Penticton residents to vote on future of Skaha Lake Marina

Penticton residents will have a vote on the future of Skaha Lake Marina following council support of a staff recommendation at yesterday’s special council meeting.

The City’s parks and recreation advisory committee recommended seeking a community mandate on whether or not to establish a long-term (25 year) agreement with a private operator of the Skaha Lake Marina as a way to fund needed capital improvements at the marina, according to a City of Penticton media release issued today, April 1.

The following question will appear on this June’s byelection ballot: “Do you support the City selecting a private operator and entering into a long-term agreement of up to 25 years in order to fund the marina improvements and provide marina services at Skaha Lake Park?”

Should the community approve the establishment of a long-term operating agreement at the marina, a proposal will be brought back to the parks and recreation advisory committee for review and recommendation before being presented to council for a final decision, the City said.

“Council is very aware of the high level of scrutiny concerning decisions surrounding the future of Skaha Lake Park and concerns about long-term private interest,” Mayor John Vassilaki said in the release.

He said a clear question on the issue and council commitment to abide by the public feedback would ensure the community’s wishes are acted upon.

More on the issue can be found at the City of Penticton's website here.

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