Infrastructure levy proposed to tackle shortfall

To ensure funds are available to replace and upgrade failing city-owned infrastructure, the City of Penticton is proposing a new infrastructure levy. Within five years, this levy would direct nine per cent of property tax revenue toward infrastructure investment.

At a well-attended public meeting Thursday evening, with about 120 residents in council chambers, senior city staff explained the rationale for the levy, its necessity, and how it would secure long-term funding for critical infrastructure.

Shifting from flat contributions to percentage-based funding

With 2026 budget planning approaching, the city is reconsidering its longstanding policy of contributing a flat $3.2 million annually to infrastructure. Instead, the new plan would allocate 4.25 per cent of total property tax revenu