City and Penticton Indian Band sign agreement to grow local economy together

PENTICTON – The City of Penticton and the Penticton Indian Band have agreed to work together to develop the local economy.

The two governments signed an agreement today, Jan. 4, to work together on tourism and economic development, according to a media release. The Penticton Indian Band has agreed to zone some of its land for commercial and light industrial use to fulfill a need in the area.

As part of the deal, the city will share 10 per cent of the Host Local Government casino revenue it receives from the province. It's the first agreement of its kind between a municipality and a First Nation band, the release says.

Penticton Mayor Andrew Jakubeit says it has been the city’s vision to establish an economic development partnership with the Penticton Indian Band.

“This agreement supports that goal and I want to thank Chief Jonathan Kruger and the PIB council for their commitment to work harmoniously to ensure our communities prosper together,” Jakubeit says in the release.

For his part, Penticton Indian Band Chief Jonathan Kruger says the agreement will enable both communities to benefit from economic development.

“By sharing a portion of the casino revenues, this agreement allows mutually beneficial economic development projects, something that will benefit both our communities by attracting more investment and jobs," Kruger says.

The casino’s relocation also required consultation amongst local governments. With this agreement, the Penticton Indian Band has given their unconditional support to the B.C. Lottery Corporation for the casino relocation to the South Okanagan Events Centre.

Further details of the agreement include:

– the city will investigate a new model of tourism marketing for the city and the indian band, in addition to advancing the development of a cultural centre at the SS Sicamous
– the city will work with the indian band to consider opportunities for facilities infrastructure where it could benefit both communities
– increased opportunities for residential, commercial, and light industrial uses will be available with corresponding zoning of Penticton Indian Band land

Penticton city council votes on the proposed gaming relocation at a special council meeting tonight.

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.