Penticton moves to renew Sudbury Beach lease agreement

PENTICTON – The City of Penticton is working to renew a lease on some beach property.

A lease with the province giving the city foreshore rights at Sudbury Beach comes up for renewal in early July.

The renewable lease was last signed in July 1, 1987 and consisted of Airport and Sudbury Beach as well as the portion of former river channel that makes up part of Sudbury Beach.

The city lost its agreement with the locatee owner of Airport Beach in 2014 and released their interest in the foreshore of that section of beach as a result.

City land administrator Peter Wallace told council at its meeting this week the renewal was necessary in order for the city to maintain control of foreshore, a parking lot and concessions adjacent to Sudbury Beach.

Wallace said it's important to renew the lease because it allows the city to maintain control over city beaches. If the city fails to renew, a private operator or the Penticton Indian Band could apply for the foreshore lease. He also noted the renewal would require the approval of the Penticton Indian Band and any other impacted government parties.

Coun. Max Picton said it was “extremely important" for the city to sign the lease. He moved a motion to apply for the lease renewal, which was carried unanimously by council.

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