Proposed extension to Penticton city limits includes Skaha Bluffs Park expansion

PENTICTON – The City of Penticton wants to expand its boundaries to include a parcel of land surrounding the Skaha Bluffs, but first it must gauge public support.

Penticton city council approved a staff recommendation at its meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 19, to initiate an electoral approval process to bring 300 acres of land southeast of the city in the Skaha Bluffs area within city limits.

The land is currently part of the Regional District's East Skaha Vaseux electoral area and is included in the City’s long range land use and infrastructure plans.

Developers Trevor Johnson and Lorenzo Arcari with Bishop Hill said their plans include 180 residential units the northwest corner of the land.

City Special Projects manager Ben Johnson says the real advantage for Penticton and area residents is the ultimate expansion of Skaha Bluffs Park. He says B.C. Parks has been wanting to acquire land around the existing park for some time, as it contains not only an extension of climbing areas, but also hiking and biking trails.

The lands under contemplation for inclusion within city limits is surrounded on two sides by the park.

“The developers are offering to donate a significant portion of the land to the park,” Johnson said. “It’s a place for the city to grow with minimal impact, being right next to an existing neighbourhood."

The City has launched its electoral approval process, which includes the alternate approval process. Approximately 2,680 Penticton residents have to sign the petition against the proposal to stop it.

Information meetings have been set up for Sept. 27 at the Penticton Seniors Centre and on Sept. 30 at the Community Market where city staff will be on hand to discuss the vision for the area. An open house at Wiltse School on Oct. 5 will be hosted by the developers.

For more information go to the City of Penticton's website.

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