All systems are go for the Union of British Columbia Municipalities convention in Penticton next week, except for those at the South Okanagan Events Centre. What was supposed to b
e the facility’s coming out party was officially scrapped late Wednesday afternoon in a press release issued jointly by the UBCM and the City of Penticton. Construction delays were blamed for the cancellation, although neither Penticton Mayor Jake Kimberley nor officials from management company Global Spectrum could be reached for comment. While the bulk of the UBCM convention activities are scheduled to take place in the nearby Penticton Trade and Convention Centre, the arena had some important hosting duties, including: meetings between delegates and provincial cabinet ministers; a welcome reception for 2,000 guests; a lounge area; room for sponsors; and a temporary office for Premier Gordon Campbell. UBCM president Susan Gimse said in a telephone interview Wednesday that back-up plans include the use of tents, portable office trailers, and the former wine centre on Westminster Avenue. "We’re a little disappointed," she said, but noted the cancellation doesn’t reflect poorly on the city, and is actually a reflection of an overheated construction industry.Gimse added that the shift to Plan B won’t detract from the meat of the convention, which will likely have an environmental flavour. The annual gathering is expected to draw some 1,100 delegates from municipal governments and regional districts around the province, all hoping to bend the ears of those in higher office. As the collective voice of B.C.’s local governments, the UBCM gets its policy direction from the annual convention, which runs from Monday to Friday. That guidance will be based on how delegates feel about the roughly 220 resolutions put before them.
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Don Quixote Note: Still no announcement from Vernon Council on who will attend to advocate for the 4 resolutions that were sent down unanimously from Vernon Council.
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