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Helena Konanz

ARCHER: Hey Boonstock, just tell us what’s going on

Hey kids! Boonstock is only three weeks away! Nothing but fun and sun and music and culture and stuff! It’s all good all the time! Just please don’t look behind the curtain. I know I’ll be accused of being the grumpy old parent shushing the teenagers on their three-day sleepover, but I wish I didn’t...

ARCHER: Holding government leaders accountable

Government bodies get a bad rap when it comes to spending money, and sometimes the facts prove our tax dollars are not being well spent. But when government officials show us what's in their pockets, it becomes easier for the public to trust their leaders and the decisions they make on behalf of the community....

Penticton city councillors share their festive season traditions

PENTICTON - We asked Penticton’s politicians to share their memories about their Christmas traditions, what they remembered most fondly about Christmas with their families and what traditions they follow from year to year. It’s a busy time for everyone but two Penticton councillors took the time to reply to our questionnaire to give residents a...

Penticton 9/11 anniversary ceremony a first responders’ Remembrance Day

PENTICTON - The bagpipes began playing this morning as those gathering in Veterans Park prepared to pay homage to fallen emergency service workers during the 9/11 terrorist attack on the World Trade Centre buildings. Penticton Auxiliary firefighter Carsten Von Dein says today's ceremony, Sept. 11, is meant to remember all emergency service workers who have...

Hydro rates too high in the city, says city councillor

PENTICTON - Changing to wholesale rates could save city residents money on their hydro bill according to a Penticton City Councillor. Counc. Helena Konaz hopes the city will reconsider the way it charges customers for electricity and plans to introduce a motion during the regular meeting Jan. 19. “Traditionally council has agreed to a higher...

Council questions whether Boonstock is a good idea for the city

PENTICTON - The topic of Boonstock caused a bit of a stir during this week’s council meeting when one councillor said she does not support the event. During a discussion on issues arising from the Protective Services Advisory Committee, Coun. Katie Robinson said there was a lack of substance in the Boonstock plan. Whenever there...

City officials to take tour of Boonstock grounds

PENTICTON - Boonstock organizers have arranged another walk-through of festival grounds this weeks for city officials who either missed out or were not invited to the last tour on June 13. Coun. Helena Konanz confirmed her attendance at the walk-through and said she is excited about the festival and the 8,500 people it will bring...

Council’s tour of Boonstock grounds eases concerns

PENTICTON - Progress on the Boonstock festival grounds this morning appears to be winning over skeptical Penticton City councillors who toured the property again this morning. It still looks like barren land, but organizers assured they are on track for a safe and fun weekend Aug 1 to 3. Not all councillors were invited to walk through...

Boonstock vows to continue despite security setback

PENTICTON - Boonstock organizers say the show will go on even without definite security plans, since the private company they hired quit one month before the weekend long concert. Boonstock officials have been difficult to reach at the best of times, but since International Crowd Management has backed out of the event hit the news...

Council keeps neutral stance about Boonstock

PENTICTON - City Council remains neutral about endorsing Boonstock after a letter was sent by the Chamber of Commerce asking council to reconsider its decision. The Chamber has been an enthusiastic supporter of the music festival and said it’s good business to get behind a new business operation of this size. Campbell Watt, Chamber president...

Councillor says Boonstock for “head-banging druggies”

PENTICTON - City Coun. Katie Robinson made an unexpected comment about Boonstock at last night’s council meeting, causing gallery members to gasp and other councillors to hold their heads in their hands. “I’m not a head-banging druggie, so I wasn’t interested in it whatsoever,” Robinson said of the festival. Robinson has been outspoken about her...

Penticton lifestyle will be the cure for job retention

PENTICTON - It’s going to take a creative touch for businesses to acquire the skilled trade workers and permanent training resources needed to satisfy the demands of the growing industrial sector in Penticton. Job retention isn’t just about economic development opportunities, says economic development director, Colleen Pennington—it’s also about investing in the arts community, the...