Anthony Haddad, Penticton City Manager
PENTICTON – The City of Penticton has released its first quarter report highlighting the successful completion of several key initiatives, reflecting the City’s ongoing commitment to enhancing safety, livability and community vibrancy.
“Our first quarter achievements reflect the dedication and hard work of our staff and community partners in support of Council’s priorities, says Anthony Haddad, Penticton city manager. “Council and our operations team are committed to continuing this momentum and ensuring Penticton remains a safe, vibrant and inclusive place for all.”
Safe & Resilient Community Initiatives
The City has made substantial strides in its Safe & Resilient strategic priority. Efforts to reduce crime and enhance public safety have resulted in a noticeable decrease in calls for service, thanks to proactive measures by the RCMP, Bylaw and Fire departments. The balanced approach to community safety, which includes both enforcement and non-enforcement strategies, has fostered positive social interactions and deterred criminal activity.
Key achievements include:
• 40 per cent decrease in Calls for Service to Bylaw over Q1 2024 and over 5100 proactive patrols completed.
• 12 per cent decrease in Total Calls for Service to RCMP over Q1 2024 with Total Property Crime down 27 per cent.
• Reports of auto theft were 69 per cent below the five-year average.
• Successful collaboration with local and provincial agencies to support vulnerable populations through initiatives like the Temporary
Winter Shelter and ongoing Provincial advocacy efforts to address homelessness in Penticton.
• Strengthening partnerships with business and social sector partners to expand the Camera Program, enhancing public safety.
• Enhanced emergency preparedness through training sessions and strategic visioning projects with the snpink’tn (Penticton) Indian Band and the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen.
“We’ve made significant strides, but the work is ongoing as we seek innovative solutions to complex challenges,” says Julie Czeck, general manager of public safety and partnerships. “We will continue to work with our public safety and sector partners to address the needs of the community, and we continue to work with the Province on supports for our most vulnerable.”
Livable & Accessible Community Enhancements
The City continues to prioritize livability and accessibility, focusing on housing solutions, public space improvements, and inclusive community services. Significant progress has been made in supporting attainable and accessible housing, with several major projects underway, including:
• The extension of the 40-bed Temporary Winter Shelter pending provincial funding.
• Construction of a 28-unit project by M’Akola Housing Society.
• Development of a 60-unit workforce housing project on City lands at Eckhardt Ave W through the BC Builds program.
• Pre-development funding for a 50–60-unit affordable housing project on Galt Avenue.
• The review of a 500-unit BC Housing project for zoning (Skaha Assembly)
• More than 150 market rental apartment units and 100 strata units under construction
• A total of 181 residential units permitted for construction in Q1
“Our commitment to providing diverse housing solutions is steady,” says Blake Laven, general manager of development services. “These projects not only address immediate housing needs but also contribute to the long-term vibrancy and inclusivity of our community.”
Environmental sustainability and resiliency remain a key focus, with completed upgrades to the Ellis 4 Dam and ongoing efforts to restore Penticton Creek. Active transportation initiatives, Safe Routes to School programs, and the implementation of the Urban Forest Master Plan are also advancing, contributing to the city’s climate change response.
Community Vibrancy and Cultural Investments
Penticton’s investment in recreational, arts, and cultural amenities continues to enhance the quality of life for residents. Highlights from the first quarter include:
• The expanded Frost Fest, attracting thousands of locals and visitors.
• Successful hosting of the CSSHL Championships, bringing over 100 teams to Penticton.
• Ignite the Arts festival, featuring seven days of music, performance, and workshops.
• Approval of upgrades to Lakawanna Park to support youth activities and increase accessibility.
• Announcement of the Penticton Vees as an expansion team for the 2025/26 season.
Source: City of Penticton
