The City of Penticton and Penticton Indian Band have signed a letter of intent agreeing to enter into discussions with the aim to resolve outstanding maintenance concerns relating to the River Channel cleanup.

As the parties work toward a co-operative solution, the Penticton Indian Band has indicated the $2 environmental fee will be rescinded effective immediately.

“The Penticton Indian Band is our neighbour, and we are committed to working with them to resolve outstanding issues. It is beneficial to have these protocols in place to ensure our joint interests are addressed,” said City of Penticton Acting Mayor Garry Litke.

“We are pleased that the City of Penticton is working with us on good environmental stewardship. We all play a part in taking care of the land. The end result is a healthy River Channel and positive experience for everyone,” said Penticton Indian Band Chief Jonathan Kruger.

 

Earlier:

Coyote Cruises is introducing a $2 environment fee per person to go toward maintenance of the river.

The reasoning behind the action, is the Penticton Indian Band has hired a worker to clean up the mess left behind by channel users.  Coyote Cruises will charge $5 to groups of three or more, to accommodate families.

The company has been owned and operated by the PIB since 2005.

It provides tube rentals  and transportation along the channel, located between Okanagan Lake and Skaha Lake.

The man-made channel, created in the 1950’s to control flooding, is now a  popular tourist attraction, serving in excess of 100,000 people per year.