Is the Ironman triathlon returning to Penticton?

PENTICTON – The City of Penticton is looking at entering into negotiations to bring an Ironman Canada triathlon back to the city.

On Tuesday, May 7 councillors will consider an option to negotiate a five-year agreement to host Ironman races from 2020 through 2024, according to a City of Penticton media release issued today, May 3. A second option in the report about finding a major triathlon event would be for the city to pursue opportunities to host a future multi-sport event.

Multisport promoter Michael Brown has been under contract with the City to provide a major triathlon event for the past five years. The City’s current agreement with Brown expires this year.

"The recommended triathlon strategy that staff have prepared for council, which includes the opportunity for Penticton to resume its historic role as a full distance Ironman host city, achieves Penticton’s goal of continuing its tradition of holding successful, cost effective and pride generating world class triathlon events,” director of recreation and facilities Bregje Kozak says in the media release.

The City estimates it will cost $663,000 to host Ironman, but with sponsorship contributions and other cost saving opportunities, the net costs are reduced to $410,000, which would include a cash contribution of approximately $299,000 and in-kind services of approximately $110,000.

There is $110,000 currently budgeted to host a triathlon event, so an additional $300,000 would be needed should the City successfully negotiate Ironman's return.

Kozak said in a phone interview this afternoon the city has been discussing the return of the triathlon with Ironman Canada, but there is no negotiated deal yet.

She said they were interested in returning to the city.

"First it has to come before council and if their answer is yes, we should have no problem bringing Ironman back," she said.


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Steve Arstad

I have been looking for news in the South Okanagan - SImilkameen for 20 years, having turned a part time lifelong interest into a full time profession. After five years publishing a local newsletter, several years working as a correspondent / stringer for several local newspapers and seven years as editor of a Similkameen weekly newspaper, I joined iNFOnews.ca in 2014. My goal in the news industry has always been to deliver accurate and interesting articles about local people and places. My interest in the profession is life long - from my earliest memories of grade school, I have enjoyed writing.
As an airborne geophysical surveyor I travelled extensively around the globe, conducting helicopter borne mineral surveys.
I also spent several years at an Okanagan Falls based lumber mill, producing glued-wood laminated products.
As a member of the Kaleden community, I have been involved in the Kaleden Volunteer Fire Department for 22 years, and also serve as a trustee on the Kaleden Irrigation District board.
I am currently married to my wife Judy, of 26 years. We are empty-nesters who enjoy living in Kaleden with our Welsh Terrier, Angus, and cat, Tibbs.
Our two daughters, Meagan and Hayley, reside in Richmond and Victoria, respectively.

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