The City of Penticton is casting a bigger net in its search to find a partner for the city’s civic events.
In October, city council directed staff to issue an expression of interest (EOI) to “seek opportunities for delivery of civic events with local service organizations or non-profit societies” after the Downtown Penticton Association (DPA) stepped down as host.
Previously, the organization was the primary host for Penticton’s Canada Day celebration, B.C. Day celebration, Santa Claus Parade and Rock the Sun Live Music in Gyro Park. The DPA reported that the cost of these events was $141,000 annually and was too much for the organization to bear, especially since the events aren’t directly linked to promoting downtown business.
READ MORE: City of Penticton seeking partners to host annual civic events
Despite hiring an event coordinator to help organize the 2019 events, city staff told council in October that there were still multiple challenges such as limited resources, barriers with recruiting sponsors and grants, and Canada Revenue Agency requirements for engaging and paying performers and acts.
In a release on Tuesday, the city announced it has since revised the original EOI to “consider an expanded range of eligible applicants including businesses, corporations and private entities, as well as non-profits.”
“Without an appropriate host organization, all of these events are in jeopardy,” said the city’s sport and event project manager, Carly Lewis, in the release. “If it’s important to you to see any of these events occur in Penticton, we encourage your organization to apply as a host through this EOI process.”
Interested organizations have until 12 p.m. on Nov. 21 to submit any questions they may have to the city, and a deadline of 2 p.m. on Nov. 26 to submit their bid. More information about the EOI invitation can be found on the city’s website at www.penticton.ca.
To report a typo, email: editor@pentictonwesternnews.com.
<>Jordyn Thomson | Reporter
JordynThomson
Send Jordyn Thomson an email.
Like the Western News on Facebook.
Follow us on Twitter.