city council
Greeks lawyer speaks his mind on Vernon Mixed Martial Arts ban
VERNON - Vernon City council shouldn't be afraid of any gang involved in mixed martial—there’s not enough money in for them. You can take that from a man who knows a thing or two about organized crime. William Mastop, the former lawyer convicted of helping a notorious Vernon gang known as the Greeks, was the...
Vassilaki gunning for the hot seat
PENTICTON - From the steps of City Hall, Coun. John Vassilaki announced he will run for mayor in the upcoming municipal election and work to restore power back to the hands of city council. Recent issues, including the city’s lawsuit against the Penticton Hospitality Association, have cost taxpayers thousands of dollars. “And no one has...
Council to consider reducing speed limit in downtown core
PENTICTON - Council has been asked to consider reducing the speed limit in the downtown core to 30 km/h, to make the area more pedestrian friendly. The recommendation came from the Downtown Revitalization committee and is part of the revitalization plan the city continues to work on. There are currently parts of the downtown core...
Liquor added to wares peddled at Vernon Farmers Market
VERNON – The City of Vernon is following the lead of other municipalities in the province and allowing the local farmers’ market to sell alcohol products. City council voted this week to amend the city policy to allow the sale, and sampling, of liquor at the market. Breweries, distilleries, meaderies and wineries have all expressed...
City Hall holds the key to booze at farmers markets
VERNON - You’ll be able to pick up your artisanal cheese, baking—and booze—with a one-stop shop to the local farmers market, as long as Vernon city council okays it. The Vernon Farmers Market at Kal Tire Place and the Avenue Market on 30 Avenue are asking the City of Vernon to amend its policies to...
Hopkin resigns as city councillor
PENTICTON - The youngest member of Penticton City Council, Wes Hopkin, announced he will be resigning as councillor in August, after one short term. Hopkin is moving East to attend law school at the University of Toronto and has to leave before his political term is over this fall because of school scheduling. The council...
Farmers Market wants more space for wine vendors
PENTICTON - Local wineries and breweries are now able to sell liquor and hold tastings at Penticton farmers markets, but some concerns regarding space and competition are already arising. Council passed an amendment at Monday night’s council meeting to change the definition of an outdoor market to include the sale and tasting of wine and...
Council considers sale of liquor at outdoor market
PENTICTON - Local vendors will soon be able to sell packaged liquor for off-site consumption at farmers’ markets, so long as council approves a change of what defines an “outdoor market.” In order to allow liquor sales and tasting at outdoor markets, the city needs to make a zoning amendment to the current bylaw. The...
PenMar Society receives loan from city for theatre improvements
PENTICTON - The PenMar Community Arts Society was chosen by Council to receive city funds to help with the construction of the theatre’s extension. The society can receive a loan up to $125,000 from the City’s Amenity Fund for improvements made during construction of the PenMar Theatre’s addition. Different organizations submitted applicants to receive the...
Seniors considered in new transit plans
PENTICTON - Councillors discussed the need for more public transit options at last night’s city council meeting, including increased evening hours and shorter wait times. Staff presented options for the new three-year contract with B.C. Transit that will run from 2015 to 2018. Options including extending certain routes, all night services and Sunday services. The...
City takes action against residents building without permits
PENTICTON - The City may have to take action against residents who violated city law by constructing a building on their property without having the proper permits. The residents of 229 Scott Avenue have not responded to the City’s requests to apply for construction permits after it was discovered the owners were constructing an additional...
City faces maintenance costs that could have been avoided
PENTICTON - As a result of poor planning, the city needs to front a good chunk of money to replace pool tiles at the community centre. The pool tiles are causing safety issues, specifically as a slipping hazard. In order to maintain the tiles and keep them clean enough to prevent slipping, it would cost...
Council approves Skaha Hills sewage connection system
PENTICTON - City council approved a sewage connection system agreement with the Penticton Indian Band for the new Skaha Hills Development. The joint-agreement project was first discussed by the Committee of the Whole in May and was approved at last night’s council meeting. The plan will cost the city $285,000 but will bring a return...
Peachland council takes steps towards final approval of 125-acre development
PEACHLAND - Peachland city council is pushing forward with plans for a 125-acre development project on the Northern boundary of the lakeside city. Before council gives the project final approval, the Ministry of Transportation needs to review the plans and ensure access is possible, said Heidi Simkins, the city’s planning administrator. If council approves the...
2141 project chugging along
KAMLOOPS - Without much hesitation council approved more than $200,000 be signed over to the Kamloops Heritage Railway Society to repair the historic 2141 steam engine. It has been over a year since the steam engine was shut down by Transport Canada and the group ordered to fix the boiler before the beloved old train...