Here is my two-bits as was suggested by Claude Bergman from letters to the editor (Penticton Western News, March 30, Parking problems persist).
In regards to the parking issues at South Okanagan Events Centre — as a recently new resident and tax payer of Penticton, I would like to know what was the original deal made between the city and the casino?
Obviously when the SOEC was built, research was done to accommodate the parking requirements for events. How did the city justify losing X number of parking spots from the casino? What revenues is the City of Penticton receiving on a quarterly basis from the casino? Historically and for the future; who, what, when, why and where is this revenue received being spent by the city? Why isn’t the casino who has the ‘means’ to address their parking requirements ‘monetarily,’ not addressing a parking lot purchase rather than the taxpayers of Penticton? Is this city moving forward in its planning strategies as nothing less than parking towers should be planned?
The city could answer many questions by explaining how it is, or why it is not enforcing the parking dilemma, especially since the local police are not eager to attend to car break-ins or vandalism. Perhaps having a parking attendant who monitors the lot would be money well directed.
The city could provide employment or a contract for parking attendants to monitor that once the casinos spots are full, the remaining parking spots at the SOEC are reserved for patrons who show a valid ticket to that evenings event.
I am sure there are many who would appreciate a chance to work a few hours during event days, offering well needed employment; curb the access thieves have to vehicles; keeping more people employed and safe.
That’s my $1 worth. If there is more to this story than is being told, the taxpayers have a right to know.
Lulu Leman
Penticton