Civic Spaces and Places

Penticton is moving ahead with major upgrades to our fire halls. The project includes replacing the Fire Hall Headquarters and upgrading Fire Hall No. 1 with safer, more functional spaces that better support emergency response and the people who rely on it.

The recommendation for the Twin Arenas was well supported by most of the participants in the public engagement process, recognizing the growing need for space across a variety of user groups. Planning for future needs and understanding the sustainability of existing facilities is a focus of the work currently being undertaken. Staff are examining the potential for a twin pad arena on the grounds of the South Okanagan Events Centre. 

The third recommendation in the Civic Spaces and Places report, for a combined Arts & Culture Centre, saw broad support for a new building that would house the Library/Museum, Art Gallery and arts organizations. 

While participants who are familiar with the facilities recognize the need for new, modern space, it was acknowledged more work was needed on the feasibility of consolidating these uses in a central location, the adequacy of a potential site to accommodate the range of uses and the ability to properly serve the needs of each group. Work on this project is in the early stages of development.

The fourth recommendation, related to upgrades to City Hall, was largely supported, with participants liking the idea of keeping the facility downtown and understanding the need for upgrades to the facility which is nearly 60-year-old. This project is in the earliest stage of development as the focus is on the higher priorities.

The City hosted five community events, more than 20 meetings with community groups and a feedback form to collect community comments and recommendations. Read about the community engagement process. 

Learn about the engagement process and view more related documents