Police patrol visits troublesome home in Penticton

In a 5-2 split decision, Summerland council voted Monday to contribute $3,000 towards an air service study for Penticton Regional Airport.

The goals of the study, which would be conducted by SNC Lavalin, are to show Air Canada that there is sufficient market demand to justify using larger aircraft on its Penticton-Vancouver flights and to determine if market demand is great enough to warrant additional weekly service to Calgary by WestJet.

“It seems like taxpayers are subsidizing Air Canada’s market analysis,” said Coun. Doug Holmes said, explaining why he did not support the motion.

“I fail to see how this fits into our goals — this promotes tourism,” he added, referencing the separate mandate of the Summerland Chamber of Commerce.

Coun. Erin Carlson, the other vote in opposition, said she thinks the market could change drastically with Greyhound’s announcement of cutting bus service in Western Canada.

Others believe expanded air service could land more dollars for the region.

“I do believe that regional airports are more about economic development than tourism. They are a good use of funds,” countered Coun. Janet Peake.

The City of Penticton asked Summerland for a contribution of $4,000, the same amount requested from Princeton, Keremeos, Osoyoos and Oliver.

Penticton will provide $10,000 toward the required total of $30,400 and the RDOS has committed $4,000.

Osoyoos council recently agreed to just $700.

“We’re one-third the size of Penticton, perhaps we should contribute one-third of their amount,” said Coun. Richard Barkwill, who made the motion to contribute $3,000.

“I think $3,000 is a reasonable amount,” Coun. Erin Trainer said.

Chief administrative officer Linda Tynan told council Summerland taxpayers are already providing $545 of the $4,000 the RDOS is contributing to the study.

“We need reliable air service,” said Mayor Peter Waterman. “We’re very close to the airport and we have a stake in how well it functions. “We need to enhance business,” he added. The $3,000 will come from the district’s economic development fund.