Welcome Home

The first 300 people will snap up a limited edition Penticton tote bag filled with useful information and swag.

While each pack will vary slightly, contents include: 

• Cloth tote bag
• 2 Penticton Vees tix for the first 50 to pick up bags
• Bus tickets to ride BC Transit 
• A free pass to the Penticton Community Centre 
• Copy of Start Here Penticton: Your Guide to Living Like a Local  
• Popcorn from the Chamber of Commerce
• Visitor guides and a map from Visit Penticton
• Recycling brochures and information 
• Information from Okanagan College, SOICS and other community-based organizations

Here are a few suggestions: 

1. For biking, we recommend checking out the Penticton and Area Cycling Association (PACA). They organize group rides and have a fantastic local community. 
2. For networking groups, volunteering or business groups, check out this list on StartHerePenticton.com 
3. If you’re a remote worker and want to get out of the house, check out our Remote Worker webpage and places such as Cowork Penticton, which has a free networking gathering every Friday afternoon. 
4. The Penticton Newcomers Club offers activities. 
5. For seniors groups, please contact the Seniors’ Drop-In Centre, which is a bustling area with lots of activities and events. 
6. You’ll find a list of local clubs, youth clubs, special interest groups and sports clubs in the seasonal Penticton Recreation Guide, which can be picked up at the Community Centre or viewed online at penticton.ca/rec-guide. 
7. Consider volunteering! It's a great way to meet people and give back to causes that are meaningful to you. This webpage offers some ways to get involved. 
8. Looking for a list of local events? Here are two to try: 
   1. The City's Events Calendar 
   2. Visit Penticton's Events Calendar (you can also subscribe to their weekly newsletter)

Different industries post in different locations, so here is a list of a number of sources for you to consider when looking for a job. The local WorkBC Employment Services Office is a helpful resource for exploring career options. 

Visit our Parking webpage to learn more about the following: 

• The Resident Parking Program, which includes resident-only parking areas, and other long- and short-term options. 
• Parking downtown (meters, how to pay, zoning, etc.) 
• Skaha Lake boat parking 
• Accessible parking 
• Bikes & e-bike parking

You can find a link to the Bylaw here. For some key points, read our Good Neighbour pamphlet. 

Thanks for asking! You will receive a brochure and a recycling ‘cling’ in your Welcome Home packs, which outlines what can – or can’t – be recycled in your curbside recycling carts. Here are some key tips to remember: 

• Do not add glass into your home recycling carts. These can be dropped off at a depot or Campbell Mountain Landfill’s recycling bins. 
• Do not add any soft plastics into your home recycling carts. This includes plastic bags of any kind. These can be dropped off at a depot. 
• Yes, you can add take-out coffee cups and pizza boxes into your home recycling. 
• Do not add books (hardcover or soft cover) to your home recycling. These can be dropped off at the blue carts located at the Penticton Library lobby (more info at penticton.ca/books). 

You can also view all of this information online at penticton.ca/recycling.

You’ll find a list of local clubs, youth clubs, special interest groups and sports clubs in the seasonal Penticton Recreation Guide, which can be picked up at the Community Centre or viewed online at penticton.ca/rec-guide. 

Local bus service is provided by BC Transit. You can learn about how to get around Penticton and the neighbouring communities on this webpage.

Visit Penticton recently shared an article, published in Explore Magazine, on this topic.  There are lots of great hiking spots within a short drive throughout the region, with these being a few favourites: 

• Munson Mountain: A short hike to the PENTICTON sign. 
• Skaha Bluffs: Known for its rock climbing terrain, this park attracts climbers, hikers and trail runners from far and wide.
• Campbell Mountain: A great spot for shorter hikes, close to the city, and mountain bike trails.
• Peach Cliff Hike (Okanagan Falls): Trails and an old gold mine, off McLean Creek Road.
• Naramata Creek Falls: A short hike to a waterfall, which requires crossing the creek twice (see Explore mag article).
• Giant’s Head Park, Summerland (see Explore mag article).

Are you new to Penticton? This guide provides information and resources to help you settle in to your new community – and enjoy all the city has to offer. Also be sure to check out Start Here Penticton for inspirational stories, updates and more.

View the guide below or  download it here. A printed copy of this magazine will be included in your 'Welcome Home' pack.

The Just Moved Checklist includes tips for how to:

• Set up your utility accounts (including electrical and water)
• Find a family doctor or walk-in clinic
• Register kids for school
• Find child care
• Dispose of your garbage, recycling and yard waste
• Look for work

… and more!

Start by connecting with the local settlement organization, South Okanagan Immigrant and Community Services (SOICS).

Their services are free for newcomers and they can help you with everything from getting your documents in order to accessing free English language classes, finding housing or school for your children, and more.

Download their Newcomers Guide at soics.ca/welcome-guide.

Penticton is a place where big ideas grow into big business. Our vibrant city has strong entrepreneurial spirit, where local companies are doing business around the world.

Do you have a business idea? Or maybe you have questions about the local market? Start by visiting our Guide to Business page.