Dear Editor,
Penticton Secondary School, Jim Pattison Centre of Excellence, South Okanagan Events Centre and the upgraded pool facility are examples of significant building capital investments in Penticton over the past few years.
These education and recreation facilities benefit the residents of Penticton and surrounding communities.
A conceptual plan for a four-story patient care tower addition to the Penticton Regional Hospital has been completed for what could potentially be the next big capital building project in Penticton to serve the South Okanagan.
The RDOS and Penticton Hospital Foundation have committed to fund $140 million of the $300 million price tag, and Interior Health has indicated that the Penticton Regional Hospital is a number one priority for the region.
The need for a significant upgrade to our hospital has been clearly identified, and we are almost half way towards funding the plan, thanks to good leadership, patience and persistence.
We ought not to be deterred or discouraged by the $80 million funding announced for Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops.
During the years that I served as Board Chair of the Okanagan Skaha School district, I found that good solid planning, community support, clearly identified need and cooperation with all levels of government resulted in school capital announcements (Penticton Secondary, Princess Margaret restructure, Summerland Middle and Skaha Lake Middle Schools).
The PRH Ambulatory Care Facility will undoubtedly benefit the citizens of our region, and I’d suggest we continue with a positive and pragmatic approach, and I would encourage people in the area to support this project.
Connie Denesiuk
Summerland