*Last updated on May 10th, 2024

Penticton’s laneway improvement project, Slack Alley, located in the 200-block laneway between Main and Martin Street, is back this summer with a community event on May 26th.

We got to chat with Brett Turner, Executive Director of the Downtown Penticton Business Improvement Association (DPBIA) about what Slack Alley, the DPBIA’s laneway improvement initiative, is doing for downtown Penticton. 

Happening: What is the purpose of bringing a laneway improvement program to Penticton?

Brett: At its core, the idea was to bring vibrancy and a sense of community to downtown. And in doing so, it’s a kind of kill-four-birds-with-one-stone initiative. First, by beautifying and brightening the alley, we can reduce vandalism, graffiti, and loitering.

Happening: Why does brightening and beautifying an alley reduce these things?

Brett: Bright colours. 

Illegal and unsafe activities often take place in dimly lit, less populated areas. And, in addition to the colourful art, the city of Penticton has installed lighting, making the alley even brighter. If we witness an improvement in this alley, we can initiate and encourage more projects like this to ultimately reduce illegal activity from occurring throughout downtown.

Happening: Second bird?

Brett: We get to activate the arts community. We are working with the Penticton Art Gallery on Slack Alley. The events will have live artists, a kids' art station and local artists will be painting the alleyway. 

It will become a part of the community as a place that both tourists and locals can enjoy. 

Happening: Third Bird?

Brett: Our job as a Business Improvement Association is to improve business, attract people downtown, and encourage visitors to celebrate and support downtown businesses. Therefore, by organizing an event that will bring 500-700 people downtown on three separate Sundays this summer, we aim to (a) provide an opportunity for people to enjoy Penticton and the festivities and (b) encourage them to visit and support local businesses.

Happening: Fourth Bird? 

Brett: We are raising money for local charities through corporate sponsors. On June 25th, we partnered with Ritchie Custom Homes to donate to South Okanagan Immigrant and Community Services. The second event will benefit South Okanagan Women in Need Society, and the third event will support the Penticton Art Gallery Kids Program Fund.

Happening: We saw on social media that each date will be inspired by a downtown business. Can you talk a bit about that?

Brett: Because the artists need ample time to paint the whole alley, we’ve split the initiatives into three dates/events - as you know. We’ve drawn inspiration from three downtown businesses, one for each date.

The first business is Slackwater, which used to be the Mule nightclub. The transition to Slackwater Brewing symbolizes Penticton turning over a new leaf, with clubs departing and family-friendly breweries taking their place. 

On the second event date, we selected the Grooveyard as a concept and direction, given its 33 years in business. The owner of Grooveyard has also served as the mayor of Penticton, making significant contributions to the city. And, the overall groovy atmosphere aligns perfectly with the activation's intended vibe. We will feature groove DJs, a groovy colour scheme, kids will have the opportunity to paint on records, and things like that.

For the final date, we have selected The Bumwrap. With 44 years in business, they have had to overcome the challenges posed by the influx of big box businesses in the Okanagan. We aim to celebrate their success and resilience as a small business. So, the theme for that day will be centred around a beach vibe, featuring beachy music and activities.

Happening: Why do we want to spend a Sunday at a Slack Alley event?

Brett: We’ll have live music throughout the whole event all of the way down the alley. There will be local beer, wine, and hard seltzer. There are also going to be live artists, and a mini marketplace in the HSBC parking lot for other downtown vendors that aren’t on that block to come and get involved. 

Some of the local restaurants will be serving food in the alley and there will also be a kid's art station and face painting.

Happening: Did last year's laneway enhancement/event have an impact on Penticton?

Brett: I think it shows the progression of Penticton. We undertook this initiative as a means of placemaking, improving businesses, enhancing safety, and much more. Its impact lies in the sense of community it fosters by incorporating a bunch of downtown businesses into one initiative - charity, art, breweries, wineries, music, and more.

Happening: What is a Canadian city that has set an example for you? 

Brett: We’ve been drawing a bit of inspiration from Vancouver, however, most of our inspiration has been drawn from other cities in North America like Tempe, Arizona, or Nashville, Tennessee. We also have a board member that splits their time between Penticton and Germany, so they bring a lot of information about the street festivals and laneway enhancement projects happening there.

Happening: So, what’s up next from the BIA?

Brett: Well we have a Canada Day festival on July 1st in which the city of Penticton estimates that there will be upwards of 15,000-20,000 people downtown. There will be music, food trucks, and more.

And, in August we have a three-day entertainment garden with Iron Man that will be open to the public. It will be held in Gyro Park on Friday, August 25th and Saturday, August 26th from 4 to 9 pm. There will be a lineup of bands and DJs throughout the event, a bar serving local beer, wine, and hard seltzer, and food from Cocktails & Canapes Catering. 

There is also going to be some programming from Iron Man - they’ve got swag, and an opening ceremony - so there will be lots of entertainment. And on Sunday, the event moves half a block over to Estabrook Street for the final leg of the running race. There, we will have a 1000-person entertainment garden with live music, food, and drinks. 

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