Stay as well as play

Photo: Deborah Pfeiffer

Bringing an on-site hotel to the South Okanagan Events Centre and Penticton Trade and Convention Centre complex is under consideration.

Council recently passed first reading of a zoning amendment that would add “tourist accommodation” to allowed uses at 325 Power St.

The site is zoned for public assembly, which allows for many types of uses: indoor and outdoor amusement, daycare, restaurants, as well as parks and recreation.

"The convention centre and operators have voiced concerns that not having a hotel has been an impediment for some conventions not coming here," said Mayor Andrew Jakubeit. "So we think we could better utilize the convention centre, which is the second largest outside of the Lower Mainland."

It's estimated that $7 Million to $21 million in convention business has been lost in the last two years as a result of the city's current accommodations, say city officials.

In addition, Penticton doesn't have a four-star hotel, and it is believed there is a demand there.

"People have been kicking the tires, showing interest, and we've never made the 26 acres of the complex available as an option for hotel development," said Jakubeit. "We tasked the economic development office to get a hotel, and this was one of the strategies."

An open house on the matter will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. April 30 in Room 3 of the Penticton Community Centre to provide the community with more information.

A public hearing will be held in May, after which, council will make a decision.