Revitalization of Penticton's Love Local campaign and a call to action for the provincial government are part of city council's March 4 agenda.

With President Donald Trump's tariffs set to take effect the same day, assuming he doesn't kick them down the road again, city staff have brought forward an early report on the potential impacts they will cause in the city. 

鈥淢unicipalities across the country are taking various measures to respond to the impacts of tariffs, trade barriers and economic impacts, from procurement adjustments to buy local initiatives and direct advocacy efforts,鈥� wrote Cheryl Hardisty, the City鈥檚 manager of Council and executive operations in the staff report.

Advocacy efforts by groups such as the Border Mayors Alliance, which Osoyoos Mayor Sue McKortoff is a member of and represents the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen at, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and the Big City Mayors Caucus were cited in the report.

The report also notes that a preliminary review of city operations and its vendors are largely Canadian, the city doesn't know how much of the products and goods purchased through third-party contractors originate in the U.S. and how many might be affected in a possible trade war.

Over the coming months, staff will be including the impacts of any tariffs on the city's operations and procurement, particularly for infrastructure projects. 

The report also recommends that city council direct staff prepare a letter to the provincial government that outlines four key concerns:

* Sustainable tourism opportunities 鈥� requesting dedicated provincial funding for long-term tourism infrastructure and support for year-round tourism growth.

* Intra-provincial trade and regulatory consistency 鈥� reduction of regulations across Canada to reduce barriers for businesses.

* Support for manufacturing and infrastructure 鈥� Requesting investment incentives for local industries.

* Recognition of impacts of retaliatory actions 鈥� while retaliation is a valid response, recognition and possible mitigation of the short-term and long-term impacts to residents is crucial.

On a local level, staff recommend bringing back and updating the 鈥楲ove Local鈥� initiative with a Team Canada approach that encourages residents and businesses to prioritize local purchasing and investment in Penticton and Canada鈥檚 economy.

Further input on the impact for local businesses will be sought by including the issue in the upcoming business climate survey. That question will aim to get feedback on how the tariffs impact local businesses, such as which sectors and in which specific ways. 

The results of the the survey will be used to refine the city's economic strategies as needed.