City of Penticton strengthens focus on citizen input

PENTICTON – Engagement  consultant JoAnne Kleb is bringing her years of experience with communications and community engagement to the citizens of Penticton. Kleb has been contracted by the City to find out what’s on the public’s mind and  report her findings back to City Hall staff and Council.

“I plan to get out in front of the community as much as possible to provide information, help people understand the issues and of course, take your opinions, ideas and feedback to City Hall staff and Council  to be incorporated into the decision making process,” explains Kleb. 

The first issue on Kleb’s plate  will be  helping people understand the City’s recently reported infrastructure deficit. Acting CAO and Manager of Infrastructure Mitch Moroziuk presented the issue to Council on October 4 at the Committee of the Whole. The City is now moving forward with a five-year plan to deal with the issue of infrastructure funding beginning with the 2017 budget and has tasked Kleb to seek community input.

“Infrastructure doesn’t mean much to most people, but  it is a complex issue which is going to affect the services and facilities we use every day and how we pay for them,” explains Kleb. “I’ll be working to raise awareness of the challenge the City is facing and gathering feedback on how the people of Penticton think this problem could best be tackled.”

Over the next week you can chat with Kleb in-person at the Penticton Public Library from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Oct. 12, the Community Centre pool from 3:00-6:00 p.m. on October 13, and at Cherry Lane Mall from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Oct 15. Kleb has also put together and online engagement platform with all kinds of information, FAQ video, and various ways to leave feedback at shapeyourcitypenticton.ca.