More than 70 per cent of residents who participated in a recent community survey said they're pleased with the quality of life in Penticton.
A city-led survey received responses from 1,635 residents, with 73 per cent of those rating the quality of life locally as "very good" or "excellent."
The full results from the survey, conducted between May 20 and June 1, will be presented to Penticton City Council on June 24.
This marked the first time since 2023 city officials had conducted a community survey. Before it was distributed, Penticton Mayor Julius Bloomfield said the results would help the city understand the community’s perception of current service levels and provide insight on how council can deliver on its priorities.
Out of the 1,635 residents who provided responses, 484 were randomly selected.
When asked why the quality has improved, 34 per cent of respondents cited bike lanes. On the contrary, 68 per cent of respondents pointed to homelessness when asked why the quality of life has worsened.
According to the city, residents identified parks and sports fields, community cleanliness, and emergency services as top investment priorities. Twenty-nine out of 31 city services were rated as “primary strengths” for importance and performance, the results indicated.
Concerns were shared around crime reduction and housing accessibility, the city added.
While ratings for Penticton as a place to raise children trended upward from 2023's results, perceptions of the city as a place to find work declined by 10 per cent.
There were also notable changes in residents’ investment priorities compared to two years ago.
Today, parks and sports fields, community cleanliness, fire and emergency response, and sanitary and storm sewer infrastructure emerged as top priorities.
Community cleanliness, police services, addressing social issues, and fire and emergency services topped that same list in 2023, the city said.
Fourty-nine per cent of residents who completed the survey were aged 65 and older. Just 13 per cent of responses came from people aged 13 to 39, according to the results.
“This year’s results are a clear reflection of the community’s resilience and the city’s ongoing commitment to service excellence,” said Anna Melnick, the city's communications and engagement manager. “We’re especially encouraged to see strong support for our emergency services, infrastructure, and recreational spaces. These insights will help guide our strategic planning and ensure we continue to meet the evolving needs of our residents.”
