Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2019-08 (Consolidated Package June 2026)
Penticton, British Columbia
· adopted 2019-08-06
This is the exact embedded text of the captured official document.
Snapshot 3d5dba88ad69 · verified 2026-08-23 ·
original document ·
archived snapshot ·
unofficial consolidation, the official version is held by the municipal clerk.
This is a consolidated bylaw prepared by the Corporation of the City of Penticton for
convenience only. The city does not warrant that the information contained in this
consolidation is current. It is the responsibility of the person using this consolidation to
ensure that it accurately reflects current bylaw provisions.
The Corporation of the City of Penticton
Official Community Plan Bylaw
No. 2019-08
Consolidated for convenience only
Amended by:
On:
Bylaw No. 2020-48
November 17, 2020
Bylaw No. 2020-49
December 8, 2020
Bylaw No. 2021-08
Bylaw No. 2021-25
March 2, 2021
September 7, 2021
Bylaw No. 2021-42
December 7, 2021
Bylaw No. 2022-22
Bylaw No. 2022-29
Bylaw No. 2021-35
Bylaw No. 2022-46
Bylaw No. 2022-41
June 21, 2022
June 21, 2022
August 16, 2022
September 6, 2022
February 7, 2023
Bylaw No. 2023-10
April 18, 2023
Bylaw No. 2023-26
September 12, 2023
Bylaw No. 2023-34
October 3, 2023
Bylaw No. 2024-01
April 2, 2024
Bylaw No. 2024-12
April 16, 2024
Bylaw No. 2024-21
June 4, 2024
Bylaw No. 2024-36
November 19, 2024
Bylaw No. 2025-11
June 10, 2025
Bylaw No. 2025-31
December 16, 2025
Bylaw No. 2026-07
March 17, 2026
Bylaw No. 2026-13
March 17, 2026
Bylaw No. 2026-19
June 23, 2026
Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2019-08
Page 1 of 2
The Corporation of the City of Penticton
Bylaw No. 2019-08
A Bylaw to adopt the Official Community Plan
WHEREAS the Local Government Act provides that a local government may adopt an Official Community Plan;
AND WHEREAS the Municipal Council of The Corporation of the City of Penticton is desirous of amending and replacing
its Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2002-20;
AND WHEREAS Council has considered providing opportunities for consultation, whether consultation should be early
and ongoing, and provided the consultation opportunities it considers appropriate and has specifically considered
whether consultation is required with the persons, organizations and authorities listed in Section 475 of the Local
Government Act;
AND WHEREAS this Bylaw has been considered in conjunction with its financial plan, waste management plan and has
been referred to the Provincial Agricultural Land Commission for comment;
NOW THEREFORE the Municipal Council of The Corporation of the City of Penticton in open meeting assembled
ENACTS as follows:
1.
Title:
This Bylaw may be cited for all purposes as "Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2019-08".
2.
Application:
The provisions of this Bylaw, the accompanying text marked Schedule "A" bearing the title "City of Penticton
Official Community Plan" and the included maps bearing the certifications:
Map 1: Future Land Use
Map 2: Transportation Network
Map 3: Downtown Development Permit Area
Map 4: Hillside Development Permit Area
Map 5: Riparian Development Permit Area
Map 6: Environmental Development Permit Area
Map 7: Water Network
Map 8: Sanitary Network
Attached hereto form part of this bylaw and constitute the City of Penticton Official Community Plan pursuant
to the provisions of the Local Government Act of the Province of British Columbia.
3.
Purpose:
The purpose of the Official Community Plan is to provide a framework of goals and policies to guide decisions
on planning and land use within the City of Penticton boundaries. All pertinent bylaws and works undertaken
by Council will be consistent with the Official Community Plan.
Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2019-08
Page 2 of 2
4.
Repeal:
"The City of Penticton Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2002-20 (2002)" and all amendments thereto, is
repealed upon the adoption hereof.
READ A FIRST time this
2 day of
July, 2019
REFER
to
Agricultural
Land
Commission
3 day of
July, 2019
A PUBLIC HEARING was held this
15
day of
July, 2019
READ A SECOND time this
6 day of
August, 2019
READ A THIRD time this
6 day of
August, 2019
ADOPTED this
6 day of
August, 2019
Notice of intention to proceed with this bylaw was published on the 5 day of July, 2019 and the 10 day of July, 2019 in the Penticton
Western newspaper, pursuant to Section 94 of the Community Charter.
Original signed by
John Vassilaki, Mayor
Original signed by
Angie Collison, Corporate Officer
Official Community Plan
penticton.ca/ocp
Official Community Plan
A connected, vibrant,
prosperous and healthy
small city in a uniquely
beautiful lakefront setting
OCP 2045
PENTICTON
City of Penticton | OCP
2
Contents
Vision and Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-7
Our Community Plan Vision. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-9
Purpose & Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10
OCP Purpose. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10
OCP Scope. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-10
Legislative Authority. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11
OCP Task Force. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11
OCP Engagement Process. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-12
Scoping Phase : Community Outreach. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13
Guiding Principles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-14
Phase I: Community Visioning & Conversations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15
Phase 2: Community Dialogue. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-15
Phase 3: Community Review & Advice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-16
Phase 4: Community Advice - Did We Get it Right?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-17
Acknowledgments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-18
Context. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-21
History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-23
Penticton Today. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-25
Population. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-25
Housing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-25
Employment and Economy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-27
Regional Context Statement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-28
Growth and Land Use Plan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-30
Population Growth Projection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-32
Community Expectations Regarding New Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-34
Design Expectations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-34
Environmental Expectations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-34
Expectations for Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-34
Safety Expectations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-34
Land Use Needs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-35
Housing Land Use Needs and Targets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-35
Commercial Land Use Needs and Targets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-37
Industrial Land Use Needs and Targets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-38
Agricultural Land Use Needs and Targets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-39
Park Land Use Needs and Targets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-40
Future Land Use Plan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-41
Introduction: What is a Future Land Use Plan?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-41
How was the Future Land Use Plan Created?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-41
Penticton's Growth Plan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-42
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Land Use Designations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-47
Land Use Goals and Policies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-51
Housing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-54
4.1.1 Managing Residential Growth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-55
4.1.2 Housing Affordability. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-55
4.1.3 Housing Diversity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-56
4.1.4 Housing Quality. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-57
4.1.5 Housing and Neighbourhood Character. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-58
4.1.6 Complete and Healthy Neighbourhoods. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-58
Transportation and Infrastructure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-59
4.2.1 Complete Transportation Approach. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-60
4.2.2 Walking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-61
4.2.3 Cycling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-62
4.2.4 KVR Rails to Trails Network. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-63
4.2.5 Transit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-64
4.2.6 Goods Movement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-65
4.2.7 Driving. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-66
4.2.8 Airport. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-67
Economy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-68
4.3.1 Strategic Investment Areas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-69
4.3.2 Employment Lands. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-70
4.3.3 Communication. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-70
4.3.4 Collaboration to Meet Common Goals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-70
4.3.5 Business Retention and Expansion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-71
4.3.6 Business and Labour Attraction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-71
4.3.7 Creating a Creative, Connected and Innovative City. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-72
4.3.8 Post-Secondary Education. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-72
Environment and Resilience. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-73
4.4.1 Resilience to Natural Hazards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-74
4.4.2 Protect and Enhance of Natural Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-75
4.4.3 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-75
4.4.4 Energy Use Reduction and Sustainable Energy Production. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-76
4.4.5 Water Management. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-76
4.4.6 Waste Reduction and Organics Diversion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-77
Agriculture and Food Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-79
4.5.1 Support, Protect and Enhance Agriculture. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-80
4.5.2 Food System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-81
4.5.3 Urban Agriculture. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-81
Arts, Culture and Heritage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-82
4.6.1 First Nations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-83
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4.6.2 Arts and Culture Presence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-83
4.6.3 Public Art. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-84
4.6.4 Festivals & Events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-84
4.6.5 Heritage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-85
4.6.6 Character Areas. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-85
Parks and Recreation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-86
4.7.1 Park Land, Natural Areas and Trails. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-87
4.7.2 Park Design, Management, Operations and Programming. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-88
4.7.3 Recreation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-88
Development Permit Area Guidelines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-89
Development Permit Area Guidelines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-90
5.1.1 Development Permit Area Guidelines Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-90
5.1.2 Exemptions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-90
5.1.3 Variances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-90
General Development Permit Area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-92
5.2.1 Designation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-92
5.2.2 Justification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-92
5.2.3 Area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-93
5.2.4 Exemptions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-93
5.2.5 General Guidelines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-93
Multifamily Residential Development Permit Area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-99
5.3.1 Designation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-99
5.3.2 Jusitifcation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-99
5.3.3 Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-100
5.3.4 Exemptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-100
5.3.5 Multifamily Residential Guidelines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-100
Commercial & Mixed-Use Development Permit Area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-102
5.4.1 Designation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-102
5.4.2 Justification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-102
5.4.3 Area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-103
5.4.4 Exemptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-103
5.4.5 Commercial & Mixed Use Guidelines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-103
Downtown Development Permit Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-105
5.5.1 Designation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-105
5.5.2 Justification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-105
5.5.3 Area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-106
5.5.4 Exemptions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-106
5.5.5 Downtown Guidelines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-106
Hillside Development Permit Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-108
5.6.1 Designation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-108
5.6.2 Justification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-108
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City of Penticton | OCP
5.6.3 Area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-109
5.6.4 Exemptions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-109
5.6.5 Hillside Guidelines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-109
Riparian Development Permit Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-113
5.7.1 Designation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-113
5.7.2 Justification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-113
5.7.3 Area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-114
5.7.4 Exemptions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-114
5.7.5 Riparian Guidelines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-115
Environmental Development Permit Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-116
5.8.1 Designation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-116
5.8.2 Justification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-116
5.8.3 Area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-117
5.8.4 Exemptions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-118
5.8.5 Environmental Guidelines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-118
Tenant Protection Development Permit Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-120
5.9.1 Designation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-120
5.9.2 Justification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-120
5.9.3 Area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-121
5.9.4 Tenant Protection Guidelines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-121
Implementation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-122
Implementation Approach. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-123
OCP Amendments and Plan Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-124
Long-term Review of the OCP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-124
Amending the OCP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-124
Master Plans and Neighbourhood Plans. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-126
Master Plans and Bylaws to Update. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-126
Neighbourhood Plans and the OCP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-126
Temporary Use Permits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-127
Maps. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-128
Map 1: Future Land Use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-128
Map 2: Transportation Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-128
Map 3: Downtown Development Permit Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-128
Map 4: Hillside Development Permit Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-128
Map 5: Riparian Development Permit Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-128
Map 6: Environmental Development Permit Area. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-128
Map 7: Water Network. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-128
Map 8: Sanitary Network. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-128
Appendices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-129
Appendix 1 - Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-129
Bylaw No. 2026-13
City of Penticton | OCP
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Vision and Introduction
Chapter 1
1-8
A connected, vibrant,
prosperous and healthy
small city in a uniquely
beautiful lakefront
setting.
Our Vision
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Our Community Plan Vision
A connected, vibrant, prosperous and healthy small city in a
uniquely beautiful lakefront setting.
-
We are connected socially, across generations, with our neighbours and through technology.
-
We are a vibrant and creative community, with a diverse arts and culture scene, exciting
venues and events, festivals, markets and restaurants.
-
We are prosperous because of our strong, integrated and unique local and regional economy.
-
We are healthy, with a very active community, diverse sports events and opportunities, locally-
grown food from our agricultural lands, and a broad spectrum of health care.
-
We are a small city: it is easy to make social connections and to get around, but we also
have great amenities that are the envy of larger cities: concerts, arts, restaurants, sports,
recreational facilities and events, warm-water lakes, and ready access to the outdoors and
locally-produced food and drink.
-
We have a uniquely beautiful lakefront setting, nestled in a natural valley between two lakes
and their adjoining parks, with unique ecosystems, four great seasons and a very amenable
climate.
City of Penticton | OCP
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Purpose & Scope
OCP Purpose
The purpose of the Official Community Plan is
to provide a framework of goals and policies to
guide decisions on planning and land use within
Penticton's boundaries. All pertinent bylaws and
works undertaken by Council must be consistent
with the OCP. The goals and policies, Future
Land Use Plan and Development Permit Area
Guidelines were shaped by extensive community
consultation and technical analysis.
OCP Scope
The OCP was created to guide the evolution
of the city to the year 2045.
(Bylaw No.
2025-31) The
Plan
establishes
goals
and
policies for a broad
range of interrelated
areas
to
create
a holistic vision for the
sustainable growth of our community. The OCP
achieves this vision by:
- Establishing a growth model that provides opportunity
for new residential and economic growth that will
sustain our community into the future, while at the
same time minimizing impacts on ecological areas
and natural systems
- Encouraging the best use of our existing developed
urban areas and established infrastructure through
sensitive and strategic densification
- Ensuring efficient use of municipal financial resources
by establishing clear planning objectives and undertaking
thorough analysis of potential outcomes
- Creating a resilient city to ensure that Penticton
continues to adapt and thrive in the face of anticipated
and unforeseen environmental, social and economic
stresses.
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Legislative Authority
The Local Government Act gives authority to
municipalities in British Columbia to adopt
an OCP and stipulates what must or may be
included in an OCP. The Act also identifies
the consultation requirements and adoption
procedures to approve the OCP as a bylaw.
The OCP has been prepared in compliance
with that legislation.
OCP Task Force
In March 2017, City Council appointed 19
community members and three Council
representatives to the Official Community
Plan Task Force. The mandate of the Task
Force was to assist Mayor and Council in the
creation of an updated Official Community
Plan and to work with City staff on technical,
process and engagement issues relating to
the creation of the Official Community Plan.
The Task Force included twelve members at
large and seven representatives of specific
organizations, agencies or governments:
- Regional District of the Okanagan Similkameen
- School District No. 67
- Penticton Indian Band
- Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of
Commerce
- Downtown Penticton Association
- Interior Health
- Penticton Industrial Development Association
The OCP Task Force met multiple times throughout the process and attended all public engagement
events and workshops. Its individual members were chosen to represent Penticton's diverse
interests and perspectives. The Task Force provided direction on citizen engagement strategies,
evaluated complex ideas with City staff and Council, refined OCP goals and policies, and served as
a communication conduit to the broader community, as a communication conduit to the broader
community.
City of Penticton | OCP
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OCP Engagement Process
This Plan represents the first comprehensive re-write of Penticton's Official Community Plan
since 2002. Penticton has evolved and matured over the last 17 years in terms of our economy,
demographics, housing needs and costs, and social issues; and the city and surrounding region
is impacted by larger issues and trends relating to the environment, climate change and broader
socio-political factors. In order to meaningfully reflect on and respond to where we are as a city
and where we want to go over the next 25-30 years, staff developed an engagement program
to involve the community in each step of the process to develop the Plan. Over more than two
years, City staff and the community collaborated in conversations, research and analysis, plus
explorations of options and trade-offs, which led to the creation of this renewed OCP.
The Local Government Act requires that the OCP amendments and review involve public
consultation. The process to update Penticton's OCP involved substantial community
engagement, often in innovative and compelling ways. In addition to traditional open houses
and a Public Hearing, the process entailed;
-
outreach and "pop-up" events throughout the city;
-
public and online presentations (including PenTALKton and Design Penticton);
-
a week-long ExpOCP;
-
outreach and engagement on social media, communication in traditional print media and
digital media; and
-
ongoing use of the City's Shape Your City web platform.
It was anticipated that meaningful engagement, technical analysis, consultant studies, and
Plan writing would take 18 to 24 months. The OCP process was launched in February 2017
and concluded in May 2019.
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Community Engagement Timeline
Official Community Plan Engagement Process
Community Outreach,
Visioning & Conversations
Valentine's Day Blitz
Community Visioning
Open Houses
Pecha Kucha Penticton
PenTALKton
ExpOCP
Draft Goals and Policies
Open Houses
Design Penticton Panel Sessions
Design Guidelines Charrette
and Open House
Heritage Conservation
Area Sessions
Draft OCP
Engagement
Community Dialogue
Feb.
14
May
6-28
June
9
Nov.
22
Jan.
17-20
Sept.
11-15
Sept.
17
Sept.
18-22
Jan 31
to
Feb 4
April
2017
2019
Community Review & Advice
2018
Draft OCP
Scoping Phase : Community Outreach
In the Scoping Phase, the City laid the groundwork for community involvement throughout the
development of the Plan. This included creating Guiding Principles to direct how community
engagement would be conducted as well as establishing the community-based OCP Task
Force to ensure the alignment of the work with the needs of the community.
SCOPING
0
PHASE
01
PHASE
02
PHASE
03
PHASE
04
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
COMMUNITY VISIONING
& CONVERSATIONS
COMMUNITY DIALOGUE
COMMUNITY REVIEW
AND ADVICE
COMMUNITY CONFIRMATION:
DRAFT OCP
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Guiding Principles for the OCP Process
1.
Innovative, Broad and Inclusive Engagement.
Residents, business owners, property owners and
renters, First Nations, civic agencies, the Regional
District, BC Transit, community organizations, and
developers will be engaged throughout the planning
in accessible and creative ways. Groups that are
traditionally under-represented, such as youth and
newer residents, will be encouraged to have a voice
in the process.
2. Knowledge Sharing and Capacity Building.
Through the OCP process, citizens will become
informed participants with the ability to assess
trade-offs and gauge the broader impact of key
decisions.
3. Clarity and Openness. The scope and intent of
the OCP planning process will be clearly conveyed.
Key decision points will be openly communicated
and rationalized. Language and illustrations used in
the course of the process and in the OCP document
will be straightforward, accessible and clear.
4. Sustainability. Principles and action around
social, environmental and economic sustainability
will be foundational elements of the OCP. Growth
should be directed in such a way that it capitalizes
on existing and future investment in infrastructure
and amenities
5. Action While Planning. In the course of the
planning, potential initiatives that advance emerging
OCP principles may make sense to implement as
"quick start" actions. These could be led by the City
or planning partners and could focus on issues of
affordable housing, sustainability, public realm, food,
and other areas.
Guiding Principles
Five high-level Guiding Principles for the OCP Process were endorsed by City Council in
January 2017. These speak to ideas of inclusion, knowledge sharing and capacity building, and
openness in the creation of the OCP, and they provided a framework which shaped the OCP
engagement process.
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Phase I: Community Visioning & Conversations
The goal of the first phase of engagement was to support the development of a vision and
to identify the primary policy areas for the Official Community Plan. The initial engagement
phase ran in the winter and spring of 2017. Community members were asked to share what they
value about Penticton as well as their hopes and concerns for the future. In addition to building
awareness of the OCP process and how to get
involved, community members were also asked
to complete the sentence, "In 2045, Penticton
will be..." Outreach took the form of open houses,
sessions and events throughout the city, at
places such as the Community Centre, Seniors
Drop-in Centre, Soupateria, Pen Hi and Cannery
Brewing. Between February and May contact
was made with 1,260 community members, and
there were 1,100 visits to the Shape Your City
web page. Social media was used extensively
during this period as well.
Phase 2: Community Dialogue
With a vision drafted and policy areas identified in the first phase of engagement, the goal of the
second phase was to develop the policy statements for each of the policy areas. In this phase,
staff wanted to help the community understand the challenges that need to be considered in
the development of the Official Community Plan, and to hear their opinions on the needs and
opportunities in each policy area. Staff conducted two primary activities to involve the community
in this phase of the work.
The first was an entertaining evening called PenTALKton held in November 2017 that was attended
by 200 people. This was an evening of short and engaging
presentations on a wide range of locally-pertinent topics: arts and
culture, history, local food, the environment, housing, transportation
and more. The intention was to build energy and excitement, and
to encourage thinking about some of these topics, including issues
and challenges, facing the community.
With the success of PenTALKton, the next major event was the
ExpOCP: a multi-day workshop held in a dedicated storefront in
January 2018. The storefront featured displays with information
in each of the key policy areas: housing; economy; transportation;
environment; arts and culture and heritage; and agriculture.
Design by Skyler Punnett
"What People Love About Penticton"
City of Penticton | OCP
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Each policy area display station featured text and visuals to describe directions in the 2002
OCP, outline what has changed and what we have learned since then, summarize current
public feedback, and give examples of goals and policies for the new OCP. Feedback was
captured through a "passport" of questions in each policy area.
Staff hosted a series of workshops as part
of the Expo with a broad range of groups
including the City Advisory Committees,
community groups, high school students,
and the community at large. In addition to
viewing the ExpOCP materials, attendees
were invited to participate in hands-on
activities to help address some of the
challenges and opportunities around the
economy, transportation and growth.
Just under 500 people attended the Expo and over 250 attended companion workshops held in
the weeks around the Expo. Over 130 completed comment forms were submitted that directly
guided the direction and development of the goals and policies in the policy areas in this OCP.
Phase 3: Community Review & Advice
Based on the feedback gathered during the ExpOCP engagement, and with guidance
from consultant studies estimating population growth and assessing projected housing,
commercial and industrial land use needs, staff prepared draft goals and policies as well as
a draft Future Land Use Plan. The focus of the third phase of engagement was to review this
work first with the OCP Task Force and then with the community.
In September 2018, the community was given the opportunity to review the OCP's draft goals
and policies along with the draft Future Land Use Plan. Open houses were held at the Seniors
Drop-in Centre, the Safety Village and at Gyro Park, and featured background information, the
draft policies, and an interactive mapping tool to explore the draft Land Use Plan. About 420
people attended these events.
The look and feel of new development was identified as an important issue. Community
members wanted development to fit in with and respect the established character of their
neighbourhoods. This warranted a substantive 'refresh' of the OCP's form and character design
guidelines. As part of this phase of work, staff involved the Task Force and the community in
the creation of new design guidelines to be included in the OCP.
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MODUS Planning Design and Engagement, a
design consultant, co-led the process to create
new guidelines. This kicked off with the Design
Penticton panel presentation and discussion,
attended by 140 members of the community.
Ideas and directions for the guidelines were
created during a week-long design 'charrette'
informed by a workshop and check-ins with the
OCP Task Force, local designers, builders and
architects. The results were shared with the
broader community at an open house at Gyro
Park, where 167 community members dropped by. This process and community feedback
directly guided the creation of the form and character Development Permit Areas in this OCP.
In late January 2019, engagement efforts focused on the proposal to include Heritage
Conservation Areas in the OCP. In response to community concerns about out-of-character
development in single-family areas, in particular the "K-Streets" and Windsor Avenue, the City
proposed introducing Heritage Conservation Area designations. These would regulate the
look and feel of new development and renovations through design guidelines and the Heritage
Alteration Permit process. Information was shared through public presentations, webinars
and the Shape Your City web page. The proposal to designate Heritage Conservation Areas
was not supported by a significant proportion of the residents in these areas (less than 50%
support in the K Streets, more so on Windsor Avenue). As a result, a decision was made not to
include Heritage Conservation Areas in the OCP. Instead, form and character would be guided
by Development Permit Area guidelines and potential future Zoning Bylaw amendments.
Phase 4: Community Advice - Did We Get it Right?
The final phase was focused on confirming the direction of the Plan. Recognizing the importance
of the Plan to all members of the community, staff conducted a city-wide communications
campaign to inform residents about key features of the Plan. Activities included the development
of a newspaper insert and Executive Summary, social media outreach, and a series of open
houses around the city in June 2019. City Council gave consideration to the OCP in July.
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Acknowledgments
This OCP was created with the support, guidance and input from many groups and individuals
who shared ideas, challenged assumptions and invested time in creating this vision for the
future of Penticton.
Penticton's residents, who shared over 3,000 conversations throughout the OCP process.
City Councils
2015-2018
2018-2021
Mayor Andrew Jakubeit
Mayor John Vassilaki
Councillor Helena Konanz
Councillor Julius Bloomfield
Councillor Andre Martin
Councillor Jake Kimberley
Councillor Max Picton
Councillor Frank Regehr
Councillor Tarik Sayeed
Councillor Katie Robinson
Councillor Judy Sentes
Councillor Judy Sentes
Councillor Campbell Watt
Councillor Campbell Watt
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OCP Task Force
Suzanne Moccia (Chair), Lynn Kelsey (Vice-chair), Lynn Allin (Downtown Penticton
Association representative), Tracy Van Raes/Jason Cox (Chamber representatives), Kristi
Estergaard (Interior Health representative), Wendy Hyer (School District 67 representative),
Dawn Russell/Joan Phillips (Penticton Indian Band representatives), Jill Bateman (Penticton
Industrial Development Association representative), Evelyn Reichert (RDOS representative),
Garrett Cruikshank, Sharon Fletcher, Randy Kowalchuk, Randy Manuel, Denis O'Gorman,
Warren Sanders, Bruce Schoenne, Rhys Spencer, Brian Symonds, Jillian Tamblyn.
Other Governments and
Government Agencies
-
Interior Health
-
Penticton Indian Band
-
Regional District of the Okanagan Similkameen
-
School District No.67
Consultants
-
Colliers International
-
MODUS Planning, Design and Engagement
-
South Okanagan Similkameen Conservation
Program (SOSCP)
-
Urbanics Consultants
City of Penticton OCP Team
Project Lead:
Ben Johnson, Special Projects Manager
Engagement Lead:
JoAnne Kleb, Engagement Strategist
Anthony Haddad, Director of Development Services
Blake Laven, Planning Manager
Graphic Design
Stephen Tulloch, C4Wise Design
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Context
Chapter 2
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Penticton sits in a unique location in the Okanagan Valley nestled between
two pristine lakes: Lake Okanagan to the north, and Skaha Lake to the south.
Home to 36,885 residents in 2021, Penticton is the largest community in the
Regional
District
of
the
Okanagan-Similkameen.
Penticton
off ers
lifestyle,
business, investment and retirement opportunities in a location that has all
of the amenities of larger urban centers, yet maintains the tranquility and
social connections of a small community.
The
42
square
kilometres
within
the
City
boundary
contain
sleep
slopes,
silt
bluff s,
environmentally-sensitive
areas
and
Agricultural
Land
Reserve,
which focuses our urbanized areas. To the west we are bordered by the
Penticton Indian Band Lands; to the north are Summerland and Naramata;
and to the south is Okanagan Falls.
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Bylaw No. 2025-31
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History
From www.syilx.org
A community of Syilx/Okanagan people have made the area today known as Penticton
home for at least 3,000 years. The Nsyilxcən word for the area is snpintktn (from which
"Penticton" is derived), often translated as "a place to stay forever," but is more accurately:
"a place where people live year-round." The main village of the Syilx people at the time of
initial contact was located on the east bank of the Okanagan River in the area around today's
Fairview Road and Huth Avenue, while smaller Syilx settlements appeared along the river
from its mouth down to Skaha (Dog) Lake. There were also encampments at the mouth of
Shingle Creek and at the exit of Ellis (Nanisheen) Creek canyon.
In the first half of the 19th Century, use of the Hudson's Bay Brigade Trails linking Fort
Vancouver on the Columbia River and Fort Kamloops, and running north-south through
the valley, resulted in regular contact and trade between people of Indigenous and non-
Indigenous origin. Use of these trails ended when the US/Canada border was established on
the 49th Parallel. The Cariboo Cariboo Gold Rush of the 1860s saw the flow of men, goods
and cattle (to feed the miners) re-activate the Brigade Trails..
Tom Ellis of Ireland arrived in the area in 1865 to establish a cattle ranch, and was soon
followed by others. In response to the arrival of settlers, Indian Reserves were established
largely on the west side of the Okanagan River, separating the settlers from the Indigenous
population.
Ellis acquired close to 30,000 acres of land that stretched from Naramata all the way south to
the American border. In 1892, Ellis laid out a small townsite at the foot of Okanagan Lake, the
start of present-day Penticton.
Development in the following years was slow and things only began to really pick up in 1905,
when the South Okanagan Land Company, who purchased the land from Ellis, subdivided
large sections of the Ellis holdings. The original townsite, which lay mostly to the east of
Penticton Creek, was linked up to the new one by Smith Street (later renamed Front Street),
which was the heart of the small town in its earliest days. By 1908, with a population of six
hundred, Penticton was incorporated and growth continued at a faster pace than ever.
For thousands of years, the Syilx/Okanagan people were self-reliant and well
provided for through their own ingenuity and use of the land and resources. We
lived united as a nation with a whole economy, traveling the breadth and depth of
our territory; hunting, fishing, growing, harvesting, and trading created a sustainable
economy that met our needs.
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Because of the difficulties of land travel due to the rugged local terrain, early transportation in
and out of Penticton was primarily by water on Okanagan Lake. Much of this travel was aboard
steamships like the S.S. Sicamous. Although not the first, the Sicamous was the largest and
most famous sternwheeler to grace Okanagan Lake. Known as the "Queen of the Lake," she
was built in Port Arthur, Ontario and assembled at Okanagan Landing. Her maiden voyage
was on May 19th, 1914. The Sicamous was retired in 1937, and in 1949 the City of Penticton
purchased the ship from the Canadian Pacific Railway in order to preserve this important relic
of the age of the lake steamships. She was moved to Penticton in August 1951.
In 1910 an announcement was made that Penticton would serve as the headquarters for the
new Kettle Valley Railway, the rail line that would finally link the transportation of the coast
near Vancouver to the Southern Interior and the Kootenays. This decision secured Penticton's
economic future. The arrival of the railway in 1915 brought many jobs and the town's population
more than doubled by the time the line was finished. The railway also provided fast and efficient
transportation for local products, greatly boosting the then embryonic orchard industry by
opening up distant markets to high-quality Okanagan fruit. The KVR also allowed tourists to
visit an area that had long been isolated from the rest of the province, enabling Penticton to
become a tourist destination.
Following the end of the Second World War, Penticton entered into a golden age of growth and
prosperity. A flood of returning veterans led to a post-war population boom. The 1950s and
1960s were busy decades of construction and large infrastructure projects. "Channelization"
of the Okanagan River in 1953 and numerous construction projects - including a new city hall
(1966), a community arts building, and Penticton's first major shopping centre (Cherry Lane,
1974) - changed the face of the young city forever.
In March 1955 the city achieved international fame when the Penticton Vees hockey team
brought home the World Cup after defeating the Soviet Union 5-0.
Now over one hundred years since the city was incorporated, Penticton continues to evolve.
Downtown is revitalizing and attracting businesses, craft breweries and new places to live.
The South Okanagan Events Centre opened in 2008 and brings conventions, sporting events,
and performances of all kinds. The unique natural environment, athletic events and recreation
opportunities, the wine industry, and a combination of rich urban amenities and 'small-town
feel' are all factors that continue to attract a diverse range of people to move here and to visit.
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City of Penticton | OCP
Penticton Today
Population
Penticton had a population of just under 37,000 in 2021. The city had seen slow but steady growth
of about half a percent per year since 1986, when there were about 24,000 residents. From 2006 to
2021 Penticton experienced much faster growth than historically, with an annual average growth
rate of 1.14% per year. An annual average growth rate of 0.74% per year is anticipated between
2021 and 2041 when there is expected to be 44,199 residents (see Chapter 3).
Household size in Penticton is unusually stable, and has remained roughly constant, with a modest
increase in 1 person households between 2006 and 2021. There were 17,360 households in 2021
with an average of 2.1 people per household. The proportion of one-and two-person households
is over 75%.
Household income is relatively low. The median household income in 2020 was $68,000 or 80%
of BC's median household income of $85,000.
Housing
The most common form of housing in Penticton is the single-detached house (40%), followed by low-
rise apartments (29%). About 20% of the housing stock is infill (semi-detached houses, rowhouses,
townhouses and duplexes), and 7% of housing is high-rise apartments or condos. Mobile homes
account for 4% of the housing stock and are important in terms of affordability.
The housing mix has varied over the years. In 1991, single-detached housing was 55% of the total
stock, but since then the proportion of infill housing has increased from 10% to 20%. Low-rise
apartments have increased by 4% to 29%, and high-rise apartments have seen a modest increase by
1% to 7% of the total.
In 2021, 63% of houses were owner-occupied and 37% were rented. This ratio has remained stable since
1991. In 2024, non-market housing, providing aff ordable family, seniors, supportive and transitional
housing accounted for about 9% (1540 units) of the total housing stock.
Housing affordability is a challenge. In 2023, the average house value (across all housing types) was
approx. $871,166. This is an increase of 25% over the average house value of $699,495 in 2022.
With only a 1-2% vacancy rate, the rental market is exceptionally challenging as well. Despite the
addition of new rental units to the housing stock between 2016 and 2020, purpose-built rental
construction has fallen out of the minimum count since 2020. Between 2006 and 2021 average
monthly renter shelter cost (rent and utilities) in Penticton went up 41% from $905 to $1,273.
Bylaw No. 2025-31
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Bylaw No. 2025-31
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Employment and Economy
Over 3,000 businesses are licensed with the City of Penticton. Business in Penticton is not
restricted to local customer markets -there are many companies which source from and
supply goods to the rest of the world.
The economy is increasingly diversified, with 15,565 jobs (2016) in a broad range of sectors
including public services and health, retail, agriculture, manufacturing and construction, and
hospitality services. The dominant sector in 2016 was health and social services (19.3% of
jobs), followed closely by retail trade (17.2%). Accommodation and food services (10.9%), public
administration (7.1%) and manufacturing (6.7%) represent other key employment sectors.
Throughout BC and Canada, certain industries have begun to strengthen as "clusters" - groups
of interconnected firms, suppliers, related industries, and institutions. They have emerged to
provide opportunities for competitive advantage, and collaborative innovation. In Penticton,
these clusters are externally focused: tourism, events and arts and culture; construction;
manufacturing, and; beer, wine and spirit production. Or are oriented towards local customers
and sales: retail and wholesale, sales and services; health care and social assistance, and;
business, finance and management.
EMPLOYMENT AT A USUAL PLACE OF WORK*, PENTICTON
2 0 1 6 C E N S U S
2016 - 16,565 jobs
2016 - share of jobs
Penticton
employment
*Employment counts by Census Subdivsion of Work (worked at home or at a usual place outside the home)
Public Admin
1.185
7.1%
7.1%
10.9%
1.3%
19.3%
5.3%
2.6%
4.4%
6.6%
2.8%
17.2%
2%
6.7%
4.8%
1.8%
1.180
1.805
210
3,200
880
435
735
1,100
470
2,860
340
1,105
790
295
Other Services
Accommodations & Food Services
Information & Culture Services
Health & Social Services
Education Services
Management & Administration
Professional & Business Services
Financial, Real Estate & Insurance
Transportation, Warehousing & Utilities
Retail Trade
Wholesale
Manufacturing
Construction
Primary
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Regional Context Statement
Penticton is within the Regional District of the Okanagan Similkameen (RDOS). The Local
Government Act requires that this OCP include a Regional Context Statement which describes
how the Plan aligns with the directions in the South Okanagan Regional Growth Strategy
(RGS) (Bylaw 2770, 2017).
The RGS is organized around seven policy areas and supporting goals that were developed
in consultation with South Okanagan communities and RGS advisory committees. There is a
strong relationship between the goals in the RGS and those in the OCP; implementation of the
OCP will advance the priorities of the RGS. Below is a table that indicates how Penticton's OCP
aligns with the RGS in the key policy areas.
RDOS RGS Policy Areas and
Supporting Goals
Alignment with Penticton
OCP
OCP Section
Housing and Development:
Focus development to
serviced areas in designated
Primary Growth Areas and
Rural Growth Areas.
Penticton is identified as
a Primary Growth Area
(larger communities with
all the necessary services,
infrastructure and amenities
in place to accommodate
future growth) in the RGS.
The OCP anticipates and
plans for sustainable growth
by 4,500 households by 2046.
3 Growth and Land Use Plan
4.1 Housing
Ecosystems, Natural Areas
and Parks: Protect the
health and biodiversity of
ecosystems in the south
Okanagan.
Preserving Penticton's
compact urban footprint is
central to the OCP's growth
strategy. Infill development
and densification is
prioritized over greenfield
and hillside development, and
environmentally sensitive,
riparian and hazard areas
are protected through
Development Permit Areas
(DPAs).
3 Growth and Land Use Plan
4.4 Environment & Resilience
4.7 Parks and Recreation
5 Development Permit Area
Guidelines (Environmental,
Riparian and Hillside)
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RDOS RGS Policy Areas and
Supporting Goals
Alignment with Penticton
OCP
OCP Section
Infrastructure and
Transportation: Support
efficient and effective
infrastructure services and
an accessible multi-modal
transportation network.
Development is prioritized
in areas already serviced or
adjacent to existing services.
The transportation system
prioritizes active modes of
transportation and transit
above single-occupancy
vehicles.
3 Growth and Land Use Plan
4.2 Transportation and
Infrastructure
Community Health and
Wellbeing: Foster healthy,
safe communities that
provide accessible
recreational, educational
and cultural opportunities.
Land use planning will
create healthy communities
through appropriate mixing
of uses, integration of
parks and green space into
residential neighbourhoods,
access to cultural, social
and recreational amenities
and a holistic approach to
transportation.
3 Growth and Land Use Plan
4.6 Arts, Culture & Heritage
4.7 Parks and Recreation
Regional Economic
Development: Achieve a
sustainable, resilient and
prosperous South Okanagan
regional economy.
Economic development will
focus on regional strengths,
strong networks and active
partnerships within and
between communities.
4.3 Economy
4.5 Agriculture
Engagement and
Collaboration: Foster
and support regional
cooperation, collaboration
and civic engagement.
The development of the
OCP was driven by robust
consultation, collaboration
and engagement within
Penticton and with regional
partners, such as the
Penticton Indian Band and
the RDOS.
1.3 OCP Process
Energy Emissions and
Climate Change: Reduce
energy emissions and
ensure the South Okanagan
is prepared for a changing
climate
OCP outlines strategies for
reduction of GHG emissions,
protection for natural areas
and adaptation to the
impacts of climate change.
4.4 Environment and
Resilence
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Growth and Land Use Plan
Chapter 3
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Population Growth Projection
The City of Penticton has experienced continuous growth since 2001. The population grew from
31,000 people in 1996 to 36,000 people in 2021. Following relatively rapid growth in the 1980s
and slower growth from 1996 to 2006, the city grew on average by 1.14% per year between 2006
and 2021, which was greater than the Regional District as a whole, but lower than the provincial
average of 1.41%. A population growth rate of 0.74% per year to 2041 is anticipated.
Penticton's current population is older than the provincial average. The median age is 52 in Penticton
and 41.6 in BC. Demographic analysis suggests that the 65 and older age groups are estimated to
increase as a proportion of the population, growing from 29% in 2021 to 34% by 2041. The working
age population is estimated to grow in absolute numbers, but decrease as a percentage of the
population from 59% to 56%, while the number of children (less than 15 years of age), are likely to
decline by 3%.
These estimates, however, do not account for larger-scale economic and social factors, which may
not be anticipated and could increase migration to the region, or as proactive efforts to grow existing
businesses and/or attract new employers to the Penticton area. The recognition of Penticton as a
place to live, work and play may impact these demographic projections by increasing in-migration.
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Bylaw No. 2025-31
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Community Expectations Regarding New
Development
As Penticton grows to meet its projected residential and economic needs, there are strong
community expectations around the quality and character of new development.
Design Expectations
New developments must demonstrate a high quality of design that respects neighbours, is
sustainable, and reflects Penticton's unique climate, generally lower-height of development
and natural setting. Many of these expectations are captured in Development Permit Area
design guidelines (see Chapter 5).
Environmental Expectations
Development - at the neighbourhood and building level -and all activities in and around the city
must be light on the land to protect, preserve and enhance the natural areas, agricultural land
and parks that are so highly valued by Penticton's residents. Environmental, Riparian and Hillside
Development Permit Guidelines (see Chapter 5) as well as policies around environment and
resilience (Chapter 4) serve to maintain the integrity of these areas and manage development
to ensure that these natural and agricultural areas remain intact for future generations.
Expectations for Maintenance
Citizens of this community have expressed expectations that properties will be well maintained,
kept attractive and minimize disruptive impacts on neighbours. When these expectations are
not met, appropriate enforcement action from the City and from partner agencies from other
levels of government with specific regulatory authority will be taken.
Safety Expectations
Safety will be a fundamental consideration in the design of new developments and
neighbourhoods. These will be informed by CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental
Design - see Glossary) approaches and principles such as "eyes-on-the-street". Safety in public
spaces and for all kinds of mobility (pedestrians, cyclists, seniors and children) must be taken
into consideration. Safety in terms of mitigating environmental risk -wildfire, geotechnical
hazards and flooding -must be considered as the city grows and develops.
City of Penticton | OCP
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Land Use Needs
There is a direct correlation between population growth (and its associated
demographics), and the requirements for additional housing, parks,
schools, and commercial institutional and industrial land, which provide
employment, shopping and services for the growing community.
While the most common housing type in Penticton is single-detached houses (40% of the total), this
proportion has been decreasing. This trend is going to continue into the future due to the limited options for
new single-detached neighbourhood development, the increased preference for more urban living closer
to the Downtown and other amenities, increased housing costs, and the needs of an aging population.
It is important to note that
these figures represent
net growth, and that some
redevelopment projects
result in the demolition
of older units that will
be replaced without
adding additional housing
stock (e.g., if a house is
demolished to build a new
duplex, only one new unit
is added to the housing
stock)
Housing Land Use Needs and Targets
Primarily driven by anticipated population growth, the city will need
to add 6,296 new housing units to Penticton by 2041, or an average
of 300 new units per year. To address affordability concerns, about 939
new units are needed for households in extreme core housing need,
which is defined as:
- a household in housing falling below at least one of the adequacy, aff ordability,
or suitability standards; and
- spending 50% or more of its total before-tax income to pay the median rent of
alternative local housing that is acceptable (meets all three housing standards
above).
Housing Land Use Targets:
- The development of 300 additional homes per year (net), on average
- The development of 74 non-market homes per year (net), on average
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Commercial Land Use Needs and Targets
Expected demand for commercial (retail and office) land is derived from an assessment of
population growth, employment growth and the regional retail economy (for retail demand).
In terms of land requirements, Penticton currently has about 2.5 million square feet of
retail floorspace, and a relatively healthy 5.4% vacancy rate. The greatest amount of retail
floorspace (38%) is in the southern end of town due to the Cherry Lane Mall and numerous
big box stores. Just over a quarter of the retail floorspace is in the Downtown, although
this area also has the highest vacancy rate at 12%. The dominant retail sectors are service
commercial (580,000 sf), food and beverage (265,000 sf), and general merchandise stores
(215,000 sf).
Based on retail behaviour, Penticton's place in the region and population growth, it is
anticipated that Penticton could support about 3.7 million square feet of retail floorspace
in 2046, a growth of 1.3 million square feet, with the greatest growth sectors being grocery,
food and beverage, and service commercial. The revitalization of the Downtown and
development of mixed-use projects there could likely lead to an intensification of retail uses,
including smaller-format grocery, and a reduction in vacancies. Larger-format retail stores
will likely remain strong in the central and southern parts of the city, with some potential
relocation or new growth occurring on the Penticton Indian Band lands near Green Avenue.
A substantial amount of office space exists, but there is limited new construction taking
place, with a few exceptions. About 7.5% of the 773,000 square feet of office space is vacant
and demand for office space is limited. Looking ahead to 2046, the city could accommodate
about 147,000 square feet of new office space, but in order to be attractive to particular
users, like the growing technology sector, this office space would need to be of a higher
quality ("Class A"), and in attractive high-amenity areas such as the Downtown.
Commercial Land Use Targets:
- An additional 1.3 million square feet of retail floorspace (43,000 sf/year)
through intensification of existing commercially-zoned lands and vacant sites
- Development of an additional 147,000 square feet of office space (5,000 sf/year) with an
emphasis on high-quality office space in the more desirable parts of the city, particularly
the Downtown
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Industrial Land Use Needs and Targets
The industrial sector is a vibrant and fundamental part of the Penticton economy, providing
stable, well-paid employment and important services to the region. Currently, there are
280 acres of industrial land, and that land is relatively constrained by existing development
and geography. Growth is anticipated in the agricultural, food processing, bioproducts and
cannabis production industrial sectors, and by 2046, we are likely to require about 60 more
acres of land to meet our needs. There are opportunities to intensify existing industrial
developments to a certain degree, but it is quite likely that a proportion of the demand for
new industrial land will be met outside of the city, such as on Penticton Indian Band lands, or
elsewhere in the region (e.g., Okanagan Falls).
Industrial Land Use Targets:
- No net loss of land currently zoned for industrial uses
- 60 additional acres of industrial land in or near Penticton
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Agricultural Land Use Needs and Targets
Almost one-fifth of Penticton's land base is part of the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR), with
additional land outside of the ALR zoned for agriculture. Agriculture has long been central
to Penticton's economy and identity. Agricultural lands need long-term protection from
development and/or degradation to sustain diverse farm and food producing enterprises.
Agricultural Land Use Target:
- 843 hectares of land within the Agricultural Land Reserve within city limits
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Park Land Use Needs and Targets
The 2018 Penticton Parks and Recreation Master Plan contains a comprehensive analysis
of park land supply and an assessment of park land use needs. Penticton generally aligns
with averages compared with other municipalities across the province in terms of park land
per 1000 residents (2.5 hectares/1000 population in 2018). Spatially, residents in nearly all
developed urban and suburban areas are within a 10-minute walk to a city-wide or community
park or a 5-minute walk to a neighbourhood park. As the city grows, however, proactive steps
will need to be taken to ensure that park standards are maintained, particularly given this OCP's
emphasis on intensification of the existing urbanized areas through infill development.
Park Land Use Targets:
- Develop existing City lands as park or acquire additional park land to meet
the standard of 2.5 hectares of active park land per 1,000 population
(active park land includes city-wide parks, community parks, neighbourhood parks
and trail corridors).
- In the case of new neighbourhood development, meet a standard of 1.55 hectares/
1,000 population of community and neighbourhood parks and trail corridors to serve the
existing and new population.
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How was the Future Land Use Plan Created?
The Future Land Use Plan defines Penticton's growth over the next thirty years. It was created
through evaluation and analysis of a broad range of inputs and ideas:
-
The 2002 OCP and Land Use Plan, and subsequent amendments to it
-
Existing zoning and current land use
-
Community engagement on values, priorities and aspirations through the OCP planning process, including input
from the OCP Task Force
-
Analysis of the financial implications of approaches to managing growth including consideration of Penticton's
Asset Management Investment Plan
-
Existing land use plans, such as the 2012 Downtown Plan, 2004 Northeast Sector Plan and 1996 Columbia
Heights Plan
-
Limitations and constraints on urban development including the Agricultural Land Reserve, current and proposed
natural areas with high ecological value, and steep slopes and flood-prone areas
-
Neighbourhood character, including housing age and condition
-
Proximity to amenities, employment, transportation options
-
Current development trends and recent activity
-
Physical geography including terrain, slope and soil stability
-
In-depth analysis of growth needs -residential, commercial and industrial
-
Economic development strategies
Future Land Use Plan
Introduction: What is a Future Land Use Plan?
A Future Land Use Plan is a core component of this OCP, and is a key implementation tool
to guide future development, balance multiple objectives and achieve a growth strategy. It
provides direction on allocating land uses geographically to create a holistic vision for the city.
The land uses are generalized into designations that accommodate a range of compatible
uses and defined forms, with high-level descriptions of height and/or density. Development
within a particular designation must conform to the defined uses and forms; divergence from
them requires an OCP amendment to change the Future Land Use Designation.
A Future Land Use designation can encompass a range of different zones. Zoning designations,
contained within the City's Zoning Bylaw, define permitted uses and regulations regarding
density, massing, setbacks and form. Development Permit Area Guidelines, where they exist,
provide a further level of design or environmental direction for development.
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INTENSIFICATION OF
EXISTING URBAN AREAS
CREATING COMPLETE AND
ACCESSIBLE COMMUNITIES
MINIMIZING NEGATIVE
IMPACTS ON NATURAL AREAS
MAXIMIZING USE OF EXISTING
ASSETS AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Memorial
Arena
Penticton's Growth Plan
Penticton's growth plan places great emphasis on strategic and sensitive use of our limited land
base. It recognizes that we must make the most efficient use of the land and infrastructure that
we have available, and also protect the natural environment that many of our residents value.
Intensification of Existing Urban Areas
Much of our development will be accommodated through intensification of Penticton's
existing urban areas, maximizing use of existing assets and infrastructure, creating complete
and accessible communities, intensifying underused and vacant land, and minimizing
negative impacts on natural areas.
Areas close to the downtown and to shopping and employment centres will see appropriate
levels of densification, with an emphasis on low-rise and mid-rise developments, rather than
high-rise developments. Whereas the 2002 OCP put heavy emphasis on high-density residential
development (towers) in the Downtown and "Urban Villages", this OCP has transitioned many
of those areas to mid-scale development that still makes efficient use of valuable land, but in a
form more suited to Penticton's character as well as its expected rate of urban growth.
Some areas on the periphery of higher-density areas, like the Downtown, will see the development
of ground-oriented multifamily housing like townhouses and rowhouses, while others area will
be 'infill' development that is compatible with the scale of existing houses. This form of 'gentle
densification' will allow more households to live in higher-amenity areas while maintaining
neighbourhood character and scale.
City of Penticton | OCP
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2002 OCP and 2006 Comprehensive Development Plan
Growth Areas and Urban Villages
2019 OCP Growth Areas and Infi ll Areas
Bylaw No. 2024-21
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Strategic Investment Areas
Strategic Investment Areas
As the OCP's Growth and Infill areas redevelop to create sustainable and complete
neighbourhoods, a strategic focus will be required on key areas within the city to support
implementation of the OCP. The strategic investment focus areas will provide direction
for local and regional investors to ensure future development meets the direction and
vision created through the OCP. Land use and economic development policies will assist
in focusing development into the Downtown, Northern Gateway, Skaha Lake Road and the
Industrial area, providing an emphasis on employment growth and increased residential
density. Strategic infrastructure investment on the part of the City will be required to support
the successful implementation of these strategic areas.
Bylaw No. 2024-21
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Form and Character Guidelines
New form and character design guidelines, implemented through Development Permit Areas
(Chapter 5), are intended to direct the 'look and feel' of new development to ensure it is
high-quality, attractive and 'neighbourly'. These will apply to * multifamily residential
development as well as commercial and mixed-use development. Area-specific design
guidelines will guide development in the Downtown. Created through extensive analysis and
community engagement, these guidelines reflect Penticton's unique history and character
and are intended to support development that is viable and practical, but also in context and
sensitive. (*Bylaw No. 2025-11)
Single-family Neighbourhoods
Traditional single-family neighbourhoods will see limited change, with detached forms of
housing - single-detached houses and in some cases duplexes (where zoning permits) -
remaining the norm. Unlike more central neighbourhoods, these neighbourhoods are less
suitable for infill and multifamily development.
New Hillside Neighbourhoods
A number of new neighbourhoods are expected to be developed to meet the demand
for detached houses. These form a part of the previous OCP and include areas such
as the Upper Wiltse, Columbia Heights area*. Such new developments typically exist
adjacent to established neighbourhoods and are generally logical extensions to existing city
infrastructure.
Planning of these areas is intended to be guided by the Riparian and Environmental
Development Permit regulations informed by sensitivity to ecological values as well as
consideration of natural hazards including wildfire, flooding and steep slope (which is
specifically regulated in defined areas by the Hillside Development Permit Area guidelines).
New neighbourhoods will be designed to support active transportation (walking, cycling)
and transit use (where feasible), to include necessary new parks, trails and linkages, and
to provide a range of housing options to address different demographic and economic
requirements.
Commercial and Employment Lands
Protection of employment lands is a priority. The industrial lands will be protected and
expanded into presently underutilized areas (e.g., former aggregate extraction sites), and
incompatible adjacent land uses will be discouraged.
Intensification of the present ample commercial land base will occur. Some areas are
intended to evolve as mixed-use or higher-density residential to support the revitalization
of the Downtown commercial area and other established high-amenity areas such as the
Northern Gateway and Skaha Lake Road.
* Bylaw No. 2024-21)
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Downtown
The Downtown is intended to continue as a primary commercial, civic, entertainment and
residential focus for Penticton. The historical building scale will be protected on Main and Front
Streets, but intensification of the surrounding blocks will bring residential and commercial 'body
heat' into the area. All new development will be directed by the Downtown Development Permit
Area guidelines to ensure it is sensitive and attractive.
Agricultural Lands
Agricultural lands - specifically those in the Agricultural Land Reserve on the Naramata
Bench and in the Valleyview area, but also other Agriculture (A) zoned properties - are
protected from non-agriculture development and are not intended to accommodate urban
growth.
Natural Areas and Parks
Almost one-quarter (22%) of the land area in city limits is identified as Natural and
Conservation Areas. These areas are not intended for urban growth or development, but
rather are established to help maintain important ecological characteristics and natural
areas. A further 4% of the land area is designated as Parks, which is fully protected from
development. Over half of Penticton's land base (natural areas, parks and agricultural lands)
is not intended for urban development.
increased height and
density permitted in
transit-oriented areas
-
-
Bylaw No. 2025-31
Low-rise apartment buildings
-
(Bylaw No. 2026-19)
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Land Use
Description
Building Type(s)
Uses
Height /
Density
Mixed Use
Higher-density
mixed-use areas
allowing
for intensive
development with
residential and/or
commercial uses
- Higher-density apartments
Mixed-use buildings
Commercial buildings
- Commercial
(retail, service,
office)
- Residential
- Generally greater
than 3 storeys
Site-Specific Mixed Use Policy Statement:
- 1704 Government Street: Allow a maximum building height of 12 storeys. (Bylaw No. 2023-34)
- 955 Timmins Street: Tourist Commercial is a permitted use. (Bylaw No. 2024-36)
Downtown Mixed Use
Commercial
Areas with a wide
range of
commercial uses
including office,
retail, goods and
services.
- Commercial (retail/
office/service)
buildings
Mixed-use buildings
(in specific areas,
residential units
limited to the second
floor and above)
- Retail, service
- Office
- Restaurant
- Grocery store
- Residential (in
specific zones)
- varies by zone
Tourist Commercial
Areas that serve
both visitors and
residents, providing
accommodation,
entertainment, and
food and beverage,
as well as resort
residential uses.
- Hotels
- Motels
- Restaurants
- Resort residential
- Tourist
Accommodation
- Restaurant,
entertainment,
service
- Retail
- Ancillary
residential and
office uses
- Generally up to 6
storeys, subject to
contextual design
and adherence to DP
guidelines
Site-Specific Tourist Commercial Policy Statement:
3228 Evergreen Drive (Wiltse South Block) - tourist accommodation resort with a maximum of 20
units and a maximum floor area of 1850m2
Up to 10 storeys
Up to 3 storeys on the
0-300 blocks of Main
St and the 0-99 block
of Front St
Up to 5 storeys on the
100-200 block of
Front St, subject to
contextual design
and adherence to DP
guidelines
Commercial
(retail, service,
office)
-
Residential
Civic and
cultural
-
-
Downtown
developments with
active retail,service
or civic and cultural
uses at ground level
and multi-family
residential and/or
office uses.
Higher-density
mixed-use buildings
Residential units
limited to the second
floor and above, or
located behind the
commercial frontage
if at grade
-
-
-
-
-
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-
-
Tourist
commercial
-
-
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Land Use
Description
Building Type(s)
Uses
Height / Density
Institutional and Civic
Agriculture
Allows for growing,
producing,
harvesting, storage,
processing and
sale of agricultural
produce.
- Agricultural buildings
- Detached houses
- Agricultural
- Residential
- 1-2 units per
parcel
Landfill and Landfill Buffer
Industrial
Areas of light and
heavy industrial
uses characterized
by goods
production,
manufacturing,
distribution, and
storage.
- Industrial buildings
- Structures and lands
- General Industrial
- Heavy Industrial
(M2 zone only)
- Wholesale, Storage
and Warehouse
- Vehicle and Equipment
Repair
- Generally 1 or
2 storeys
Areas providing
a wide range of
services and utilities
for the community.
- Varies
- Education Services
- Health Services
- Hospital
- Government Service
- Utility Services
- Fire Halls
- Varies
Campbell Mountain
Sanitary Landfill
serving the region in
the long-term along
with the buffer
area determined
by the Ministry of
Environment.
- Varies
- Landfill site limited to
landfill operations
including solid waste
disposal, composting
and recycling
activities
- Uses in the buffer
area are limited to
those approved by the
Ministry of
Environment.
- Varies
- Ancillary residential
uses in conjunction with
institutional and civic
facilities (e.g. student
housing, extended care,
employee housing)
- Parks and open space
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In 2025, to meet provincial requirements, the City rezoned approximately 1,000 properties that previously
permitted small-scale multi-unit housing (SSMUH) to align zoning with the land use designations above. These
properties are recognized as in transition, and low density residential land uses (e.g., single detached dwellings,
suites, duplexes, carriage houses) are permitted regardless of the underlying OCP land use designation.
Bylaw No. 2026-07
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Land Use Goals and Policies
Chapter 4
City of Penticton | OCP
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4. 1
Key Facts
In 2016, there were 15,740
households in Penticton. The
most common type of housing
is the single-detached house
(6,749 units) followed by low-rise
apartments (4,438 units). Sixty-
three percent of households are
owner-occupied, and 37% are
rented.
While typically we have averaged
fewer than 200 new residential
units built each year, recent years
have shown significant growth,
with 438 new units in 2016, 473
in 2017 and 516 in 2018. These
figures do not represent net
growth, however, as a proportion
of them are replacing existing
housing.
The Local Government Act
requires municipalities to create
Housing Needs Assessments
on a regular basis. The City
of Penticton's Housing Needs
Assessment was written in 2017
and updated in 2018 as part of the
OCP process.
Housing
Housing Vision
Penticton's unique setting - in a valley and bounded by
two lakes - provides both challenges and opportunities
from a housing perspective. We are a growing city, but
accommodating that growth through new 'greenfield'
development is limited by our geography, agricultural
lands, and the feeling among many residents that we
should protect the natural environment on our hillsides.
The opportunities come from a willingness to intensify
our existing land base through infill and densification, in
a smart and sensitive manner to allow our community
to grow sustainably. Much of our recent residential
development has been in the form of duplexes,
townhouses, carriage houses and secondary suites, and
low-rise apartments or condos.
The future of housing development will require balancing
sensitive hillside development that is planned to avoid
adverse ecological impacts and to minimize long-term
social and economic costs, and appropriate and livable
intensification of our existing neighbourhoods. New
housing development is to be sensitive in scale and
character to the neighbourhood around it while at the
same time enhancing affordability and delivering a range
of unit types to accommodate the diverse needs of
citizens across the city. This will include units appropriate
for seniors, those entering the housing market, and
working families. The City will be an active partner in the
creation of affordable housing, by partnering with senior
levels of government in affordable housing programs.
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(Bylaw No. 2024-21)
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4.1.1 Managing Residential Growth
Goal
Ensure that Penticton retains its compact 'footprint' to help protect natural areas and
environmental values and agricultural lands, avoid excessive infrastructure costs and hazard
lands, and help create conditions that support transit and active modes of transportation.
Policies
4.1.1.1
Encourage new housing to be built in close proximity to the downtown, shopping
centres, schools, parks, bus exchanges and along transit corridors. Specifically
direct new housing in the downtown, North Gateway, South Gateway, near the
college, hospital, and within designated transit-oriented areas.
4.1.1.2
Avoid development in environmentally-sensitive areas, geological hazard and
flood hazard areas, on steep slopes, in agricultural areas and in areas not readily
served by transit.
4.1.1.3
Evaluate the short-term and long-term financial, ecological and social costs
and benefits of all proposed new greenfield (largely on hillsides) development
proposals through analysis of full life cycle costs of infrastructure, including
replacement, and services, and structured assessment of environmental and
social impacts.
4.1.1.4
Ensure all new developments fully cover the cost of the required infrastructure
and services they require, including roads, water, sewer, storm water, and
provision of parks, schools, and emergency services.
4.1.1.5
Explore using development financing tools such as Amenity Cost Charges to
collect funds for new community amenities such as recreation centres, child care
facilities, libraries and community centres to support an increasing population.
See Affordable Housing
from glossary (chapter 8)
MORE FACTS
4.1.2 Housing Affordability
Goal
Increase the availability of affordable housing across the housing spectrum, from subsidized
social housing to home-ownership options.
Policies
4.1.2.1
Where the need is demonstrated, collaborate and partner with senior governments,
Interior Health, the non-profit housing sector and the development community to
facilitate the retention, development and operation of projects across the housing
spectrum including shelters, transitional housing, complex care, supportive housing,
non-market housing, co-op housing and affordable rental and ownership housing
for singles, families, youth and seniors, with the goal of expanding the amount of
non-market units in the city.
4.1.2.2
Maximize the housing potential of existing land assets (sites and buildings)
owned by non-profits and governments, including the City, through strategic
partnerships and knowledge sharing.
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4.1.2.3
Recognize that while senior governments play the primary role in fostering,
funding and delivering affordable housing, the City will provide support through
technical assistance, supportive regulations, partnerships, community
consultation, project facilitation, and implementing policies that encourage new
housing development across Penticton.
4.1.2.4
Support innovative models of affordable housing, such as modular housing and
adaptive re-use of buildings, through technical and regulatory support, using pilot
projects or housing demonstration projects.
4.1.2.5
Engage in robust community consultation and work with community partners to
gain support for affordable housing projects and to refine projects to reflect
community input.
4.1.2.6
Continually review and improve the efficient processing of development
applications, with the potential of adopting pre-approved plans to expedite the
approvals process.
4.1.2.7
Assess the potential to use Development Cost Charge reductions for secured,
long-term affordable housing projects.
4.1.2.8
Provide long-term security for renters in and owners of purpose-built rental
projects by requiring Housing Agreements and/or non-stratification covenants.
4.1.2.9
Reduce parking standards for multifamily developments, where feasible, in
appropriate walkable, bikeable and transit-oriented neighbourhoods to reduce
construction costs and encourage active transportation.
4.1.2.10
Review and reduce parking requirements in core urban centres, multi-family
developments, and strategic growth areas.
4.1.2.11
Eliminate parking requirements for carriage houses and secondary suites.
4.1.2.12
Monitor vacation rentals to ensure they do not have a negative impact on the
long-term rental stock or negative social impacts on existing neighbours and/or
neighbourhoods. Refine vacation rental policy and regulations if necessary.
4.1.2.13
Recognize mobile homes as a form of affordable housing and protect tenants
while increasing the livability and character of mobile home parks through
landscaping and open space requirements, and integration with surrounding
neighbourhoods, through amendments to the Zoning Bylaw, Mobile Home
Parks Bylaw and Mobile Home Parks Policy.
4.1.3 Housing Diversity
Goal
Ensure a range of housing types, sizes, tenures and forms exist throughout the city to provide
housing options for all ages, household types, and incomes.
Policies
4.1.3.1
Encourage more intensive "infill" residential development in areas close to the
Downtown, to employment, services and shopping, through zoning amendments
for housing types compatible with existing neighbourhood character, with form
and character guided by Development Permit Area Guidelines.
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4.1.3.2
Use development permit guidelines to support infill development with quality
design and sensitivity to the neighbourhood context.
4.1.3.3
Foster diversity and create relative affordability while maintaining neighbourhood
character in single-family areas by encouraging the creation of smaller-frontage
lots in new neighbourhoods and subdivisions, and permitting the subdivision of larger
lots in established neighbourhoods where access and servicing are adequate.
4.1.3.4
Encourage developments that offer a range of unit types including micro-suites,
studio units, and one-bedroom units to meet the needs of smaller households
such as youth, young professionals, and seniors while also supporting
developments with two-, three- and more bedroom units for larger housholds
such as families.
4.1.3.5
Ensure through the use of zoning that more-intensive forms of residential development
are located close to transit and amenities, such as parks, schools and shopping.
4.1.3.6
Require amenity areas in all multifamily and mixed-use projects through regulations
in the Zoning Bylaw.
4.1.3.7
Support the housing needs of the aging population and those with disabilities through
universal design principles and standards for accessible units and establishing a
minimum proportion of accessible units in multifamily projects in the Zoning Bylaw.
4.1.3.8
Be fl exible and adapt to innovative forms of housing including co-housing and units
that support multi-generational living to meet the needs of the community.
4.1.4 Housing Quality
Goal
Ensure that new housing is attractively and sensitively designed, is water and energy efficient,
and that all housing is properly maintained.
Policies
4.1.4.1
Work with the development community - architects, designers and builders - to
create new residential developments that are attractive, high-quality, energy
effi cient, appropriately scaled and respectful of their context.
4.1.4.2
Ensure that housing - both owner-occupied and rental - is well-managed and
meets community expectations for standards of maintenance, upkeep and
cleanliness.
4.1.4.3
Continue to ensure that new residential developments meet or exceed energy
efficiency requirements. The City may explore incentive programs to encourage
higher levels of energy efficiency.
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4.1.5 Housing and Neighbourhood Character
Goal
Ensure that as neighbourhoods grow and change, a sense of place and character is maintained.
Policies
4.1.5.1
4.1.5.2
4.1.5.3
4.1.5.4
Recognize that some traditionally single-family neighbourhoods will see intensifi cation
as the city grows, but ensure that new forms of residential development are compatible
with the neighbourhood in scale and design, and are appropriately located (e.g., greater
density closer to collector roads, services and amenities).
The City will undertake or require neighbourhood redevelopment plans in areas
undergoing - or proposed to undergo - transition in the context of the directions
in this OCP to ensure: a) sustainable mix of land uses, b) an appropriate scale and
design, and c) design that considers transportation options.
Use Multifamily Residential Development Permit Area Guidelines to direct, through
the City's approval processes, the character and feel of residential
neighbourhoods, as well as to guide water and energy conservation. (Bylaw No.
2025-11)
Ensure that all new neighbourhood developments and redevelopments of existing
large sites, including bareland stratas, are fully integrated into the surrounding
community through publically-accessible roads, sidewalks, trails and public park
lands.
4.1.6 Complete and Healthy Neighbourhoods
Goal
Provide opportunities to live, work and play in all of Penticton's neighbourhoods.
Policies
4.1.6.1
Ensure all residential neighbourhoods in Penticton provide a range of appropriately-
scaled housing types and tenures, employment opportunities such as home-based
businesses, transportation options like walking and cycling, social supports such as
childcare facilities, and access to green space and parks.
4.1.6.2
Increase the supply of neighbourhood amenities, such as pocket parks and trails, for
the use, enjoyment and social benefit of the surrounding community as residential
intensification occurs.
4.1.6.3
Consult with Interior Health to assist in the preparation of long range plans and
strategies (e.g. neighbourhood plans, and parks and transportation plans), as well
as guide the review of development applications that have the potential to affect
community health.
4.1.6.4
Emphasize the need for increased child care facilities in Penticton by continuing to
ensure minor day care centre uses are allowed across the City and that major day
care centre uses be expanded into more zones, where appropriate.
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Transportation and
Infrastructure
Transportation Vision
Penticton's compact and efficient footprint makes it easy to
get around, especially if you drive or live in a neighbourhood
close to where you work, shop or play. This plan prioritizes
planning for and investment in active modes of transportation
(like walking and cycling) and transit, which offer significant
social, environmental, economic and health benefits. The goal
is to provide for ease of mobility regardless of how you choose
or are able to get around, where you live, your income or your
age. We will make the best possible use of our valuable land
that is dedicated to roads, parking and trails. While driving
will continue to be an easy way to travel, other modes will be
safe, enjoyable, convenient and practical. There is a strong
correlation between providing the right kind of infrastructure
and expanding peoples' transportation choices.
4. 2
Key Facts
Mode split-commute to work
(2016):
3% BICYCLE
Average Commute
15.7 mins
2% OTHER
Average Commute
22.7 mins
10% WALKING
Average Commute
14.7 mins
1% PUBLIC TRANSIT
Average Commute
24.6 mins
1% MOTORCYCLE
or SCOOTER
Average Commute
14.4 mins
83% CAR, TRUCK
or VAN
Average Commute
15.8 mins
The following City of Penticton
plans guide transportation planning
and decisions:
-
Transportation Master Plan
-
Comprehensive Development Plan
-
Bicycle Plan
-
Strategic Sidewalk Priority Plan
-
Truck Route Plan
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4. 2. 1 Complete Transportation Approach
Goal
Create and manage a safe transportation system that supports all ages, abilities, and modes
of mobility, helps meet environmental objectives, and uses infrastructure responsibly.
Policies
4.2.1.1
Undertake a comprehensive update of the Transportation Master Plan in 2020
guided by the transportation priorities and objectives in this Official Community
Plan.
4.2.1.2
Prioritize design, investment and renewal of transportation infrastructure in urban
and suburban areas according to the following hierarchy:
4.2.1.3
Design streets for daily traffic volumes rather than seasonal peak volumes when
building or renewing roads. Recognize that some congestion will occur as we
grow and during peak volume times, but mitigate this through investments in
sustainable transportation options like transit, bike routes, sidewalks and trails.
4.2.1.4
Reduce road widths in existing rights-of-way to create spaces that support
walking, biking and transit, to increase adjacent green space and to reduce asset
management costs.
4.2.1.5
Create 'complete streets' (designed for everyone) in suitable areas that provide
safe and comfortable mobility (i.e., allow for access, movement and crossing) for
all users: pedestrians, cyclists, drivers, commercial vehicle operators and transit
users.
4.2.1.6
Create a multi-use pathway (cycling, walking, mobility scooters) within city limits
connecting Skaha Lake and Lake Okanagan that is separated from motorized
traffic, has minimal grade changes, and has connections to key destinations (e.g.,
schools, destination parks, trails and shopping areas).
4.2.1.7
Promote walking, cycling and transit use through strategic land use planning that
facilitates denser, attractive, mixed-use communities that are rich in amenities.
4.2.1.8
Prioritize municipal investment in improving the transportation system in the
downtown, including trails and links to key community nodes.
4.2.1.9
Plan for lane-ways in new neighbourhoods, where possible, to improve the public
realm on the street and for access to carriage houses and rear-facing units,
garages and driveways, and to facilitate servicing and waste pickup.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Walking, Wheelchairs, Mobility Scooters
Biking
Transit
Goods Movement
Multiple-Occupant Vehicles
Single-Occupant Vehicles
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4. 2. 2 Walking
Goal
Ensure that residents and workers throughout Penticton have the opportunity to walk to
parks, schools, shopping, employment and other destinations in safety and comfort.
Policies
4.2.2.1
Ensure that pedestrian safety and accessibility is considered a key priority when
making transportation decisions in the Downtown.
4.2.2.2
Address gaps in the pedestrian network by providing sidewalks on at least one side
of the street in residential neighbourhoods, and commercial and mixed-use areas,
using excess street rights-of-way where possible or through land acquisition if
necessary. Where possible, provide sidewalks by requiring their construction or
upgrades from developers.
4.2.2.3
Enhance and expand the trail and pathway network through capital funding for
upgrades, land acquisition, wayfinding, public art, safe street crossings, and by
connecting existing trail systems and establishing trail linkages in and through
new neighbourhoods.
4.2.2.4
Undertake a corridor plan that includes cross-sections and specifications that will
result in improved pedestrian safety and comfort by:
»»
buffering sidewalks from traffic through boulevards, landscaping, bikes lanes or parking
»»
creating safe crossings by maximizing visibility (using lighting, paint and materials) and
shortening crossing distances (extending curbs into the street right of way)
»»
planting suitable street trees to create canopy coverage
»»
minimizing driveway crossings
»»
providing street lighting and street furniture (e.g., benches) where appropriate.
4.2.2.5
Require that vehicle access to parking in residential areas is from the laneway in
neighbourhoods where laneways exist.
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4. 2. 3 Cycling
Goal
Develop a connected network of safe and convenient cycling infrastructure that meets the
needs of recreational riders, casual riders and commuters.
Policies
4.2.3.1
Renew the Bike Network Master Plan to confirm that it provides safe and direct
connections for cyclists with all of the following:
»»
Schools and Okanagan College
»»
Employment centres, and major retail and service areas
»»
Downtown
»»
Parks and beaches
»»
Skaha Lake and Lake Okanagan
»»
The KVR Trail and the Okanagan Channel Parkway Trail
»»
Hillside and valley-bottom neighbourhoods
4.2.3.2
Facilitate multi-modal trips by integrating the bicycle network with other modes
of transportation, especially transit, by providing bike racks on buses, and safe
and secure bicycle parking.
4.2.3.3
Partner with the Penticton Indian Band, the Province and the Regional District to
enhance the multi-modal pathway on the western side of the Channel, and to
improve connectivity to the rest of the city.
4.2.3.4
Recognize there are different cycling user groups -recreational riders (including
children and seniors), commuters, cyclists with trailers, and competitive athletes -
and design routes and cycling infrastructure accordingly.
4.2.3.5
Ensure significant components of the bike network are physically separated from
vehicular traffic through barriers and/or grade changes to encourage cycling and
protect vulnerable riders.
4.2.3.6
Install bicycle-specific traffic signals and rider-activated signal push buttons
where appropriate.
4.2.3.7
Provide convenient, safe and visible bike lock-up facilities in key destinations
such as downtown, commercial areas, parks and beaches. Reallocate vehicle
parking spaces to bicycle parking spaces, where appropriate.
4.2.3.8
Require adequate levels of secure bike parking in new multi-family, mixed-use
and commercial development.
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4. 2. 4 KVR Rails to Trails Network
Goal
Build on the opportunity provided by the former Kettle Valley Railway rail grade to create a
cycling and walking trail network that connects the region and provides a unique recreational
and cultural amenity for residents and visitors.
Policies
4.2.4.1
Partner with the Penticton Indian Band, the Regional District of the Okanagan-
Similkameen, the Province, the Federal Government and the District of Summerland
to create, maintain and promote a regional rails-to-trails network on the former KVR
rail grade connecting Naramata, Penticton, Summerland and Okanagan Falls.
4.2.4.2
Endeavor to integrate cultural, ecological and recreational opportunities into trail
programming.
4.2.4.3
Create a management plan to address erosion and degradation from unregulated
use.
4.2.4.4
Explore ways to integrate and promote the KVR trail system with broader regional
and national initiatives such as the Great Trail (Trans Canada Trail) and the more
recent Trail of the Okanagans Initiative.
4.2.4.5
Connect and improve the elements of the KVR rail grade that currently exist in the
city to provide a safe and attractive trail linkage for cycling and walking between
the Channel and the Naramata Bench. Prioritize completing the connection
between the Okanagan Channel Parkway Trail and Cossar Avenue KVR trailhead
through design and the acquisition of land, easements and rights-of-way.
4.2.4.6
Work with the Penticton Indian Band and other parties to assess the feasibility
and construction of a pedestrian and cyclist bridge crossing of the Channel on the
former KVR rail grade adjacent to Highway 97.
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4. 2. 5 Transit
Goal
Support public transit as a comfortable, affordable, safe and convenient means of local and
regional transportation.
Policies
4.2.5.1
Partner with BC Transit to implement the recommendations in the 2015 Transit Future
Plan and to ensure future updates to that plan align with City priorities and needs.
4.2.5.2
Encourage land use planning that results in neighbourhoods that can be easily
serviced by transit.
4.2.5.3
Explore the feasibility of a Downtown transit hub to provide access to and linkage of
multiple local and regional routes, plus shelter from the elements and washrooms.
Facilitate its creation if it is shown to have broad benefits.
4.2.5.4
Work with BC Transit to improve the frequency of transit service during peak
times and during night time/early mornings to increase ridership.
4.2.5.5
Expand local regional transit network coverage to hillside neighbourhoods like
Sendero Canyon and the Upper Wiltse area.
4.2.5.6
Encourage transit use by ensuring that good pedestrian infrastructure exists near
bus routes in residential, employment and commercial areas.
4.2.5.7
Work with BC Transit to promote technological advances which improve the
experience of using transit, such as AVL (Automatic Vehicle Location) apps that
provide real-time reporting on bus locations and schedules, distance to nearby
bus stops, and on-demand service. Encourage the posting of bus schedules at all
or most bus stops.
4.2.5.8
Develop and/or support partnerships and provide leadership to improve and
expand regional transit options, particularly the Penticton-Kelowna route.
4.2.5.9
Work with the Penticton Indian Band and government partners to support
innovative transportation solutions that connect communities and regional assets.
4.2.5.10
Work with the School District to ensure routes and schedules meet the needs of
students.
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4. 2. 6 Goods Movement
Goal
Support the continued growth and success of a thriving industrial and commercial businesses
by ensuring the safe and efficient movement of goods and provision of services in Penticton.
Policies
4.2.6.1
Provide direct and safe connections for goods movements and servicing linking
Highway 97 and industrial areas.
4.2.6.2
Ensure truck routes are designed for the safety of truck drivers and other street
users, including pedestrians and cyclists.
4.2.6.3
Foster public awareness of the importance of goods movement to businesses
and the economy.
4.2.6.4
Work with the Penticton Industrial Development Association and industrial
business owners on a strategy to safely and easily accommodate parking of
transportation rigs in the Industrial Area during downtimes.
4.2.6.5
Ensure developments in commercial, high-density residential and mixed-use
areas are designed with adequate loading zones and access for goods delivery.
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4. 2. 7 Driving
Goal
Ensure that driving is safe for both drivers and other users of the road.
Policies
4.2.7.1
Design streets so as not to encourage speeds beyond the intended speed limit.
Where speeding is an on-going concern, consider reducing street widths or
employ other design approaches to encourage lower speeds. Refer to and amend
the City's Transportation Safety Policy as necessary.
4.2.7.2
Explore implementation of best practice design solutions to create safe and
convenient intersections.
4.2.7.3
Work with the RCMP to enforce speed limits, particularly around vulnerable users
such as children and seniors.
4.2.7.4
Continue to deploy traffic calming measures around parks, schools and other
areas with reduced speed limits, and monitor outcomes to ensure the measures
are successful.
4.2.7.5
Develop incentives or regulations to support the installation of electric vehicle
charging stations in all new multifamily, commercial and mixed-used developments.
4.2.7.6
Support the expansion of car share opportunities by encouraging their provision
in multifamily developments and by allocating dedicated public parking stalls in
suitable areas.
4.2.7.7
Create a balanced parking strategy assessing costs and benefits that supports
businesses while also encouraging active modes of transportation such as
walking, biking and transit.
4.2.7.8
Ensure new residential developments provide an appropriate amount of parking
for residents and their guests.
4.2.7.9
Undertake a feasibility study for building and operating a parking structure
(parkade) in a strategic location to meet identified demand for secured parking
and to potentially free up land currently used for surface parking for other more
intensive and active uses.
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4. 2. 8 Airport
Goal
Support the ongoing operation, expansion and service provided by the Penticton Regional
Airport as a strategic economic driver and essential business service for Penticton.
Policies
4.2.8.1
Continue to recognize and support the Penticton Regional Airport (YYF) as an
important transportation asset for business and residents.
4.2.8.2
Support Federal government investment into Penticton Airport to expand the
terminal and airport infrastructure to support airport expansion.
4.2.8.3
Support business and industry expansion in and around airport lands as an
economic driver for the region.
4.2.8.4
Work with the City of Penticton's Economic Development team to promote
Penticton Airport as a local and regional asset.
4.2.8.5
Encourage the addition and enhancement of flights in an out of Penticton Airport
to support the needs and demands of South Okanagan businesses, resident and
tourists.
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4. 3
Economy
Economy Vision
Penticton's economy is diverse and dynamic. Traditional
sectors such as tourism, manufacturing and construction
have evolved and new ones have emerged. For example,
over the last few decades, agriculture has transitioned
from largely fruit production and processing to incorporate
viticulture (wine making), research and innovation, and
education. Remote working, innovative manufacturing
and outdoor adventure services have emerged as key
components of our economy.
It is recognized that the economy is not static, and the
directions presented in this OCP are intended to be broad
and adaptable rather than focusing on specific sectors or
focused strategies.
The City of Penticton takes an active role in economic
development and has partnered with businesses,
organizations and agencies to develop a 2018-2022
Strategic Plan for fostering economic vitality. The
economic goals and policies outlined in this OCP reflect
these directions. These should be regularly reviewed to
ensure alignment with changing economic conditions.
Key Facts
16,565 jobs in Penticton (9%
increase since 2006)
Top Employment Sectors:
-
Health and Social Services
(19.3%)
-
Retail Trade (17.2%)
-
Accommodation and Food
Services (10.9%)
-
Public Administration (7.1%)
-
Other Services (7.1%)
-
Manufacturing (6.7%)
Top employers:
-
Canada Revenue Agency
-
City of Penticton
-
Interior Health
-
Ministry of Environment
-
Service BC, Service Canada
-
School District No.67
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4. 3. 1 Strategic Investment Areas
Goal
Focus economic development priorities and infrastructure investment in strategic areas to
support existing public infrastructure and assets, and to encourage private investment.
Policies
4.3.1.1
Target civic investment in:
- The Downtown, as the heart of the community, to support local small-scale
businesses, to increase residential densities, to capitalize on existing investments
in infrastructure and services, and to support the development of a small-scale
grocery store.
- The Northern Gateway to intensify development around the SOEC/Community
Centre/Memorial Arena campus and City parkland/beaches, to enhance the
entryway to the city and the Downtown, to support the established Lakeshore/
Riverside tourist commercial precinct and to create opportunities for walking and
cycling.
- The industrial area to support business and job growth, to facilitate intensification
and expansion of the industrial land base, and to upgrade infrastructure and
services to meet the needs of existing and future industrial operations.
- The Skaha Lake Road area to support the development of a higher-density
residential node in a high-amenity area, to facilitate development of larger
opportunity sites, to provide opportunities for walking and cycling, and to capitalize
on existing investments in infrastructure, services and parks.
Tourism, Events,
SOEC,
Arts & Culture
5%
10%
14%
The 2018 Industries Clusters Report
identified:
Clusters for retention and expansion:
-
Tourism, Events, SOEC, Arts & Culture
-
Wine, Beer, Spirit Production
-
Technology
-
Manufacturing
Clusters for Attraction:
-
Agricultural Technology
-
Agricultural Production
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4. 3. 3 Communication
Goal
Encourage and enhance communication with the goal of increasing awareness about how
our economy works.
Policies
4.3.3.1
Foster active communications between the City, business and other community
partners through stakeholder engagement, facilitated events, and active outreach.
4.3.3.2
Generate and share data and information relevant to the business community to
foster their understanding of pertinent trends and indicators.
4.3.3.3
Market Penticton as a vibrant, forward-thinking city to attract and retain high-
quality businesses and skilled residents.
4. 3. 4 Collaboration to Meet Common Goals
Goal
Recognize the power of alignment and partnerships with local, regional, national
and First Nations stakeholders and organizations.
Policies
4.3.4.1
Foster collaborative working relationships with the Penticton Indian Band and
regional, provincial and federal agencies and organizations.
4.3.4.2
Support the economic and cultural growth of the Penticton Indian Band.
4.3.4.3
Support and enhance existing partnerships with Okanagan College and UBC
Okanagan in recognition of their contribution to the regional economy and as
centres of innovation.
4.3.4.4
Work with the Penticton Economic Development Partnership organizations to
identify partnership opportunities for the benefit of our community and region.
4. 3. 2 Employment Lands
Goal
Ensure long-term commitment to maintaining a sufficient and secure commercial and
industrial land base.
Policies
4.3.2.1
Encourage high quality commercial development by applying Development
Permit Area Guidelines, updating and enforcing regulatory bylaws, and fostering
initiatives that improve the quality and infrastructure of commercial areas.
4.3.2.2
Reinforce Downtown as the highest order commercial area in Penticton by
allowing a wide range of commercial uses and encouraging continued
intensification and growth of commercial activities through land use planning.
4.3.2.3
Encourage intensification of vacant or underused service commercial parcels
before designating additional service commercial areas.
4.3.2.4
Discourage incompartible uses in and adjacent to industrial areas to ensure the
integrity of a sound industrial land base.
4.3.2.5
Encourage efficient use of the available industrial lands by encouraging industrial
densification.
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4. 3. 5 Business Retention and Expansion
Goal
Create conditions for business to succeed and thrive as long-term contributors to the
economy.
Policies
4.3.5.1
Support and leverage priority industry clusters (tourism and events; wine, beer
and spirit production; technology; manufacturing; agriculture), and identify
new clusters as they emerge, to provide economic benefits including shared
knowledge and increased innovation.
4.3.5.2
Support business by fostering an environment that supports and encourages
innovation, entrepreneurial thinking and entrepreneurial business.
4.3.5.3
Work with the business community and partners to increase capacity for
business succession.
4.3.5.4
Facilitate the alignment of post-secondary programs and business needs.
4. 3. 6 Business and Labour Attraction
Goal
Bring businesses, investment and labour to Penticton.
Policies
4.3.6.1
Foster an environment that attracts new ventures in priority industry clusters
4.3.6.2
Develop and implement a plan, in partnership with senior governments, to
attract and retain businesses and skilled workers that encompasses strategies
around communication, education and training, appropriate and affordable
housing and childcare, support for remote workers, support for new immigrants,
and promotion of regional attractants such as climate and lifestyle.
4.3.6.3
Recognize that business growth is reliant on adequate housing availability, and
work to develop policies that encourage housing development as outlined in
section 4.1.
4.3.6.4
Ensure zoning regulations provide opportunities for appropriate home-based
work and telecommuting by supporting live-work units and flex suites in suitable
locations in and around Downtown and employment centres.
4.3.6.5
Encourage the development of high-quality 'class A' office space in attractive
high-amenity areas of the city, particularly the Downtown.
4.3.6.6
Support business investment and worker attraction to Penticton by adhering to
high-quality urban design standards, mixing compatible land uses, providing
parks, trails and amenities, protecting the natural environment, and supporting
active transportation to create quality neighbourhoods.
4.3.6.7
Continue to emphasize the importance of the Penticton Regional Airport to
Penticton's businesses, visitors and residents.
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4. 3. 7 Creating a Creative, Connected and Innovative City
Goal
Leverage the fundamental benefits offered by data, connected technology, renewable energy
and innovation to create meaningful and positive outcomes for Penticton's residents.
Policies
4.3.7.1
Provide accurate and useable data through initiatives and partnerships to
empower citizens, inform decision making, and strengthen relationships between
residents and public organizations.
4.3.7.2
Encourage and support the use of connected technologies to foster relationships
within the community and between the community and the City.
4.3.7.3
Use the notion of creating a "smart city" as a focal point of community
engagement and collaboration, and use the outcomes of the process to enhance
connections in the community.
4.3.7.4
Support and show leadership in the development of renewable energy projects,
and in agricultural and industrial innovation.
4. 3. 8 Post-Secondary Education
Goal
Recognize post-secondary institutions such as Okanagan College and UBC Okanagan as
important economic drivers and focal points of innovation.
Policies
4.3.8.1
Support the operation, expansion and promotion of Okanagan College as a key
component of Penticton's competitive advantage and as a centre of innovation.
4.3.8.2
Continue to foster collaborative partnerships with UBC Okanagan.
4.3.8.3
Facilitate interaction between identified industry cluster stakeholders and
representatives of Okanagan College and other potentially supportive institutions
to support initiatives such as a potential Provincial Wine Centre for Excellence in
Penticton.
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4. 4
Key Facts
The Okanagan is one of three places in Canada identified
as having Nationally Significant Biodiversity.
42% of Penticton's land base contains ecosystems ranked
high or very high in importance for conservation. 6% of
these highly sensitive ecosystems have been designated
as open space or protected as conservation lands through
park designation or appropriate zoning.
Penticton is a signatory to the BC Climate Action Charter.
The B.C. Climate Action Charter is a voluntary agreement
between the B.C. Government, Union of B.C. Municipalities
and each local government signatory to take action on
climate change. Under the Charter, local government
signatories commit to:
-
Becoming carbon neutral in their corporate operations
-
Measuring and reporting their community's greenhouse gas
emissions
-
Creating complete, compact, more energy efficient communities
The average person in the Okanagan uses 675 litres of
water each day. This is more than twice as much water
than the average Canadian uses (Source: Okanagan
Basin Water Board)
The City of Penticton, as a corporation, achieved carbon-
neutral status for greenhouse gas reduction initiatives
under the Provincial Climate Action Charter in 2016 and
2017.
Environment and
Resilience Vision
As Penticton grows, we will
protect, preserve and enhance
our natural environment
through informed land use
decisions, best management
practices, and energy and
waste reduction. Strategies to
make Penticton resilient will
be implemented in recognition
of the impacts of weather
and climate-related stresses
associated with a changing
climate, such as wildfire,
flooding and extreme weather
events.
Environment
and Resilience
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4. 4. 1 Resilience to Natural Hazards
Goal
Ensure that Penticton is proactive in anticipating and preparing for increasing risks, exposure
and costs associated with wildfire, flooding and geotechnical hazards resulting from a
changing climate.
Policies
Wildfire
4.4.1.1
Protect neighbourhoods and agricultural areas in wildfire interface areas, and
the city at large, through implementation of wildfire best management practices,
such as ecologically-appropriate FireSmart, in new neighbourhood and
infrastructure design, building construction and the management of individual
properties.
4.4.1.3
Implement the recommendations in the Penticton Community Wildfire Protection
Plan (CWPP), and update the CWPP as necessary.
Flooding
4.4.1.4
Continue to work with the Province to identify, analyze, refine and map the
elevation and horizontal extent of the high water marks of a 200-year flood from
Okanagan Lake, Skaha Lake, Ellis Creek, Penticton Creek and other minor creeks,
and provide information on building requirements pertaining to flood construction
levels.
4.4.1.5
Amend and update relevant City bylaws (Zoning Bylaw, Building Bylaw, Subdivision
and Development Bylaw, etc.) to outline requirements for development around
lakes, creeks and areas with high water tables.
4.4.1.6
Minimize exposure to future flood damage by avoiding or minimizing
development in the floodplain and in areas affected by groundwater, developing
these lands for less-sensitive uses (e.g., parks and greenspace) or, when
development cannot be avoided, implementing flood mitigation measures.
4.4.1.7
Mitigate the impacts of potential flooding on buildings and properties in the
floodplain area and affected by groundwater through design and site grading
prior to construction.
Geotechnical Hazard
4.4.1.8
Update the City's geotechnical hazard mapping by 2021 to direct development
in silt bluff and steep slope areas.
4.4.1.2
Support Penticton's Recognized
FireSmart Communities in
their annual Recognition Process
and encourage the creation of
additional FireSmart Communities
within and adjacent to the city.
WHAT IS FIRESMART?
FireSmart is a national program designed to
reduce interface fire risk to communities. In
BC, the FireSmart program is administered by
the BC Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural
Resource Operations Wildfire Management
Branch.
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4. 4. 2 Protect and Enhance of Natural Areas
Goal
Preserve, protect, restore, and enhance the city's natural environment and biodiversity.
Policies
4.4.2.1
Identify environmentally sensitive areas and riparian areas, and protect them
through application of the Environmental and Riparian Development Permit
Guidelines.
4.4.2.2
Identify, preserve, protect, connect, restore and enhance wildlife corridors through
land use designations, zoning and covenants.
4.4.2.3
Identify and designate lands such as the Oxbows and Silt bluffs for conservation-
oriented parks and protected areas.
4.4.2.4
Recognize the value of urban trees to store carbon, reduce water run-off, buffer
windstorms and mitigate summer heating impacts.
4.4.2.5
Create and implement an Urban Forest Strategy to identify and monitor the
percentage of vegetation and canopy cover, and to develop direction on strategies
to maintain and increase canopy cover and vegetation densities, as well as to
regulate the removal of existing trees.
4. 4. 3 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions
Goal
Actively monitor GHG emissions and meet or exceed city-wide and corporate (City of
Penticton) GHG reduction targets in the City's Climate Action Plans.
Policies
4.4.3.1
Continue to achieve and maintain carbon neutrality in City of Penticton corporate
operations.
4.4.3.2
Update the 2011 City of Penticton Corporate Climate Action Plan and Community
Climate Action Plan by 2020, and implement their recommendations.
4.4.3.3
Undertake a Community Energy and Emissions Inventory (CEEI) by 2020 to
identify and monitor city-wide emissions from transportation, buildings, and solid
waste, so as to better understand our carbon footprint as a community.
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4. 4. 4 Energy Use Reduction and Sustainable Energy
Production
Goal
Promote and support energy reduction practices and support local renewable energy
production.
Policies
4.4.4.1
Encourage energy reduction in new buildings and renovation through adoption
and active implementation of the BC Energy Step Code (Building Code),
promotion of new technology and energy-efficient building retrofits.
4.4.4.2
Explore incentives, such as fee reductions and bonus density, to encourage
development at the highest levels of the BC Energy Step Code.
4.4.4.3
Lead by example through the implementation of energy-saving measures and
green building innovation in the development and renovation of City facilities.
4.4.4.4
Encourage the development of compact, mixed-use neighbourhoods, where
appropriate, and support transit use, walking, cycling, car sharing and low-
emission vehicles.
4.4.4.5
Explore and support initiatives to produce renewable energy, such as
photovoltaic/solar (solar gardens, large and small-scale installations), heat
exchange, geothermal, and district energy systems.
4. 4. 5 Water Management
Goal
Protect, preserve, restore and enhance our valuable water resources.
Policies
4.4.5.1
Promote a sustainable approach to water management by reducing water waste
and encouraging water use efficiency, and work with industry/agriculture partners
(e.g., the viticulture sector) to implement best practices.
4.4.5.2
Encourage water reduction strategies in new development, such as low-water
landscaping (e.g., xeriscaping), "gray water" re-use and efficient plumbing.
4.4.5.3
Implement stormwater best management practices such as absorbent
landscapes, infiltration swales, filtering and oil separation, rain gardens and
pervious paving to minimize runoff and increase on-site retention and infiltration.
4.4.5.4
Continue to implement the Penticton Creek and Ellis Creek Masterplans to
mitigate flooding and to restore habitat.
4.4.5.5
Evaluate and investigate the need for increased water storage capacity to meet
the joint challenges of population growth and climate change.
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4. 4. 6 Waste Reduction and Organics Diversion
Goal
Divert recyclables and organics from the landfill, reduce waste and energy use, protect the
environment, and extend the life of our landfill.
Policies
4.4.6.1
Work with the Regional District to create and implement a Solid Waste
Management Plan (SWMP) to reduce the amount of solid waste requiring
disposal.
4.4.6.2
Implement an organics and food waste diversion program to reduce landfill
dependence and generate by-products such as compost, natural gas and biofuels.
4.4.6.3
Investigate the feasibility of new technology that achieves benefits from the waste
stream, such as waste-to-energy production.
4.4.6.4
Continue to support evolving recycling best practices and to divert any recyclable
material from landfills.
4.4.6.5
Assess the feasibility of collecting and recycling industrial, commercial, and
institutional (ICI) recyclable materials.
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4. 5
Agriculture and Food
Systems
Agriculture and Food Systems Vision
Agriculture has always been central to Penticton's identity
and economy, and although it has evolved in many
ways, it is still a part of our character and landscape.
Agriculture and agricultural innovation will be supported
and agricultural lands protected through this plan. We will
take a holistic approach by planning for our local food
system, which encompasses the production, processing,
distribution, consumption and disposal of food. Urban
agriculture activities will also be supported and encouraged
throughout the city, which not only provide food, but also
creates education opportunities around the value of
growing what we eat locally.
Key Facts
of land area in city
limits is in the
Agricultural Land
Reserve (843 hectares)
18%
18%
44
80
wineries in Penticton
(there were 12 in 2005)
vendors at the
Penticton Farmer's
Market (which has been
running every year since
1991)
80
80
Okanagan College and
the Summerland
Research and
Development Centre are
centres of agricultural
innovation
44
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4. 5. 1 Support, Protect and Enhance Agriculture
Goal
Support, protect and enhance agriculture as a central component of Penticton's economy,
character and identity.
Policies
4.5.1.1
Update the 2005 Penticton Agriculture Plan to reflect the priorities in this OCP, our
evolving agricultural economy, adaptation strategies relating to climate change
and extreme weather events, consideration of ecological and cultural values, and
input from a diverse range of agricultural stakeholders.
4.5.1.2
Work with the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) to ensure that agricultural
activities remain the primary use on lands within the Agricultural Land Reserve
(ALR) and encourage active farming use of those lands. Proposed compatible
non-farm uses and non-soil-based agriculture should be comprehensively
reviewed to ensure there are NO negative impacts on agricultural viability and
operations.
4.5.1.3
Support, and partner where appropriate, on strategies that facilitate an increased
use of farmland for agriculture and food production.
4.5.1.4
Discourage subdivision of agricultural lands. In most cases, City utilities and
services will not be provided to these lands to discourage development of non
agricultural uses, and growth will be directed towards more-central and well-
serviced infill areas.
4.5.1.5
Consider establishing buffers including distance setbacks, landscape buffers and
fencing requirements to minimize conflicts between agricultural and other land
uses (e.g., residential or commercial).
4.5.1.6
Provide continued support for outdoor markets, Community Supported Agriculture
(CSAs), buy-local campaigns, and farm-gate sales to support local and regional
food producers and to promote Penticton's agricultural identity and economy
4.5.1.7
Explore the feasibility of establishing a year-round market facility to support local
growers, improve access to local food and promote our agricultural sector.
4.5.1.8
Support the creation of a BC Wine Centre of Excellence in Penticton.
4.5.1.9
Support and showcase agriculture (including viticulture) research and best
practices and use relevant findings to inform decisions.
4.5.1.10
Further develop Penticton's role as a hub for the South Okanagan wine region
and fruit production through support and promotion of educational and research
initiatives, innovation and intra-regional partnerships.
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4. 5. 2 Food System
Goal
Create and Implement a Local Food System Strategy.
Policies
4.5.2.1
Create and implement a comprehensive Local Food System Strategy that reflects
the core community values established in Penticton's Official Community Plan.
The Strategy should address the growing, harvesting, processing, packaging,
transporting, marketing, consuming, and disposing of food.
4.5.2.2
Work collaboratively with the Syilx (Okanagan) Nation, Interior Health, School
District 67, agricultural associations and relevant community groups and non-
profits to enhance capacity for food system sustainability.
4.5.2.3
Partner with community organizations on awareness and education campaigns
that increase support for the local food system, such as local food procurement
campaigns and regional composting.
4.5.2.4
Increase access to healthy and affordable food retail and services within all
neighbourhoods through land use planning, and through connections created by
active transportation networks and public transit.
4.5.2.5
Encourage the development of a full-service grocery store in the Downtown.
4.5.2.6
Strengthen community-scale food system supports, such as community kitchens,
and community and school gardens.
4. 5. 3 Urban Agriculture
Goal
Expand food production in urban and suburban areas of Penticton.
Policies
4.5.3.1
Review zoning and other relevant regulations and use existing land and
infrastructure, where appropriate, to increase local food access and production.
4.5.3.2
Integrate urban agriculture opportunities into multi-family, mixed-use and
commercial developments, available rights-of-way, boulevards, and civic facilities.
These can include community gardens, intensive small-plot farming, edible
landscaping, orchards, bee-keeping, pollinator gardens and rooftop gardens.
4.5.3.3
Encourage and facilitate urban agriculture on vacant and under utilized lots
throughout the city through lease agreements and in-kind supports to produce
food, create vibrant places and build community.
4.5.3.4
Partner with the School District and community organizations on projects that
provide education around the growing, processing and distribution of local food.
4.5.3.5
Incorporate appropriate native edible landscaping into public lands, parks and
private developments.
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4. 6
Arts, Culture and Heritage
Arts, Culture and Heritage Vision
Arts, culture and heritage will be celebrated as a way to build community, enhance our identity
and support our economy. Tangible expressions of First Nations culture and heritage will be
supported and honoured. Arts and culture will be recognized as an important part of Penticton's
identity, and supported through initiatives involving public art, festivals and events, and creating
synergies among our vibrant arts and cultural facilities. History and heritage have deep value
in creating a sense of place and belonging. Our built and natural history can be protected and
enhanced through maintaining and expanding our Heritage Register and implementing form
and character design guidelines for new development.
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4. 6. 1 First Nations
Goal
Respect, honour and promote expressions of Syilx/Okanagan First Nations culture and
heritage in Penticton.
Policies
4.6.1.1
Partner with the Penticton Indian Band to support and promote Syilx/Okanagan
First Nations culture and heritage in Penticton.
4.6.1.2
Create a more visible Indigenous presence in the city through public art, signage
and place-naming, and recognition that Penticton lies within the traditional
territory of the Syilx/Okanagan people.
4.6.1.3
Foster collaboration on cultural initiatives between Indigenous and non-
Indigenous artists and cultural organizations.
4.6.1.4
Partner with the Penticton Indian Band Development Corporation on mutually-
beneficial economic, social and cultural development initiatives.
4. 6. 2 Arts and Culture Presence
Goal
Enhance the city's cultural image through arts facilities, events, festivals, public art and
heritage protection.
Policies
4.6.2.1
Explore Development of an Arts and Culture Facility Strategy aimed at creating
connections, leveraging opportunities and supporting long-term financial
sustainability of Penticton's unique array of diverse facilities and venues, and
identifying new opportunities and partnerships.
4.6.2.2
Continue to support community-based arts and culture organizations through
City grants and incentives.
4.6.2.3
Recognize the value of the creative sector as a catalyst of economic development
which attracts new residents, businesses and tourists.
4.6.2.4
Utilize artistic and creative processes and activities to engage citizens, especially
youth, in community development and visioning efforts.
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4. 6. 3 Public Art
Goal
Expand public art reflecting the city's history, culture and natural environment in prominent
public spaces, new development, existing neighbourhoods and along the waterfront and
trails.
Policies
4.6.3.1
Identify a stable funding source to foster a sustainable and vibrant public art
program including selecting, commissioning, acquiring, installing and maintaining
public art pieces.
4.6.3.2
Work with the City's arts-related Advisory Committee to identify suitable locations
for public art installations.
4.6.3.3
Explore and evaluate options for public art in new developments early in the
design process to create a broad range of possibilities.
4.6.3.4
Use public art as a catalyst for placemaking and a means of wayfinding.
4. 6. 4 Festivals & Events
Goal
Support, promote and create festivals and events celebrating arts & culture, music, recreation
& sport, and local food and drink.
Policies
4.6.4.1
Conceive of and implement a wide range of arts, cultural and recreational
activities, celebrations, events and festivals that engage and are enjoyed by
residents and visitors.
4.6.4.2
Continue to encourage festivals throughout the year to maintain cultural and civic
vibrancy beyond the summer months.
4.6.4.3
Promote and support local volunteer networks who work on exhibitions, festivals,
sports events and community cultural projects.
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4. 6. 5 Heritage
Goal
Recognize the value of history and heritage to create a sense of place and belonging for
residents, and an incentive to visit for those from elsewhere.
Policies
4.6.5.1
Expand the Heritage Register to include First Nations sites and places, and more
modern landmarks, including examples of mid-century modern architecture.
4.6.5.2
Engage the City's heritage-related Advisory Committee to identify criteria to
evaluate sites and buildings to be considered for the Heritage Register.
4.6.5.3
Expand interpretive signage in historic parts of the city and along trails to inform
and educate users about the natural environment, the Syilx/Okanagan presence,
and Penticton's history.
4.6.5.4
Identify and protect trees that are significant due to their age, uniqueness or
history by creating and maintaining an inventory of Penticton's heritage trees.
4. 6. 6 Character Areas
Goal
Recognize and protect the unique character of Penticton's historic Downtown (especially
Main Street and Front Street) and character neighbourhoods as these areas change and
evolve.
Policies
4.6.6.1
4.6.6.2
Ensure new developments and renovations integrate with existing
neighbourhood character through the Downtown, and Multifamily
Development Permit Area Guidelines (see OCP chapter 5 Development Permit
Area Guidelines). (Bylaw No. 2025-11)
Explore the designation of identified character neighbourhoods as Heritage
Conservation Areas, pursuant to Section 614(1) of the Local Government Act, to
guide the form and character of new development and major renovations to
ensure they are respectful of the historic character. Apply this designation in areas
of strong support for the initiative from residents and landowners.
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4. 7
Parks and Recreation
Key Facts
Direction and guidance in this area are provided by
the Parks and Recreation Master Plan, approved in
2018.
The key themes defining the directions in the Master Plan
are: the protection of park land in perpetuity, ensuring that
park and recreation amenities meet the needs of residents
as our community grows, and financial responsibility to
taxpayers and the City.
THE PARKS AND RECREATION MASTER PLAN VISION:
Penticton is a place to stay forever because we cherish our
exceptional natural setting between two lakes.
We will continue to invest in accessible and equitable parks and
recreation facilities for the well-being of all our citizens.
Our city will remain the destination of choice for those who
appreciate the opportunities that our Okanagan home provides.
The parks and recreation goals and policies in the OCP
reflect the values and priorities identified in the Master
Plan process. While policy direction is provided through
the OCP, specific directions and implementation details
are provided in the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and
through park-specific management plans.
Parks and Recreation Vision
Penticton's parks are highly valued for their environmental,
health, social and economic benefits, and they are a defining
component of our city's character. Recreation in many ways
defines us as well, as we are an active population, taking
advantage of our developed parks, natural areas, beaches
and recreational facilities.
Indoor Recreation Facilities:
Community Centre (pool,
gym, child minding, meeting
space), SOEC, Memorial
Arena, McLaren Arena,
Penticton Curling Rink,
Adidas SportsPlex, Seniors
Drop-in Centre, YES Youth
Centre
park or open
space sites
67
67
44
80
sport fields
public beaches
6
80
of trails and
walkways
25km
25km
playgrounds
7
16
16
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4. 7. 1 Park Land, Natural Areas and Trails
Goal
Provide, protect, and enhance public parks, natural areas and trails in Penticton.
Policies
4.7.1.1
Adhere to the Parks and Recreation Master Plan minimum active park land
ratio (2.5 hectares of active park land required per 1,000 population) to serve
the existing and future population, through dedicated use of City land and
strategic land acquisition as required.
4.7.1.2
Increase the supply of neighbourhood parks to provide additional adequate park
land and community gathering places as our population grows and our city
densifies.
4.7.1.3
Protect parks as public assets through implementation and adherence to key City
bylaws and policies, and particularly to the Park Dedication Bylaw, Zoning Bylaw
and Park Land Protection & Use Policy.
4.7.1.5
Inventory natural areas and establish designated nature-oriented parks within
city limits, and prepare management plans to guide their protection, use,
restoration, enhancement and management.
4.7.1.6
Create a network of interconnected trails - for pedestrians and cyclists - throughout
the City, connecting the lakes, schools, parks, and recreational facilities, and
coordinate with neighbouring jurisdictions to build on the regional trail network,
including the River Channel Parkway.
4.7.1.7
Protect beaches and provide for a variety of appropriate, safe and sensitive water
and beach-oriented outdoor recreation opportunities through planning, engagement,
targeted capital investment and sustainable management practices.
4.7.1.4
Apply the Parks and Recreation Master
Plan Park Design Guidelines in the design of
new and upgraded parks, which include
elements such as "universal design,"
provision of shade trees, sports facilities,
rainwater management, public art and urban
agriculture where appropriate.
WHAT IS UNIVERSAL DESIGN?
Universal Design is the design of
an environment so that it can be
accessed, understood and used
to the greatest extent possible by
all people regardless of their age,
size, ability or disability.
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4. 7. 2 Park Design, Management, Operations and
Programming
Goal
To ensue parks and recreational facilities meet community needs, and are designed and
operated responsibly, safely and consistent with sustainability principles.
Policies
4.7.2.1
Provide a system of diverse parks and recreational spaces and places that are
comfortable, safe, accessible and attractive, with social spaces (benches,
gathering places) as well as recreation amenities.
4.7.2.2
Ensure that parks and recreational facilities are designed, maintained and
managed using environmentally-sustainable practices.
4.7.2.3
Manage the use of parks and recreation facilities so that residents and visiting
users feel safe, secure and satisfied with the quality of their experience.
4. 7. 3 Recreation
Goal
Provide opportunities for indoor and outdoor recreation that meet community needs, are
consistent with the environmental quality objectives for our parks and natural areas, and
which support appropriate tourism opportunities and their related economic benefits.
Policies
4.7.3.1
Plan for, design and invest in upgrades and improvements to parks such as
appropriate natural areas, open spaces, landscaping, playgrounds, active
recreation facilities, washrooms, spray parks and urban agriculture opportunities
to provide and/or improve the recreational experience and opportunities for
community gathering, using the priorities identified in the Parks and Recreation
Master Plan.
4.7.3.2
Engage in long-term facilities development and related capital planning, including
land acquisition, and explore funding and development partnerships to ensure
long-term availability of required indoor recreational facilities such as ice surfaces,
dry-land surfaces, tennis courts and curling centres.
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Development Permit Area
Guidelines
Chapter 5
(Bylaw No. 2025-11)
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5.1
Development Permit Area Guidelines
5.1.1 Development Permit Area Guidelines Overview
Development Permit Areas are established for multiple purposes such as managing the form and character
of commercial and residential development and guiding development in hillside, environmentally
sensitive and riparian areas.
Before any development can take place, it is necessary to obtain a permit if land is within an area shown on
the Development Permit Area Maps (Maps 3-6) or other specified areas described in text in this Chapter. If
multiple Development Permit Areas overlap, all guidelines apply.
A Development Permit application will be evaluated based on the applicable guidelines.
5.1.2 Exemptions
Pursuant to Part 14, Section 488(4) of the Local Government Act, issuance of a Development Permit
is not required for the following:
-
Routine building repairs and/or maintenance including "like for like" replacement of roofing, siding, windows and/or doors
-
Internal renovations that do not affect the external appearance of a building or increase the floor area
-
Building Code and safety requirements (e.g., fire exits, ramps, etc.)
-
Works authorized by a Temporary Use Permit
-
Single Family Dwellings with the exception of in Riparian (Section 5.7) and Environmental DPAs (Section 5.8)
-
Additional exemptions for specific DPAs are provided in their respective Exemptions sections below.
5.1.3 Variances
Setbacks, Height and Amenity Variances
The following variances to zoning standards may be considered as a component of a Development
Permit Application subject to Section 490(1)(a) of the Local Government Act, provided that the
resultant built form of the proposed building is consistent with the General Development Permit
Area Guidelines and the overall intent of the Zoning Bylaw:
1. Minor variances to setbacks may be considered to:
a.) retain existing mature trees
b.) accommodate desirable architectural criteria, such as porches, balconies, projecting design features, awnings, and
canopies, provided that the building face still meets required setbacks.
2. Minor variances to the maximum permitted height of a building of approximately 2 meters may be considered to
accommodate a landmark architectural feature on corner sites, provided it is consistent with the General Guidelines.
3. Minor variances to at-grade amenity area requirements may be considered, provided the variance does not reduce at-
grade amenity space to less than 10% of total amenity area or reduce the total amenity area, and that it is visible from the
public realm / building's sidewalk.
4. Minor variances to impermeable surface requirements provided other means of managing stormwater are incorporated
into the design.
5. Minor variances to signage where signs are incorporated into building design and meet general objectives.
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Parking Variances
The following variances to parking standards may be considered as a component of a Development
Permit Application subject to Section 490(1)(a) of the Local Government Act:
1. Variance to reduce the required number of commercial parking spaces to zero.
2. Variance to reduce the required number of residential parking spaces (including visitor) for multi-unit residential
development, and/or the residential portion of mixed used developments to a ratio of one space/dwelling unit provided
that:
- The development is within 400 meters of a transit stop;
- The development includes design elements intended to encourage alternative transportation, such as secure bike
or scooter parking, or employee shower facilities (in the case of commercial development); and
- The variance will not reduce the number of required parking spaces for persons with disabilities.
Landscape Variances
The following variances to landscaping standards may be considered as a component of a
Development Permit Application subject to Section 490(1)(a) of the Local Government Act:
1.
Variances to landscape buffer requirements may be considered in cases where the proposed building locations make
establishment of a buffer difficult or impossible or where trees will not thrive. In cases where the buffer is reduced,
compensatory planting elsewhere on site or in the adjacent public realm is required.
2.
Variances to retaining wall height in cases where appropriate terracing and planting are incorporated to reduce massing.
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5.2.1 Designation
The General Development Permit Area establishes objectives for:
-
Form and character of commercial or multifamily development pursuant to Section 488(1)(f) of the Local Government
Act.
-
Energy conservation pursuant to Section 488(1)(h) of the Local Government Act.
-
Water conservation pursuant to Section 488(1)(i) of the Local Government Act.
-
Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions pursuant to Section 488(1)(j) of the Local Government Act.
5.2.2 Justification
The Official Community Plan places emphasis on new developments being attractive and high quality.
In support of this, this Development Permit Area establishes guidelines for features found in most
commercial and multifamily developments, such as parking, landscaping, and waste and recycling.
The City of Penticton is a signatory to the BC Climate Action Charter and has adopted a Community
Climate Action Plan. In support of the City's sustainability objectives, guidelines have also been
established to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve water in Penticton's desert climate, and
promote energy conservation.
5.2
General Development Permit Area
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Designing in Context
G3. Siting of buildings should support strong street definition by minimizing front yard setbacks while sensitively
transitioning to neighbouring building setbacks.
G4. All designs should consider Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles and balance
the reduction of crime and nuisance opportunities with other objectives to maximize the enjoyment of the built
environment.
G5. Development with multiple buildings should create comfortable and social, semi-public and semi-private spaces within
interior courtyards and/or side-yards.
Figure 5-1: G1
G1. Private and semi-private open spaces should be designed to
optimize solar access (see Figure 5-1).
G2. Views through to the mountains and the lakes should be
carefully considered and incorporated into the design of new
development. Building placement and orientation should respect
significant public views.
5.2.3 Area
Land within the municipal boundaries of the City of Penticton.
5.2.4 Exemptions
A General Development Permit is required when development triggers a form and character
Development Permit in this Chapter. Hillside, Environmental or Riparian Development Permits are
exempt.
5.2.5 General Guidelines
Framing Space
Prioritizing Pedestrians
G6. Pedestrian connectivity to adjacent public spaces and privately
owned publicly-accessible spaces is encouraged.
G7. Development of larger parcels should create an effective street
fronting block scale of 60m-190m.
G8. Barrier-free pedestrian walkways to primary building entrances
should be provided from municipal sidewalks, parking areas,
storage, garbage and amenity areas.
G9.
Where feasible, indicate pedestrian pathways with continuity of
paving treatments/paving materials.
G10. Entry to ground-level residential units should be no more than
1.8m (6.0 ft.) above the grade of adjacent public sidewalks and
walkways (see Figure 5-2).
Figure 5-2: G10, G11
G11. The outdoor space of a residential unit should be raised no more than 1.2m (3.9 ft.) above adjacent public sidewalks
and a "front stair" pedestrian connection should be provided (see Figure 5-2).
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Architecture
Design for Our Climate
G17. Designs should respond to Penticton's setting and climate
through use of:
- passive solar strategies;
- optimized placement of windows to maximize natural light;
- energy-efficient building design;
- passive solar principles;
- landscape design and plantings that provide cooling
through shade in summer months and increased solar gain
in winter months (see Figure 5-5);
- selecting roof materials to minimize heat loading and
increase reflectivity; and,
- strategies for cross-ventilation.
G18. Landscape designs should accommodate windbreaks
(perpendicular to the direction of winter prevailing winds) to
reduce heat loss in winter.
Figure 5-3: G12
Figure 5-4: G12
Figure 5-5: G18
G13. Where possible, shared automobile accesses should be
considered to optimize land use, and to reduce impermeable
surface coverage and sidewalk crossings.
G14. Parking should be located at the rear of buildings/sites, not
between the front of buildings and the street.
G15. Attached parking structures, their access and associated
components (doorways, ramps, etc.) should be in line with or
setback from the primary building face so as to minimize visual
impact to the public realm.
G16. All multifamily developments should accommodate
sustainable modes of transportation through:
- Provision of bike parking and/or safe storage of alternative
transportation/ mobility equipment (bikes, mobility
scooters, etc.).
- Provision of electric vehicle charging stations.
- If including internal roads, accommodate alternative
transportation (e.g., multi-use pathways, separated bike
lanes, etc.)
Cars and Parking
G12. Off-street parking and servicing access should be provided from the rear lane (where one exists) to free the street
for uninterrupted pedestrian circulation and boulevard landscaping. If lane access is not possible, access should be
provided from a secondary street (where one exists) (see Figure 5-3 & 5-4).
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Eyes on the Street
G23. Entries should be visible and clearly identifiable from the fronting
public street.
G24. Extensive blank walls (over 5m in length, and including retaining
walls) along the street should be avoided.
G25. Screening should be provided (e.g., varied materials/textures,
murals, greenwalls or vines) on solid walls that exist as a function
of an internal program (e.g., for privacy, merchandising, etc.).
Figure 5-6: G19
Friendly Faces, Friendly Neighbours (Orientation & Massing)
G19. Orientation of buildings (e.g., entries, windows, porches, balconies, patios, and decks) should face public spaces (e.g.,
streets, lanes, parks, open spaces, and parking areas) with a preference for ground-oriented types (e.g., a front door for
everyone or every business) (see Figure 5-6).
G20. Articulation of building mass should include horizontal (minor) setbacks and stepbacks (along upper storeys) to
provide visual interest and enrich the pedestrian experience. Balconies and/or cantilevered upper floors may be
considered as a means to breaking up massing while promoting overlook and/or weather protection.
G21. Street-facing units should utilize a layering of elements - including but not limited to street-facing entries, stairs,
stoops, porches, patios and landscape elements - to create transitions between the public (e.g., street, sidewalk),
semi-public (e.g., walkway, ramp, stair), semi-private (e.g., stoop, balcony) and private areas.
G22. Building designs should minimize impacts on the privacy of adjacent dwellings, including private open spaces by
strategicially spacing windows, balconies, patios, and decks so they do not line up with those of adjacent dwellings
and their private open space where possible.
Landscape Architecture
Design with Nature
G26. Water Conservation and Plant Maintenance: Xeriscaping & Irrigation
- Landscape designs should employ xeriscaping principles (see Glossary) that reduce the need for supplemental
water from irrigation.
- Landscape designs should employ strategies such as stormwater management reuse (including rain gardens and
water reclamation) to minimize impact on infrastructure and the use of potable water.
- Landscaping should use native drought-tolerant plant species rather than water-hungry varieties.
- All trees and vegetated landscaping should be irrigated using a sub-surface irrigation system, programmed to
maximize efficient water use (e.g., drip irrigation).
- Where appropriate, increased depth of top soil is recommended as a means to retain water and ensure more
drought-tolerant landscapes.
- Trees should be planted to provide shading for shrubs and grasses on the south and west faces of buildings.
Enhance the Urban Forest
G27. New development should retain, where possible, existing mature and native trees and protect their root systems.
G28. Where space permits, areas adjacent to streets should be planted with trees with appropriate soil volumes to ensure
longevity.
G29. The planting of additional trees is strongly encouraged, particularly if existing trees cannot be preserved, in order to
maintain and expand the urban forest canopy.
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Functional Use of Landscapes
G30. Habitat: designs should provide for and/or enhance habitat value (e.g., birds, pollinators, etc.) through the use of
selected plant material (food & nutrients) and/or structural/grading improvements (e.g., hibernacula, pools, etc.).
G31. Where appropriate (and in consideration of FireSmart principles and native ecosystems), screen walls and/or
landscape buffers (e.g., berms, shrub beds, hedges and/or trees) should be used to manage transitions and/or conflict
between incompatible uses (e.g., industrial uses and/or parking).
G32. Buffer design should complement neighbourhood character and landscape setting (refer to "Materials Selection -
Hardscapes and Softscapes").
G33. Where landscaped island area is required in the Zoning Bylaw it should be installed with the following considerations
(see Figure 5-7):
- Planting between internal collectors (not
used for direct access to parking stalls) and
aisles that provide direct access to parking
stalls;
- Planting at the end of aisles;
- Planting between blocks of parking spaces;
and,
- Planting around utility kiosks and waste/
recycling areas.
Figure 5-7: G33
G34. Transitions between the public (e.g., street, sidewalk), semi-public (e.g., walkways, ramp, stair), semi-private (e.g.,
stoop, balcony) and private (e.g., entry) realms should be clearly defined to enhance both the privacy of residences
and the pedestrian experience, and may include:
- Landscape terracing (e.g., grading, retaining);
- Structures (e.g., fences, pergolas, trellises),
- Planting (e.g., low hedges) and/or
- Changes in surfacing materials.
Materials Selection - Softscapes & Hardscapes
G35. Softscapes
- Plant materials (size) and planting densities should be designed to meet and exceed the British Columbia Landscape
and Nursery Association (BCLNA) Standards;
- Landscape designs should consider opportunities for seasonal interest (e.g., colourful foliage and/or flowering at
various times of the year).
- Structural diversity in plant palette composition - including combinations of groundcovers, shrubs of various heights
and trees - is encouraged.
- Landscape design should consider aesthetic qualities, plant suitability and soil volumes to ensure "right plant, right
place" and to maximize growth to maturity of plants and trees.
- Plant selection should emphasize local/native plants and/or similarly hardy/well-adapted plants to Penticton's desert
climate.
- Invasive species should not be used.
- Synthetic turf may be considered where it supports functional outdoor space design.
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G36. Hardscapes
- Material selection should reflect an extension of overall functional design and should emphasize local, natural,
climate appropriate materials.
- Landscape construction should prioritize robust, durable and easily-maintained materials.
- Retaining walls should use natural-looking textures and natural colours.
- Colours should complement Penticton's natural setting and associated palette.
- Should minimize the use of impervious surfaces and/or incorporate rainwater management strategies where
surface runoff is captured.
- Where feasible, minimize the use of low albedo (heat-absorbing) surfacing materials to reduce heat island effect
(i.e., use lighter-coloured, more reflective materials).
Special Considerations
Corner Lots
G37. Both fronting streets should be addressed in a
pedestrian-friendly way, preferably with pedestrian
entrances and/or windows on both facades.
G38. Support wayfinding by framing views (or open space)
and/or utilizing landmark architectural elements (if
appropriate).
G39. Consider utilizing corner entrances, angled facades
at intersections, or stepped designs in areas of higher
pedestrian traffic and commercial uses. Where open
space is proposed for a corner lot, amenities like
seating, drinking fountains, and garbage receptacles
should be incorporated into open space designs (see
Figure 5-8).
Figure 5-8: G37-39
Public Art
G40. Opportunities for the inclusion of public art should be explored in public and semi-public open spaces,
especially plazas.
G41. Historical references should be carefully and collaboratively chosen.
Lighting
G42. Lighting should meet international Dark-Sky standards. Exceptions may be made for signage and architectural
lighting (e.g., enhancing special features or aesthetic qualities) and to meet CPTED principles.
G43. Lighting that illuminates natural areas or neighbouring properties should be avoided.
Signage
G44. Signage should complement overall form and character as an extension of associated building and landscape
designs.
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Figure 5-9: G50
Utilities, Mechanical Services and Servicing
G45. Mechanical/Utility cabinets and transformer pads (units) should be located at the rear of the property, behind
the building. Where this is unachievable, units may be located at the edge of the front yard if incorporated into
landscaped areas or wrapped in decorative vinyl.
G46. Units should not obstruct private views onto public space that might otherwise provide safety through passive
surveillance.
Waste Management
G47. Garbage/recycling areas and other similar structures should be located out of public view in areas that mitigate noise
impacts and which do not conflict with pedestrian traffic.
G48. Garbage and recycling bins should be contained within screened enclosures that are coordinated with the overall
design.
G49. Clear access to refuse/recycling areas should be provided.
Fences
G50. Fencing located along a street edge should be low and/or not create a solid barrier (i.e. it should be visually
transparent) (see Figure 5-9).
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5.3.1 Designation
The Multifamily Residential Development Permit Area is designated for the establishment of
objectives for the form and character of multifamily development pursuant to Section 488(1)(f) of
the Local Government Act.
5.3.2 Justification
Certain neighbourhoods and areas along prominent corridors and around the Downtown have
been designated for multifamily development to accommodate the demand for housing choice,
increased affordability and living close to amenities and services. The Multifamily DPA Guidelines
ensure successful integration of this housing into their neighbourhoods.
Guidelines for multifamily housing are a means to enhance neighbourhoods and create sensitive
transitions in scale and density by addressing issues such as privacy, landscape retention and
neighbourliness.
5.3
Multifamily Residential Development Permit Area
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5.3.5 Multifamily Residential Guidelines
Site Planning
MF2. All multifamily developments should incorporate amenity
spaces that address the needs of all age groups likely to reside
within the development.
MF3. In an effort to promote community and social sustainability,
multifamily developments should exhibit a preference for
courtyard forms with views into them from units (see Figure
5-11).
MF4. Amenity spaces should incorporate vegetation for the
purposes of active and passive recreation and/or visual
interest.
Figure 5-11: MF3
This Development Permit Area includes the following objectives:
1.
Ensure social spaces and support for active living (through provision of amenity spaces and indoor-outdoor
relationships)
2.
Avoid shadow/shading impacts to public parks and priority pedestrian realm
3.
Encourage high quality materials and design.
5.3.3 Area
The Multifamily Residential Development Permit Area applies to all multifamily development within
the city for properties currently zoned for multifamily residential (R4 and RM zones) and containing
multifamily residential uses. This includes duplexes, multiplexes, cluster housing, rowhouses,
townhouses and apartments. For certainty, this does not include single detached dwellings, secondary
suites or carriage houses.
5.3.4 Exemptions
A Development Permit will not be required for the exemptions as indicated in Section 5.1.2
EXEMPTIONS, plus:
-
external renovations that do not affect the form and character of the building or site (to be determined by the
Development Services Department)
-
subdivisions where no buildings are being proposed
Designing in Context
MF1. A portion of the building face should relate to the front and
rear yard setbacks of existing neighbouring buildings (see
Figure 5-10). However, the front setback should be no greater
than 6.0m so that dwelling units engage with the street.
Figure 5-10: MF1
Framing Space
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Parking
MF5. Visitor parking should be:
- In public view, and
- Easily accessible near the main entry to the site.
Attractive Entries
MF6.
Entrances to apartment lobbies should be connected to adjacent sidewalks.
MF7.
Entrances to apartment lobbies should provide seating.
MF8.
Public art at entrances to apartment lobbies is encouraged.
Special Considerations for Tall Buildings
The following guidelines apply to buildings over six storeys in height:
MF9.
Should minimize shadowing on adjacent parks, public and private open spaces and pedestrian facilities.
MF10. Should minimize impacts on adjacent public streets and open spaces by maintaining public, and where feasible
existing private views (outlooks to the lakes and hillsides).
MF11. To increase their attractiveness, taller buildings should demonstrate high-quality cohesive design of form, materials
and colour.
MF12. Tall buildings should be designed with podiums at grade and point towers above.
MF13. Building masses of podiums should be substantially broken up at least every 48m (160 ft.) to vary the spatial
experience for a passer-by every 30 seconds at normal walking speed.
MF14. In cases where there are multiple tall buildings or towers above a podium on one site, a minimum distance of 9m
(29.5 ft) between them should be provided to permit open amenity space uses.
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5.4.1 Designation
The Commercial & Mixed Use Development Permit Area is designated for the establishment of
objectives for the form and character of commercial or multifamily development pursuant to
Section 488(1)(f) of the Local Government Act.
5.4.2 Justification
Car-oriented commercial areas are common in
parts of Penticton. The visual quality of these areas
is important as an essential component of the
image residents have of their own city. Further,
given the importance of tourist commercial
activity, it is important to ensure a high standard
for the appearance and pedestrian orientation of
these areas. These guidelines recognize established
large-format retail and encourage retrofitting
strategies to enhance walkability and livability.
5.4
Commercial & Mixed-Use Development Permit Area
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5.4.5 Commercial & Mixed Use Guidelines
Site Planning
Framing Space
CM1. Retail building frontages should meet the sidewalk at grade.
CM2. Retail building frontages should be built to the property line so that a continuous commercial street frontage is
maintained but may be set back at a maximum of 4.0m from the property line to allow for an active outdoor use such
as a courtyard or patio, or to respond to a building setback from an adjacent property, where necessary (see Figure
5-12).
CM3. Retail building frontages may feature outdoor displays and patios provided a minimum 2.0m wide clear pedestrian
zone is maintained.
Figure 5-12: CM2
CM4. Outdoor eating areas and street-side plazas should be located next
to and connected with public sidewalks. They should be placed
at centres of activity, such as transit exchanges, intersections of
important streets and retail streets, thus creating focal points for
these areas.
CM5. Outdoor eating areas and street-side plazas should be framed by
buildings on a minimum of two sides to create well defined edges.
The buildings should have windows and/or doors facing the plaza.
CM6. Outdoor eating areas and street-side plazas should account for
user comfort in their design by incorporating protection from wind
and excessive sun through appropriate siting and use of suitable
plants and landscape structures (e.g., layered plantings, screen walls
/ trellises etc.).
This Development Permit Area includes the following objectives:
1.
Produce streetscapes defined by attractive buildings and landscaping
2.
Transition extensive areas of surface parking to more pedestrian friendly and amenity-rich neighbourhood commercial
3.
Provide an attractive, comfortable, safe environment for pedestrians as well as vehicular traffic
4.
Establish building forms, site planning principles and landscape standards appropriate to quality urban spaces thus
avoiding the appearance that characterizes some 'strip plaza' type development
5.
Reflect multi-family residential design guidelines for mixed-use residential development
5.4.3 Area
The Commercial Development Permit Area applies to all commercial development within the City
for properties zoned for commercial (C and CT zones) and containing commercial uses.
5.4.4 Exemptions
A Development Permit will not be required for the exemptions as indicated in Section 5.1.2
EXEMPTIONS, plus:
-
External renovations that do not affect the form and character of the building or site (to be determined by Development
Services Department)
-
Subdivisions where no buildings are being proposed
-
Additions or renovations that are not visible from the public realm
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Architecture
Friendly Faces (Massing & Articulation)
CM8. Retail bays should appear no wider than 15 metres in order
to create or maintain a fine-grained pattern of shops. A larger
retailer may combine bays internally; however, the external bay
articulation should be maintained (see Figure 5-14).
Figure 5-14: CM8
Commercial Frontages
CM9. Should include clearly signed and generously sized entries to
indicate primary pedestrian access.
CM10. Should maintain visual connection to the store interior through
at least 75% transparent glazing along the primary store
frontage.
CM11. Should include outdoor spaces that serve to complement the
street realm (e.g., street-side plazas, outdoor eating and cafe
seating areas) (See Figure 5-15).
Figure 5-15: CM11
Special Considerations
Weather Protection
CM12. All buildings with street-oriented commercial at grade should include awnings and canopies to form a sheltered
environment for pedestrians. Where commercial space is not street-oriented or where there are multifamily
apartment residential uses, there should be awnings overtop of main entrances.
CM13. Awnings and canopies should be designed as an extension of the architectural expression of the building façade.
CM14. Placement of awnings and canopies should balance weather protection with daylight penetration. Avoid opaque
canopies that run the full length of façades (ex: use glass or wood slats).
Signage
CM15. Notwithstanding the City of Penticton's Sign Regulations Bylaw, the following are preferred or acceptable types of
commercial signage:
- Projecting two-dimensional or blade signs suspended from canopies and awnings, maintaining minimum
clearances from sidewalks and driveways for safety and to reduce vandalism.
- Flush-mounted fascia signs
- Externally lit signs
- Small vertical banners and projecting signs
- Cut-out or silhouette letter signs mounted on storefronts.
CM16. Where signage is proposed on commercial buildings it should clearly identify uses and business name and be
pedestrian-oriented (e.g., installed along the business's primary pedestrian corridor and access).
CM7. Mixed-use developments should consider the privacy of
resident amenity spaces within and/or adjacent to buildings
(see Figure 5-13).
Figure 5-13: CM7
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5.5.1 Designation
The Downtown Development Permit Area is designated for the establishment of objectives for the
form and character of commercial or multifamily development pursuant to Section 488(1)(f) of the
Local Government Act.
5.5.2 Justification
Penticton's Downtown is well established and vibrant: the six-block Main Street and intimate, fine-
grained stretch of shopfronts along Front Street - which together make up the Downtown Core - are
central to the town's identity and contribute to its "small town feel."
The "transitional areas" within Penticton's downtown include a wide range of uses and services
complementary to the "high street" retail frontages concentrated along Main Street and Front
Street. Recognized for their own unique character, these areas provide opportunities for downtown
neighbourhood development of diverse housing, commercial services and community amenities as
growth in the Downtown continues.
5.5
Downtown Development Permit Area
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5.5.3 Area
All lands in the identified Downtown Development Permit Area as shown on Map 3: Downtown
Development Permit Area.
The intent of the Guidelines is to maintain and strengthen a vibrant,
active and livable downtown by creating a high-quality public realm,
and supporting local businesses and creating opportunities for people
to live in the Downtown.
The guidelines support and build on the vision and intent outlined in
the 2012 Downtown Plan.
This Development Permit Area includes the following objectives:
-
Complement the existing built form
-
Recognize a unique sense of place and history
-
Take advantage of strategic opportunities for landmark buildings.
5.5.5 Downtown Guidelines
Special Considerations
Signage, Lighting, Furniture, Public Art
DT1.
Lighting, signage, furniture and public art should incorporate the Downtown character and be designed and
located to enhance the entertainment experience of the Downtown at night.
DT2.
Wayfinding signage orienting pedestrians to specific amenities and areas of interest (features, attractions and
businesses) should be incorporated into larger/ corner lot developments and in publicly accessible spaces.
5.5.4 Exemptions
A Development Permit will not be required for the exemptions as indicated in Section 5.1.2
EXEMPTIONS, plus:
-
external renovations that do not affect the form and character of the building or site, such as like-for-like replacement
(to be determined by Development Services Department)
-
subdivisions, where no buildings are being proposed
-
additions or renovations that are not visible from the public realm
The following guidelines apply to the 100-300 block of Main Street, 200 and 300 blocks of Martin Street,
and Front Street:
DT3.
Storefront design should be informed by, and compatible with, the historic storefronts of the area and
appear fine-grained rather than linear.
DT4.
Upper floor setbacks or other architectural techniques that reduce the overall massing and height should be
applied where a building is more than two storeys tall.
DT5.
In the case of large sites, vary the proposed streetwall frontages in order to reinforce the visual pattern and
contextual scale created by existing traditional development on 30' (9 meter) wide building sites.
Architecture
Designing in Context for Core Areas
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DT6.
Industrial character should be maintained through preservation
of existing buildings and integration of industrial design
elements and references, such as bay doors, machinery and
fixtures at the following locations:
- The 100 & 200 blocks of Westminster Avenue West;
- The 100 block of Winnipeg Street;
- The 00 block and 100 block of Ellis Street; and
- Estabrook Avenue.
Designing in Context for Periphery Areas
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5.6.1 Designation
The Hillside Development Permit Area is designated for the protection of the natural environment
pursuant to Section 488(1)(a) of the Local Government Act and the protection of development from
hazardous conditions pursuant to Section 488(1)(b) of the Local Government Act.
5.6.2 Justification
Penticton is, in large part, defined by its unique topography. The hillsides are a key part of its
natural setting. Poorly designed and managed subdivisions on hillsides can have a negative impact on
the natural environment and expose residents to risk.
This approach to hillside development includes strategies for mitigating risk, landscape retention, and
grading at the neighbourhood and lot level.
The Guidelines direct development on hillsides that respects the natural setting by minimizing
risk from hazards, minimizing ecological impacts, and creating development that 'settles' into the
landscape.
5.6
Hillside Development Permit Area
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This Development Permit Area includes the following objectives:
1.
Minimize and mitigate hazards from steep slopes, wildfire and flooding
2.
Fit with the natural landscape and climate
3.
Create a sense of built form fitting with the land
4.
Create movement connections for both people and wildlife
5.6.3 Area
All lands in the identified Hillside Development Permit Area as shown on Map 4: Hillside
Development Permit Area.
5.6.4 Exemptions
A Development Permit is only required for subdivisions, and will not be required for:
-
Subdivisions by which fewer than 3 additional lots would be created.
5.6.5 Hillside Guidelines
Submission Materials
In support of Hillside Development Permit Area applications, the following additional submissions
will be required:
i.
Site Features Inventory identifying:
- Potential hazards and hazard areas including indicators of slope stability hazards or concerns.
- Property lines, easements, rights-of-way;
- Natural pre-development site contours;
- Geotechnical assessment;
- Existing human-made features such as roads, curbs, sidewalks, utilities, trails, buildings, structures, fences,
and retaining walls;
- Natural physical features including but not limited to knolls, ridgelines, rock outcrops, surface and ephemeral
watercourses, seeps, springs, gulleys, ravines, and cliffs;
- Identification of significant environmental attributes;
- Tree inventory.
ii.
Development Concept Plan identifying:
- The proposed site plan outlining the location of roads, driveways, lanes, major utility features (mains,
pump stations, reservoirs, detention ponds, etc.), lots, building envelopes, parks, trails and open spaces;
- Grading concept plan including identification of proposed large cut and fill areas.
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Site Planning
Designing in Context
HS1.
Hillside Development Permit applications should identify significant on-site and off-site natural features:
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
- Prior to site planning and subdivision, development proponents must retain a Qualified Environmental
Professional (QEP), Qualified Professional Geotechnical Engineer, Registered Professional Forester, and any other
required Registered Professional to analyze and map the existing natural features and functions of the hillside area
to identify and describe:
» Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESAs)
» Wildlife corridors
» Geological features (steep slopes, ridges, knolls, outcrops, gulleys etc.)
» Significant vegetation (large trees, patches) and riparian features (streams, wetlands, springs)
- These shall be compiled into a composite geotechnical hazard and environmental basemap that forms the
starting point for site planning.
HAZARD ASSESSMENT
- Site plans should be designed to preserve the important natural features, such as rock outcrops, watercourses, and
ravines, as identified by the Qualified Environmental Professional, and provide adequate space for buffering.
HS2.
All development within the Hillside Development Permit Area should be under the direct supervision of a
Qualified Professional Geotechnical Engineer.
HS3.
Assessment of wildfire behaviour (e.g., fire movement and topography) and ecologically-appropriate FireSmart
principles (landscaping, building siting, and the exterior finish of buildings) should be integrated into hillside
development planning at the neighbourhood-wide and site levels.
HS4.
Planning for hillside environments should consider opportunities to integrate development into existing
landscape functions whereby Environmentally Sensitive Areas (specifically ESAs 1 and 2) are avoided and natural
areas further buffer and connect landscape features (See Figure 5-16).
Figure 5-16: HS4
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HS5.
Retain the greatest possible hillside area in its
natural condition. In addition to protecting
environmentally-sensitive and riparian areas,
developers should retain a target of 30% of
the natural landscape in its existing condition
and grade, and/or achieve a similar outcome
through a restoration plan that mimics the natural
slope and prioritizes ecologically-appropriate
revegetation (see Figure 5-17). Strategies to
achieve this target:
-
Avoid development or reduce density on the
steepest slopes and cluster more density on
flatter areas to reduce impact
-
Retain and enhance significant natural
features, such as gullies, rock outcrops and
knolls
-
Create larger sideyards and backyards and
leave these in a natural state
-
Avoid development of engineered flat
individual building lots; and instead preserve
the natural topography (e.g., as part of the
backyard)
-
Apply low-impact development design such
as shared driveways and narrower street
standards, sidewalks on one side, separated
sidewalks etc.
-
Carefully route roads along natural site contours
to minimize unnecessary cut and fill
HS6. All house sites should be identified and surveyed and lots pre-graded at the time of subdivision registration to ensure
that the grading plan works and achieves the objectives in HS5 noted above.
Figure 5-17: HS5
Streets and Parking
HS7. A "lighter on the land" approach should be applied to engineering and access to achieve significant reductions in
landscape scarring through special design requirements for streets in hillside environments, including:
-
Narrower streets,
-
Reduced on-street parking, and
-
Lower design speeds.
HS8.
Consider increased cul-de-sac lengths with emergency vehicle access to reduce impacts to hillsides in challenging
topographic conditions.
HS9.
Emergency vehicle access lanes should generally have a minimum hard packed surface width of 4 metres. Emergency
vehicle access lanes should generally be designed to achieve a maximum grade of 11%. In steeper areas the City may
consider varying this requirement to allow stretches with grades of up to 15%.
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Special Considerations
Steep Slopes
HS13. Approval of development on natural slopes of more than 30%, should be limited to a lot-by-lot basis. Each lot will
require a suitable design for the site so as to adhere to Hillside design standards and require:
- a geotechnical study prepared by a Qualified Professional Geotechnical Engineer demonstrating the feasibility of
development prior to approval;
- a site grading plan demonstrates that works with and is consistent with the hillside environment; and
- minimum grading as is necessary for the building platform. Flat yards are not permitted.
HS10. Maximum driveway slopes should not exceed 20%.
HS11. Retain the slope by using low, stepped retaining walls where necessary.
HS12. Reconstructed slopes should be replanted with appropriate native plant material to blend with existing/
surrounding hillside setting and to stabilize the soil.
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Figure 5-16: HS5
5.7.1 Designation
The Riparian Development Permit Area is designated for the protection of the natural environment
pursuant to Section 488(1)(a) of the Local Government Act.
5.7.2 Justification
Wetlands were historically rare in the Okanagan's dry landscape, and today 85-95% of this already-
rare ecosystem have been lot to development, roads, agriculture and other land uses. Streams,
lakes and their shorelines have also been extensively modified. Our lack of remaining wetlands and
modified shorelines have greatly reduced our natural capacity to protect water quality, prevent
erosion, have resilient develpoment, and adapt to changing climate.
The Riparian Areas Protection Act requires Penticton to protect riparian areas from the effects of
residential, commercial and industrial development. This Development Permit Area is designated to
protect, enhance and restore riparian habitat. This Development Permit helps protect water quality,
fish and fish habitat, limit flooding impacts, support biodiversity and encourage habitat restoration
in priority areas identified in the Penticton Creek Master Plan and Ellis Creek Master Plan.
5.7
Riparian Development Permit Area
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This Development Permit Area includes the following objectives:
1.
To protect and enhance water quality and prevent contamination of water from land use and development activities
throughout the Riparian Development Permit Area.
2.
To regulate development activities within riparian assessment areas as a means to protect aquatic habitat, enhance,
conserve and restore watercourses and their riparian areas.
3.
To regulate development activities and support riparian restoration within riparian restoration areas as a means to restore
fish habitat, and protect recognized ecological, cultural and public amenities associated with Penticton Creek and Ellis
Creek.
5.7.3 Area
The Riparian Development Permit Area applies to all privately-owned land located within 30 m of the
high water mark or top of a stream's ravine bank within City boundaries. Map 5: Riparian Development
Permit Area identifies the known watercourses within the City of Penticton. The Riparian Development
Permit Area includes all watercourses or water bodies within City limits. Should a stream or other
watercourse not identified on the map be found on or adjacent to a project subject to development,
however, it is the responsibility of the proponent to contact the City of Penticton to determine
whether or not the Riparian Development Permit Area applies.
5.7.4 Exemptions
1. The repair, maintenance of and improvements to all existing public structures, facilities, open spaces,
trails, roads, and utilities which is meant to include but not limited to: sanitary sewer, storm sewer,
water, natural gas, cable, hydro-electric, telephone.
2. Acceptance by the City of Penticton of a report prepared by a Qualified Environmental Professional
concluding that there is no watercourse associated with the development or adjacent areas
described on the Riparian Development Permit Area Map.
3. A subdivision involving a boundary adjustment where no new lots are being created and each
remaining lot provides, outside of any riparian areas, a building envelope of sufficient area to permit
the construction of a standard sized building within the setback established by the Zoning Bylaw.
4. The only proposed development is the installation and maintenance of fences or signs, where no
vegetation needs to be removed or disturbed.
5. Where the only proposed development is environmentally-sensitive removal of infested, diseased,
or hazardous trees in accordance with 'Best Management Practices for Tree Topping, Limbing
and Removal in Riparian Areas' (Provincial Guidelines) as indicated in a report by a Qualified
Environmental Professional or ISA certified Arborist with Wildlife and Danger Tree Assessor
training, and the provision of environmental monitoring to ensure the tree removal is carried out in
accordance with the report recommendations.
6. The proposed works are site restoration, ecological enhancement, general parks maintenance and
works in accordance with established Best Management Practices and applicable Provincial and
Federal regulations, as required, under purview of the City of Penticton Parks Department.
7. The development consists of the farm use of existing active agricultural areas, not involving the
construction of buildings for farm or non-farm use over 10 square metres in floor area, or not altering
natural areas for farm or non-farm uses.
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5.7.5 Riparian Guidelines
RP1. A riparian assessment report authored by a Qualified Environmental Professional following the Professional Practice
Guidelines for Legislated Riparian Area Assessments in British Columbia must be submitted to the City of Penticton.
RP2. The City may require the applicant to provide the City with financial security as a condition of the issuance of a
Development Permit. The value of the financial security will be based on a cost estimate, prepared by a Qualified
Environmental Professional and accepted by the City.
RP3. A Qualified Environmental Professional should conduct ongoing monitoring of Development Permit conditions and
submit a post-development report to the City of Penticton confirming that conditions of the permit have been met.
RP4. The Riparian Development Permit shall not be issued prior to confirmation that the Assessment Report has been
submitted to the Province by a Qualified Environmental Professional.
RP5. For lots that meet the definition of hardship in the "Protocol for Management of Riparian Area Regulation variances",
a landscaping plan should prescribe restoration measures and enhance riparian function in the SPEA.
RP6. Landscaping should support riparian functions including erosion prevention and protection of water quality, and be
limited to native species.
RP7. Natural watercourses should be dedicated.
RP8. Sites adjacent to creeks, lakes and wetlands should retain or enhance fish and/or riparian habitat, through:
-
Retention, enhancement and restoration of trees and shrubs that shade streams and stabilize soil;
-
Management of post-development total yearly flow, magnitude (in individual events), and duration to mimic
pre-development conditions; and,
-
Management/restriction of access to protect stream banks and meet Riparian Area Protection Regulations
(RAPR)
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5.8
5.8.1 Designation
The Environmental Development Permit Area is designated for the protection of the natural
environment pursuant to Section 488(1)(a) of the Local Government Act.
5.8.2 Justification
Penticton is located in a region of Canada with a large number of unique species, many of which
are at risk and not found elsewhere in the province or in Canada. The South Okanagan Similkameen
is very biologically diverse due to the region's milder climates and variety of landscapes. At risk
species and ecosystems overlap the areas where people live, making it important to consider and
plan development to avoid and mitigate impacts of development on environmental values. Unique
sensitive ecosystems like grasslands and shrub-steppe are found here, but are very rare elsewhere
in Canada.
Environmental Development Permit Area
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The Environmental Development Permit Area is designated to protect important sensitive
ecosystems and biological diversity including valuable habitat for species at risk and other wildlife.
This Development Permit Area designation provides an important mechanism for Penticton to
support compliance with Migratory Birds Convention Act, Species at Risk Act, Wildlife Act and
other relevant Provincial and Federal policy and legislation applicable to development activities on
private land.
There are two categories within the Environmental Development Permit Area:
Environmental Protection Areas are applied on known very high-sensitivity areas to retain
bio-diversity, support wildlife movement corridors, and protect the natural environment from
disturbance or degradation including tree cutting, dumping and uncontrolled access. These areas
include oxbows, wildlife corridors and ravines, the Esplanade and silt bluffs, and the Skaha Bluffs.
Environmental Assessment Areas are applied to potentially environmentally-sensitive areas to
ensure that environmental values are considered in development planning.
The Development Permit Area includes the following objectives:
1.
To protect ecosystem services, biological diversity, wildlife and important wildlife habitats, features and functions
throughout the Environmental Development Permit Area.
2.
To minimize disturbance to Environmental Development Permit Areas and to ensure that development within these
areas proceeds according to specified guidelines.
3.
To maintain ecosystem connectivity within connectivity corridor areas and to ensure that development within these
areas proceeds according to the specified guidelines
4.
To plan land development and new subdivisions carefully in a manner that identifies and protects sensitive ecosystems
and species, consistent with applicable guidelines.
5.8.3 Area
All lands in the identified Environmental Development Permit Area as shown on Map 6:
Environmental Development Permit Area.
5.8.4 Exemptions
1. The repair, maintenance of and improvements to all existing public structures, facilities, open spaces,
trails, roads, and utilities which is meant to include but not limited to: sanitary sewer, storm sewer,
water, natural gas, cable, hydro-electric, telephone.
2. In the Environmental Protection Area, acceptance by the City of Penticton of a report prepared by
a Qualified Environmental Professional that there is no natural environment associated with the
development or adjacent areas described on the Environmental Development Permit Map due to
previously approved development.
3. In the Environmental Assessment Area, acceptance by the City of Penticton that there is no natural
environment associated with the development or adjacent areas described on the Environmental
Development Permit Map due to previously approved development. A report prepared by a
Qualified Environmental Professional may be required where additional information is necessary to
determine whether this exemption applies.
(Bylaw No. 2026-19)
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4. The removal of hazardous and invasive trees and other species, and a report prepared by a
registered professional in BC or an ISA Certified Arborist who is qualified as a Wildlife/Danger Tree
Assessor has been submitted; and this report concludes that the tree(s) proposed for removal is (are)
hazardous and recommends their removal.
5. The proposed works are site restoration, ecological enhancement, general parks maintenance and
works in accordance with established best management practices and Provincial approvals, as
required, under purview of the City of Penticton Parks Department and directed by advice from a
Qualified Environmental Professional.
6. The activity involves the environmentally-sensitive removal of trees and shrubs designated as
hazardous by a Professional Forester registered in BC in accordance with provincial FireSmart
standards as outlined in a site-specific wildfire hazard report, with provisions in place to ensure that
tree removal is carried out in accordance with the report recommendations.
7. A subdivision involving a boundary adjustment where no new lots are being created and each
remaining lot provides, outside of any environmental protection/assessment areas, a building
envelope of sufficient area to permit the construction of a standard sized building within the
setback established by the Zoning Bylaw.
8. For land development without construction where the development is occurring solely for the
restoration of an environmental feature or the hand removal of an invasive species. A restoration
plan prepared by a Qualified Environmental Professional must be presented to the City of Penticton
prior to development.
9. Where development consists of the farm use of existing active agricultural areas, not involving
the construction of buildings for farm or non-farm use over 10 square metres in floor area, or not
altering natural areas for farm or non-farm uses.
10.
All Environmental Protection and Environmental Assessment Areas applicable to the
development have been included in a registered covenant as assessed by a Qualified Environmental
Professional
11.
There is change of use or alteration of an approved existing building or structure in which the
building or structure "footprint" is not altered or increased or addition to buildings and structures
that are less than 10m² in area (Environmental Assessment Area only).
5.8.5 Environmental Guidelines
General
E1. Issuance of an Environmental Development Permit requires the submission of an environmental assessment
report authored by a Qualified Environmental Professional (QEP) that is a Registered Professional Biologist in British
Columbia or a team that includes a Registered Professional Biologist in British Columbia (RPBio).
E2. The submitted environmental assessment report should be prepared in accordance with the City of Penticton's Terms
of Reference for Environmental Reports.
E3. Construction of underground service utilities may be considered provided that disturbance to the natural
environment is minimal, and restoration and enhancement of disturbed areas is undertaken upon completion of
construction and is addressed in the environmental assessment report and implemented under the guidance of a
Qualified Environmental Professional.
E4. Construction standards for trail development may be varied to minimize impacts on the environment.
(Bylaw No. 2026-19)
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E5. The applicant may be required to provide the City with financial security prior to the issuance of a Development
Permit. The value of the financial security will be based on a cost estimate, prepared by a qualified professional
and accepted by the City, of the total cost of any rehabilitation and/or restoration prescribed in the environmental
assessment report or resulting from unauthorized damage caused by construction or site disturbance in
contravention of a Development Permit.
E6. A Qualified Environmental Professional should provide ongoing monitoring of Development Permit conditions and
submit a post-development report to the City of Penticton confirming that conditions of the permit have been met.
E7. Environmental assessment reports should be reviewed by a Qualified Environmental Professional and updated if
more than two years passes before development proceeds or if development plans change.
Applied to Environmental Protection Areas
E8. Environmental Protection Areas should remain free of development and in their natural condition except for fencing,
trails, buildings or works required for the preservation or public enjoyment of the natural habitat.
E9. Construction of access roads and utilities may be considered in Environmental Protection Areas providing
disturbance to the natural environment is minimal and restoration and enhancement of disturbed areas is
undertaken upon completion of construction.
Applied to Environmental Assessment Areas
E10. Development should be planned away from native trees and trees containing active nest sites or cavities. If removal
of native trees cannot be avoided (e.g., when native trees block the only possible access route, where they pose
an imminent danger or where leaving them would sterilize the lot), mitigation should include restoration and
replanting with equivalent native trees, consistent with applicable Federal and Provincial legislation.
E11. Development should be planned to avoid destruction of Critical Habitat for Endangered and Threatened Species
under the Federal Species at Risk Act, unless Federal permits are issued to allow this.
E12. Development should be planned to avoid Provincial Red Listed ecosystems and species and to minimize impacts on
Provincial Blue Listed ecosystems and species
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5.9
5.9.1 Designation
The Tenant Protection Development Permit Area is designated for mitigating the effects of
displacement on tenants who will be or have been displaced from their rental units in relation to a
redevelopment or proposed redevelopment pursuant to Section 488(1)(k) of the Local Government
Act.
5.9.2 Justification
Penticton is experiencing ongoing redevelopment pressures on its aging rental and motel
stock, which impacts vulnerable tenants. As is recommended in the City's Social Housing and
Infrastructure Plan, this development permit area implements tenant protection measures to
support housing stability as the City redevelops.
Tenant Protection Development Permit Area
(Bylaw No. 2026-13)
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5.9.3 Area
Land within the municipal boundaries of the City of Penticton.
5.9.4 Tenant Protection Guidelines
T1.
Redevelopment must comply with the City of Penticton's Tenant Protection Bylaw.
(Bylaw No. 2026-13)
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Implementation
Chapter 6
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Implementation Approach
This Official Community Plan is intended to guide the City of Penticton's priorities, initiatives and
strategies moving forward. While not all actions in the OCP need to be undertaken, under the
Local Government Act, all City bylaws and works must be consistent with the OCP. This section
outlines the implementation approach, with direction on how the OCP guides subsequent
work, how progress is evaluated, and under what conditions amendments to the Plan may be
considered.
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OCP Amendments and Plan Review
Long-term Review of the OCP
The time horizon of this OCP is 25-30 years; this is how far forward our population projections
and land capacity analyses look, and the basis for direction in the goals and policies and the
Future Land Use Plan. Recognizing that the world changes quickly, the intention, however, is
to comprehensively update the OCP every five-to-ten years to take into account new trends,
unanticipated changes and influences, and to integrate new learning and opportunities. The
City will anticipate, support and resource the comprehensive updating of the OCP within this
timeframe.
Amending the OCP
Recognizing that the OCP is a "living document" amendments to the OCP may be initiated
by the City if the evaluation cycle depicted below indicates the need to adjust. All OCP
amendments require public consultation and a Public Hearing.
Official
Community
Plan
Adjust
as
Indicated
Implement
Evaluate
Monitor
Neighbourhood & Area Plans
Master Plans
Development Approvals
Infrastructure
Investment & Construction
Parkland Acquisition &
Development
Through indicators, studies,
assessments and other
analyses
Compliance
Success/Challenges
Identification of Issues
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OCP Land Use Designation Amendments
Respecting the vision and values in this OCP, but also providing for innovation and adaption
as new opportunities arise, proposals to amend OCP Land Use Designations by landowners
may be considered by City Council with the following considerations:
-
Alignment with broad OCP vision and goals
-
Provision of demonstrable social, economic and environmental benefits to the community
-
Assessment of cost and other implications for infrastructure - parks, roads, utilities, water, sanitary and storm
sewer, public facilities
-
Suitability to context - form, character and design
-
All proposed amendments will be accompanied by meaningful public engagement, in addition to the required
notification, and a formal Public Hearing.
Monitoring Progress of the OCP
Monitoring and evaluation of the OCP's progress, relevance and effectiveness will be achieved
through annual reporting to Council and the community of key indicators. Progress will be
tracked by identifying measureable targets defined by clear and available data, or generating
new data if required. Progress towards (or away) from these defined target indicators will form
the basis of the annual reporting by the City's Planning Department. The indicators will span all
policy areas in the Official Community Plan.
Examples of OCP Indicators
Housing
Net new homes built per year
Defined target (e.g., 150)
% of new houses as rental
Defined target (e.g., 25%)
Rental vacancy rate
Progress towards target
Transportation
% of commutes by active modes and
transit
Upward trend
kms of separated bike lanes, trails and
multi-use pathways
Upward trend
Economy
Creation of new industrial and
commercial floorspace
Upward trend
Environment & Resilience
% of land area as natural and
conservation area
Upward trend
Agriculture & Food Systems
% of land base in ALR
Holding steady or increasing
Parks & Recreation
Hectares of active parkland per 1,000
population
Defined target (2.5 ha/1,000)
Failure to meet targets or apparent trends away from targets may require a 'rethink' of strategies
to achive the underlying goals and policies, and potentially could warrant an amendment to the
OCP, supported by appropriate and meaningful community engagement. The broad vision of
the OCP, and the supporting goals and policies intended to achieve it, should not, in principle,
be deviated from. Generally, major new direction should be achieved through a comprehensive
review of the OCP in a five-to-ten year interval.
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Master Plans and Neighbourhood Plans
Master Plans and Bylaws to Update
Direction for planning and development, engineering, parks and recreation, heritage and culture
are provided by a range of City of Penticton master plans, bylaws and strategies. These will
need to be reviewed, and if necessary adjusted or renewed, to be brought into alignment with
the vision and goals of the OCP.
The following plans have a direct impact on the growth and development of Penticton and will
require review and updating, where warranted, as part of the OCP's implementation strategy
and reflecting policy changes and legislative requirements by senior governments:
Plan/Strategy/Bylaw
Short Term
(1-2 Years)
Medium Term
(3-5 Years)
Long Term
(>5 Years)
Agriculture Plan
Check
Arts and Culture Facility Strategy
Check
Community Climate Action Plan
Check
Community Energy Emissions Inventory
Check
Community Wildfire Protection Plan
Check
Comprehensive Development Plan
Check
Corporate Climate Action Plan
Check
Development Cost Charge Bylaw
Check
Development Procedures Bylaw
Check
Economic Development Strategy
Check
Food System Strategy
Check
Heritage Strategy
Check
Housing Needs Assessment
Check
Official Community Plan
Check
Parks and Recreation Master Plan
Check
Subdivision and Development Bylaw
Check
Transportation Master Plan
Check
Urban Forest Strategy
Check
Zoning Bylaw
Check
Neighbourhood Plans and the OCP
Neighbourhood plans may be newly created or revised after adoption of the OCP. These plans
will clearly indicate how they conform to the OCP and how they will help achieve the OCP's vision,
goals and policies. Neighbourhood plans must additionally take into account infrastructure and
servicing costs, social benefits, ecological impacts, and transportation impacts. Neighbourhood
planning exercises will be accompanied by a community engagement strategy that outlines the
level of engagement, specific engagement tools, and the roles of key stakeholders.
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Temporary Use Permits
Uses not otherwise permitted in the Zoning Bylaw may be permitted on a temporary basis in
all parts of the City of Penticton through issuance of Temporary Use Permits, as identified and
defined in Section 492 of the Local Government Act. Uses can be permitted for a maximum of
three years, with the possibility of one renewal of up to three years, and approval of which will
be assessed based on:
-
Compatibility with its Land Use Designation
-
Minimizing conflict with adjacent land uses
-
Avoiding impacts on environmentally-sensitive areas
-
Not creating a significant increase in the level of demand for services
-
Not permanently altering the site where it is located
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Maps
Map 1: Future Land Use
Map 2: Transportation Network
Map 3: Downtown Development Permit Area
Map 4: Hillside Development Permit Area
Map 5: Riparian Development Permit Area
Map 6: Environmental Development Permit Area
Map 7: Water Network
Map 8: Sanitary Network
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Appendices
Appendix 1 - Glossary
Definitions are provided for plain language convenience and are not intended to limit the
statutory authority where the same term is defined within local government legislation.
Active Transportation: any form of human-powered transportation: walking, cycling,
wheelchairs, skateboards, and other non-motorized modes of travel.
Affordable Housing: housing is considered to be affordable when a household spends less
than 30% of its pre-tax income on adequate shelter. Households that spend more than 30%
of their income on shelter are deemed to be in core housing need.
Carriage House: a second dwelling unit located on a residential lot with an existing single
detached dwelling or duplex. A carriage house may be a purpose-built structure, or a
renovated garage or accessory building.
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED): a planning approach that
recognizes how the proper design and effective use of the built environment can lead to a
reduction in the incidence and fear of crime and an improvement in safety and quality of life.
Development: new construction and redevelopment, as well as subdivision and land and/or
building alteration.
Development (in Environmentally Sensitive and Riparian Development Permit Areas):
a.) removal, alteration, disruption, or destruction of vegetation;
b.) disturbance of soils;
c.) construction or alteration of buildings and structures;
d.) creation of non-structural impervious or semi-impervious surfaces;
e.) flood protection works;
f.) construction of new roads, bridges, trails, and utilities, meant to include sanitary sewer, storm sewer,
water, natural gas, cable, hydro-electric, telephone, and other;
g.) development of drainage systems;
h.) development of utility corridors;
i.) subdivision as defined in Section 872 of the Local Government Act.
Development Permit Area: an area that has been designated under the Local Government
Act as requiring issuance of a Development Permit prior to the commencement of
development.
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Duplex: a building designed exclusively to accommodate two households living independently
in separate dwelling units above, below, beside each other or back-to-back to each other.
Environmentally Sensitive Areas: place that have special environmental attributes worthy
of retention or special care. These areas are critical to the maintenance of productive and
diverse plant and wildlife populations. Examples include rare ecosystems, habitats for
species at risk and areas that are easily disturbed by human activities.
Food System: all processes and infrastructure involved in feeding a population: growing,
harvesting, processing, packaging, transporting, marketing, consumption, and disposal of
food and food-related items. It also includes the inputs needed and outputs generated at
each of these steps.
Ground Oriented Housing: housing that provides direct outdoor access to and from each
dwelling unit and private open space at grade level, rather than from a common entrance or
hallway
Household: a person or group of persons who occupy the same dwelling.
Household Income: the sum of the incomes of all people aged 15 years or older residing at a
single address.
Housing Continuum: the range of shelter and housing options, from emergency shelters and
transitional housing, to supportive housing for vulnerable populations including seniors and
people with mental illness, to public and not-for-profit affordable rental housing, to market
rental, to home ownership.
High-rise Buildings: buildings that are greater than six storeys in height
Infill: more intensive development in areas well-served with public infrastructure, such as
transportation, water, wastewater, and other utilities.
Intensification: development of a property, site, or area at a higher density than currently
exists through redevelopment; the development of vacant and/or underutilized lots within
previously developed areas; infill development; and the expansion or conversion of existing
buildings.
Low-rise Buildings: buildings that are one to three storeys in height
Mid-rise Buildings: buildings that are four to six storeys in height
Mixed-use: the combination of more than one use, such as residential, commercial (office
and/or retail), or institutional uses, in the same building or development.
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Multifamily Residential: development where the building or buildings on a lot are used for
three or more dwellings
Neighbourhood Commercial: small-scale commercial amenities within minor neighbourhood
centres that provide retail sales or limited service functions (e.g. small grocery store, coffee
shop, neighbourhood pub, or convenience store), while serving as walkable gathering places
for surrounding neighbourhood residents.
Public Realm: the space around, between and within buildings that are publicly accessible,
including streets, squares, parks and open spaces. These areas and settings support or
facilitate public life and social interaction
Qualified Environmental Professional: a professional qualified and registered in British
Columbia and trained to undertake the riparian assessment methods, in accordance with the
Provincial Riparian Areas Regulation.
Redevelopment: any proposed expansion, addition, or major façade change to an existing
building or structure, or a proposed development on a formerly occupied site.
Rowhouses: side-by-side single-family dwellings sharing common walls with one or two
adjacent units. Each unit is either on its own legal parcel or is stratified, with a formal street
address and its own front and back yard.
Riparian Assessment Area: the area where the assessment occurs to determine the
Streamside Protection and Enhancement Area (SPEA) and measures.
a.) for a stream, the 30 meter strip on both sides of the stream, measured from the high water mark;
b.) for a ravine less than 60 meter wide, a strip on both sides of the stream measured from the high water
mark to a point that is 30 meters beyond the top of the ravine bank;
c.) for a ravine that is 60 meters wide or greater a strip on both sides of the stream measured from the high
water mark to a point that is 10 meters beyond the top of the ravine bank;
d.) for a lake or pond, the 30 meter strip around the high water mark.
Social Housing: housing is owned by a not-for-profit organization, a co-op or a government.
Rents are subsidized (usually by the government) making it possible for people with lower
incomes to find housing they can afford. Household income must be below certain limits in
order to be eligible.
Solar Access: the ability of one property to continue to receive sunlight across property lines
without obstruction from another's property (buildings, foliage or other impediment).
SPEA: Streamside Protection and Enhancement Area.
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Stacked Townhouse: typically two residential units stacked one on top of the other in a row of
four or more stacked pairs sharing one legal parcel. The units may have more than one storey
each, and all units have their own front entrances facing the street or a courtyard.
Stream: any natural or human-made watercourse that contains water on a perennial or
seasonal basis, is scoured by water or contains observable deposits of mineral alluvium or
has a continuous channel bed, including a watercourse that is obscured by overhanging or
bridging vegetation or soil mats.
Townhouse: side-by-side attached ground-oriented houses with individual entrances to the
front or rear, and typically with small front and/or rear yards.
Universal Design: the design and composition of an environment so that it can be accessed,
understood and used to the greatest extent possible by all people regardless of their age,
size, ability or disability.
Watercourse: a natural source of water supply including a lake, pond, river, creek, spring,
ravine, gulch, or wetland, whether or not usually containing water, including ice, but does not
include an aquifer.
Xeriscaping: the process of landscaping or gardening that reduces or eliminates the need
for supplemental water from irrigation. Also known as water-wise gardening and dryland
gardening.
171 Main Street
Penticton, BC V2A 5A9
CONTACT US
T: (250) 490-2400
F: (250) 490-2402
E: [email protected]
Official Community Plan
penticton.ca/ocp
Shaping your future.