CORRECTION Summerland motorcycle rally slated for Friday

The Penticton Soupateria is open on weekends. Incorrect information appeared in an article titled, “Pharmacy doing its part to keep needles off streets,” which appeared on page A1 of the Wednesday edition. The Herald regrets the error.

Skaha Marina project now on hold

An $80,000 repair job to the docks at Skaha Marina is on hold pending a hearing of two challengers to the no-bid contract.

The City of Penticton had directly awarded the work to a Kelowna firm for safety reasons, but gave those opposed to the deal until July 9 to challenge it.

Bregje Kozak, the city’s facilities director, said the two challengers were deemed to have the necessary skills and expertise to perform the work, so city policy requires the contract now be put through an open bid process.

Four boat slips are currently out of commission, while as many as six more also need work but are still open.

The marina is owned by the city, but operated by Trio Marine Group, which is in the final year of a two-year contract to run the facility.

Trio had been inked to a 29-year deal, but it was torn up in 2017 at a cost to taxpayers of $200,000.

The long-term future of the marina remains up in the air, as it requires major repairs and the city has pledged to consult with the public.

Penticton cyclists using storage service

Upwards of 300 bikes — including 60 last weekend alone — have now been left for safekeeping at a special lock-up during the Saturday markets in downtown Penticton.

The free service, which operates like a coat check, sees riders drop off their wheels with volunteers from the Penticton and Area Cycling Association near Gyro Park while they do their shopping.

“At this time in Penticton, with a housing supply problem and sky-rocketing rents, it is clear that we cannot afford to dedicate more public funds and space to the storage of automobiles,” Matt Hopkins, PACA board member and co-coordinator of the bike valet program, said in a press release.

“The allocation of public resources to parking only worsens the housing issue. We hope the bike valet shows the City of Penticton that if you make cycling safe and comfortable, residents of Penticton will bike.”

What better way to celebrate Friday the 13th than to hop on a motorcycle and hit the open road?

That’s how the Summerland Legion is doing it with its fourth annual rally beginning at 1 p.m.

“The event will include the Bob Wolleswinkel Memorial Poker Run with all proceeds going to the B.C. Cancer Foundation. Bob was the manager of the Summerland Legion and a serious biker,” event organizer John Dorn said in a press release.

The run will make stops at Legion branches in Okanagan Falls and Oliver, plus visit Ruby Blues Winery and the Naramata Pub.

The Summerland Legion opens Friday at 11 a.m. Show-and-shine prizes will be awarded afterwards at 4 p.m.There is no cost to participate and Legion membership is not required. Riders are asked to pre-register at www.ok13.ca or on Facebook.

For more information, email jdorn@ok13.ca.

Summerland supporting women’s fast-pitch team

Summerland council unanimously agreed Monday to provide a $500 grant-in-aid to the U19C Synergy women’s fast-pitch team.

“The team is comprised of several underprivileged players. Assistance will help the team participate in the provincial tournament in Sicamous, July 13-15,” community development co-ordinator Angelique Wood told the council.

More than $44,000 was allocated to the grants-in-aid budget for 2018. With the $500 grant to the Synergy, just $390 remains available.

ALARM BOX

The Regional District of OkanaganSimilkameen fire dispatch centre received the following 911 calls: Tuesday 7:08 a.m. Johnson Road, Penticton. Propane leak.

9:01 a.m. Duncan Avenue, Penticton. First medical response.

11:43 a.m. Lakeside Road, Penticton. Structure fire.

11:48 a.m. Vernon Avenue, Penticton. Motor-vehicle incident.

3:11 p.m. Cherry Crescent, Okanagan Falls. First medical response.

4:39 p.m. Fairview Road, Penticton. Motor-vehicle incident.

5:11 p.m. Martin Street, Penticton. Needle pickup. 7:52 p.m. Dawson Avenue, Penticton. Alarm. 9:09 p.m. Marina Way, Penticton. Burning complaint.

10:44 p.m. Warren Avenue, Penticton. Alarm.