Built by the City of Penticton in 1967 to commemorate the Centennial of Canadian Confederation, this fountain features three beavers in the center of a very large pedestal basin with jets of water surrounding the beavers. A larger jet of water emits upward from another jet between the beavers. Around the outside of the base of the fountain are the coat of arms and date of entry into Confederation for each of the provinces within Canada. The beaver is an official symbol of the sovereignty of Canada and is featured on the Canadian nickel.
Given that the beaver is
The National Animal of Canada, it is quite fitting that the icon that forms the centrepiece of the fountain be a trio of beavers about to gnaw away at a symbolic tree trunk. The beaver was made an official emblem of Canada in 1975 in recognition of the importance of the fur trade, for it was the fur trade which led to the exploration and settling of Western Canada.
Prominently featured on the front, street side, of the fountain is Canada's coat of arms in commemoration of Canada's Centennial: 1867 to 1967. An asset sheet from the city indicates that the fountain had cost the city $35,000 (ultimately $42,000) to build in 1967.
Water is recycled and the fountain continues its display from late spring through to early fall. Concerned citizens had voiced objections to the use of water for the fountain during times of drought and water restrictions.