Past Successes & Ongoing Efforts
Ongoing Policy Efforts
Currently, the Advocacy Committee and the Board of Directors are working on the following issues:
- Scrap the Speculation Tax
- Minimum Wage Increase
- Alberta’s ban on BC wines
- The Chamber was invited to participate in the City of Penticton Commercial & Industrial Land Capacity Study – Feb 6 & 7, 2018
- Participation in the City of Penticton Economic Development Strategic Planning Sessions – Oct 30 & 31, 2017
- Mobile Vendors Licencing
- PST Reform
- Highway 3 Improvements
- Supporting the FreeMyGrapes movement and Federal Bill C-311
- Working with the Provincial Finance Committee to plan the direction of the BC Government in the coming year
- Changes to Provincial Recycling regulations
- Facilitating relationships between Tourism Penticton and the Penticton Hospitality Association
- Supporting progressive changes to BC’s antiquated liquor laws
History of Success
Advocating policy solutions for our members is a never-ending pursuit. We are currently working on many initiatives at all levels of government, but below are a few examples of municipal, provincial, and federal policy wins from the Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce.
Past Success
Advocacy Success: Removing the Interprovincial Barriers to the Sale of Wine Across Canada
Through policy resolutions to the BC and Canadian Chambers of Commerce as well as direct lobbying of Members of Parliament locally and across Canada, The Penticton Chamber was successful in building a groundswell of support for our specific recommendations related to changes in federal laws which have restricted the interprovincial sale of wine. In 2012, the Federal government passed legislation on this issue removing said barriers, though work is not yet done as we continue to lobby individual provinces to open up their liquor distribution boards to allow BC wine to be sold in their jurisdictions.
Advocacy Success: Highway 97 Expansion
As a key participant on the Okanagan Transportation Panel, The Chamber successfully lobbied the Provincial government to complete major capital works projects along highway 97 with the specific aim of increasing the flow of goods and travelers from the US border at Osoyoos through to the Shuswap. The movement of goods along this route significantly improves the economy, bringing millions of dollars to Penticton.
Advocacy Success: Municipal Economic Incentive Zones
The Chamber was successful in lobbying the municipal government to create a bylaw which would offer incentives for new development and redevelopment in targeted areas of the city including the elimination of Building Permit Fees and property taxes for up to 5 years as well as reduced Development Cost Charges for qualified projects. This has led to the development of highly successful ‘Economic Incentive Zones’ stimulating economic growth throughout Penticton.
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