MICHAEL MAGNUSSON
PENTICTON – The Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce will present four policy resolutions at the upcoming BC Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting this June, with the goal of securing province-wide support and advancing solutions to the Government of British Columbia later this year.
These policies address critical infrastructure and public safety challenges that are impacting not only local businesses, but the broader economic stability, livability, and resilience of communities across the province.
Ensuring Reliable Access to Safe Drinking Water
The Chamber is advocating for long-term, predictable investment in water infrastructure, particularly for smaller and rural communities where aging systems and limited tax bases are creating significant financial risk. Unreliable water systems can lead to boil water advisories, rising costs for businesses, and reduced investor confidence. In tourism-dependent regions like the South Okanagan, water instability can disrupt restaurants, wineries, accommodations, and healthcare services, while also affecting housing affordability and workforce retention. This policy calls for a permanent provincial funding framework and early-warning systems to prevent infrastructure crises and protect both economic and community stability.
Enhancing Public Safety Through Tiered Response Models
To address rising street disorder and increasing costs for businesses, the Chamber is proposing amendments to the BC Police Act to enable Community Safety Officers as part of a tiered response system. This model would allow trained personnel to respond to low- to moderate-risk incidents, improving response times while allowing police to focus on higher-priority situations. For businesses and residents alike, this means safer commercial areas, reduced vandalism and theft, and improved perceptions of safety. Stronger public safety not only supports local economies but also enhances community confidence and quality of life.
Strengthening Transportation Resilience Through Secondary Routes
The Chamber is calling for a provincial strategy to address communities that rely on single transportation corridors, such as Highway 97 between Penticton and Kelowna. Frequent closures due to wildfires, landslides, and accidents have disrupted supply chains, limited workforce mobility, and reduced tourism activity. In emergency situations, these closures can also isolate communities and delay access to healthcare and essential services. By prioritizing the development and improvement of secondary transportation routes, this policy aims to enhance safety, ensure business continuity, and improve long-term economic resilience.
Unlocking Economic Growth by Addressing Energy Capacity Constraints
Rapid population growth, electrification, and industrial demand are placing increasing strain on BC’s electricity and natural gas systems, particularly in high-growth regions like the Okanagan. Energy capacity constraints are delaying housing developments, increasing project costs, and discouraging investment. Without reliable access to energy, businesses cannot expand, and communities cannot meet housing and infrastructure needs. This policy calls for coordinated provincial and federal action to ensure timely, reliable, and sustainable energy capacity that supports economic growth and climate goals.
A Unified Approach to Economic and Community Resilience
“These policies reflect what we are hearing directly from our business community,” said Michael Magnusson, Executive Director of the Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce. “They are not isolated issues, they are interconnected challenges that impact our ability to grow our economy, attract investment, and maintain strong, livable communities.”
The Chamber will present these resolutions to delegates from Chambers of Commerce and Boards of Trade across British Columbia. If adopted, they will become part of the BC Chamber’s policy framework and form the basis of provincial advocacy efforts.
Michael Magnusson is the Executive Director of the Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce
