Photo: Colin Dacre

Housing, addiction and public safety. 

That’s what the provincial government is going to hear from the City of Penticton about during the Union of B.C. Municipalities Convention next week in Vancouver. 

The annual event is the one time a year local governments get to bend the ear of ministers and their staff on local issues.

The city says it has scheduled a meeting with Judy Darcy, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions to request more be done to provide addictions and mental health care “close to home and sensitive to Penticton’s needs.”

Attorney General and Minister of Justice David Eby will be lobbied by the city over criminal sentencing and bail condition decisions.

A meeting is also set with Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth, where council will request the ministry review how RCMP police unincorporated communities “which are served from officers stationed in municipal detachments, to ensure they are meeting the mandate to uphold public safety.”

Finally, Minister of Housing Selina Robinson will hear from council on the need for more affordable housing in the community. 

“This is council’s first UBCM event since being elected in 2018,” said Penticton Mayor, John Vassilaki. 

“With council having provided input on their priorities, staff have put together a full schedule of meetings and events to attend over the course of the week.  The information shared and the conversations held will provide insight and feedback on matters that all communities across BC are considering, while also allowing interests specific to Penticton to be heard.  To keep our community informed on this year’s event, I intend to share updates as the week unfolds.”