Nissan opens on PIB land

Photo: Colton Davies

Penticton Nissan president John Kot standing next to a Nissan Qashqai on the lot.

The long-awaited opening of the first tenant at the Penticton Indian Band's Satikw Crossing development came to fruition this week.

Penticton Nissan did a soft opening on Thursday — just over 10 months after construction began. 

President John Kot said the dealership, located at 151 Satikw Crescent, employs 15 people currently and will eventually employ about 30. 

He said staff will be operating out of a trailer in front of the facility for about a month until the showroom is complete. The vehicle bay will be open to customers on Mar. 9.

"I really like the location. We explored it with the Penticton Indian Band... We made a good agreement, that obviously took a little bit but they've been very supportive," Kot said.

PIB Chief Chad Eneas said Nissan's opening is "a symbol in many ways to strengthen our Indigenous participation in BC’s economy."

He said the opening is part of the PIB "realizing increased opportunities for on- and off-reserve revenue generation."

Satikw Crossing boasts 140 acres of flat land west of the Penticton Channel, and the PIB is preparing for future development on the land.