Not quite patio weather yet
Jaret Blidook snapped this gorgeous winter scene Tuesday on Marina Way. Send your nature shots to editor@pentictonherald.ca. the city much less. Every trip a Penticton resident takes on foot in place of driving saves the city money. It is this type of activity that the city should be encouraging!
You also mention that the city could use the money that would be collected in bylaw fees for all the work around town that needs to be done (and I agree), but you don't mention anywhere the millions of dollars in subsidies that the city just handed to drivers (free parking). This subsidy ultimately is paid for by residents who don't use the parking (walkers, cyclists, and public transit users).
The amount of bylaw fees pales in comparison to fully subsidized parking. This money could go a long way in making the city's transportation system more equitable for all. Matthew Hopkins Penticton
The land baron would pay nothing towards the storm drain fund if they live outside Penticton. It seems like the city is giving a break to people with a lot of rental property and passing costs on to renters who are already paying too high of rents and struggling to get by.
It’s a classic case of taking from the poor and giving to the rich. As a renter, I am not responsible for my building maintenance, so why should I be responsible for the city’s storm drains? What’s next, a sidewalks maintenance fee on my utility bill? Wayne Piecowye Penticton
Editor’s note: We asked the city to respond to this letter before publication. It is published below:
To protect roads and grounds from rain and melting snow, planning associated with city asset management is considering a stormwater utility. Utility fees would be phased in over seven years and charged annually to the property owner via their property tax notice, not monthly in their utility bill.
The city is currently examining two different rate structures: a single flat rate for all; and a tiered flat rate based on property class. The second sees single-family properties paying less and commercial industrial properties paying more. To secure input on the proposed approach, feedback from businesses, landowners, strata managers, renters and homeowners is sought during two focus groups in February.
Interested in participating? Please email getconnected@penticton.ca or visit shapeyourcitypenticton.ca.