DPA sets sights on a more inviting downtown Penticton

A key topic at this year’s Downtown Penticton Association’s annual general meeting will be a vision-building session looking at the future of the area.

Association executive director Lynn Allin says this year’s AGM, taking place later this month, will be the first of several visioning sessions to be held over the next few months that will identify key elements of how to make downtown Penticton more enticing, vibrant and engaging in order to increase the number of people downtown, and supporting business there.

A defined vision of the downtown is an essential part of a five year strategic plan, Allin said in an email.

In particular, Allin says the association is looking at how it can create new banners and signage for the downtown, working with Travel Penticton and the City to produce new banners that will identify the area and add colour to the street.

At present, Allin says the association is busy looking at options available for the City planned lake-to-lake bike lanes that will run through downtown streets.

“The (association) is not concerned about bike lanes – we are totally in favour as bike lanes are progressive and add vitality to the downtown,” she says. “We feel our members need to get involved and be heard on their view or choice of which street they feel would be the best choice."

Association members are being encouraged to attend the AGM on March 18 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Cannery Brewing, or attend City-led presentations at the convention centre March 25 and 26.

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