Penticton Council has shifted its focus on key priorities for the city

Photo: Casey Richardson

Penticton city council has decided to revise one of its priorities for the next few years, focusing on community vitality. 

Asset and amenity management and community safety are remaining unchanged while the third priority, community design, gets replaced. 

“While community design remains a central influence on our City’s future growth and prosperity, given the disruption brought about by COVID-19, Council chose to broaden this priority to not only encompass community design, but also direct attention on Penticton’s current economic wellbeing and vitality,” said Penticton’s chief financial officer, Jim Bauer in a press release. .

The revisions were in response to the effects of COVID-19, and were approved by Council during their July 21 meeting for 2020-22.

The focuses for improving community vitality include: supporting economic recovery from the impacts of COVID-19 and attracting and promoting sustainable growth and development.

Council’s discussion around priorities began in May and involved input from Council and City managers, as well as feedback gathered during the April 2020 Resident and Business Impact Surveys. 

“Council initially planned to undertake a second strategic planning process in 2021, but as a result of COVID-19, that timeline was quickly moved forward,” said Penticton Mayor, John Vassilaki in the press release. 

“With a revised set of priorities now in place, residents can rest reassured the City’s resources, budget and activities are aligned with the current situation we find ourselves in.”