The City of Penticton has released their choices for the 12 community-at-large seats on the 17 member Official Community Plan Task Force.
The candidates, chosen from among 50 applicants, were selected for their experience in a variety of fields, like agriculture, architecture, land use planning, arts, affordable housing, youth, seniors and more.
Other task force members were appointed to represent community and government organizations. Any positions still open and the two city council representatives will be confirmed at the April 4 regular council meeting.
Members include Evelyn Riechert (Regional District of the Okanagan Similkameen); Wendy Hyer (School District 67); Lynn Allin (Downtown Penticton Association); Kristi Estergaard (Interior Health); Jill Bateman; (Penticton Industrial Development Association).
Chairs for the Penticton Indian Band and the Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce have yet to be filled.
The community representatives are: Garrett Cruikshank; Sharon Fletcher; Lynn Kelsey; Randy Kowalchuk; Randy Manuel; Suzanne Moccia; Dennis O’Gorman; Warren Sanders; Bruce Schoenne; Rhys Spencer; Brian Symonds and Jillian Tamblyn.
The OCP review is expected to take about 18 months, during which time, there will be opportunities for wider community input, as well as through shapeyourcitypenticton.ca.
“We were very impressed with the depth of knowledge and will invite all applicants to be involved in the process, especially where their expertise will be valuable,” said Mayor Andrew Jakubeit. “All residents will also have the opportunity to be involved through activities such as workshops and open houses.”
