Jukka Laurio, owner of Herbal Green medical marijuana dispensary, is back in front of Penticton city council again, this time appealing a decision by city staff to deny non-profit registration for his Association for Medical Marijuana Awareness.
More: Medical marijuana dispensary opening, even without permit
City council has a full schedule for their afternoon meeting on Feb. 7, including several delegations at their committee of the whole meeting, starting with Elvena Slump and Helen Trevors. They are asking council to request recall legislation for local governments be put on the next UBCM agenda.
Dean Clarke, Spectra regional vice-president, is asking council to submit a bid to host the 2019 Federation of Canadian Municipalities board meetings at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre.
The meetings bring up to 150 municipal leaders and association members to the host community. The value of hosting this prestigious event includes about 600 hotel rooms nights and an estimated economic impact of $200,000.
Based on the event requirements listed in the request for proposal received from the FCM, the estimated convention centre revenue potential is over $60,000.
The Penticton Arts council is presenting a new vision for their group with a focus on collaboration and community building. They will also be outlining an arts and culture festival they are planning for September.
The South Okanagan Similkameen Volunteer Centre is also proposing a new event, the Pillar Community Innovation Awards, recognizing volunteers and non-profit organizations who have made exceptional contributions to improve the well-being of individuals and families. Nominations open on Feb. 13 and close on March 31, with the awards night planned for April 22.
The YES (Youth Engagement Strategy) project is updating council on their progress toward creating a youth resource centre, which they hope to break ground on later this year.
More: Growing need for youth resource centre
City council will also be hearing from Dale Connay, owner of Current Taxi, who is proposing expanding his luxury taxi service, which uses electric, environmentally friendly vehicles as their taxi fleet. Connay is asking for a letter of support from council as part of their licence application to the Passenger Transportation Board.
The SS Sicamous Society is asking council for a three-year loan from the city for the construction of a wharf on the south side of the landmark.
More: SS Sicamous master plan gaining steam
They point out that while the Sicamous has been extensively restored, the area around the boat has changed little over the past two decades. Construction of a wharf will create a more attractive, realistic and photogenic entrance to the boat.
The Okanagan Skaha School Board also meets this week on Feb. 6. Now that they have received feedback on the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity policy, trustees will be voting tonight on whether to approve it. The policy, which was approved in principle at their Dec. 12 meeting, grew out of student advocacy after the shootings at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando last June.
More: Tragedy inspires school project
Trustees will also be voting on the District Code of Conduct, which was also circulating for feedback.
School district staff is requesting the board put a hold on all student transfers in light of the recent Supreme Court of Canada ruling on class size, composition and space requirements until there is more clarity around the ruling and how it will be implemented.