The Penticton Seniors Drop-In Centre wants to develop a better working relationship with the City of Penticton.
Mignonne Wood, the centre society’s secretary, made an appearance before Penticton council Tuesday asking for a better working relationship between her organization and council.
Wood, who announced June 3-9 is officially BC Seniors Week, told council that the drop-in centre will be celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2019 and have been located for the past 20 years at its current location at Robinson Park in the south end of town.
“My reason for being here today is to begin to build a more public face for the Penticton Seniors Drop-In Centre and to encourage more support from the city,” she said. “We feel the centre is a very worthwhile and contributing city asset that we feel at this time is under valued, under recognized and under appreciated. We would like that to change.”
The centre would appreciate more recognition in playing an important role in the health and well-being of seniors in this community, she said.
The drop-in centre has worked hard to “become a focal point for all the seniors in the community” and has more than 900 members and visitors and newcomers are always welcome, she said.
The centre’s goal is to provide recreation and social opportunities for seniors of all ages at a minimum cost, she said. “That was the goal in 1994 and it remains the goal today."
The non-profit society continues to offer a wide variety of services for residents age 50 and over, she said.
The centre is also self-supporting “and run by an amazing army of volunteers,” she said.
The centre is open five days a week, with some special events held on weekends.
Seniors' centres will become increasingly more important as the numbers of seniors continues to increase, said Wood.
The centre is a “vibrant and busy place we believe serves the community well,” she said.
The centre has tried unsuccesfully to begin conversations with the city about expanding its facility and concerns over parking caused by the growing popularity of pickleball and the heavy use of the nearby outdoor pickleball facility, said Wood.
Wood said she was hoping the city would be amenable to meeting with the seniors centre, pickleball club, horseshoe and bocce clubs that use Robinson Park to discuss and address concerns “so we can work co-operatively to share the space. But we have found it very difficult to get a response. We don’t understand the lack of support and enthusiasm and support for our efforts.”
Wood said they would like to add more meeting rooms to offer more programs, but the society doesn’t have a lot of money to add space and was told someone from the city would get back to them, but that never happened, said Wood.
Pickleball is growing leaps and bounds in popularity and players are aware of parking issues, but they still take up parking spots during peak times, she said.
The centre wants to work with the city to “remain a dynamic and viable asset” that will be around for many years to come.
This week has been designated BC Seniors Week to celebrate the diversity of the province’s older population and increase public awareness about the integral role seniors play in the community, said Wood.
She didn’t know how many members of council had actually visited the centre, but she sent an open invitation for them to come down and see all of the programs and services offered.
“You need to come … you need to chat with the seniors that are there,” she said. “You need to take part in some of the events and activities.”
She personally invited them to “Tuesday lunch” or the monthly social dinner or drop by on Thursday morning for cinnamon buns.
Wood ended her presentation reiterating how the drop-in centre hopes to establish a better working relationship with the city moving forward.
“I think we are an important asset and we would like to work closer with the city,” she said.
Coun. Judy Sentes asked if the centre had “ever considered a partnership” with the Penticton Seniors Wellness Society.
That group now operates out of the OneSky community resource centre on Ellis Street and addresses many of the same concerns, said Sentes.
“I think they address many concerns that your group would as well,” she said. “I think working together you might find there are common goals that could be achieved.”
Wood said they have talked with them and was informed that organization has been based out of the downtown, while the drop-in centre has been used by seniors in the south end of town.
“I think there’s been a division … but we’re absolutely willing to work on it,” she said.
Sentes said she is council’s liaison person with the wellness centre and she didn’t think there was a division between the two groups.
“I think there is commonality,” she said. “I would certainly on their behalf extend an invitation for you to send a representative. I think they would be delighted to have you attend their meetings.”
Mayor Andrew Jakubeit asked CAO Peter Weeber to task staff to reach out and to the drop-in society and figure out ways to celebrate BC Seniors Week each year.
Close to 30 percent of local residents are age 50 and older and they are an important part of this community, he said.
Weeber promised to stay in touch with Wood.
