Penticton to vote on hotel land‑use referendum amid severe drought water restrictions

The Penticton City Council voted unanimously to place a referendum on the Oct. 17 ballot that would lift restrictions from a 1912 indenture on the property next to the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre, potentially allowing a privately‑developed hotel. Councillor Isaac Gilbert said, "I think it's good to have this question on the ballot, and for the public to make a decision on this."

At the same time, the city warned residents that water usage has not met the required 20 % reduction under Stage 2 drought guidelines. The Okanagan is rated Drought Level 5, and Okanagan Lake is at its lowest level in more than 30 years. Utilities manager David Best warned, "The reality is that we are not meeting our Stage 2 conservation target and the need to conserve water has never been greater," urging immediate cuts to outdoor watering and other uses to avoid a stricter Stage 3 regime.