Businesses open as usual while major roadwork continues
It’s construction season in Penticton, with roadwork continuing in the coming months along sections of Skaha Lake Road, Main Street and South Main Street.
Given that this area is within a major shopping hub, the City is reminding residents that access to all the businesses will be available at all times. Anyone passing through the area should watch for signage and follow any detours to access their favourite shops.
Be aware that work will take place during typical workday hours, with roads reopening evenings and weekends.
While construction on the Point Intersection group of projects is currently located on Skaha Lake Road near Galt Avenue, the focus will shift in the coming weeks toward Kinney Avenue, South Main Street and a southern section of Main Street.
The City will notify the public of any major upcoming traffic changes through its public announcements, social media and webpage at penticton.ca/point-intersection. To receive news updates from the City, sign up for alerts at penticton.ca/updates.
Pedestrians, cyclists and scooters reminded to share pathways
With the weather warming up and more people using the local trails, the City of Penticton is reminding residents to share the paths, slow down and be mindful of others.
Many of the citywide trails, including the promenades along Skaha and Okanagan lakes, the KVR trail and other park paths, are designated as multi-use pathways that may be used by anyone walking, riding or rolling.
When using these paths on a bicycle, skateboard or scooter, reduce your speed and take extra care around pedestrians. Use a bell, horn or your voice to announce your presence before passing. Anyone walking is also reminded to be aware of their surroundings and share the space. For a local trail map, plus more information, visit penticton.ca/active
Penticton offers free transit for under 24
If you’re age 24 and under, registration is now open to apply for your free annual BC Transit pass.
This is available as part of a pilot project, with funding coming from the federal government’s Building Safer Communities grant.
The project was developed by the City of Penticton’s Social Development department in conjunction with partners and youth in the community who identified the lack of mobility as a challenge.
For a list of places where youth can register, plus more information about this program, visit penticton.ca/transit
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City Hall: 250-490-2400
Email: ask@penticton.ca
Report an Issue Online: penticton.ca/report-an-issue
Contact Information: penticton.ca/contact
Water restrictions begin May 1
Stage 1 water restrictions will be in effect beginning May 1 as part of the City’s annual efforts to ensure access to clean drinking water during the dry, summer months.
Watering days are as follows:
• Odd numbered street addresses may irrigate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays only.
• Even numbered street addresses may irrigate on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays only.
• No watering on Mondays.
• Townhouses and condominiums follow their street address, not their unit address. Only properties zoned RSM (Mobile Home Park) use their respective unit number in place of street address.
Irrigation times are as follows:
• Automatic irrigation/sprinklers are permitted to run between 12:01 a.m. to 6 a.m. only on designated days.
• Manual irrigation is permitted to run between 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. only on designated days.
For tips on managing your water usage, visit penticton.ca/water.
New water rates now in place
Residential customers may notice a change in the way water rates are calculated as a new rate structure, designed to encourage water conservation, has been established.
The new rates, approved last year, apply to most residential customers with an individual City water meter (typically ¾’ service).
The new rate structure was implemented while water consumption was at its lowest, to allow customers to adjust in advance of the summer season. Consumers still pay based on usage, but a new three-tiered rate structure means higher rates for higher volume users. The rate change does not apply to larger multi-family residential customers with larger shared services, agricultural users, or commercial/industrial customers. For more information, visit penticton.ca/water-meters
Contact Us
Hydro credit coming
Local electrical utility customers will be receiving the B.C. Electricity Affordability Credit, with the credit appearing on the bills before June 30, 2024.
The estimated average credit is $61 for residential users. For the average nonresidential customer in Penticton, this will be around $452 in savings.
To be eligible, you must have incurred electric charges during 2023 and hold an active account as of the day the credit is being distributed. The credit will be automatically calculated and applied as a one-time payment to your electricity bill.
The exact credit amount will vary as it’s based on electricity consumption between Jan. 1, 2023, and Dec. 31, 2023.
Mark your calendars
Save the Date!
Public Works Open House: Residents of all ages are invited to this free interactive open house event on Wednesday, May 22 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Learn about the programs, equipment and people who work behind the scenes to keep our lights on, taps flowing, toilets flushing and roads operating smoothly.
Find out more at penticton.ca/openhouse
Library and Museum closed all June
The Penticton Public Library and Museum & Archives building will be closed to the public May 31 - July 2, 2024 for electrical upgrades. Please note checking out or returning physical items will be unavailable during this time. For more information visit pentictonlibrary.ca
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