Upcoming Municipal Election
The Peachland Citizen Engagement Group (PCEG), would like to hear from people who have an interest in running as a candidate in the upcoming municipal election.
We would love to work with you!
To gain PCEG support prospective candidates must be committed to upholding a governance process that is: open, transparent, consultative in its orientation, and responsive to input from an engaged and informed public. Accountability to the citizens who elected you is also top of mind.
If this offer is of interest to you, please DM me (Kym Martin) via FB Messenger, or contact PCEG via email at: PCEG@gmail.com
Confidential Reporting (Whistleblower) reporting now in place
City of West Kelowna staff, volunteers, contractors and consultants now have a confidential third-party Whistleblower Office to report suspected wrongdoing involving the City of West Kelowna.
On Jan. 13, 2026, West Kelowna Council approved Confidential Reporting (Whistleblower) Policy No. 0014. The policy supports Council’s expectations of corporate integrity and is a best practice for local governments who wish to promote, support, and protect ethical employee behaviour.
“We are committed to operating at the highest level of corporate integrity and putting a confidential reporting process in place for staff is a best practice for local government,” said chief administrative officer Ron Bowles. “An important part of our commitment to being open and accountable to the community is providing a safe and accessible way for staff to report serious wrongdoing.”
The Whistleblower Office is staffed by independent investiga-
…is available to every home, every business, every week.
Peachland Community Newspaper Society
5878-D Beach Ave., Peachland, B.C. V0H 1X7 250 859 4295
• Board of Directors
President Keith Fielding
Treasurer Ted Cave
Director Geoff Trafford
Director Donna Cave
Director Judy Wyper
Director Barrie Hewer
• Managing editor Keith Fielding 250 859 2429 editor@peachlandpost.net
Sales Director Larry Mercier 250 490 5626 sales@peachlandpost.net
• Website Alex Morrison Visit peachlandpost.org
• Production: Kiana Haner-Wilk
• Office Enquiries: 250-859-4295
• We respectfully acknowledge our society operates on the traditional territory of the Syilx/Okanagan People.
tors from Southern Law LLP. The confidential reporting system has been designed to keep reports confidential and handled only by those who need the information to investigate.
The Confidential Reporting (Whistleblower) Policy defines suspected wrongdoing as any activity or behaviour including, but not limited to:
• contravention of local, provincial, or federal law or regulation;
• negligent or improper management;
• gross mismanagement of City funds or assets;
• a substantial danger to the environment or public health and safety;
• breach of public trust, or
• an attempt to cover up any of the foregoing.
Any report of suspected wrongdoing filed under this policy must be done in good faith and based on grounds and information that the employee believes to be true and accurate. It is not intended for situations covered by other reporting processes such as occupational health and safety matters and respectful workplace conduct.
West Kelowna staff have been provided with the contact process and information for the Whistleblower Office.
July is National Ice Cream Month, with National Ice Cream Day celebrated on the third Sunday of the month, which in 2026 falls on Sunday, July 19.
National Ice Cream Day is considered an unofficial holiday. Canada adopted the date from a U.S. Congressional resolution signed in 1984 by President Reagan, who proclaimed July as National Ice Cream Month.
While the celebratory day originated south of Canada, we do have our own history with the sweet treat.
Toronto confectioner Thomas Webb is credited as the first person to sell ice cream in Canada around 1850. We also hold some notable records: including a 10,000-pound ice cream cake made in Toronto in 2011 and a 24-ton ice cream sundae crafted in Edmonton in 1988 Post staff
Peachland POST
PART FIVE OF NINE
Peachland Climate Action Plan Focus: Energy
By JuDy Wyper
The 2026 Peachland Climate Action Plan includes nine sections of recommendations for the district and residents to take to reduce climate pollution. Focus area five is on energy.
The planet is a complex self-organizing adaptive system. Changing conditions in one area will affect adjacent ones. Adaptations happen. Historically, there have been tipping points of atmospheric carbon levels that led to catastrophic changes in the overall planetary climate. Glacial periods and massive death followed by interglacials with biodiversity. The use of fossil fuels is accelerating the warming of the planet. This has led to changes in where and how plants and animals survive. And humans. In B.C. we’ve seen floods, wildfires, biodiversity loss, killer frosts, and heat waves. Mitigation and adaptation around energy sources are apropos.
The Peachland Climate Action Plan, with nine focus areas and published June 2026, was researched and written by six Peachlanders with a budget of $0. This dynamic group produced a work that serves as a starting point to guide Peachland along a path of resilience. Each focus area is critical for mitigation and adaptation in the face of changing conditions.
ENERGY OBJECTIVES
1. To reduce climate pollution and become more energy secure, Peachland has developed community-based renewable electricity supplies.
2. The district and its residents and businesses have implemented individualized plans to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and to be prepared to face at least a 72-hour power outage.
RECOMMENDED
DISTRICT ACTIONS
D5.1 Explore opportunities for working with BC Hydro to develop community sources of renewable power. Some examples include:
• Community solar panels. Enable multiple customers to contribute to – and benefit from – the same generation project.
Peachland Climate Action Plan
Watch for part six in this series on page three of next week’s edition
• Community battery storage systems connected with the renewable projects or independently installed to create a “virtual power plant” and provide a clean alternative to diesel generators for backup.
D5.2 Support and facilitate the development of individual renewable energy projects such as installation of solar panels or heat pumps on residential and business properties. Actions can include identifying and promoting available incentive programs offered by BC government and utilities, making any needed changes to zoning by-laws and building codes to support these installations.
D5.3 Work with BC Hydro to investigate the feasibility of establishing a community microgrid to support essential services and/ or District-wide power supply in the event of a utility grid outage. Today, BC Hydro operates microgrids and provides financial incentives for renewable power to support them only for remote communities that are not connected to the main utility grid.
D5.4 Provide funding or encourage community resources to assist vulnerable residents
with development of their individualized climate action plans to be ready for power outages.
D5.5 Review existing emergency notification methods to improve visibility and outreach to residents in case of power outages. RECOMMENDED RESIDENT ACTIONS
R5.1 Adjust your personal habits to reduce energy consumption at home.
R5.2 Reduce your personal/business reliance on fossil fuels and energy generally by taking steps such as installing solar panels, heat pumps, and batteries, as well as following recommended actions on transportation, buildings, etc. in other chapters of the Plan.
R5.3 Be prepared with food, water, batteries etc. needed for power outages of at least 72-hours in length. It is time for Peachlanders to push toward these goals. It is how we adapt to changing conditions.
Judy Wyper is with the Peachland Watershed Protection Alliance and the South Okanagan Chapter of the Council of Canadians.
Photo: From the report Solar panels are a viable energy option given the abundant sunshine in our region.
NEW MONACO IS UP FOR SALE
The Kelowna branch of Colliers International has been retained as the listing agency for sale of the 125-acre New Monaco property in Peachland.
Instead of this page being home for the usual cartoon and ‘Policy Matters’ editorial, we are devoting the space to illustrate the New Monaco vision as illustrated in the Colliers listing material. Reader commentary is welcome.
SILVER GENERATION
British Columbia’s Silver Economy implications
In a previous column I wrote about age-friendly communities. This is an extension of that, looking at the Silver Generation. This refers to people aged 50 or 55 or 60 and over. This demographic drives the Silver Economy, which involves healthcare and wellness services, travel, education, housing, living solutions, personal care, financial services, innovative technology to support independence and connection to other facets of life. And more! Whew!
People are living longer and they are enjoying more healthy and active years. They get around, they spend money, and they are involved in their communities, country, and world issues. Being older does not mean stopping.
The International Monetary Fund did a report in 2025 where it
I’VE BEEN THINKING...
identified the implications of the Silver Generation. It looked at the impact of healthy aging on labour markets. It stated that “the 70s are the new 50s.” Data was showing that on average, a person who was 70 in 2022 had the same cognitive ability as a 53-year old in 2000. They also looked at the frailty health index. On average, the frailty of a 70-year old person in
2022 corresponded to that of a person who was 56 in 2000. All this healthier aging could extend working lives and enhance older workers’ productivity. This can lead to the likelihood that individuals might choose to remain in the labour market longer than in the past, as there are already changes in the makeup of the labour force. People may retire to make way for younger hires, and then they may choose to return to the labour force in a part time position. Alternatively, some may work well past 70 in a managerial position. Increased longevity is expected to affect jobs in unexpected ways.
for seniors independent living and supportive housing. The need for assisted care facilities is even now outstripping capacity, with waiting lists up to 1.5 years. This will only increase as the population continues to age.
Rising living costs are pushing some close to homelessness.
B.C. has an Age Forward Strategy, which aims to increase the number of years that people live in good health by promoting lifestyle changes, risk identification, and health interventions. The aim is aging in place, people being able to stay in their own homes, in their own communities, living alongside friends and engaging productively in community matters for as long as possible. This involves multiple layers of job-related delivery of supports and initiatives and further fuels the economy.
But the Silver Generation is a diversified group of individuals. Health disparities, rural locations, level of education, and socioeconomic situation affect each person’s well-being. Smoking, poor nutrition, physical inactivity, and excessive alcohol use are key risk factors for most chronic diseases. Even though overall trends are upward, many older people have health concerns. And that drives the healthcare industry. Physicians, physiotherapists, chiropractors, and more.
There is an increasing demand
The Silver Generation has led to a Silver Economy and is reshaping B.C.’s economy. Everything is always changing.
Judy Wyper is with the Peachland Watershed Protection Alliance and the South Okanagan Chapter of the Council of Canadians.
Judy Wyper
Stock photo Silver economy: older people could be the engine of the future economy.
CONSCIOUS BUILDING
Redhaven rental housing moving forward
By eric Hall
If you have visited Peachland Elementary School recently, you would have noticed how the new Peachland daycare is taking shape. Behind the daycare, the Redhaven 89-unit rental housing development is also moving forward. On Wednesday morning, July 8th, Mayor Patrick Van Minsel with Councillors Dave Collins, Ali Bani-Sadr and Randey Brophy joined members of the Highstreet development team to break ground on the project. “Breaking ground” is really just an expression, as a large concrete parkade is already very evident at the site.
Although there has been no recent flooding in this area, it was a concern raised during the rezoning process. The fact that this residential building has a concrete base makes the structure much safer from any damage that flooding might cause.
This site was purchased by Porchlight Developments and rezoned in 2022. After the rezoning, the property was put up for sale and this action upset some people. It seemed as if the property was rezoned just to sell it at a higher price.
After the purchase, the new owners, Highstreet, came to Council with a proposal for a six-storey
ROAD
89-unit rental project. Council debated the parking requirements in detail and some variances were accepted. The increased height was allowed based on the location and the fact that some of the site was sold to Peachland to provide the land for the new daycare building.
Redhaven will be a “net zero” building with BC Step Code 4 energy efficiency. Scott Butler, the CEO of Highstreet, spoke with pride about the company’s focus on en-
LANG TRAIL
vironmental issues. He also spoke about the importance of employee involvement and ownership of the company. Both Scott and sales director, Alisha McFetridge, made a point of thanking staff from the District of Peachland for their speed and efficiency in processing the development permit and resolving issues that were raised.
Mayor Patrick Van Minsel spoke about the impact of this development and the daycare
is set of 246 steps, leading from Greata Road beside e Terraces condominiums, up past Clarence Road and Sutherland Road to Trepanier Bench Road, is named for William Arthur Lang, a lawyer and business man, who was born in Ottawa in 1862 and came to British Columbia in 1899. He was associated with both the Dominion Glazed Cement Pipe Company in Peachland as well as the McDougall sawmill. When the Incorporation of Peachland occurred in 1909, Lang was selected to serve as its rst Reeve, a position he held until 1911.
J.M. Robinson, the founder of Peachland
which he hopes will bring young families to Peachland and give support to the school. He spoke about the location being convenient for shops and transit as well as the school. He also praised the new street name (Wild Goose Street) which was suggested by the Peachland Historical Society. It is named after Wild Goose Bill, the first known settler on the land which later became Peachland.
I spoke with the site superintendent, Josh Arneson, who lives in Peachland. Josh said that he was very happy to work for Highstreet and that the company’s goal is to build something they can be proud of.
Highstreet is a Kelowna based builder with more than 6,000 homes delivered across Western Canada. It is anticipated that residents will be moving in by mid2027. Redhaven will incorporate a range of sustainability features including solar panels on the roof, EV-ready parking stalls and outdoor spaces linked to walking trails. There are no government subsidies for the monthly rental rates, which will be at market levels. However, its proximity to the new daycare and the school will likely be a big attraction for young families who, in a community dominated by seniors, are currently under-represented.
honoured Lang by naming the road going north o Princeton Avenue opposite the Cemetery as Lang Avenue. e name of the road, however, was changed around 1950 to Sanderson Avenue, and for 60 years no road name in Peachland honoured the community’s rst Reeve. is omission was nally corrected on February 8th, 2011, when Council unanimously endorsed a recommendation to name the recently-constructed set of steps as Lang Trail.
Later that year, the steps were o cially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony by Mayor Keith Fielding and Councillor Terry Condon.
permission kindly granted by Peachland author, Don Wigfield
Photo: Eric Hall
July 8th was the ground breaking for the 89-unit Redhaven rental housing development next to the Peachland Elementary School. Mayor Patrick Van Minsel and Councillors Dave Collins Ali Bani-Sadr and Randey Brophy joined members of the Highstreet development team to pick up a shovel.
CROSSWORD SUDOKU
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Keyword:
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The Month of JULY
1. What is July’s birthstone? 2. What two astrological signs celebrate their birthdays in July? 3. What are July’s birth owers? 4. What out-of-this-world day occurs on July 2?
Who was the month of July named after?
6. What term is used in July to describe the hottest days of the year? 7. About 150 million of these are consumed on July 4. What are they? 8. How much do Americans spend on reworks every year? 9. How high should corn be by the fourth of July? 10. What date in July is the midpoint of the year in a non-leap year?
What French holiday occurs on July 14?
POST EVENTS
JULY 18-24
We invite you to post your group’s meeting times. Registration may be required. Please contact the organization for more details.
SATURDAY
PEACHLAND ART GALLERY
Hours Wed. to Sun. 10 AM-4 PM
Oasis Exhibit
Demonstration artist: Laurie Carr
10:30 AM-1:30 PM
PEACHLAND LEGION
Tues. to Sun. opens at noon
Smash Burgers 3 PM
Meat Draw 50/50 3 PM
PEACHLAND LIBRARY
Summer Reading Program
The Fossil Guy 2 PM Register
PEACHLAND MUSEUM & VISITOR CENTRE 250-767-3441
Open Tues. to Sun. 10 AM-4 PM Train exhibit is operating
SUNDAY
PEACHLAND ART GALLERY
Oasis Exhibit 10 AM-4 PM
PEACHLAND COMMUNITY CENTRE
Swim Bay Adult
Swimming Lessons
Website: prices, dates, times, levels
Swim On 10-11 AM
Learn to Swim 11:00 AM- noon
PEACHLAND LEGION
Steak Sandwich
John V & Barstool Outlaws
3-6 PM
PEACHLAND LITTLE SCHOOL HOUSE
English Cream Tea walk in or eventslittleschoolhouse@gmail.com
MONDAY
50 PLUS ACTIVITY CENTRE
50+ Fitness 8-9 AM
We Art Here 12 PM
Bridge 1-3:30 PM
PEACHLAND COMMUNITY CENTRE
Swimming Lessons
10 AM-12:30 PM
See rec guide for details or visit website
Indoor Walking 8-9 AM
Blood Clinic 9 AM- 8:30 PM
Fitness Blast 6:15-7 PM
Events listings are free to non-profit and community groups. Submit by Friday, 3 PM for publication the following Friday at info@peachlandpost.net
PEACHLAND WELLNESS CENTRE
Adult Day Service 9 AM
TUESDAY
50 PLUS ACTIVITY CENTRE
Yoga 8:30-9:30 AM
AA 12-1 PM
Mahjong 1-4 PM
Passion 4 Art 1-4 PM
Line Dancing 4:30-5:30 PM
Cloggers 6-7 PM
OKANAGAN FOLK SCHOOL
Suntan Oil 1-3 PM $5
PEACHLAND COMMUNITY CENTRE
Blood Clinic 9 AM-8:30 PM
Flow Yoga 9-10 AM
Swimming Lessons
10 AM-12:30 PM
See rec guide for details or visit website
Remedy Yoga 10:30-11:45 AM
Fitness Blast 12:30-1:15 PM
Kata Flow Tai Chi Cousins Park
6:30-8 PM
PEACHLAND LEGION
Catch the King 5 PM
Darts 7 PM
PEACHLAND LIBRARY
Summer Reading Program
FireSmart For Kids 2 PM Register
PEACHLAND WELLNESS CENTRE
Men’s Coffee & Crib 1 PM
PEACHLAND WHEEL NUTS
Show and Shine at Heritage
Park 5-7 PM
WEDNESDAY
50 PLUS ACTIVITY CENTRE
50+ Fitness 9 AM
Chair Yoga 11-noon
Bridge 1-3:30 PM
PEACHLAND ARTS
Art Gallery “Oasis”
Drawing with Terry Moore 1-3 PM $5
PEACHLAND COMMUNITY CENTRE
Indoor Walking 8-9 AM
Yoga for Your Back 9-10:15 AM
Swimming Lessons
10:00 AM-12:30 PM
See rec guide for details or visit
website
Summer Pickleball All Play
Drop-in 10:30 AM-12:30 PM
Summer Pickleball All Play
Drop-in 1-3 PM
PEACHLAND LEGION
Wings Special Karaoke 3-6 PM Dona-Lea
PEACHLAND MODEL TRAIN
GROUP 6:30 PM Museum
THURSDAY
50 PLUS ACTIVITY CENTRE
Art In Peachland 10 AM-2 PM
Ukelele 1-2:30 PM
HERITAGE PARK
Free Music Concerts 6:30 PM
Cover 2 Cover 80s
PEACHLAND ARTS
Art Gallery “Oasis”
Drop In Painting 10-3 $5 All skills
PEACHLAND COMMUNITY CENTRE
Swimming Lessons
10:00 AM-12:30 PM
See rec guide for details or visit website
Yoga Strength 11 AM-12:15 PM
Fitness blast 12:30-1:15 PM
Summer All Pay Drop-In Pickleball 1-3 PM
Kata Flow Tai Chi Cousins Park 6:30-8 PM
PEACHLAND LEGION
Liver & Onions
Meat Draw 50/50 3 PM
PEACHLAND LIBRARY
Summer Reading Program
Play with Clay! 2 PM Register
PEACHLAND WELLNESS CENTRE
Adult Day Service 9 AM
FRIDAY
50 PLUS ACTIVITY CENTRE
50+ Fitness 9-10 AM
Chair Yoga 11 AM-noon 1-4 PM Canasta
PEACHLAND ARTS
Art Gallery “Oasis”
Paint with Wally 10 AM-noon Register for space 250-801-0416
PEACHLAND COMMUNITY CENTRE
Indoor Walking 8-9 AM
Flow Yoga 9-10 AM
Swimming Lessons
10:00 AM-12:30 PM
See rec guide for details or visit website
Myofascial Yoga 10:30-11:45 AM
Creative Playtime
9:30 AM-12:15 PM
Summer All Pay Drop-In Pickleball 12:30-2:20 PM
PEACHLAND LEGION
Fish & Chips
PEACHLAND LIBRARY
Cozy Stitch Group 1 PM Drop in adults
For information on more programs at Peachland Community Centre search on-line at peachland.ca/recguide or phone 250-767-2133.
Chief Operating Officer • Estimator/Project Manager
Email: kris@intervalleyelectric.ca
Cell: 250-212-5622
Fax: 250-767-2275
www.intervalleyelectric.com
To include your business or service on this page, contact Larry Mercier for more information:
