If you’re living downtown, you should expect a certain amount of noise, according to some City of Penticton councillors.
“It could be the 600 block is not used to having noise, but guess what, that is our downtown. We want noises in our downtown, we want bands, we want people to be coming in,” said Coun. Helena Konanz.
Konanz was referring to The Whole, a youth centre at 651 Main St. that lost it’s business licence last month after getting off to a rocky start.
Carrie Lee Walker applied for a business licence on Sept. 30 for The Whole, a youth activity centre with live music, sports activities and rentals with small retail sales. On Jan. 25, the city suspended the business licence for non-payment, ongoing nuisance complaints and possibly serving alcohol without liquor licensing in place.
Ken Kunka, building and permitting manager, said city staff had concerns about what type of operation at would be, noting that it seemed to be centred not on youth, but more allowing young adults to enjoy themselves, enjoy skateboarding, while listening to live music.
Along with the business licence fee not being paid, Kunka said there are also concerns about the Special Occasion Licence (alcohol) events that were occurring in contravention of Liquor Control and Licensing Board regulations, since the operation is not a society.
“The RCMP attended The Whole 11 times since it opened,” said Kunka, noting that one call included a minor in possession of alcohol. “We typically don’t see this number of complaints regarding a business.”
Kunka said another complaint involved a distraught male who was locked out and threatening people.
“That highlighted the moment we perhaps may need to do something regarding what is happening there,” said Kunka.
Walker appeared before council this week to appeal the suspension, starting off by noting that the federal government’s definition of youth includes ages 14 to 29.
She said the majority of concerns occurred before The Whole officially opened, and they have refined the operation since.
One incident occurred during construction, she said, after they had completed the indoor skateboard ramp.
“Everyone was a little excited and we lost track of time. We have not allowed skateboarding past 11 p.m. since that night,” said Walker, adding that Oct. 28 was first day The Whole.
Walker said they have also stopped holding the special occasion fundraisers, which involved alcohol sales.
“It has run into so much problems we have backed off of it,” said Walker.
The aim of opening The Whole, she said, was to provide a safe, fun environment, where positive influence from older members of the community can connect with bored youth in a clubhouse setting.
Coun. Judy Sentes said there is no question the city needs that kind of a facility, but also the youth need to set a good example.
“You still have to do it with that good neighbour intent. If we are going to teach young people how to become leaders in our community, then they need to understand the expectation of compliance,” said Sentes. “If we are going to teach young people how to be leaders in our community, then let’s do it right.”
Sentes voted in favour of reinstating the business licence for The Whole and allow operations to continue, as did the rest of council in a unanimous vote.
