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Penticton’s trial open house proved popular

Around 200 people visited the PTCC to talk to city council, staff, RCMP, bylaw and fire
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The budget and property tax proved to be popular topics at Penticton city council’s first open house held March 9 at PTCC. (Brennan Phillips Western News)

The first general open house hosted by the City of Penticton is not likely to be the last.

The trial event ran for three hours on Thursday, March 9 and according to the city, 218 members of public and staff were in attendance at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre.

“It’s been very productive,” said Mayor Julius Bloomfield, in a rare break between speaking to members of the community. “It’s a very engaged public, and with people I’ve had some great conversations. It’s been very, very good and I look forward to the next one.”

Bloomfield did note that bringing back another open house like the one on March 9 — not specific to a particular issue and with council and city staff both present — would require the rest of council to approve.

READ MORE: Penticton to host open house on 5-year plan, community safety and utility rates

Members of the public at the open house were able to meet and discuss issues not only with council, but city staff, Fire Chief Larry Watkinson, RCMP Supt. Brian Hunter, and Tina Mercier, the head of Penticton’s bylaw department.

The issue of taxes and the budget was of course a popular one, and the feedback from the night’s discussions and the forms available will be part of the package provided to council when budget deliberations begin on March 14.

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Brennan Phillips

About the Author: Brennan Phillips

Brennan was raised in the Okanagan and is thankful every day that he gets to live and work in one of the most beautiful places in Canada.
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