Kelsey Johnson

This document presents the City of Penticton's Financial and Corporate Business Plan for 2026-2030, serving as a roadmap for achieving Council's strategic priorities. The plan is centered on two main pillars: fostering a 'Safe & Resilient' community by addressing safety, emergency preparedness, and infrastructure, and creating a 'Livable & Accessible' community through improved housing solutions, vibrant public spaces, and inclusive services. It outlines financial planning, budget allocations, and capital investments to ensure fiscal responsibility, enhance public safety, and improve the overall quality of life for residents, businesses, and visitors.

The meeting addressed the Eckhardt Avenue Reconstruction, focusing on additional information and design concepts, particularly regarding accessibility and inclusion barriers. The Lakawanna Park Upgrade was discussed, with a focus on the Final Concept Design for implementation. The UBCM Disaster Risk Reduction - Climate Adaptation Grant was reviewed, including the proposed plan to install cooling infrastructures. Beach Accessibility and Mobi-Mats were also discussed, with a recommendation to Council for the purchase of additional Mobi-mats and Chairs.

The committee discussed the Penticton Safety Village Society's License to Use Agreement, recommending its renewal. They received updates on the Sports & Recreation Needs Assessment, focusing on key findings and prioritization. The committee also discussed the Dog Park Upgrades and Dog 'Leash-Optional' Pilot Project, recommending the continuation of 'leash-optional' areas at several locations, with modifications proposed for Okanagan Lake Park. Additionally, the Lakawanna Park Upgrade's final concept design was reviewed, and the UBCM Disaster Risk Reduction - Climate Adaptation Grant for proposed cooling infrastructures at Gyro Park was endorsed. A review of the Park Land Protection and Use Policy was also recommended.

The meeting included a roundtable check-in and a review of feedback from a public feedback form regarding the Accessibility Plan. The committee also reviewed essential priorities, including requiring accessibility training for staff, creating an accessibility policy, examining the City of Penticton website for accessibility, offering live closed captioning during City Council meetings, creating an accessibility advisory list, ensuring accessibility features are piloted with people with disabilities, examining bus stops for accessibility, and examining progress reporting mechanisms.

The meeting covered several topics including an EV Charging Update, Eckhardt Avenue Corridor Reconstruction, and an update on Dog Park Upgrades and the Dog "Leash-Optional" Pilot Project. The EV Charging Update discussed reducing community-based greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging the use of electric vehicles. The Eckhardt Avenue Corridor Reconstruction project includes water main replacement, sanitary sewer relining, storm water system upgrades, and moving overhead electrical and communication lines underground. The Dog Park Upgrades and Dog "Leash-Optional" Pilot Project discussed enhancing dog-friendly amenities in the community.