Help solve SOEC parking

Photo: SOEC

The City of Penticton is seeking feedback from the public on how to improve the parking situation at the South Okanagan Events Centre.

The city has hired a consultant to update a 2015 SOEC parking study to see how the new Cascades Casino has impacted activity levels at the complex.

“The main purpose of this study is to identify solutions to make the site operate more effectively and better utilize the parking we have available,” says Bregje Kozak, recreation and facilities director.

The study is expected to take five months and will collect data during major events and off-days.

Residents are being asked to contribute their ideas through two surveys online at shapeyourcitypenticton.ca, running until June 13.

Citizens who register and complete the survey will be entered into a draw for one of three prizes of $50 of free parking at any city meter or lot applied as a credit through the city’s Passport Parking app. Paper copies of the survey are available at City Hall and the library.

“In some ways, it is a good problem to have. The combination of the facilities on the SOEC site has created a busy entertainment and recreation hub but it has also created more pressure on parking for customers as well as residents in the area,” said Mayor Andrew Jakubeit.

“Council is looking forward to seeing the results of the study and hearing the ideas from residents on how we can make traffic and parking at the complex work better for everyone.”

The study will also inform the city in their proposed plans for a new twin rink arena in the complex.