Penticton, BC Canada : History
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

Penticton, BC, Canada is derived from the First Nation language meaning, "Penti-kten", which when translated means, "the ideal meeting place", gathering place" or "a place to stay forever".

Since Penticton fronts both the Okanagan and Skaha Lakes, with beautiful sandy beaches - it is easy to see why the lakeside community is "a place to stay forever".

Tom Ellis, in 1865, ,was the first settler in the Penticton area . Hard work paid off, as the fertile fields worked by the Ellis Family became one of the greatest cattle ranches in the west known as the "69" brand. As time passed travelers staying with the Ellis Family, soon began putting up roots in the area as the early stages of Penticton began to take form.

Developement soon began to blossom in the area. The S.S. Aberdeen took up service as a lake transportation link between Okanagan Landing and Penticton in 1893. Soon later, in 1909, Penticton was incorporated into a district municipality.

In 1912, a Kettle Valley Railway station set up shop at the foot of Martin Street from the wharf. At that time Penticton was recognized as a major port in the Okanagan Valley with boat and train transportation services available for moving people and supplies.

In 1948 Penticton was designated officially as a city. Since then the community has maintained much of its heritage including the S.S. Sicamous, the 1928 Cranna House and the 1911 Empire Theatre.