Residents help shape city

The City of Penticton will be updating its official community plan this year, and this week feedback is being welcomed from residents during an exposition called “ExpOCP.”

The event features round table discussions, displays and activities where the public can seek information and provide input.

Anthony Haddad, the city's director of developmental services, said transportation and housing are among the most talked-about topics that residents have given feedback on.

"We've seen a significant amount of growth over the last couple of years in our community. So it's a really important time for us to start thinking about the next 30 years, the next 20 years, and how we can get there in a successful way," Haddad said.

"Ultimately, we're here to build a community for the residents of Penticton. If we make it successful for existing residents, it's going to be a very attractive place for people to want to visit and want to stay here for a long time."

The current community plan was last written in 2002, and was updated in 2006.

Resident Allison Howard, who lives in the city's downtown and has been a resident for 12 years, echoed the importance of suitable development.

"Planning and zoning for residential and commercial (property), I think it's a huge issue and it will establish whether Penticton really becomes a good city to live in or not."

Residents are still able to stop by the ExpoOCP on Friday evening between 4:30 and 7:30 p.m., and on Saturday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

City staff will hold more community engagement events, at 249 Westminster Avenue, to hear further feedback over the next two months. 

The new community plan is expected to be drafted late in the spring and presented during the summer.