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Penticton  

City bucks up for UBCM

The Penticton mayor and council members, with the exception of Councillor John Vassilaki, will attend the Union of British Columbia Muncipalities, UBCM, in Whistler next week.

Although the council received flak last year for sending a big contingent and the associated costs,  Deputy Mayor Judy Sentes said Friday it is important to have good representation.

"This annual UBCM week is professional development for those of us in municipal government," she said. "For us to truly do service, we need to be knowledgable and current, and the way to do that is to attend the annual conference."

The convention which gives a voice to local government in BC, is Sept. 22 to 26 in Whistler. Last September, at the Vancouver UBCM, the total amount spent by Penticton was $15,450, which was more than Kelowna at $11,000 plus. Vernon's bill was only $7,400.

Vasillaki, who did not attend last year either, said the cost is just too high.

If he is elected mayor, he will suggest that the mayor or deputy mayor and two councillors go. One of his goals if elected is to appoint a full time deputy mayor.

"It's just too costly for that many people to go," he said. "I also wished they had announced they were running for the election before they went."

Sentes insists, however, there is much to be done, with many meetings set up with ministers.

Among the issues of most importance to the city are the hiring process for the new correctional centre in Oliver to ensure every opportunity is given to the community of Penticton for hiring.

They also want to keep the hospital patient care tower on the radar and make sure it is always a point of conversation, said Sentes.

Another big thing is water leases at the city's beaches, she explained.

"For development purposes we want to have influence and control of the development," she said. "We already have a process underway to develop on Skaha Lake and the intent is always to be aware of opportunities for Okanagan Lake as well."

A cycling precinct from Kamloops to the border, or at least Kelowna to the border will be discussed, as well as making it easier when the city holds big events.

"We are hoping to create a mechanism when we have a big event, that would be one authority for the promoter to go to," said Sentes. "It's complicated at this point, they have to go to various authorities which is almost overwhelming, so we want to streamline the process."

It was the recent Boonstock festival that brought this forward, but the issue has been going on for years, she added.

"Boonstock was a reminder of how complicated the process is now," she said. "The idea is to work with the promoter to resolve issues, rather than build obstacles."

The council, who will be joined by the city manager on the trip, will pay attention to expenses, she added. With councillors planning to carpool to start. 

"It is really appropriate that as many go as can, because it is truly a learning experience," she said. "You can't learn it all right at the job, you need to go to other opportunities for learning."



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