Peachland View December 23, 2022

PHOTO

Beachside Health medical clinic announces Jan. 23 opening date

LAYH

Peachland residents can look forward to the opening of a local medical clinic on Jan. 23, when Beachside Health plans to welcome its first patients.

The clinic will be operated by Jubi Steinhauer and Sarah Kendrick in the former Beach Avenue Medical Clinic location, which has been vacant for almost four years.

The medical clinic closed its doors back in 2019 when its main doctor retired and the remaining physicians also decided to leave after it became apparent that a new medical director couldn’t be found.

Since then, Peachland residents have had to leave town to see a doctor.

The building is owned by Wes Bedford, who up until

his retirement operated the adjacent Peachland Pharmacy.

Bedford has had many opportunities to lease the building over the past four years, but chose to incur the costs necessary to preserve the space as a medical clinic so the primary care needs of the community could be met locally once again. But finding a doctor to run the clinic proved quite difficult, and eventually Wes and Judy Bedford’s daughter Sarah Kendrick and her partner Jubi decided they would take on the challenge.

Kendrick’s main role has been business development and over the past year she’s worked with the health authority to bring health care back to Peachland. When the clinic opens, her partner, Jubi Steinhauer, will be the executive director and

manager of the clinic.

The clinic will have a full time nurse in addition to a nurse practitioner, or NP, who will be assigned to them by Interior Health and the Primary Care Network (PCN), of which Beachside Health is now a member.

Kendrick said the nurse practitioner will be able to do just about everything a GP can do with very few limitations.

“They’ll be able to come and serve our community in the same way that a doctor would. So those are the pieces that we’re building on, a nurse and a NP, and we also have a specialist, Dr. Clouatre, an internist and nephrologist who will begin practicing out of the Peachland clinic on Jan. 23, which is the day that the clinic will begin to accept patients,” Kendrick told the View.

Dr. Clouatre is a specialist that deals with diseases like hypertension, diabetes, and a lot of diseases of the elderly, so patients will be referred to him through their GP or NP, says Kendrick.

will open on Jan. 23, they won’t be accepting new patients until they have a GP or a NP in practice, said Steinhauer, adding that until that happens it’ll be just Dr. Clouatre’s patients that they’ll be able to see.

A nurse has to work under the supervision of a GP or a NP, so once one of those individuals are in place, then the clinic can begin accepting new patients.

Please note that the District of Peachland Municipal Office and Fire Department Office located at 5806 Beach Avenue will be closed for the holidays from Friday, December 23, 2022 at 4:00PM to Tuesday, January 3rd , 2023 at 8:00AM.

The Community Centre will be closed December 25th - 27th and December 30th -January 2nd , 2023.  For reduced hours, the Community Centre will be open December 28th - 30th , 2022 from 12:00PM to 4:00PM.

Tax and utility bill payments received through the mail drop slot at the Municipal Office by 8:00AM on January 3rd , 2023 will be credited as December 28th, 2022 for the purpose of calculating interest or penalties.

“He’s such a great fit for our community so we’re really thrilled that he’s coming.”

While the clinic doors

Unfortunately, none of the GPs who practiced at Beach Avenue Medical have agreed to return to Peachland, but there are other GPs who have shown interest in coming to the new clinic.

“We are waiting on hope-

fully some good news with a couple of interested GPs but we haven’t confirmed one yet,” said Kendrick. “We’ll open without a GP is the way that it looks now, but we’re hoping to have a GP in place within the first quarter of the new year. We think it’s really important that people know too that once we have a nurse practitioner here, and we’re hoping that is by January 23, that they can see everything that our community requires as it relates to the scope of practice of an NP. They do family practice. They do primary care. So I think some people are confused about the role of a NP and they can maybe pair that NP to be more like a nurse but actually that NP is more like a GP. So that’s important for people to realize that they can come and receive primary care from a nurse practitioner.”

Once a NP and GP are in place, the goal is to build a primary care practice so that there are at least three clinicians who are able to serve the primary care needs of Peachland. Af-

ter that, they hope to add on other pieces, including foot care, physiotherapy, chiropractors, or rotating specialists coming through, in addition to a registered massage therapist who currently operates out of the location and will continue to have her practice in the clinic after it opens.

‘Primary care is the focus, because that’s what we really need. These other pieces of allied health we would add in the future,” said Steinhauer.

In the meantime, Kendrick, Steinhauer, a nurse and returning medical office assistant (MOA) Kim Gregory will be working in the clinic throughout the early part of January in preparation for the opening.

The nurse practitioner position is still posted on the healthmatchbc.org recruiting site and Kendrick believes Interior Health are still actively receiving applications for that role.

The new medical clinic operators are asking Peachland residents to hold off on phoning the clinic until they are ready to accept patients.

“We would just ask people to be understanding that we are doing everything we can to get it up and running and it may be a slow start in 2023, but it will happen,” said Steinhauer.

Once a NP or GP is in place, the clinic will be reaching out to those who have signed up on their list of people wanting to visit the clinic. Residents with patient requests, inquiries or a wish to be added to the list are invited to email info@ beachsidehealth.ca.

The Peachland Community Arts Council wishes you a very merry Christmas and a healthy, happy and creative 2023. Best wishes for a safe and happy holiday season from our homes to yours!

Wishing all of Peachland a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

- Sandra and Oliver

Oliver Mendonza

JOANNE

Look familiar? Bedford preserved all of the relevant fixtures of the space so it could reopen as a medical clinic.

PHOTO JOANNE LAYH

New council has cost concerns with seniors housing project

JOANNE LAYH

Phase two of the Peachland seniors housing project could be in jeopardy, if initial reluctance by the new council to fund the project is any indication.

In June 2021 the Peachland Seniors’ Support Society (PSSS) proposal to build a second phase of the Residences on 6th was approved under the BC Housing Community Housing Fund. The PSSS applied to the municipality for rezoning last May and recently held an open house to provide the community with an update on the project.

Phase two is proposed to have 73 units located just south of phase one, on four lots where the Peachland Wellness Centre, Peachland Food Bank and the Peachland Community Policing office currently sit.

If all goes as planned, the society is aiming for a development permit in early 2023, followed by other permitting, tendering, lease agreements, BC Housing approval, and an estimated 18 months of construction leading to a 2024/25 target move-in date for residents.

At the open house event PSSS president Keith Fielding told the View they’re keen to get on with it but are currently in waiting mode until the planning department has a zoning bylaw prepared for

council to give first and second reading.

“We have more than 90 people on the waiting list for phase one. So, a facility like this is really needed and there are people in the meantime having to leave Peachland because they can’t find the kind of accommodation they need,” said Fielding.

But if members of the society were looking for signs of continued council support, they didn’t find much of it at a committee presentation the following Tuesday, when a PSSS consultant, CitySpaces manager of development Spencer Andres, led a discussion about the status of the $30 million project.

The society faced some tough questions from several members of council, particularly about the cost impact the project will have on Peachland taxpayers.

Mayor Patrick Van Minsel said the municipality gave up over $700,000 in planning fees and development cost charges (DCCs) for phase one and estimated planning costs and development cost charges for this phase of the project to be over $1 million. He noted the District of Peachland agreed to pay the regional district DCCs of about $150,000 for phase one and are expected to pay around $200,000 to the regional district for phase two, in addition to waiving at least $140,000 in

community amenity contributions.

He also noted these costs do not include land value that the district is expected to lease for $1 for 60 years.

“What would be the impact to the project if we didn’t waive all DCCs and community amenity contributions in phase two, of approximately $1.5 million?” asked Van Minsel.

“I think the short answer is the project would collapse,” answered Fielding.

The society heard several questions from Coun. Alena Glasman, including concerns about the accuracy of the estimated DCCs and land assessment, suggesting the contributions would be higher than estimated.

“I’m just wondering if that $2.1 million is accurate with today’s market,” said Glasman. “I person-

ally do not believe it is.”

“I do know the market value of that land assembly is at least $3 million and if you got an appraiser they’d easily peg it at $3 million but more likely $3.5 or something like that. I know that from recent sales of lots together in Peachland,” said Coun. Dave Collins, who is also a local real estate agent. While he said there is

no argument that more seniors’ housing is needed, Collins questioned if this project is the right way to provide it.

“Where I am and what I am wrestling with is we are as a district being asked to give up a chunk of land, DCCs, future tax base, pay the regional district their share of DCCs, so that’s a burden on our taxpayer, and I’m trying to wrestle with what we get out of it in terms of housing for Peachlanders,” said Collins. “The question is does it make sense to partner with BC Housing to provide more senior housing versus what the private sector might offer in terms of building 75 units and what that would look like stipulated as a rental building?”

Coun. Terry Condon suggested the mayor ask the regional district board if they’d be willing to waive their DCCs.

Van Minsel said he’s already spoken to his re-

gional board colleagues and they’re not considering waiving DCCs but in an in-camera meeting later that morning, council passed the following resolution:

“That the mayor formally request the Regional District of the Central Okanagan and BC Housing to pay development cost charges, DCCs and other fees for the Peachland Seniors Support Society Phase two housing project, given that this project supports the Regional District of the Central Okanagan housing strategy, and would provide housing for regional district residents, and that BC Housing has historically paid DCCs for projects of this nature.”

The resolution was brought into the public domain at the evening council meeting and the matter is expected to come before the regional board at their Jan. 19 meeting.

Dash and Splash on New Year’s Day!

Polar Bear Walk or Run

all ages

Get your New Year’s resolution to be active off to a great start!

Choose between a 2K walk or a 5K run. 9:30-10:15 am check-in/waivers.

CommunityCtr

SUN 10:30 am Jan 1

Adults 13+ #5534

$12 Aug 19-Dec 23

$15 Dec 24-31 online only

$20 Jan 1 cash only

Children under 5 are FREE

Children 5-12 #5535

$5 Aug 19-Dec 23

$8 Dec 24-31 online only

$10 Jan 1 cash only

Polar Bear Swim

6 years +

Celebrate the New Year with a splash into Okanagan Lake. This event is free, but pre-event check-in is required from 12:00-12:45 pm.

CommunityCtr

SUN 1:00 pm Jan 1

FREE

An open house held by the PSSS offered residents an update on the next phase of seniors housing project.

PHOTO JOANNE LAYH

OPINION

Joanne Layh Publisher / Editor editor@peachlandview.com sales@peachlandview.com

Don Urquhart Contributing Reporter Melissa Morris Production designer@peachlandview.com

5878A Beach Avenue Peachland, BC V0H 1X7 250 767 7771

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The Peachland View retains complete and sole copyright of any content, including stories, photographs, and advertisements published in the Peachland View. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission or consent from the publisher is strictly prohibited.

Some awkward questions about phase two of the seniors housing project

The Peachland Council committee meeting on Dec. 6 raised some awkward questions about the phase two of Peachland’s seniors housing. The new mayor and council are not afraid to look at the costs and check the value for money for this project. I watched the video of the council meeting and I was particularly impressed by Councillor Dave Collins, who expressed concerns about the impact of the seniors housing on Peachland taxpayers. No one disputes the need for subsidised seniors housing but there are so many projects that need money and it is appropriate that Peachland council has all the information necessary to decide what is most important.

The first phase of seniors housing has proved popular but only half of the residents came from Peachland and the same ratio applies to the waiting list, which has 95 applications. So Coun. Collins asked if priority can be given to Peachland residents for phase two. The project manager Spencer Andres stated that such a priority can be included in the operating agreement with B.C. Housing. Priority for Peachland residents may well be necessary for this council to approve the huge costs involved. The proposal requires Peachland to provide the land, which is currently occupied by four houses. After council discussion, the conclusion was that the market value of the land exceeds $3 million (that is just for phase two). In addition, development cost charges and other fees will be forgiven and they total over $1 million. These charges are real costs that will therefore be paid for by Peachland taxpayers.

What particularly upset members of council was that some of the fees that will be paid are to cover development cost charges for the regional district. The regional district have said that they are not going to waive their fees, so

Peachland would have to pay them. By the time mayor and council met for their regular evening council meeting, it was clear that the issue of development cost charges had caused much discussion and a resolution to ask B.C. Housing and the regional district to pay the development cost charges was approved. The issue of parking was also discussed as there will be no parking spaces as part of the new building. Using only street parking will put pressure on the area around the site and across the street.

Phase two of the seniors housing will provide 73 units and cost about $30 million. The project cost has risen significantly because of much higher construction costs. That equates to a cost of over $400,000 per unit without land costs.

Coun. Collins suggested that perhaps private enterprise could provide better value for money and build a facility that provides tax revenue to Peachland. When the land is given on a long-term lease, there is no property tax revenue to Peachland for ongoing services. Discussions about providing seniors subsidised housing are awkward but it is appropriate that mayor and council get all the information. The millions of dollars on this project could have built a fire hall, completed the main sewer installation, or built sidewalks on our hillside roads. Making the phase two housing a priority may well be justified but the impact of the project on Peachland taxpayers should be clear. To their credit, this mayor and council seems intent on doing that. And I would expect that to get council’s approval, there will be a requirement that Peachland residents are given definite priority for occupancy. That would be totally justified, in my opinion.

Eric Hall

Westside Curb Appeal starting collecting donations for the Peachland Food Bank 12 year ago, matching each donation that they collected. The giving grows each year, and after this year’s Krahn family holiday open house Denise Krahn (above right) and her daughter Mya Krahn were pleased to present an assortment of food items and a cheque for $3,000 to the Peachland Food Bank.

LOCAL EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS DINNER The Peachland Wellness Centre wants to ensure no one is alone or goes without a Christmas dinner. Doors open at 11:30 am, dinner served at 12:30 pm at the 50 Plus Activity Centre. Save your space by calling 250 767 0141.

ELDERLY BROTHERS MUSIC at the Peachland Legion Dec 29 5-7pm.

ANDY LEESE & BAND at the Peachland Legion Dec 31 7-10pm

NEW YEAR’S EVE CONCERT FEAT. MARTY EDWARDS includes a salute to the music of Tom Jones, Engelbert, Michael Buble and Elvis plus soft rock, country and rock ‘n’ roll hits from the 60s, 70s, 80s and more. Dec 31 at the 50 Plus Activity Centre. Tickets at Peachland Pharmacy or eventbrite.ca NEW YEAR’S DAY POLAR BEAR WALK OR RUN - Jan 1; all ages, choose between a 2K walk or 5K run. Registration required; contact the Peachland Community Centre for details.

MONDAYS

FITNESS ROOM

5 am - 10 pm

Peachland Community Centre

INDOOR WALKING

8 am - 9 am

Peachland Community Centre

50+ FITNESS 8 am - 9 am ($5 Drop In)

50 Plus Activity Centre

ADULT DAY SERVICE

9 am - 3 pm

Residences on 6th

PICKLEBALL LEVEL 3.0-3.5 9:05 am - 11 am

Peachland Community Centre

FITNESS FUSION

9:30 am - 10:45 am

Peachland Community Centre

PICKLEBALL LEVEL 1.0-2.5 11 am - 1 pm

Peachland Community Centre

PICKLEBALL LEVEL 1.0-2.5 1 pm - 3 pm

Peachland Community Centre

BRIDGE

1 pm – 4 pm

50 Plus Activity Centre

BEGINNER/INTERMEDIATE

ACRYLIC WORKSHOP

1 pm – 4 pm

Peachland Little Schoolhouse CHAIR YOGA 2 pm - 3 pm

50 Plus Activity Centre

SPIN, CORE & STRETCH

6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Peachland Community Centre

ZUMBA

6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Peachland Community Centre WOODCARVERS 7 pm

50 Plus Activity Centre

TUESDAYS

FITNESS ROOM

5 am - 10 pm

Peachland Community Centre YOGA

8:30 am - 9:30 am

50 Plus Activity Centre

FLOW YOGA 9 am - 10 am

Peachland Community Centre CARPET BOWLING 10 am - 12 pm 50 Plus Activity Centre

THERAPEUTIC YOGA 10:30 am – 11:45 am Peachland Community Centre AA 12 pm

50 Plus Activity Centre

PICKLEBALL LEVEL 3.75+ 1 pm - 3 pm

Peachland Community Centre PASSION 4 ART 1 pm - 4 pm

50 Plus Activity Centre MAH JONG 1 pm – 4 pm

50 Plus Activity Centre

MEN’S COFFEE & CARDS

1 pm PWC (downstairs) YOGA FOR YOUR BACK 3:15pm - 4:30 pm

Peachland Community Centre

PEACHLAND HUB

NIGHT MARKET

4 pm – 9 pm Cousins Park

LINE DANCING

4:30 pm – 5:30 pm

50 Plus Activity Centre

POUND 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

50 Plus Activity Centre

COMPUTER LITERACY

By Appointment Call 250 767 0141

Peachland Wellness Centre

WEDNESDAYS

FITNESS ROOM

5 am - 10 pm

Peachland Community Centre INDOOR WALKING 8 am - 9 am

Peachland Community Centre 50+ FITNESS 9 am - 10 am ($5 Drop In)

50 Plus Activity Centre

PICKLEBALL LEVEL 1.0-2.5 9:05 am - 11 am

Peachland Community Centre SPIN, SCULPT AND STRETCH 9:30 am - 10:45 am 1 pm - 3 pm

Peachland Community Centre PICKLEBALL - DROP-IN LEVEL 3.0 11 am - 1 pm

Peachland Community Centre BARGAIN BIN  12 pm - 3 pm

Peachland United Church

NEW YEAR’S DAY POLAR BEAR SWIM Celebrate the new year on Jan 1 with a splash into Okanagan Lake. Free, but pre-event check-in is required from 12-12:45 pm.

8TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TREE CHIPPING FOR CHARITY takes place at the Peachland Community Centre on Jan 7 from 10 am - 2 pm, where there will be free hot chocolate and fire trucks on display. Peachland Fire and Rescue Service will be offering Christmas tree chipping and disposal by donation. In addition, for a minimum donation of $5 the fire department will come to your home to pick up

PICKLEBALL LEVEL 3.0-3.5

1 pm - 3 pm

Peachland Community Centre BRIDGE

1 pm – 4 pm

50 Plus Activity Centre

LEGION KARAOKE

3:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Royal Canadian Legion #69

MINI KICKERS SOCCER

5 pm - 6 pm

Peachland Community Centre HATHA YOGA 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Peachland Community Centre SPIN, CORE AND STRETCH 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Peachland Community Centre CENTRAL OKANAGAN MODEL RAILWAY CO.

Train modellers + visitors meet 7 pm

Peachland Musum

THURSDAYS

FITNESS ROOM

5 am - 10 pm

Peachland Community Centre YOGA

8:30 am - 9:30 am

50 Plus Activity Centre YOGA FOR YOUR BACK 9:30 am - 10:45 am

Peachland Community Centre BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT  10 am-11:45 am

Peachland Wellness Centre

PICKLEBALL LEVEL 3.5 10:30 am - 12:30 pm

Peachland Community Centre

your tree for disposal. Contact the fire department at 250 767 2841 or email fireclerk@peachland.com All proceeds to Muscular Dystrophy Canada.

HEARTS FESTIVAL takes place Feb 13-20 for a weeklong celebration of the arts. For more information visit peachlandarts.ca

VALENTINE’S PARTY hosted by the Peachland Ambassadors at 4th Street Place. Call Linda 778 479 2843

FREE FAMILY DAY FILM & FUN is a NEW District of Peachland event that will take place Monday, Feb 20

IRON AND SILK FIT

11 am - 12 pm

50 Plus Activity Centre

BARGAIN BIN

12 pm - 3 pm

Peachland United Church

PICKLEBALL LEVEL 3.75+

1 pm - 3 pm

Peachland Community Centre

PASSION 4 ART

1 pm – 4 pm

50 Plus Activity Centre

BEGINNER UKULELE

230 pm - 330 pm

50 Plus Activity Centre

MEAT DRAW

3 pm-5 pm

Royal Canadian Legion #69 BINGO

5:30 pm (EOW)

50 Plus Activity Centre

FRIDAYS

FITNESS ROOM

5 am - 10 pm

Peachland Community Centre

INDOOR WALKING

8 am - 9 am

Peachland Community Centre

FLOW YOGA

9 am - 10 am

Peachland Community Centre

50+ FITNESS 9 am - 10 am ($5 Drop In)

50 Plus Activity Centre

WE ART HERE

12 pm - 4 pm

50 Plus Activity Centre

BARGAIN BIN

12 pm - 3 pm

Peachland United Church THERAPEUTIC YOGA

12:30 pm - 1:45 pm

Peachland Community Centre

CANASTA 1 pm 50+ Activity Centre

PICKLEBALL LEVEL 3.0 -3.5 1 pm - 3 pm

Peachland Community Centre

SATURDAYS

FITNESS ROOM

5 am - 10 pm

Peachland Community Centre

CARPET BOWLING

10 am - 12 pm

50 Plus Activity Centre

BARGAIN BIN

12 pm - 3 pm

Peachland United Church

MEAT DRAW  3 pm-5 pm

Royal Canadian Legion #69

SUNDAYS

FITNESS ROOM

5 am - 10 pm

Peachland Community Centre

PEACHLAND FARMERS & CRAFTERS MARKET 10 am - 2 pm Heritage Park

PICKLEBALL - LEVEL 2.5-3.5 12 pm - 2 pm Peachland Community Centre

PICKLEBALL - LEVEL 3.75+ 2 pm - 4 pm Peachland Community Centre

FOR SENIORS

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS FOR SENIORS

Resolutions can be made at any age. Seniors who may feel that they are past the point in life where trying something new or setting goals is relevant to them can reconsider, as it’s never too late in life to have aspirations big or small. The golden years may be different from any other period in a person’s life, but seniors can still embrace making positive changes. In fact, according to studies by Rush University, people who view life with a sense of purpose are two to four times less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease. The following are some potential resolutions for seniors.

• Focus on safety. Aging sparks certain changes to the body and mind. Recognizing that you can’t do all of the things you did when you were younger doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to improve upon those things you can do, especially if you make some safety-minded tweaks. Resolve to improve home safety, such as removing tripping hazards, installing grab bars, checking smoke alarms, and installing a security system.

• Find new and enjoyable workouts. The exercise routines you engaged in just a few years ago may no longer

suit your physical abilities or interests. Investigate new fitness regimens or methods of movement. Tai chi, yoga, water aerobics, walking clubs, and more can be incorporated into your daily habits.

• Organize medical records. Seeing health pictured systematically and clearly can help you stay on top of appointments and wellness measures. There are many different organizing systems to embrace; find one that works for your needs.

• Declutter your home. Resolve to get rid of extraneous items that are no longer serving a purpose beyond collecting dust. Having more room to move around can be safer, particularly if you need a cane or another assistive device, and there will be less to clean if you remove some clutter. If you plan to downsize soon, clearing clutter can make the move easier.

• Learn something new. A language, skill, or hobby are all within reach when you map out the steps to achieving your goal.

• Make new social connections. Caring Places senior communities indicates socially active older adults have better cognition and lower risks for depression than those who do not consistently reach out to friends. Aspire to make some new companions or to get back in touch with those you haven’t spoken to in some time.

Seniors can focus on key resolutions to make positive changes for the future.