Tourism agency relocating to new digs in city-owned building
Penticton’s tourism group is getting a new home in an old location. City council on Tuesday approved a five-year lease for Travel Penticton’s new home on Westminster Avenue, a former location of a Penticton tourism centre.
Council also agreed to pay the moving expenses for the current tenant at the cityowned building at 888 Westminster Ave., the B.C. Wine Authority, in exchange for ending their lease a year early to allow Travel Penticton to take up residence there.
Council voted unanimously to take on a five-year lease with Travel Penticton, and pay the $19,528 needed by the B.C. Wine Authority to leave the location.
The costs come in well under the request for $300,000 made by Travel Penticton in 2017 for a new location.
“The building was originally designed for use as a tourist information centre, so Travel Penticton is basically returning to their roots,” said Peter Wallace, city land administrator, during his report to council.
The wine authority is relocating to Summerland.
Coun. Judy Sentes questioned the fate of the trailer Travel Penticton currently occupies in the South Okanagan Event Centre
The building was originally designed for use as a tourist information centre. City land administrator Peter Wallace
parking lot and when the 20 to 25 spaces it occupies will be freed up.
Wallace said the trailer is bound for Vancouver and likely won’t go until at least mid-February when road conditions improve.
Coun. Helena Konanz asked how Travel Penticton’s presence would affect the parking situation at its new home.
“I know years ago, when tourism was located there, there was a concern about that and I want to make sure that after the fact we don’t hear there’s a problem with parking,” Konanz said.
Wallace explained that parking has been discussed at length and vehicles are planned to be directed along the road.
Travel Penticton is “aware of it and I’m sure we will be required to help them with solutions as they get open and operating,” Wallace said, also pointing to the potential use of the parking lot at 903 Vernon Ave.
Council also approved $30,000 in the 2018 budget for general improvements to the building, including bathroom upgrades, exterior lighting and general improvements.