Penticton news
Laundry workers bring anti-privatization message to Interior Health
THOMPSON-OKANAGAN - Hospital Employees' Union reps will get their first chance to argue their case against privatizing laundry services in front of the Interior Health Authority board next week. “We hope after our presentation that they will conclude this is a necessary service,” union representative Mike Old says, noting he is well aware board members...
Council pedals bike park on Munson Mountain
PENTICTON - The prospect of a BMX track and mountain biking skills park on Munson Mountain isn’t sitting to well with some area residents. A number of landowners surrounding Munson Mountain turned out in front of city hall prior to the start of Tuesday's council meeting on May 19, placards in hand, to protest use...
Interior Health to consider ebola preparedness recommendations
THOMPSON-OKANAGAN - If the world has learned anything from the ongoing ebola epidemic, it’s that you cannot predict where and when a person carrying the dreaded virus will show up. The Interior Health Authority learned that in December when one of its own employees, nurse practitioner Patrice Gordon, returned from Sierra Leone and began displaying flu-like...
Penticton council frustrated by electrical rate hikes
PENTICTON - Another price hike in the cost of power has city council scrambling to find a solution that won't impact taxpayers. City of Penticton councillors appear to be well aware of the public’s distaste for another power price hike, following a 4.4 per cent increase earlier this year, but finding a solution that will not...
Penticton to host first international triathlon festival in 2017
FIRST IN WORLD TO BE AWARDED MASSIVE 10-DAY FESTIVAL FORMAT PENTICTON - Penticton will host a new format of world series triathlon events in 2017, according to a recent announcement by the International Triathlon Union. The first ever Multisport Triathlon Festival will be staged in Penticton, most likely in late August of 2017, said co-organizer...
Naturists concerned as more signage appears at Three Mile Beach
PENTICTON - Controversy at Penticton’s clothing optional beach continues to heat up with the temperatures in the South Okanagan. Today’s summer-like weather had several naturists basking in the warm sun and calm winds of Three Mile Beach, just days after new signage and what some say is a camera was erected on the property line...
Another increase in electrical rates on council’s agenda
PENTICTON - Penticton City Council faces an ambitious agenda tonight as they face two presentations and five delegations in addition to dealing with a number of potentially contentious issues including another electrical rate increase. The city was recently advised of Fortis's plans for a 2.2 per cent electrical rate increase effective July 1. Staff will...
Check out all your summer camps before you sign up
THOMPSON-OKANAGAN – A first-of-its-kind kid’s camp expo coming to a community near you is your chance to get a taste of all the fun activities available to keep your little ones busy all summer long. Campapalooza is a chance to meet counsellors and see what all the great summer camps offer for toddlers to teens...
RBC Cup: Vees edged in OT to end playoff run
PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE, Man. - The Carleton Place Canadians are going back to the RBC Cup Final, as they scored a 3-2 double-overtime win over the Penticton Vees in Semi-Final action Saturday afternoon at the PCU Centre, in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. Adam Larson cleaned up a rebound at the side of the net 3:43...
Lakawanna Park a priceless playground born in the Depression
PENTICTON - Lakawanna Park lost a landmark earlier this month when the wooden locomotive parked alongside the washroom building was hauled away by the City of Penticton due to age and safety concerns. The park continues to thrive in spite of losing the popular icon. The child friendly park has been a fixture on the...
Premier asks you to burn responsibly this May long weekend
THOMPSON-OKANAGAN – In light of the unseasonably hot and dry conditions throughout the province, Premier Christy Clark is asking residents to be extra cautious this long weekend. "Every summer, the risk of fire increases. With many parts of the province facing unseasonably warm and dry weather, that risk increases even more — putting people's homes...
Be a tourist in your own town
PENTICTON - It’s the May long weekend, the first long weekend of summer, but as we in the South Okanagan know all too well, there is no guarantee the weather will be summer-like at this time of year, which sometimes makes it difficult to enjoy the summer activities Penticton is best known for. So, what...
Challenge Penticton adds cash prizes to half distance race
PENTICTON - The 2015 Valley First Challenge Penticton Triathlon is upping the ante for half distance racers. This year’s professional race will move to the half distance with a $30,000 purse now available to the top five men and women in each category. First place finishers will receive $6,000. It’s the largest purse offered for...
Economic development initiatives at Penticton city hall shift into high gear
PENTICTON - The City of Penticton’s Economic Development Office switched into high gear this week with the hiring of a economic development intern. Kelly Bowman began work Monday, May 11, and will be working with economic development officer Colleen Pennington to attract new business while help existing ones to reach their full potential in the...
Your low-down on the May long weekend weather
THOMPSON-OKANAGAN - Environment Canada is calling for some pretty spectacular weather this May long weekend. Across the Thompson-Okanagan there will be sunny skies for much of the weekend, with highs getting up to 26 Celcius. Those in Vernon can expect sunshine and a high of 26 C on Saturday, followed by a reprieve from the...