Penticton council keeps library independent and launches hotel land referendum

Pent​icton City Council voted unanimously to retain the municipal Penticton Public Library, rejecting a referendum to join the Okanagan Regional Library system. A third‑party review showed modest program differences and projected annual savings of about $200,000, but more than 60% of surveyed residents opposed the merger. Councilors Ryan Graham and Isaac Gilbert supported keeping the current model.

The council also approved the first steps toward a public referendum on changing land‑use designations near the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre to allow an attached hotel. The land includes parkland and a historic trust condition dating to 1912. After a survey of 261 responses and public‑information videos, officials plan to place a ballot question in the October municipal election. The proposal envisions a lease‑generated revenue stream and property‑tax benefits, with further public engagement on potential relocation of the nearby baseball field if the vote succeeds.