Band campaign promotes respect and awareness of rules on Channel walkway

PENTICTON – As summer gets underway and activities increase around the River Channel, the Penticton Indian Band has mounted an education and awareness campaign regarding recreational use of band lands.

The Penticton Indian Band says it supports responsible use and patronage of businesses on its lands.

The band has set up information booths at three locations, on a rotating basis, on Old Airport Road and at two places on the River Channel walkway, according to a media release.

Two members of the band’s Natural Resources Department were at the southend of the River Channel walkway today, June 28, asking users to fill out a six question survey asking questions regarding use and residency.

“Some people aren’t aware of the rules,” says Jordan Schellenberg, who worked the booth along with Nyssa Justice. “Some people walk their dogs without leashes, others don’t clean up after their dogs. We’re here to inform people this isn’t an off-leash area and answer any other questions they may have."

An information sheet outlining prohibited activities and a request to “be respectful” is also being handed out.

Schellenberg says people have been cooperative, and most understand they are using Indian Band land.

The campaign is also focusing on Old Airport Road usage by through traffic. The Band says the road is private and has posted signs and speed bumps, but some members of the general public use it to avoid traffic congestion on the Channel Parkway and tend to drive too fast.

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