Peachland View December 30, 2022

Omicron variant forces

British Columbians to pivot

The first week of 2022 began with COVID-19 safety plans being mandated for all B.C. businesses in the wake of the COVID-19 variant Omicron accounting for 80 per cent of new cases across the province.

B.C’s Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry issued the order on Jan. 7 after earlier warnings to expect that up to one-third of a company’s employees may be off sick as the highly transmissible Omicron rapidly spreads.

At the same time longterm care home residents in

the province were allowed two essential visitors as rapid antigen testing was rolled out within these facilities. Henry said the decision was based on existing staffing shortages and the expected attrition due to illness, as well as the need to protect the more vulnerable care home residents.

Trepanier interconnect project completed

The Trepanier interconnect project was officially completed in January, finally linking Trepanier area residents with the $24 million water treatment plant that was completed in 2021.

2022 Year in Review

The Trepanier Interconnect project had faced numerous delays, beginning initially with a difficulty getting in some butterfly valves followed by some leaks within the new piping that had to be located, excavated, and repaired and then some valving issues that coincided with a water main break on Princeton.

Recreation programming returns

In accordance with updated health orders announced by the province on Jan. 18, Peachland Recreation resumed adult indoor fitness programs effective Jan. 24,

which marked the beginning of a general relaxation of COVID restrictions in 2022.

First look at Todd’s RV site development

In January the community had a first look at the six-storey development project proposed for the Todd’s RV site on Beach Ave.

Porchlight Developments revealed their plan to build six-storey buildings and beachside bungalows at 3946, 3966 and 3976 Beach Ave - then the site of Todd’s RV and Camping, which was located along the north end of Beach Ave on a four-acre semi-waterfront property.

halla Hwy between Hope and Merritt reopened on Jan. 19.

More than 20 sites along the 130-km stretch were closed due to the flooding and washout events in November 2021. This included seven bridges that were either completely collapsed or had sustained heavy damages.

It was on Nov. 14 that the highway was completely shut off due to what the province dubbed an “atmospheric river” event, only reopening to truck traffic on Dec. 20.

type of building on the four parcels of land just across from The Gateway on 13th St, Lake Ave and San Clemente Ave.

Lakeview is proposed to be a five-storey mixed use development comprised of 28 residential units in four storeys above three main floor commercial units and a parking garage on a ground level podium.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Notice is hereby given that Council will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, January 10 at 5:00 pm in the Council Chambers at the Peachland Community Centre, 4450 – 6th Street, Peachland, BC to consider:

ZONING BYLAW AMENDMENT NO. 2366, 2022

Council will hear from persons who deem their interest in property to be affected by this bylaw amendment.

Subject Property: 5948 Highway 97S (Lilly Street), Peachland Legal Description: Lot B, District Lot 490, ODYD, Plan KAP21421

Purpose: Amend the Subject Property zone from “R-1 Single Detached Residential” to “RM-4 Multi-Unit Residential – Medium Density”.

Porchlight Development project manager Michael Shipley, and Neil Braun, one of the owners of Porchlight, hosted an online public meeting over Zoom to gather public feedback about their proposal, which drew a mix of praise and concerns from residents.

Coquihalla Hwy between Merritt and Hope reopens to regular traffic

More than two months after being closed to regular vehicle traffic, the Coqui-

It took 35 days of repair, utilizing over 300 workers, 200 pieces of equipment, and 400,000 cubic metres of gravel, to initially repair the highway enough to resume commercial traffic. The route is considered one of the most important in the province for moving commercial goods from the coast to the B.C. Interior.

Council approves Lakeview five-storey mixed-use development

The developer who brought Peachland The Gateway on Beach Ave received unanimous council approval in January to construct Lakeview, a similar

Peachland council unanimously approved the rezoning of the properties from Single Detached Residential (R1) to Mixed-Use (CR1) as well as a comprehensive development permit to allow construction of the mixed-use development.

Freedom Convoy makes Peachland stop

Over two dozen vehicles formed a Peachland contingent of the Freedom Convoy that travelled through the valley in late January, ostensibly in protest of federally mandated vaccinations for cross-border truckers.

About 25 vehicles assembled briefly on Beach Ave beside Heritage Park before heading north on the highway destined for a rally in

New chamber executive director

ADRIANA PRESTON PRESIDENT, PEACHLAND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Peachland Chamber of Commerce members are invited to meet our new executive director and board members on Jan. 18 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the chamber office located at 5878 Beach Ave. We want to hear from you and learn about your business.

Copies of the proposed Bylaw and related material can be reviewed at Municipal Hall, 5806 Beach Avenue, Peachland, BC from 8:00 to 3:30 pm Monday to Friday (excluding statutory holidays) between December 19, 2022 to January 10, 2023, or online anytime at peachland.ca/publichearings. Municipal Hall will be closed from Dec. 24 to Jan 2, reopening on Jan 3.

To be considered by Council, concerns must be expressed in writing or presented in person at the Public Hearing. Written submissions may be delivered to the District of Peachland Municipal Hall or emailed to the Corporate Officer at corporateservices@peachland.ca. All written and emailed submissions must be received by 4:00pm on January 9, 2023 and will become part of the public record.

NO REPRESENTATIONS WILL BE RECEIVED BY THE MUNICIPAL COUNCIL AFTER THE CONCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC HEARING

I am pleased to introduce our new executive director Darlene Thornton. Thornton recently made the move to Peachland from the Fraser Valley with her husband and her fur babies. She spent many summers up here during her younger days and is grateful to be able to call Peachland her home.

For the past 30 years, Thornton followed her passion to help protect families through her work in the

insurance and financial industry. She currently is an Insurance Advisor, Insured by Darlene, and prides herself in connecting with her clients no matter what stage of life they are in.

Thornton was heavily involved in the world of hockey with her local Minor Hockey Association, volunteering her time from team manager, referee program manager, tournament director for all

ages as well as being on the board of directors. Currently she is a member of the Kelowna Women in Business and our own Peachland Chamber of Commerce.

Welcome Darlene! On behalf of the Peachland Chamber of Commerce board of directors, we are looking forward to having you on board. With your personality, skills, and knowledge, you will make a great contribution to our team and we wish you the best as our new executive director of this chamber.

To our outgoing executive director, Patrick Van Minsel, thank you for your hard work during the last several years. Your contribution will never be forgotten. We wish you the best in your new role as Mayor of Peachland.

Have a wonderful new year, full of personal success and prosperous business.

Executive director Darlene Thornton

downtown Kelowna, where a protest group was assembled in support of a large nationwide convoy that was reaching Ottawa to deliver their message to the prime minister.

The convoy on Beach Ave only assembled for a short time before moving on.

First look at Jackson Cres residential townhouse proposal

In February Noura Homes gave the community a first look at their proposed rezoning and Official Community Plan (OCP) amendment that would facilitate a new residential townhouse development in the Lower Princeton area.

The property, 6099 Jackson Cres., is located on what had recently been the lower portion of Turner Park.

Funding announced for George Pringle Senior Secondary School

In February the province confirmed that Peachland

high school students will attend what is tentatively called George Pringle Senior Secondary School instead of Mount Boucherie beginning in September 2027.

The Government of B.C. announced its commitment to providing $102.7 million to build a new high school at the site of George Pringle Elementary in West Kelowna. George Pringle used to be the Westside’s second high school and was attended by Peachland students until it was converted into an elementary school.

The site will once again become home to a high school as Mount Boucherie Secondary School is overcapacity and is expected to continue to grow, according to the school board.

Peachland parcel of land at the centre of a civil claim

A Peachland property that was sold by Westbank First Nation (WFN) to a numbered company became the centre of a civil claim.

2022 Year in Review

On Feb. 14 WFN filed notice of civil claim against 1284464 B.C. Ltd. in the Supreme Court of British Columbia.

The claim followed shortly after the completion of an independent investigation commissioned by WFN into the facts surrounding the sale of the property, which is located adjacent to the Ponderosa development in Peachland.

The claim states the sale was made for well below the assessed value by then WFN employee, Raf De Guevara, who conveyed title to the lands.

The allegations have not been tested or proven in court.

The defendant, 1284464 B.C. Ltd, is a company that owns a portion of the Ponderosa development, which was originally envisioned to include up to 2,100 housing units, a commercial and retail village centre, a winery and a golf course.

$40K price tag for Heritage Park washroom stairs

During budget deliberations in March, members of Peachland council were presented with a capital request for $40,000 for Heritage Park washroom stairs.

The washrooms were delivered to Heritage Park in fall 2021 to complete an Interior Health requirement for the adjacent splash pad.

Council members were told that the washrooms wouldn’t be wheelchair accessible so wheelchair users will need to use the washrooms across the street.

Chief administrative officer Joe Creron promised to work with IHA to see if there was anything they could do.

Man dead near Antlers Beach following accident

An elderly man was

found dead after a single vehicle accident at Antlers Beach where the vehicle had gone off the road into Lake Okanagan.

On Mar. 24 West Kelowna RCMP members arrived to find a white Subaru Forester upside down and semi submerged, with a lone elderly male occupant still inside the vehicle, deceased.

The vehicle is believed to have been travelling southbound on Hwy 97 before it hit a concrete divider on the right front bumper then steered into the water.

Peachland Hub Society receives council support

In April the Peachland Hub Society received council’s support to move forward with plans to substantially renovate and expand the 50 Plus Activity Centre into a community

hub and annex.

While the municipality owns the building, the main hub project and annex project would be financed through grants and fundraising efforts by the various local community groups that comprise the society.

The society came to council seeking authorization from the district as well as a letter of intent for a minimum 10-year lease to show management and control of the asset after the project, a request that received unanimous suppory.

The society presented plans to renovate the current 50 Plus Activity Centre and build an expansion. Throughout 2022 they hosted numerous fundraising events.

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

published by Aberdeen Publishing Inc.

Robert W. Doull, pres rdoull@aberdeenpublishing.com

The Peachland View is a free community newspaper that is distributed each Friday to everyone in Peachland. Anyone who lives outside of the distribution area but within Canada can purchase a subscription at $70 per year + GST.

The Peachland View reserves the right to refuse publication of any advertising or editorial submission at its discretion.

Material submitted by columnists does not reflect the opinions of the Peachland View or its employees.

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.

Pressures not going away

grocery store re-cently.

Likewise, for those facing mortgage interest rate increases, Statistics Canada reports a 14.5 per cent increase.

This is an averaged rate, as many with variable rate mortgages have been experienc-ing increases well beyond this amount.

As the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) reports: “on Jan. 1, (EI) premiums for employers are set to increase by as much as 5.2 per cent per employee.

gov-ernment.

Additionally, on Apr. 1 carbon taxes are slated to increase by $15/ a ton, from the cur-rent $50 to $65 a ton.

Canadians awoke last week to media headlines that “Canada’s inflation rate fell to 6.8 per cent in November”.

Unfortunately, this headline does not tell the entire story.

While the CPI did come down slightly core inflation in other areas increased.

As an example, food inflation increased by 11.4 per cent year over year in November, a fact that will not come as a surprise for anyone who has visited a

One of the many challenges with inflation is that items such as groceries and paying your mortgage, rent or line of credit all come from your household net income after you have already paid income taxes.

This higher inflation means you have less purchasing power, as your income does not keep pace with the rise in your cost of living.

Unfortunately, on Jan. 1st of 2023, another round of payroll deductions from the federal government is increasing – in this case increased EI and CPP premiums -- mean-ing your net take home pay is going to be less.

This also affect employers.

Altogether, the increases in CPP and EI could cost business owners up to $325 more per employee — a 6.7 per cent increase from 2022.”

These increased payroll costs are passed on to consumers and this only further helps to fuel inflation.

For the record, the Conservative Official Opposition did request the Trudeau Liberal government delay the increase to the EI premiums (something the Federal Govern-ment has done previously) however in this case PM Trudeau refused to do so.

On Apr.1 there will be another round of tax increases related to the elevator excise tax on alcohol, that automatically increases each year thanks to the Trudeau Liberal

So, 2023 is going to be a more expensive year for many Canadians and, as the Official Opposition, we will continue to make the point that many Canadians can no longer af-ford to take home less.

Before I close this week my final report for the year, I would like to sincerely wish all citizens Happy Holidays and a very Merry Christmas!

I would also like to sincerely thank all first responders, our military personnel and those in public service work that means they will not be home with their families this Christmas.

Finally this week’s question: What would you most like to see from your federal government in 2023?

I can be reached at Dan.

Albas@parl.gc.ca or call toll free 800 665 8711.

DAN ALBAS MP

Continued from Page 3

Council gives green light to Buchanan neighbourhood development

A rezoning application for a fifteen-unit strata development in the Buchanan neighbourhood received the go ahead from Peachland council in April.

The undeveloped property, located opposite Davis Cove Resort just below Hwy 97, was rezoned from Single Detached Residential (R1) to Multi-unit Residential – Low Density and Cluster (RM3) to allow for the townhouse project.

At the same time Peachland council also authorized the road closure and sale of nearby McKay Lane, which is the municipal roadway from which the property is accessed.

Interior Health reverses washroom decision

District staff efforts to persuade Interior Health to back down on their requirement for a washroom adjacent to the splash pad in Heritage Park paid off in May, when the municipality issued a press release stating that Interior Health Authority (IHA) has agreed to waive the requirement for a new washroom and water fountain for Heritage Park.

Previously, IHA had insisted there be washrooms installed next to the splash pad before it could be permitted to open, despite the fact that there is an existing accessible set of washrooms just across the street.

The decision followed continued discussions between IHA and Peachland’s chief administrative officer and director of operations, which included a site visit to the Heritage Park splash pad location.

A speed hump would be installed at the crosswalk ahead of the splash pad opening and later a blinking light was also added to help improve pedestrian safety.

Platinum Jubilee

This year Her Majesty The Queen became the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee after 70 years of service. Peachland cele-

brated the occasion with two events - a procession from the Legion to Heritage Park held on June 2, followed by a British Street Party on June 4.

Budding Creations gets green light for second shop

In June, locally owned Budding Creations Cannabis Store received the green light from Peachland council to open a second location in the old pub space at the mall. Work has been underway for some time, but construction delays have pushed an opening date into 2023.

This type of application requires public consultation so mailouts were sent to all properties and tenants within 100 metres of the site and also had a development notice sign posted at the location.

The municipality received no feedback from the public at all.

Church break-ins

In June the Peachland United Church was robbed twice in the span of just one week, once on the same night that St. Margaret’s Anglican Church was also hit.

The first incident involved a theft of the church’s $60 float. Then volunteers arrived at the Bargain Bin one morning to find both the thrift shop and the upstairs church had been forcibly entered. Across the street at St. Margaret’s Anglican Church, someone also forcibly entered to steal a computer.

Drowning near Squally Point

On June 18 a 34-year-old Calgary man, Oluwaseun Samson Adedeji, failed to resurface after jumping into Okanagan Lake from a boat near Squally Point, south of Rattlesnake Island. After an extensive multi-day search the body of the Calgary man reported missing was recovered.

Two dead in ostensible murder-suicide

A man and woman were found dead inside of a home on Garraway Pl on a June evening, following an ostensible murder-suicide.

The Kelowna RCMP

2022 Year in Review

had received a complaint stating that a woman had received a call from her friend saying that a homicide had taken place and they were considering self-harm. Officers determined that the complaint was related to a property in Peachland and soon dozens of police and other emergency response vehicles were seen heading up Princeton Ave to Garraway Pl, while a plane circled overhead.

When the RCMP Southeast District Emergency Response Team entered the home they located an individual dead with what appeared to be self-inflicted wounds with a weapon nearby. A second individual was also located deceased in the home.

It is believed that the two people were known to each other.

Crystal development approved

Porchlight Developments’ proposal to build six six-storey buildings and four luxury beachside bungalows at the site of Todd’s RV, received the final go ahead from Peachland council in June.

To facilitate the upgrade of the campground to a 46-unit tourist/residential project, the developer proposed an application to rezone the site to CD11 Todd’s Resort Comprehensive Development Zone from C6 Campground and R1 Single Detached Residential. The OCP and zoning amendment bylaws to allow this were adopted by Peachland council.

Fatal hwy accident

On July 5 traffic was backed up along Hwy 97 through Peachland for hours following a fatal collision between a semi and a small car. The collision happened on Hwy 97 just south of Princeton Ave. Unfortunately, the driver of the small car did not survive the collision.

Beachside Health announce clinic plans

After sitting vacant for several years, Peachland residents learned in July that a local couple had plans for Beach Avenue Medical Clinic to reopen

as Beachside Health.

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

The couple planned to open the clinic in the fall, but ran into some delays.

A Town Called Love

A Hallmark production crew arrived in Peachland in early August to film a new movie, “A Town Called Love”. Filming took place at two private residences on Princeton Ave, as well as various public and private downtown locations.

Drowning tragedy at Swim Bay

In August a 57-year-old man from the Lower Mainland tragically drowned at Swim Bay. The man had been swimming in the area off 6th Street and Beach Ave with his friends and family members when he jumped in the water on his own then never resurfaced.

The man was successfully located and the lifeguards brought him to the surface and immediately administered lifesaving measures. EHS and Peachland Fire and Rescue attended but ultimately lifesaving measures were unsuccessful and the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Inaugural Making Waves Mural Festival

Last summer, several of the exterior walls of the Legion hall, Peachland Pharmacy and Beach Avenue Medical Clinic were transformed by mural artists for the inaugural Making Waves Mural Festival, which took place at various locations from Sep. 2 - 4.

Candidates declared

In September candidates for the 2022 general election were declared. Candidates for Mayor were Keith Fielding, Cindy Fortin and Patrick Van Minsel.

This year Peachland had

13 candidates for Councillor: Kevin Bennett, Jason Best, Randey Brophy, David Collins, Terry Condon, Moira Goodman, Pam Cunningham, Alena Glasman, Rick Ingram, Mike Kent, Keith Thom, Rainer Udala, and Nick Walsh. Candidates for School Trustee were Karrie Fehr, Lisa Guderyan, and Gordon Wiebe.

Ponderosa Golf Course update

In September Toronto-based investment company, Romspen came to Peachland council with a new proposal for the Ponderosa Golf Course. Because of the complications of multiple land ownership, Romspen expressed a wish to proceed with development of the lands that they own directly. The proposal includes a nine-hole golf course that could be connected to a second nine-hole course in the future. Instead of the 1,700 units originally planned for their land, Romspen would like to build 445 units in phases, with the first phase (250 units) at the southern end of the land with access from Somerset Ave.

Vote for change

When Peachland residents went to the polls in October they voted by large for change, returning only one incumbent candidate back to council and

electing Patrick Van Minsel Peachland’s next mayor.

Van Minsel won with 1,104 votes, followed by Keith Fielding with 983 votes. Incumbent Cindy Fortin ended the night with the lowest share of the vote, receiving just 293 votes.

Political newcomer Randey Brophy was elected to council with the largest share of the vote (1,382), followed by Rick Ingram (1,208), incumbent Terry Condon (1,157), Dave Collins (1,091), Keith Thom (1,081), and Alena Glasman (978).

Fire hall referendum supported

During the general election Peachland residents were also presented with a referendum question and voted to support the borrowing of up to $17.5 million for a protective services building. 1,729 voted in favour; 588 voted no.

Peachland Liquor Store break-in

A suspect who allegedly broke into the Peachland Liquor Store in early November left empty handed only seconds after making their way through the walls to get inside. Store owner Eric Menconi believed the suspect was targeting cash on the premises as they took a kick at a bolted down safe before making a dash.

LOCAL EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

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

- Jan 1; all ages, choose between a 2K walk or 5K run. Registration required; contact the Peachland Community Centre for details.

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

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

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 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

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

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 from 1 pm - 3 pm at the community cenre and will feature a big screen movie, games, goodies, face painting and more. FREE!

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

NEW YEAR’S DAY POLAR BEAR WALK OR RUN

Earlier start to council meetings

In November one of the first orders of business for Peachland’s new mayor and council was to move their regular meetings an hour earlier than has traditionally been the case.

At their first regular meeting, a recommendation to revise the start time of all regular meetings to 6 p.m. from 7 p.m. on Tuesday evenings received unanimous council support. The public was given an opportunity to respond to the change but there was no subsequent opposition so the change was adopted.

Beach Avenue neighbourhood building heights a priority

Mayor Patrick Van Minsel wasted no time in asking staff to provide potential options for new zoning regulations for the frontage of the Beach Avenue neighbourhood to address building height and setbacks, and specifically to limit building height to three storeys. Building heights had been a contentious issue during the election and Van Minsel had promised to address community concerns.

Staff will bring forward their first steps in the new year.

First look at Thorne Road proposal

A proposal to amend the Official Community Plan (OCP) and rezone a Thorne Rd property received first and second readings from Peachland council last month.

Local developer Steve Penich is proposing to subdivide his Thorne Rd property into an eight-lot single family subdivision.

The .81-hectare lot, located at 6785 Thorne Rd, is in the southwestern-most corner of the district in the Hardy Falls neighbourhood, approximately 300 meters southwest of and 30 meters above the Hardy St and Hwy 97 intersection.

To facilitate an eight-lot subdivision, the developer is applying to amend the OCP land use designation for this property from Ru-

ral (RL) to Low Density Residential (LDR) and to rezone the property from Rural Residential (RR-1) to Single Detached Residential (R-1).

Staff recommended council support the application because of the community benefits that the subdivision would bring; if Penich’s project goes ahead, the town is currently proposing that he be required to pave Thorne Rd from the existing pavement to just past Log Chute Rd and provide a sewer main installation from Hardy St to the west end of Thorne Rd, which will provide opportunities for other nearby residents, not just those on Thorne Rd.

5th St road closure won’t be supported

A proposal from the Peachland Seniors Housing Society (PSSS) to close off 5th Street from Waldo Way to Hwy 97 will not be supported by district staff, council heard from staff in November.

The proposal for phase two of the seniors housing project is to rezone four district-owned parcels (which include the current locations of the Peachland Wellness Centre, Peachland Food Bank, and Peachland Community Policing) to Mixed Use (CR1) to facilitate the construction of a 73-unit seniors housing building.

In his quarterly report to council, director of planning and development services Darin Schaal noted that the application also proposes to close a portion of 5th St from Waldo Way to the bottom of the bank below Hwy 97.

Schaal said when the application was originally submitted they had proposed to close a portion of 5th St to consolidate it with the property, so it would have been permanent. The intention of that, he understood, was to provide on-site parking for phase two of the seniors Residences on 6th.

However, since working with the preliminary review of the application, Schaal noted that they are not in support of the road closure and would ask for

2022 Year in Review

parking to be provided on site and/or the applicant submit a variance application to address the lack of on-street parking.

No big bathroom bidders

The future of the washroom building in Heritage Park still remains uncertain over a year after its arrival in Peachland.

At December’s regular meeting Coun. Randey Brophy asked staff for their comment about the still unused washroom building in response to a post circulating on social media that included a link to an auction site where the facility was listed but did not receive a bid high enough to meet the reserve price.

“The staff tried a new auction,” said CAO Joe Creron. “They tried it, we don’t like the result, so we’ll probably go back to the original way we advertise these things but we thought we would try this new site.”

Part of the rationale for selling the washroom, according to Peachland’s director of operations Shawn Grundy, is that while there are other locations around the district that could potentially benefit from this installation, such as Lambly Park, there would be some fairly significant costs involved in servicing the building with sanitary sewer, water and electrical services.

However, the town hasn’t ruled out keeping the washroom, said Creron, although he made it clear his preference is to sell it.

Rare baby bobcat encounter goes viral

When Naomi Miller grabbed a phone to take a video of a tiny bobcat outside her window earlier this month, little did she know that within days the footage she posted to social media would be seen by millions of viewers around the world.

The video shows her cat scratching at the door with excitement as a young bobcat looks inside, drawing exclaims of awe from Miller and her daughter.

Within an hour the video was at 100,000 views, then 500,000 and by the next

day the video had reached an audience of over a million people on Instagram.

“So, I posted it to my very small TikTok account and it started to spread there as well,” said Miller. “It’s now at over eight million on Instagram and over one million on TikTok and it’s not slowing down. I don’t even know if it ever will at this point.”

The video is posted to Miller’s professional social media accounts on Instagram (@deltaandsound), Facebook (Delta&Sound) and TikTok (Delta&Sound).

Beachside Health medical clinic announces Jan. 23 opening date

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 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.

An internist and nephrologist, Dr. Clouatre, will begin practicing out of the Peachland clinic on Jan. 23, which is the day that the clinic will begin to accept patients.

A GP or a NP will need to be in place before the clinic can begin taking new

patients, which is expected to happen ahead of or sometime shortly after the clinic opening.

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.

Seniors housing project cost concerns

2022 ended with phase two of the Peachland seniors housing project appearing to be in possible jeopardy, if initial reluctance by the new council to fund the project is any indication.

Last year the Peachland Seniors’ Support Society (PSSS) proposal to build a 73-unit second phase of the Residences on 6th was approved under the BC Housing Community Housing Fund.

However, initial response from the new council seemed cool with the mayor and at least two members of council expressing concerns about the district’s contributions to 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.

At a subsequent in-camera meeting, 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 following council meeting and the matter is expected to come before the regional board at their Jan. 19 meeting.

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From the Mayor’s Desk: Looking forward to 2023

MAYOR PATRICK VAN MINSEL

Mayor and council wish all our residents a healthy 2023.

We realize that next year will be challenging; with rising interests, higher food costs and ongoing inflation, we need to re-evaluate our priorities as a district.

At our strategic planning meeting in February, we set our priorities not only for the next four years (short-term) but also for a long-term vision for the future. Many factors contribute to this strategic planning process, such as economic reality, expected revenues and costs, supporting ongoing projects, needs for our community, fiscal responsibility, and expectations of our residents, to name a few.

You have spoken loud and clear during the October election, and we have listened and heard you.

A recurring topic was that our residents want to see a collaborative and united council working for the betterment of Peachland. If the first two

months are any indication, this council has laid the foundation to meet this expectation.

Having spoken with every newly elected councillor in the first two weeks after the election,

I got a good idea about their skillset, expectations and individual priorities. I was incredibly impressed

with their eagerness to get started and their intention to work as a team and do their best for Peachland.

Amongst areas of focus are improving communication, infrastructure improvements, zoning and bylaw amendments, purpose-build development, looking into expanding our boundaries, watershed protection and enhancing relationships with all levels of government.

As approved by the referendum, the construction of a new protective services building will be a focal point for this council.

Learning and educating oneself are of the utmost importance to aid in the decision-making process. Therefore, council members will attend SILGA (Southern Interior Local Government Association) and UBCM (Union of BC Municipalities) conferences in 2023.

On a personal note, I like to thank all Peachland community groups and volunteers for their continued contribution and service to Peachland.

Wishing you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

In Service, Mayor Patrick Van Minsel and Council.

Back row, left to right: Councillors Keith Thom, Dave Collins, Rick Ingram and Terry Condon and front row, left to right: Councillor Alena Glasman, Mayor Patrick Van Minsel and Councillor Randey Brophy.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

The Canada’s men’s national softball team finished with a silver medal at the WBSC World Cup in New Zealand held from Nov. 26 – Dec, 4. Peachland’s Doug Allin made the trip below the equator to help coach the team to victory. Canada started with a warmup tournament in Palmerston, NZ against the top six teams in the world, then travelled to Auckland for the WBSC World Cup, which included the top 12 countries. While in Auckland, the team attended a school where the students performed a variety of traditional songs and dances (shown above). In Auckland, Canada finished the round robin with wins against Australia, Japan, Denmark, USA and South Africa and the super round with two and one loss to defending champion Argentina. That record qualified team Canada to play Australia in the final; Canada lost 5-2 to Australia to take the silver medal.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED