The public is being asked to give feedback to shape the future of the area around the marina on Okanagan Lake at the north-east end of Penticton.
The Esplanade area, as the City describes it, encompasses the marina and nearby provincially and city-owned land including the hillsides that connect to the offical KVR trail through an informal trial network.
"This is the first round of engagement with the community and user groups to understand what they would like to see in this area over the next 20-plus years. Setting a longer-term community vision will guide what kind of amenities we can consider there in the future,” said Steven Collyer, the City’s manager of housing and policy initiatives.
The Okanagan Marina, Penticton Tennis Club and Penticton Yacht Club currently operate out of the area, while the former building the club's shared is currently vacant and boarded up.
ALl of the buildings are close to the end of life the city said, and their leases are also set to expire.
A plan for what will happen next, including what buildings may replace the current ones, if any replacements are made, will be based in part on public feedback.
“The City is currently completing important archaeological and environmental studies in the area," said Collyer. "The results of these studies and feedback from the community will help set the direction for the Esplanade Renewal Plan and further discussion about the area with residents.”
Three concepts were previously created during public engagement gathering in 2011 and have been brought back as potential jumping off points for discussion for the next plan.
The three 2011 concepts are available for viewing on shapeyourcitypenticton.ca.
Any designs or plans created as a result of the current round of feedback will remain subject to technical reports, lease agreements, and additional community input.
Feedback from the public is currently being gathered until June 6. Feedback can be filed online through shapeyourcitypenticton.ca.
Forms will also be available in person at an on-site workshop on May 28 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
