A sprawling encampment of those experiencing unsheltered homelessness continues to be a focus of mitigation efforts by the City of Penticton and the snpink鈥檛n (Penticton) Indian Band (PIB) as it keeps attracting attention.

The encampment is located adjacent to Highway 97 at the intersection with Fairview Road and Green Mountain Road, on land that is under the provincial government's jurisdiction as an easement with the Ministry of Transportation and Transit.

One of the tents was involved in a fire that destroyed two RVs at the Leisureland location in February of 2025. 

A joint release from the City and PIB says they're working with the province, local agencies and community partners to address the situation.

鈥淲e all bring different responsibilities to the table, but the urgency of the situation demands that we keep working together鈥攚ith compassion and focus鈥攖o support both the people and the place,鈥� Mayor Julius Bloomfield said. 鈥淭here is no single solution or single authority. This is a collective effort, and we remain committed to being part of the response.鈥�

In addition to the general risks facing those who are unhoused and living in encampments such as this, tents are located to either side of Ellis Creek, a fish-bearing waterway that flows directly into the Okanagan River Channel. 

The release points out that the creek faces environmental degradation, including garbage accumulation and contamination, and the encampment is also near to ecologically sensitive oxbows.

"Our stewardship responsibilities鈥攖o both the people and the land鈥攄emand a thoughtful and coordinated approach," PIB Chief Greg Gabriel said. "We cannot wait for conditions to worsen before meaningful action is taken."

Resources including regular welfare checks by the RCMP, social service partners and the Integrated Crisis Response Team are ongoing, as are efforts to try to connect residents of the camp with more permanent housing. 

One issue is the difficulty some of those experiencing unsheltered homelessness face with complex needs that are beyond the resources currently available in the city. 

Provincial underfunding of much needed wraparound services for locations such as Burdock House or the Compass Court shelter have been long called out by city council. 

Currently, according to the release, efforts are being worked on to secure more outreach and service connections for those at the encampment, to secure more transitional housing, and to secure funding for the temporary winter shelter on Dawson Avenue for the remainder of the year. 

"The city and the Band remain committed to collaborative solutions that uphold dignity, environmental responsibility, and community well-being," the release reads. "As we work toward long-term resolution and land restoration, we thank the public for their patience and continued support."