The planned town hall meeting of the political group OneBC in Penticton has once again changed its venue. The event, scheduled for October 2, has drawn controversy since its announcement, with questions raised about where it would take place.
OneBC is a new right-wing party that gained official status from Elections BC in June. The group was created by two sitting members of the provincial legislature, Dallas Brodie and Tara Armstrong. Both left the BC Conservative Party earlier this year following public disputes. Brodie was removed from the Conservative caucus by party leader John Rustad after making contentious remarks about survivors of residential schools. Armstrong, who represents Kelowna-Lake Country-Coldstream, stepped away in solidarity and has also faced criticism for her views on gender affirmation.
The Penticton Trade and Convention Centre was the first choice for the town hall. However, the facility rejected the booking request. In an email response, the management explained that the party’s publicly stated positions and priorities did not align with the principles guiding the centre’s operations. This rejection quickly became a local talking point, highlighting the tension between venue operators and political groups with divisive platforms.
Following that, Art Up Penticton, a local art and community space, agreed to host the gathering. The announcement was shared online, suggesting the event had secured a new home. Yet over the weekend, OneBC revealed on its social media platforms that the town hall would instead be moved to a third location. The message confirmed the meeting would continue as planned but without revealing the name of the new venue. Art Up Penticton later reposted the update, seemingly confirming the change but providing no further details about the reason for the switch.
The uncertainty over the venue has created confusion among potential attendees. As of Sunday evening, the official OneBC website did not list any address for the October 2 event. People who registered through the site received an automated email saying that the location would be announced at a later date. This has left many waiting for clarification, especially as the date approaches.
The repeated changes have underscored the challenges the party faces in staging public events. Venues weigh reputational risks and community values when agreeing to host gatherings linked to controversial political movements. For OneBC, the refusal by one major facility and the sudden shift from a second host reflect the ongoing debate over how communities should handle requests from groups with polarizing views.
Local reaction has been mixed. Some see the refusal of established venues as a matter of principle, with operators upholding their own organizational values. Others argue that such decisions could raise questions about free expression and the right of registered political parties to engage with the public. The ongoing dispute suggests that future events may face similar scrutiny, both in Penticton and elsewhere in the province.
For now, supporters and critics alike will need to wait for confirmation of the town hall’s final venue. Organizers have promised to share details with registered participants before the October 2 date. Whether the latest location remains fixed or changes again remains to be seen, but the attention around the event has already ensured it will be closely watched.
