The City of Penticton’s Communications team has been recognized for excellence on both the provincial and international stage, earning awards for innovation in economic development marketing as well as community engagement.

“These awards reflect how Penticton is telling its story in compelling and meaningful ways, while also embracing creative approaches to engage our community,” said Mayor Julius Bloomfield. “The Start Here Penticton campaign is one example of a campaign that’s making a positive impact, while initiatives like the Esplanade Renewal Plan are helping us gather valuable input from residents to shape the future of our city.”

The City received the Economic Development Marketing Innovation Award from the B.C. Economic Development Association (BCEDA) in the over 25,000 population category for its Start Here Penticton campaign. This award recognizes the team’s success of targeted marketing efforts to attract workforce talent to the community, while also promoting Penticton as an ideal place to live, work and invest.

The BCEDA awards celebrate outstanding work supporting local economies and advancing innovation, resilience, collaboration, tourism and economic reconciliation across the province.

The City also earned the Granicus Digital Government Community Engagement Award, which recognizes public sector leaders across North America who are improving service delivery, operational efficiency and resident satisfaction through digital transformation.

Penticton was honoured for its innovative approach to public engagement on the Esplanade Renewal Plan, which invited residents to shape a long-term vision for a key section of the Okanagan Lake waterfront. The Communications team supported the City’s Development Services department to deliver the information to the public using a multi-channel digital approach, including a video tour and QR codes placed through the area to raise awareness of the project. This collaborative process involved gathering feedback from residents and user groups in the area, combining in-person opportunities with creative online tools.

“Together, these awards highlight the City of Penticton’s commitment to innovative communications, meaningful public engagement and economic development strategies that reflect Council’s priority of supporting a livable and accessible community,” added Mayor Bloomfield.