Petition to Save Penticton Shooting Sports Association from Potential Closure

Strategic Insights -

A petition tabled by Member of Parliament (MP) John Arendt Dan Albas is gaining momentum to halt the planned divestment of land used by the Penticton Shooting Sports Association. The association, established on land held by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, has been facing potential closure after being deemed non-essential to the Summerland Research and Development Centre's work in 2023. However, the association provides critical training facilities for the RCMP and other law enforcement agencies, as well as community members, and offers various programs including hunter education, firearms safety courses, and youth training.

Key Takeaways:

  • The petition, led by Chris Pequin, has almost 10,000 signatures, opposing the planned divestment of land used by the Penticton Shooting Sports Association.
  • The association provides critical training facilities for the RCMP and other law enforcement agencies, including the department's mandatory annual training.
  • The PSSA also offers various programs such as hunter education, firearms safety courses, youth training, and a space for family-oriented competitive shooting sports.
  • MP John Arendt Dan Albas is advocating for a renewed lease for the shooting sports association and is seeking to halt the divestment process for the land.
  • The petitioners, including MP Albas, believe it is not too late to stop the process and continue the good works of the facility for the benefit of the community.
  • MP Albas thanked Helena Konanz, Member of Parliament for Similkameen-South Okanagan-West Kootenay, and other Conservative MPs for their support in securing the future of the facility.

Statistics:

  • The petition has almost 10,000 signatures.
  • The Penticton Shooting Sports Association has invested over a million dollars in immovable infrastructure, which would be left behind if they are forced to vacate.
  • The association provides critical training for the RCMP, including mandatory annual training.

Sources:

  • Summerland Review, "Petition to save Penticton shooting range from closure" (no date provided, but copyright 2025).