ICRT program continues achieving significant success
In the last quarter, the Integrated Crisis Response Team (ICRT), also known as the Car 40 program, has engaged in over 420 community interactions primarily related to mental health issues.
Of these interactions, 211 were either led by ICRT or assisted front-line personnel and community partners. Notably, 57 interactions resulted in apprehension under the Mental Health Act.
A recent case illustrates the effectiveness of the program that pairs an RCMP officer with a nurse.
The ICRT responded to a call about a person experiencing paranoia and psychosis due to lapses in their medication regimen.
Thanks to the collaboration between an ICRT nurse and the RCMP officer, the client received immediate support, including re-initiation of medication, enrollment in Fair Pharmacare, and connection to ongoing mental health care. This intervention prevented a potentially traumatic emergency room visit, ensuring the client received the care he needed in a timely and supportive manner.
“The ICRT’s intervention not only provided essential care to the individual in need but also alleviated strain on hospital and emergency services,” said Jenel Young, one of the psychiatric nurses involved in the Penticton ICRT.
“The client was appreciative of the outcome and expressed gratitude for the team’s efforts.”
You are invited to Council Open House
Mark your calendars! Council will host its Budget Open House on Oct. 29 at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre. Drop in between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to speak with Council about their priorities. This Open House will feature important topics like the 2025 Budget, Focus on Safety, and the next steps for Civic Spaces and Places.
The Budget Open House is your opportunity to ask staff questions about the 2025-2029 draft Financial Plan, which will be released on October 15. More details for how you can get involved will be provided in mid-October. Council will deliberate the draft Financial Plan between November 19 and 20. You can watch the deliberations at penticton.ca/council
Opportunity to sign up for pilot project
The City has partnered with TELUS on a pilot project that will offer residents new technology and tools to help them save on their power bills.
Penticton residential electric customers will be invited to register for the SmartEnergy program in November, a digital service that can help you reduce your home’s energy consumption and costs by up to 15 per cent.
As part of the program, residents will have access to energy-saving smart devices and digital tools. The goal of this project is to address peak electricity usage throughout the community.
More details will be issued in the coming weeks and posted online at penticton.ca/power
Save energy, save money: Tips to save on your electric bills
As the weather cools, we turn up the heat. In fact, during winter, Penticton residents use more electricity than any other time of the year. However, there are simple steps we can take around the home that can help us save on our energy bills, such as hanging clothes to dry on an indoor drying rack, turning down the thermostat by 1-2 degrees (or installing a smart thermostat), and unplugging kitchen appliances or video game devices at night. For more tips, visit penticton.ca/power
Did you know? Peak demand for electricity in our community is between 3:30-7:30 p.m. when residents return home from work or school, turn up the heat and start to cook dinner, charge appliances or use other electrical devices. The City’s Electric Utility pays for its electricity year-round from FortisBC based on this peak number, to ensure the electric grid can meet ongoing demand. Residents should consider powering devices after peak demand, wherever possible, keeping overall costs to all electric customers down. Learn more at penticton.ca/power
RCMP Officer Kelly Brett and ICRT Nurse Shelley Joyce stop for a photo along Lakeshore Drive. Since the launch of the ICRT, officers and nurses have helped hundreds of individuals in need avoid potentially traumatic emergency room visits, while alleviating strain on hospital and emergency services.
Let’s power up the Youth Park
Skateboarding, BMX biking, hoops, DJ, food trucks.
Get ready to shred as we power up the new lights at the Penticton Youth Park. The official light-up event will take place on Friday, Oct. 18 from 5-7 p.m.
The new lights will illuminate both the skate park and basketball court, with funding provided from the B.C. Growing Communities Fund.
All community members are invited to attend this high-energy event. Free to attend! Learn more at penticton.ca/youth-park
Save the date for Magic on Main
Ho, ho, ho! Magic on Main Street is coming to Penticton on Sunday, Dec. 1. This magical event features dozens of floats taking part in the Santa Claus Parade, followed by the official Light Up at Gyro Park, featuring the spectacular festive lights display.
The City is offering a free park and ride shuttle service through BC Transit between Cherry Lane Shopping Centre and the event site, operating on a continuous loop. Watch for more details in the coming weeks at penticton.ca/magic-on-main
Contact Us
Lake to Lake Route construction resumes, watch for roadwork
Work is underway on the final section of the Lake to Lake Route, which will complete the 6.7 km protected bike route connecting Okanagan Lake to Skaha Lake.
Anyone travelling along South Main Street this fall – between Green Avenue and Pineview Street – is reminded to slow down and watch for posted detours. Construction will take place on weekdays from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m., reopening on evenings and weekends, while weather permits.
The project is anticipated to be completed by summer 2025, providing a safe route for all ages and abilities (AAA) to travel throughout Penticton.
As part of this latest stage of construction, the City is upgrading electrical lighting at intersections and making sidewalk improvements along the route.
For the latest construction updates, and to see a larger version of this map, visit penticton.ca/lake-to-lake.
Sign up for news updates direct to your inbox or mobile phone: penticton.ca/updates
City Hall: 250-490-2400
Email: ask@penticton.ca
Report an Issue Online: penticton.ca/report-an-issue
Contact Information: penticton.ca/contact