Penticton

20 things city council wants

Colin Dacre - Oct 3, 2019 / 5:00 am | Story: 267334

Photo: Colin Dacre

City staff heard wish lists Tuesday from councillors in advance of 2020 budget deliberations, ranging from requests for more police officers, to parking improvements or a municipal prosecutor.

A total of 20 suggestions will be debated by councillors at the next meeting, October 15.

All the proposals request city staff “bring forward information and analysis” on each issue, rather than jumping straight to implementation. In the past, council would debate special requests during actual budget talks, after proposed budgets were already drafted.

Coun. Campbell Watt was the only one to not put forward any motions.

“I trust the current process,” he said. “I think it devalues when we create individual wish lists, the amount of time and effort that we put into creating strategic priorities.”

Noting it is a new way of doing things, Coun. Judy Sentes suggested they keep an open mind, “the only way we are going to know, is if we try it.”

Coun. Julius Bloomfield

The creation of a manager of social development for dealing with homeless, addictions, seniors and youth initiatives.

Coun. Judy Sentes

The revitalization of the 400 block of Main Street.
Examine food waste management systems and composting.
The next phase of revitalization of the SS Sicamous area.
The next phase of restoration work of Penticton Creek.
Housing partnerships for doctors.
Studying the financing a lake-to-lake bike route. (shared with Coun. Robinson)

Coun. Frank Regehr

Improve snow clearing at bus stops and intersections.
Examine revenue options associated with tourism, such as parking fees, to offset Ironman sponsorship costs.

Coun. Katie Robinson

Increased police funding to address problems associated with the proximity of the Okanagan Correctional Centre and the loss of Greyhound bus services.
Increased landscaping on major streets and highways.

Coun. Jake Kimberley