Another increase in electrical rates on council’s agenda

PENTICTON – Penticton City Council faces an ambitious agenda tonight as they face two presentations and five delegations in addition to dealing with a number of potentially contentious issues including another electrical rate increase.

The city was recently advised of Fortis's plans for a 2.2 per cent electrical rate increase effective July 1. Staff will present to council a number of possible options for addressing the increase to city customers.

Staff will also present a report to council regarding relocation of the city’s BMX track to Munson Mountain, recommending the submission of a new application to the Agricultural Land Commission to allow the non-farm use of developing the track.

The Penticton and Area Cycling Association have agreed with Penticton BMX to work cooperatively to build cycling infrastructure in the city, and are applying for a license to use a portion of the Munson Mountain property for a mountain bike skills park.

Staff is also recommending the development of four pickleball courts on a portion of 2965 South Main Street, using a $10,000 grant. The four courts would be developed this year with an additional four courts to be developed on the same property following a funding contribution from the Penticton Pickleball Association.

Staff will also present a report regarding development of Skaha Marina. Following acceptance of the report and a series of public meetings to inform the public and receive input, staff is presenting four alternatives for council’s review.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Steve Arstad at sarstad@infonews.ca or call 250-488-3065. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.