Community safety is Priority 1. As our local RCMP detachment has one of the highest files per RCMP member ratios in the Province, we need to continue to allocate funds for hiring additional RCMP Officers and By-Law Enforcement.

Homelessness in Penticton is a serious issue that cannot be fixed by enforcement alone. City Council must continue to aggressively lobby the Provincial Government for Homeless Shelters that include wrap around services for substance abuse and mental health issues. These wrap around services are a Provincial responsibility and are critical in providing support and hope for our most vulnerable citizens. Likewise, Council needs to continue lobbying the Federal Government to stiffen penalties for prolific offenders.

Increasing Penticton’s housing affordability and supply needs to be addressed through Zoning regulations and perhaps tightening the regulations for short term vacation rentals.

Keeping property tax increases to a minimum by expanding the tax base with new construction for business and housing projects. This goes hand-in-hand with keeping costs in check and re-directing funds from Legacy Projects to Community Safety.