Penticton overdose awareness memorial bench to be unveiled Aug. 31

August 22, 2023
Gord Portman stands on the site of the new overdose memorial bench to be installed by the City of Penticton at Marina Way Beach Park

Gord Portman walks down the gravel path in Penticton’s Marina Way Beach Park towards the waterfront. It’s a hot, muggy day, and people dot the adjacent beach despite the wildfire smoke that has rolled in.

“When I was homeless for 17 years, this was one of my favourite spots,” says Gord, pointing to a large, flat rock at the water’s edge. “I slept on this rock for three years. I used to come here to mourn loved ones I had lost to drugs, and to hide from my community and family.”

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