The fire pits along public beaches continue to draw attention.

Local RCMP community liaison Randy Brown told the committee overseeing local protective services that the pits draw drug users and the homeless. These individuals have been seen making breakfast and covering the pits, according to the latest minutes of the emergency and protective services advisory committee. While these individuals eventually leave the beach by midnight, they return early morning. This has prevented tourists from using the pits, said Brown. This news has come after a local business owner reiterated long-standing concerns about the pits.

Trinka Pontes said in an earlier interview with the Penticton Western News that she already had to call the police or fire department a dozen times this summer to break up large groups causing disturbances along the beach.

Pontes added that other owners share her concerns.

“For us, they are a nuisance ... for some reason (city council) think fire pits are a touristy thing to do, but it is not a touristy thing to do.”

Council reinstated the fire pits following last year’s election over the concerns from some several prominent community leaders and the fire department.

According to an RDOS incident report, local firefighters responded at least seven times to extinguish fire pits, the latest incident coming Thursday morning, at Skaha Beach.

Deputy fire chief Dave Spalding did not respond to several calls seeking comment.

Citizens also learned this week that it costs the city $2,200 to maintain each of the five pits year-round.

Earlier reports quoted maintenance cost at $1,500 -- a figure that only covered the summer months.

While those figures have prompted some questions from Mayor Dan Ashton about the cost effectiveness of the pits, he recently defended council’s decision.

Echoing earlier arguments, he said the fire pits add enjoyment to living and vacationing in Penticton.