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The City of Penticton is looking at ways to promote inclusivity.
That includes looking at how to be more welcoming of the LGBTQ and immigrant communities in the city, as well as being accommodating for those with disabilities.
The city’s manager of human resources Gillian Kenny said that Penticton is looking to support various communities both in its internal processes and in the city itself.
Kenny said the plan, which was presented to council on July 18, is currently undefined because it is still in its infancy.
“It’s definitely vague at this point, because we’re still trying to develop what that is,” she said. “We still wanted to at least introduce it to council because it is an important initiative.”
She said that the city is looking at things like its recruitment processes to ensure that all people have a chance to respond to city employment opportunities.
She said the plan would also extend to city construction projects.
“For instance, there’s audible crosswalks,” she said. “When you press it, so, now the visually impaired are aware that you can, now, safely cross the street.”
City human resources has been working on the issue for 11 months, so far, but Kenny said it has been a rocky beginning, with a lack of resources.
“It’s just resourcing, unfortunately. Somehow it’s just fallen off the track,” she said. “Now we have developed a good working team to help us work through that.”
She said the city is looking to work more with other groups, such as the South Okanagan Immigrant Community Services, to develop a more defined plan.
Some of their previous work has included signage in the city that is helpful for those who don’t speak English.
The city is also looking at promoting inclusivity for the LGBTQ community.
Jozsef Varga said that he has been harassed in Penticton for being gay, and noted that he would like to see the city promote mental wellness for the LGBTQ community.
“I think programs and outreach to the LGBT youth that are having problems at home or mental health issues, because the two often go hand-in-hand, I think that would be a great step forward,” he said.
