penticton Accessibility Committee looking for  volunteers, I was very interested in participating. In the short time the Committee has been functioning, I have been very encouraged by the genuine interest to make Penticton a more accessible and inclusive city.

I believe, as a result of this exercise, the City will become more aware of barriers that exist and have a greater commitment to removing them, making it a more accessible city for all.

Favourite inspirational quote:
I live with the philosophy "Impossible only means that you haven't found the solution yet."

Heather moved to Penticton about one year ago with the goal to enhance her quality of life. She is the Executive Director for the OSNS Child and Youth Development Centre in Penticton.  

Heather is a strong believer in equity.  Although she recognizes that inequities exist, she believes we must adjust imbalances to get as close to equality as possible.                                

“I am passionate about the cause," says Heather.  “I believe I can share some of the lessons I’ve learned through my work with OSNS, as well as bring back insights and tools that I’ve learned from the accessibility discussions. My hope is this will help to generate increased access for the community in multiple ways."

Heather appreciates the opportunity to participate on the Accessibility Taskforce and to add value where she can. She anticipates the outcomes of the Accessibility Plan will be dynamic in nature and will help to achieve a more accessible city for all by removing and reducing barriers.

Heather’s Inspirational Quote:
“The best way to predict the future is to create it.”  - Abraham Lincoln 

Kristi has been an Okanagan resident for the past 31 years. She attended the Okanagan School of Business and has since been working at the Okanagan College where she wears many hats. Her work responsibilities include facilities, procurement management, information and communication. 

In her role at Okanagan College, Kristi  is also focused on accessibility to physical and environmental spaces for students and the public. She will be leading the campus commitments and actions for the upcoming Okanagan Collage Accessibility Plan, which ties into the City of Penticton’s Accessibility Plan on a larger scale.  

Kristi believes that the accessibility initiative is a great opportunity for the Task Force and City to make a positive change in the way we view and overcome accessibility challenges.

“Being a part of the Task Force has allowed me to actively listen and participate in meaningful conversations on what accessibility truly means," says Kristi.  She thinks the accessibility planning process will promote greater awareness about accessibility for both the City and community. 

Kristi hopes this initiative will help us shift towards a new perspective, one that views accessibility as a standard rather than an option.  

”Accessibility should not be a barrier to accessing services, employment and experiences in Penticton. Inclusive environments are created when communities commit to making accessibility a priority for all residents and visitors," says Kristi. 

Kristi’s Inspirational Quote:
“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”

Leanne has called Penticton home for 30 years. She has extensive experience working in the community living field and has supported adults with developmental disabilities for the past 30 years.  Her interest in this career path was ignited at an early age, growing up with a brother who had a developmental disability.  

Leanne is currently the CEO of Okanagan Inclusion, an organization committed to helping people reduce or remove barriers to daily living.  She also works as an accreditation surveyor for CARF (Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities). Accessibility  Planning is one of the standard areas that organizations must attend to, including her own organization.

“I thought I would be a good fit on the Task Force as my work experience is directly related to supporting individuals who navigate barriers  in their daily lives. Our organization works toward ensuring all individuals are included and valued, and are able to participate meaningfully in their community,” says Leanne.

She also has experience with Accessibility Planning, an asset for any organization that is working to ensure barrier-free access to services, programs or facilities. 

Leanne believes that the Accessibility Planning  initiative will help City Council and staff  to recognize accessibility challenges and take action to improve and remove barriers. Leanne’s optimism and extensive experience in this area will help guide the work of the Taskforce and move the City towards being a more inclusive and welcoming community. 

Leanne’s Inspirational Quote:
“Diversity is having a seat at the table, Inclusion is having a voice, Belonging is having that voice heard” – Liz Fosslien

Randy has resided in Penticton for the past seven years and has worked predominantly as a Municipal Engineer over the past 36 years.  Now semi-retired, he directs his attention to volunteer opportunities that focus on safety and livability in our city.

Randy has sat on a number of City committees, providing input to initiatives including the new Master Transportation Plan, the Official Community Plan and the Sustainability Committee. He also dedicates his time serving as a  community representative to improve safety on a major street in his neighbourhood. Randy is also on the Board of Directors for the Agur Lake Camp Society, a non-profit organization that operates a barrier-free camp just west of Summerland.

Randy has personally witnessed how accessibility challenges can be life-altering, observing the experiences that have burdened a few of his good friends.

“Dealing with barriers that restrict access can make simple tasks like crossing the street or climbing stairs menacing. This can sap precious energy from otherwise vibrant, contributing individuals," says Randy.  

In his years as a practicing design engineer, he installed many streetcorner wheelchair ramps and provided numerous accessible washrooms.  His work with the Taskforce has reinforced his belief that these are simply minimums often dictated by building codes.  

”As a City, we can do much more to remove barriers,  many of which most people don’t even see," says Randy.  

Randy sees the Accessibility Plan as an opportunity to raise awareness and let all members of our community contribute to its success.  “There is work to be done.  Let’s get it done.”

Randy Inspirational Quote:
“In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity.”   - Albert Einstein

James is a long-time resident of Penticton where he has lived for 26 years. He is a strong community advocate, having been appointed and/or nominated to serve on numerous Advisory Committees  over the past four decades. His extensive volunteer service has supported initiatives led by the municipal, regional, provincial and federal governments. 

In addition to James’ extensive community service,  he has personal experience dealing with accessibility challenges. He gained “major” accessibility awareness during his years at Kitsilano High School in Vancouver. His experience navigating barriers instilled a growing appreciation for barrier-free access.

His desire to contribute led him to serve on both the Community Development Advisory Committee for the Regional District of Okanagan and Similkameen,  and the Parks Advisory Committee for the Greater Vancouver Regional District, where he gained more insights about accessibility challenges and the importance of barrier-free planning. 

James has been volunteering for the City of Penticton since 1997.  He has been appointed to twelve Advisory Committees, including the Social/Community Development, Community Health,  Disabled Persons Advisory Committees, and most recently the Accessibility Taskforce.  The commitment and guidance provided by Committee members like James, has helped to shape the community.

“I always think of others more disabled than myself who may feel “voiceless” in their community," states James. He hopes the City’s Accessibility Plan will lead to greater attitudinal and architectural awareness and that accessibility achievements are realized in our community. “We can be a provincial leader.” 

James’ Inspirational Quote:
“The good of the many outweighs the good of the few.”

Social Development
Phone: 250-490-2512, Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m to 4:30 p.m.
Email: socialdevelopment@penticton.ca