With Earth Day 2024 inching closer, Penticton residents are invited to learn more about the city’s latest climate action initiatives.
The city is hosting an event in Gyro Park on Saturday, April 20, that showcases the local programs aimed at reducing emissions.
Representatives from the city’s sustainability team, as well as those from First Things First Okanagan, and Penticton and Area Cycling Association, will be among the groups in attendance.
Mayor Julius Bloomfield says Penticton has adopted “ambitious targets to reduce our community’s greenhouse gas emissions,” since the city declared a climate emergency in 2022.
“This event will bring together local organizations and volunteers who are dedicated to making a difference in our community – and we invite all members of the public to come down to learn more about them — and to find out how you can get involved,” said Bloomfield.
Event highlights include learning about how your multi-family building or business can apply for a free bike rack. There will also be a prize wheel that tests people on how much they know about sustainability.
Along with the aforementioned groups, the community-wide event will also feature appearances from:
• Penticton Indian Band
• Penticton Secondary Sustainability Club
• RDOS WildsafeBC and Climate Action
• Community Bat Programs of BC
• Penticton Trees
• Freedom Bike Shop
Earth Day is recognized around the world annually on April 22, with the week prior to that known as Earth Week. It first took place in 1970.
Penticton, meanwhile, adopted its Climate Action Plan in 2021, with the goal of reducing the community’s emissions by a projected 40 per cent below 2007 levels by 2030.
READ MORE: Penticton sweeps Prince George, advances to 2nd round of BCHL playoffs