Penticton with Jordan West

Jordan West

Jordan takes you on a journey through Penticton, highlighting the people, places, and ideas shaping the city. From engaging interviews to behind-the-scenes stories, this podcast brings Penticton to life. Tune in to discover the heart of the region with every episode.

  1. Penticton as the Street Performer Capital (Here’s the Plan)

    1D AGO

    Penticton as the Street Performer Capital (Here’s the Plan)

    Penticton’s vibrancy problem didn’t happen by accident — we designed it.A beautiful lake. Packed beaches. Strong tourism.And yet when it comes to downtown energy, foot traffic flow, and places that actually feel alive… something breaks.In this video, I break down why Penticton struggles with dead zones, why tourists cluster in only a few areas, and the low-cost lever no one is seriously pulling:we’ve built a city people visit — but not one that keeps them moving, lingering, and exploring.After looking at tourism behavior, city-design patterns, and why global cities like Dublin, Melbourne, and London engineer street life on purpose, a clear solution emerges. Big festivals don’t fix this. Random events don’t either. But one strategic shift could change how the entire city feels — every weekend, for three seasons.This isn’t about louder noise.It’s not about chaos.And it’s not about copying another city.It’s about turning Penticton into the street performer (busking) capital of Canada — and using performers as infrastructure to move people, revive dead zones like Nanaimo Square, unlock food trucks, and bring downtown back to life.If you care about revitalizing downtown, supporting local artists, creating low-cost economic opportunity, and making Penticton feel alive again — this conversation matters.Watch until the end to see how one smart pilot could reshape tourism, foot traffic, and city energy — without massive spending or losing what makes this place special.💌 Get The Penticton Pulse — Jordan’s 5-minute weekly newsletter on the local issues shaping our city:https://magic.beehiiv.com/v1/f87eec70-65d9-46f3-888c-01b1177d21a9?email=%7B%7Bemail%7D%7D📱 Connect with JordanInstagram: @pentictonwithjordanwestThreads: @pentictonwithjordanwestFacebook: Penticton with Jordan WestTwitter/X: https://x.com/penticton_jwestTikTok: @pentictonwithjordanwest🏙️ Let’s build a more vibrant, alive, and opportunity-driven Penticton — together.

    12 min
  2. Penticton’s Missing Piece: A Startup Hub (In a City Building)

    2D AGO

    Penticton’s Missing Piece: A Startup Hub (In a City Building)

    Penticton’s opportunity problem didn’t happen by accident — we designed it.A beautiful lake. Thriving tourism. Award-winning wineries.And yet when it comes to innovation, high-paying jobs, and startup energy… something feels missing.In this video, I break down why Penticton struggles to attract and retain startups, why young talent quietly leaves, and the structural gap no one’s seriously addressing:we’ve built a city optimized for lifestyle — but not for opportunity.After looking at economic patterns, regional comparisons, small-city growth models, and what other BC communities did to unlock innovation, a clear pattern emerges. Throwing money at development doesn’t work. Hoping entrepreneurs just “show up” doesn’t work either. But one strategic shift could change the entire trajectory of the city.This isn’t about turning Penticton into Vancouver.It’s not about overdevelopment.And it’s definitely not about losing what makes this place special.It’s about adding the missing piece — a startup hub inside a city-owned building — and what that could unlock for jobs, retention, and long-term economic resilience.If you care about keeping young families here, building real career paths, and making Penticton more than just a retirement and tourism destination, this conversation matters.Watch until the end to see how one smart move could reshape the city’s future — without sacrificing its character.💌 Get The Penticton Pulse — Jordan’s 5-minute weekly newsletter on the local issues shaping our city:https://magic.beehiiv.com/v1/f87eec70-65d9-46f3-888c-01b1177d21a9?email=%7B%7Bemail%7D%7D📱 Connect with Jordan:Instagram: @pentictonwithjordanwestThreads: @pentictonwithjordanwestFacebook: Penticton with Jordan WestTwitter/X: https://x.com/penticton_jwestTikTok: @pentictonwithjordanwest🏙️ Let’s build a more innovative, opportunity-driven Penticton — together.

    18 min
  3. Penticton’s Deer “Problem” Is Our Fault (Here’s the Fix)

    2D AGO

    Penticton’s Deer “Problem” Is Our Fault (Here’s the Fix)

    Penticton’s deer problem didn’t happen by accident — we built it.Deer wandering through neighborhoods feels charming… until it doesn’t.Collisions rise. Aggressive behavior spikes. Costs climb. And suddenly what felt “harmless” becomes a real safety issue.In this video, I break down why Penticton has so many urban deer, why it’s getting worse, and the uncomfortable truth most conversations avoid:this problem isn’t caused by the animals — it’s caused by us.After digging into bylaws, provincial data, wildlife behavior, and what other BC communities tried when things got out of hand, a clear pattern emerges. Extreme solutions fail. Ignoring it fails harder. But one overlooked lever actually works — without turning Penticton into a sterile, over-managed city.This isn’t about removing all the deer.It’s not about panic.And it’s definitely not about losing what makes Penticton special.It’s about fixing the system that quietly rewards risky behavior — before the province steps in and the choices get much worse.If you care about safety, families, and keeping Penticton a place people actually want to live long-term, this conversation matters.Watch until the end to see the practical, city-level fix that reduces conflict, keeps people safe, and still leaves room for Penticton’s character to survive.💌 Get The Penticton Pulse — Jordan’s 5-minute weekly newsletter on the local issues shaping our city:https://magic.beehiiv.com/v1/f87eec70-65d9-46f3-888c-01b1177d21a9?email=%7B%7Bemail%7D%7D📱 Connect with Jordan:Instagram: @pentictonwithjordanwestThreads: @pentictonwithjordanwestFacebook: Penticton with Jordan WestTwitter/X: https://x.com/penticton_jwestTikTok: @pentictonwithjordanwest🏙️ Let’s build a safer, smarter, more confident Penticton — together.

    12 min
  4. The One Upgrade Penticton Needs Next

    JAN 30

    The One Upgrade Penticton Needs Next

    You don’t need a bigger city to build a better future — but you do need the right connections.Penticton has one of the most underrated airports in the country. Short lines. Easy access. Ten minutes from downtown. On paper, it’s a dream.But something isn’t working.In this video, I walk through the real bottleneck holding Penticton back — not tourism, not housing, not ambition — but how we actually move in and out of the city.After flying in and out myself, talking with airlines, and comparing what other cities did differently, it became clear that one small change could unlock something much bigger: better jobs, stronger businesses, and a future where people don’t feel like they have to leave to grow.This isn’t about becoming Kelowna.It’s not about international flights.And it’s definitely not about losing what makes Penticton special.It’s about fixing the one constraint that quietly shapes everything else.If you care about this city — its future, its families, and the people who want to build their lives here — this conversation matters.Watch till the end to see the exact upgrade I believe Penticton needs next, and the practical city-level solution that could actually make it happen.-------------------------------------------------💌 Get The Penticton Pulse — Jordan’s 5-minute weekly newsletter on the local issues shaping our city:https://magic.beehiiv.com/v1/f87eec70-65d9-46f3-888c-01b1177d21a9?email=%7B%7Bemail%7D%7D📱 Connect with Jordan:Instagram: @pentictonwithjordanwestThreads: @pentictonwithjordanwestFacebook: Penticton with Jordan WestTwitter/X: https://x.com/penticton_jwestTikTok: @pentictonwithjordanwest🏙️ Let’s build a safer, smarter, more confident Penticton — together.

    14 min
  5. Give Me 99 Seconds: Fixing Penticton

    JAN 9

    Give Me 99 Seconds: Fixing Penticton

    ✨ The Big Idea: 3 Things Penticton Can Fix — Starting Today In just 99 seconds, Jordan West breaks down three real, actionable changes that could immediately improve life in Penticton — not with complaints, not with politics, but with clear vision and practical thinking. Jordan lives here. He raises his family here. He builds businesses here. And in this short, focused video, he lays out what Penticton already does well — and where it’s falling short of its true potential. From becoming a true “Napa of the North”, to reconnecting Penticton with the world, to keeping the city safe and compassionate, this is about moving past talk and toward action. 👉 In this video you’ll hear: • Why Penticton should stop acting like a “summer town” and start thinking global • How year-round wine, food, and events create better jobs and stronger local spending • Why flights, backup routes, and long-term connectivity matter more than people think • How safety and compassion can exist together — without chaos or cruelty • Why vision, focus, and follow-through matter more than endless discussion ------------------------------------------------- 💌 Get The Penticton Pulse — Jordan’s 5-minute weekly newsletter on the local issues shaping our city: https://magic.beehiiv.com/v1/f87eec70-65d9-46f3-888c-01b1177d21a9?email=%7B%7Bemail%7D%7D 📱 Connect with Jordan: Instagram: @pentictonwithjordanwest Threads: @pentictonwithjordanwest Facebook: Penticton with Jordan West Twitter/X: https://x.com/penticton_jwest TikTok: @pentictonwithjordanwest 🏙️ Let’s build a safer, smarter, more confident Penticton — together.

    2 min
  6. Why Penticton is Better Than We Think

    JAN 5

    Why Penticton is Better Than We Think

    Penticton gets talked about like it’s either falling apart or past its prime. But the truth is more interesting — and more hopeful — than that. In this video, Jordan West takes a grounded, honest walk through Penticton to explain why the city is far better than we give it credit for, and why that actually matters if we want to protect its future. Yes — there are real challenges: housing, safety concerns, downtown struggles, and affordability. But there’s also momentum, opportunity, and a version of Penticton that’s quietly working — often overlooked in online negativity and “doom scrolling.” This isn’t a hype video. And it’s not denial either. It’s a realistic look at what Penticton is doing right, what we’re missing when we only focus on what’s broken, and why balanced conversations are the foundation of real progress. 👉 In this Video, you’ll hear: • Why Penticton’s problems don’t tell the full story • What people overlook when they say “the city is going downhill” • How negativity shapes perception — and policy • The difference between awareness and constant outrage • Why believing in this city matters if we actually want change • What Penticton could become if we build with confidence, not fear Jordan shares observations from the ground — walking neighborhoods, downtown, and everyday spaces — breaking down what’s working, what needs improvement, and why Penticton still has one of the strongest foundations of any small city in Canada. If you live here… If you’re thinking of moving here… Or if you love Penticton but feel conflicted about where it’s headed — This video is for you. No politics. No fearmongering. Just clear thinking, local context, and real conversation. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 📌CHAPTERS: 00:00 Why Penticton is Weird (In a Good Way) 🏔️ 01:30 Two Lakes, One City Advantage 🏊 03:45 The Channel: Our Summer Ritual 🛟 06:20 Naramata Bench Wine Region 🍷 08:40 Community Events & Local Culture 🎪 10:30 Outdoor Access Paradise ⛰️ 12:10 Small City Identity & Staying Authentic ✨ ------------------------------------------------- 💌 Get The Penticton Pulse — Jordan’s 5-minute weekly newsletter on the local issues shaping our city: https://magic.beehiiv.com/v1/f87eec70-65d9-46f3-888c-01b1177d21a9?email=%7B%7Bemail%7D%7D 📱 Connect with Jordan: Instagram: @pentictonwithjordanwest Threads: @pentictonwithjordanwest Facebook: Penticton with Jordan West Twitter/X: https://x.com/penticton_jwest TikTok: @pentictonwithjordanwest 🏙️ Let’s build a safer, smarter, more confident Penticton — together.

    14 min
  7. What This Channel Is Really About (Penticton’s Future)

    12/11/2025

    What This Channel Is Really About (Penticton’s Future)

    ✨ The Big Idea: Why This Channel Exists — And Why Penticton Needs It Now In this short intro video, Jordan West shares why he moved to Penticton, why he fell in love with it instantly, and why he’s worried about where the city is headed. From housing affordability and homelessness to downtown safety, tourism potential, and long-term growth — Jordan lays out the honest truth: Penticton is an incredible place with massive potential, but it feels stuck in a “good enough” loop. Jordan — a former BC Ambulance Paramedic turned entrepreneur — has spent years building companies, solving complex problems, and thinking in systems. Now, he’s bringing that same mindset to his new hometown. No fearmongering. No political attacks. No whispers in Facebook groups. Just real conversations about what’s happening, why it’s happening, and how we can build the most livable small city in Canada. 👉 In this channel intro you’ll hear: • Why Jordan believes Penticton has two identities — thriving and struggling • How housing, safety, and affordability are shaping daily life • Why “good enough” planning is holding the city back • What business-minded, fresh-eyes problem solving looks like • The kinds of videos coming next: housing, homelessness, tourism, growth • Street interviews, breakdowns, neighborhood walks, and plain-English explainers • The mission: build a better, safer, more ambitious Penticton together If you care about this city — if you love it, and you’re a little worried about where it’s going — you’re in the right place. This channel is for the builders, the doers, the neighbors who want more for Penticton than “good enough.” ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 💌 Get The Penticton Pulse — Jordan’s 5-minute weekly newsletter on the local issues shaping our city: https://magic.beehiiv.com/v1/f87eec70-65d9-46f3-888c-01b1177d21a9?email=%7B%7Bemail%7D%7D 📱 Connect with Jordan: Instagram: @pentictonwithjordanwest Threads: @pentictonwithjordanwest Facebook: Penticton with Jordan West Twitter/X: https://x.com/penticton_jwest TikTok: @pentictonwithjordanwest 🏙️ Let’s build a safer, smarter, more ambitious Penticton — together.

    3 min
  8. Why Penticton Should Go Phone Free at School

    12/03/2025

    Why Penticton Should Go Phone Free at School

    ✨ The Bold Question: Should Penticton Ban Smartphones in Schools? In this video, Jordan West breaks down one of the most important decisions Penticton could make for its youth — whether schools should go fully phone-free until Grade 11, bringing back focus, real friendships, higher grades, and calmer classrooms. Jordan — a former BC Ambulance Paramedic turned entrepreneur — walks through the research, the mental-health impact, the rise in anxiety and distraction, what other cities have already done, and a practical plan Penticton could adopt this year. From bullying to academic performance to social skills, the data paints a clear picture: a phone-free school day might be the simplest, highest-ROI change we could make for our kids. 👉 In this episode: • Why smartphone addiction is harming focus, sleep, and mental health • What actually happens when schools ban phones (real results from other cities) • The rise in ADHD, anxiety, and comparison culture among youth • How bullying and drama drop when phones are removed • Flip phones vs. smartphones — and why safety isn’t compromised • A step-by-step phone-free plan Penticton could roll out today • How teachers recover weeks of learning time each year • The community-wide benefits: calmer halls, more eye contact, happier kids • Why the city, district, parents, RCMP, and PACs need to move together • Jordan’s honest take on why this matters now more than ever _____________________________________________________________ 📍 CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Why penticton should go ohone free at school 01:46 - Evidence Pack 1, Mental Health 03:50 - Evidence Pack 2, Academic & Focus 06:47 - Evidence Pack 3, Social Skills & Bullying 10:10 - Evidence pack 4, Comparable cities & Provinces 11:45 - Evidence Pack 5, Reality Check 12:25 - The Penticton Plan 12:32 - Bell to Bell Ban 13:25 - Flip phone option 14:04 - Parent Pact 14:27 - Teacher & Staff Allignment 14:49 - Yard Retrieval kit 15:24 - End Thoughts 💌 Get The Penticton Pulse — Jordan’s 5-minute weekly newsletter on the local issues shaping our city: https://magic.beehiiv.com/v1/f87eec70-65d9-46f3-888c-01b1177d21a9?email=%7B%7Bemail%7D%7D

    16 min

About

Jordan takes you on a journey through Penticton, highlighting the people, places, and ideas shaping the city. From engaging interviews to behind-the-scenes stories, this podcast brings Penticton to life. Tune in to discover the heart of the region with every episode.