Peachland Post May 15_2026 FINAL

WATER CONCERNS Eric Hall raises some questions about water supply P.3

Peachland POST

The week of May 15, 2026

WELL PLAYED Local teams performing well on the fields P.8

LOCAL LEADER

HOME’S where the HEART IS

New Peachland chief administrative officer has community roots

By Jeff McDonalD local JournalisM initiative reporter

The old saying is, you can’t go home again. But new District of Peachland Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Cory Labrecque likely wouldn’t agree. Labrecque, who moved into the top job at the district last month, first came to Peachland at age 14 when his family moved here from Saskatoon. He went to high school at Mount Boucherie in West Kelowna.

“Here’s a tidbit for you. In high school I was part of the Peachland Ambassadors the same year as West Kelowna fire chief Jason Brolund,” he chuckled, referring to the long-established Peachland program for young leaders.

The road from and back to Peachland was a long and winding one for Labrecque. Armed with a degree in planning and business from UBCO and qualified as a Registered Professional Planner but with few jobs in the Okanagan, he headed to the city of Leduc, Alberta. He began as an intern in

ABOUT TOWN Find out what’s going on and where it’s happening P.11

Photo: Jeff McDonald Cory Labrecque is now in the top job at the District of Peachland. He held several positions with the town before becoming chief administrative officer last month.

2009 and spent ten years working up to manager of long-range planning. “That was a very interesting job in a city that had high growth pressure,” said Labrecque.

But the Okanagan was calling, and Labrecque and his wife wanted their daughter to spend

more time with his parents, so they moved back home to Peachland in 2019. He spent two years as a planner with the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen in Penticton before joining the District

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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

It’s to be forty, forty, twenty

We now know how the $100,000 award bestowed on Peachland by Coca Cola for being Canada’s Kindest Community is to be distributed.

The news was released last Monday by Abbie Norrish, manager of grants and community initiatives for the Central Okanagan Foundation. Abbie explained the allocation to a large crowd gathered for the ceremony at the Peachland Wellness Centre on Monday this week. Forty thousand is to go to the Peachland Well-

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ness Centre, forty thousand to the Peachland Food Bank, and twenty thousand to the Peachland Community Arts Council.

Norrish explained that the Central Okanagan Foundation had been asked to receive the grant and determine how best to distribute it within the community.

“Peachland is a deeply connected community,” said Norrish, noting that Peachland had been selected from among 800 communities across Canada that had also been nominated for the award.

“The Peachland submissions showed countless examples of neighbours supporting one another,” she noted, pointing out that the final decision was made by a panel of judges after a list of ten finalists had been established.

Judging by the applause from those attending the ceremony, the distribution decision was widely supported.

PLATE PROGRAM

BC Parks license plate program popular with drivers and park lovers

When the BC Parks licence plate program reached its 10th anniversary, last month, sales of the specialty plates had reached more than 630,000.

“British Columbians love their parks, and they’re showing it on the road,” said Tamara Davidson, Minister of Environment and Parks. “By purchasing a BC Parks licence plate people in British Columbia are supporting a wide range of important initiatives.”

From April 2024 until March 2025, more than $10 million was invested into more than 220 meaningful projects and programs in parks throughout B.C.

Part of the funding went toward conservation initiatives that help protect the province’s diverse species, ecosystems and cultural values.

Help the wild thrive

When you choose a BC Parks licence plate, you support projects that help protect nature, improve accessibility, and enhance your park experience.

WATER CONCERNS

Peachland’s water supply: Is there a problem?

By eric Hall

Historically Peachland had three water sources -Peachland (Deep) Creek, the Ponderosa Wells and Trepanier Creek, with each water source being treated separately. Interior Health had concerns about water quality in the Okanagan and required communities to make upgrades. In 2007 Peachland put together a water master plan which laid out the steps necessary to enhance its treatment of drinking water.

The plan included building a water treatment plant (WTP) at a cost of over $20 million -- money was not available at that time. As well as building the WTP, it was necessary to build new pipelines in order to source all water ftom the new plant which uses the Peachland Creek as its source.

The WTP was built and completed in 2021, with most of the cost paid for by a large loan. Payment for that shows on our tax bills as $200 for: “Water - WTP debt service.” This charge will continue for many years. With the completion of the WTP, our quarterly utility bills also increased with the basic charge doubling from $55 to $101. Apart from the capital cost, it requires more manpower to run a WTP.

Peachland has approved two huge projects that if completed will increase the size of Peachland far beyond its existing size. The Ponderosa project is stalled because of financial issues and will not proceed as originally planned. The second project is the proposed New Monaco development which has 2500 units of housing proposed and is as big as our entire community right now.

In 2014 when Council approved the New Monaco development the application included an analysis of water supply conducted by Aplin and Martin, and was a significant

factor in the approval process. This report noted that it had re-evaluated an earlier 2011 report by Dobson and Urban Systems regarding Peachland Creek source water flows to confirm it had taken into account the New Monaco development, increased development throughout the District, reductions in water usage due to metering, reduction in supply due to climate change, and the effects of deforestation due to pine beetle.

This updated analysis concluded that the Peachland Creek source could accommodate all currently planned future development in the event of both a 1:20 year drought condition for three consecutive

Preparing for the Flower Show

The Peachland Sowers and Growers will be hosting

The Joy of Flowers - Preparing for a Flower Show on Friday, May 22nd at 1:00 pm at the Peachland 1897 Little Schoolhouse on Brandon Lane. Master gardeners and highly accomplished flower judges, Alicja Paradzik and Linda Edser, will be presenting the talk. You’ll have a great opportunity to hear first-hand how to present your flowers. Lots of tips and a wealth of knowledge will be shared. The presentation is free with refreshments.

years, and a 1:100-year drought condition for one year.

With Peachland Mayor and Council still in support of the New Monaco and Ponderosa developments, questions arise:

• Can we supply more water if we are now facing a major water shortage?

• Supplying water to these two projects means new infrastructure including an expansion of the the Water Treatment Plant, a new reservoir and transmission pipes. How will these costs will be paid for?

• If there’s a need to raise development cost charges (DCCs) and there is a reluctance to raise DCC rates too high, what are the

BRIEFS

Walk for a great cause: help cure MS

By Gary HeDGe

On May 30th the Peachland Community Police, the West Kelowna Community Police, and MS Canada will be in Peachland coordinating the 2026, MS Walk. Over 90,000 Canadians live with Multiple Sclerosis (a neurological disease affecting the central nervous system including the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves). On average twelve Canadians are diagnosed daily with the disease, making that one of the highest rates of diagnosis in the world and leading to it being known as “Canada’s Disease.” MS is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors creating a myriad of symptoms that progress through stages over time. There is no cure for MS, but progress has been made by developing

tax implications?

Despite the fact that the report presented to Council in 2014 analysed the impact of climate change, it is clear that this impact was underestimated.

The last major study of Peachland’s water supply capacity was in March 2024 by Urban Systems. I will review this and its implications in my next article.

If Peachland decided that it could not supply water to previously approved projects, it would be a very significant problem. Land rezoned for development increases in value, so any revisions to those plans can have legal implications.••

new medicines to treat it.

The MS Walk alternates yearly between Peachland and West Kelowna and is timed to coincide with MS Walks in 50 other communities across Canada. By participating along with your family, friends, and coworkers you can help us reach this year’s fundraising goal of $25,500, and know that by being part of something bigger, every step you take on the walk brings us closer to a world free of MS.

Those wishing to participate can choose a 2 km or a 5 km route and should be at the Heritage Park Pavilion by 9 a.m. to register on the day of the event, Saturday May 30th. There will be an opening ceremony followed by the walk itself from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. More than 100 participants are expected.

Concerns about squatters presented to Peachland Council

By JuDy Wyper

On March 25, Julie and Kyle Gete, along with others brought concerns from Trepanier Creek Bench residents to Peachland Council. A growing number of squatters living close to the creek had firearms, were illegally dumping in the creek, and polluting the water with sewage and garbage. Discarded furniture, old boats and vehicles and garbage was piling up. The area in question is Crown land, therefore outside of Peachland’s jurisdiction. Over the next few weeks, RCMP, Ministry of Public Safety, Ministry of Housing, and the Regional District of Central Okanagan, became involved.

On May 5 representatives of Natural Resource Compliance and Enforcement visited the encampment. They issued notices

of trespass according to the B.C. Land Act. Part of Section 60 says it is an offense to occupy, use, or possess Crown land without lawful authority. Consequences require the person to cease the unauthorized occupation, use or possession of the Crown land, “and restore the land to a condition satisfactory to the minister.”

The Act notes that the person is to pay a reasonable sum of money for restoration of the Crown land.

The squatters were given 14 days to vacate. Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction is offering support, along with Community Integration specialists who help connect people to financial assistance and local services. After 14 days, officials will return and take the next steps.

People live where they live based on circumstances, prefer-

Land Act: Notice of Application for a Disposition of Crown Land

Take notice that I, New Monaco Enterprise Corp., from Edmonton, AB, have applied to the British Columbia Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship (WLRS), Thompson Okanagan Region for a road tenure and utility tenure situated on Provincial Crown land located at LOT 9 BLOCK G DISTRICT LOT 449 OSOYOOS DIVISION YALE DISTRICT PLAN 217 EXCEPT PLAN KAP45929 and LOT 1 BLOCK H DISTRICT LOT 449 OSOYOOS DIVISION YALE DISTRICT PLAN 217 EXCEPT PLANS 19215 AND KAP45929. WLRS invites comments on this application. The Lands File Nos. are 3412997 (road) and 3413749 (utility). Written comments concerning this application should be directed to the Senior Land Authorizations Specialist, Thompson Okanagan Region, WLRS, at 441 Columbia Street, Kamloops, B.C. V2C 2T3. Comments will be received by WLRS up to June 9, 2026. WLRS may not be able to consider comments received after this date. Please visit the Applications, Comments and Reasons for Decision Database website at http://comment.nrs.gov.bc.ca/ for more information.

Be advised that any response to this advertisement will be considered part of the public record. Access to these records requires the submission of a Freedom of Information (FOI) request. Visit http://www.gov.bc.ca/freedomofinformation to learn more about FOI submissions.

ences, and opportunity. Multiple decisions ensue. The unhoused and squatters tend to congregate with others in similar situations. Camaraderie and safety are often factors. You situate with like-minded people, thinking that’s safe. The first squatters up there found an isolated idyllic location. Who wouldn’t want to live close to a stream in the woods?

But then others came, didn’t respect the land, and the nearby property owners took umbrage at the pollution, fire hazards and lack of safety. Each

has their own point of view.

Consider the right of Trepanier Creek to exist, needing a healthy ecosystem along the banks. If the squatters endanger the health of the environment, then the rights of the creek are violated.

The landowners may have had concerns for property values and personal safety at the forefront, but they’re people who chose to legally live close to nature. Invoking the Land Act gives the landowners and authorities the right to step in. These actions can also work to protect Trepanier Creek.

To share your thoughts about this issue, write to us at:

LEGEND:

LEGEND: CROWN PARCELS

PROP. ACCESS ROADWAY

PROP WATERMAIN

MUSINGS

The coffee shop had a sign that read, “No WiFi, pretend it’s 1975”. So I paid 10 cents for my coffee and lit up a cigarette. •••

At my age, I’m like an old phone battery. Even when you charge me overnight for 10 hours, by 10 am I’m at 60%.

•••

I used to be indecisive; now I’m not so sure

POST LETTERS

We encourage readers to submit letters to the editor on appropriate subjects. We reserve the right to edit letters for clarity, brevity and legality. Keep your submissions under 250 words and they are more likely to be published. Send your submissions to editor@peachlandpost.net

Information deficits plague our understanding of responsible growth management policy

Today’s article by Eric Hall, appropriately headlined, Peachland’s Water Supply: Is there a Problem? -- seeks to explain why the headlined question has to be asked. In next week’s article Eric will explore the question in light of information currently available. However, for many reasons, what Eric will not be able to do is answer the question definitively.

Those reasons are many and varied and in some ways akin to the age old question: “How long is a piece of string?” However, in the case of water availability, not only is there missing information about volume, the answer to the question involves knowing:

• projected population increases over given planning horizons

• how we will behave when

asked to make dramatic reductions in consumption

• how our behaviour will be affected by changes in consumption charges

• whether the leakage of treated drinking water (10-20% of supply) can be stopped

• the degree of “running out” risk we are prepared to take

• the infrastructure enhancements need to accompany growth

• whether new sources of water can be tapped

• the cost of infrastructure enhancements and who pays for them

• the implications of re-visiting commitments made to developers

As has been pointed out in today’s article, previous assessments of water capacity may well

have underestimated the impacts of climate change. Indeed, how would we be dealing with today’s drought conditions if the Ponderosa and New Monaco developments had proceeded as planned, given that each proposed to double the then population of 5,200?

Fortunately, that is not a crisis we have to deal with today and we can rest assured that by observing district recommended conser-

vation measures and watering restrictions we can pass through this current event unscathed.

And yet, we still remain on a population growth trajectory. Ponderosa and New Monaco remain alive, and infill development is routinely welcomed and approved.

As complicated as it may be for the district and its consultants to “know about the unknowns” without that knowledge we are flying blind. Scenarios reflecting different assumptions and variables need to be developed, evaluated and shared publicly. Let’s prioritize this project before embracing ever more growth.

Keith Fielding is President of the Peachland Community Newspaper Society and editor of Peachland Post. He is also a former Peachland mayor and councillor.

FOSTERING CONNECTIONS

Engaging in meaningful activities can help combat loneliness

More people are managing a life of loneliness. I was recently perusing a local Peachland store and a staff mem-

WELLNESS

Dawn Boys

ber commented on this, which led to another employee suggesting that I bring it up in an article. I was interested in looking into some of the statistics around this common concern and what we can do to cope with our sense of loneliness. In 2010, a research study analyzed 148 different studies that concluded that loneliness

has serious effects on our health. Those with stronger social relationships have a 50% increased likelihood of survival regardless of the factors of age or gender.

It should come as no surprise that social media decreases the physical connectedness that is vital for our physical, emotional and even spiritual wellbeing. It doesn’t matter how many friends you have as much as the quality of these connections.

Loneliness can lead to depression and anxiety but can also be the result of being depressed or anxious. We are social animals and when we have lost someone we love, have been estranged from family or are managing a health crisis, job loss, relocated to a new community or a multitude of many other major life changes, the feeling of loneliness can creep up and pull us in. We can begin to feel that we have a lack of purpose as well.

NO HISTORY? KNOW HISTORY!

by RICHARD SMITH

1949 Meteor pulling a trailer along Main Street, 1950

Above is Ron Redstone’s 1949 Meteor with his homemade camping trailer, taken about 1950. His parents built the Chevron Garage in 1946 where Jac’s cafe is today, with the garage in the back. There were five gas stations in Peachland in those days. The house in back is today the new addition to the Gasthaus, Municipal office visible in background!

The first thing that we can initiate in addressing loneliness is identifying the triggers and why you feel lonely. We can’t just put a band aid on a wound if it’s not the cause of the injury. Consider these points to overcome, or hopefully help with your loneliness:

1) Get out and chat with people. One person a week in a local business can open up confidence and curiosity. Try the bank or grocery store line up.

2) Involve yourself in community volunteering or events to meet others

3) Diversify yourself in taking up new activities to meet people who aren’t “just like you,” in order to open up your world and learn new things.

4) If you have a writing project or work related project that is portable, set up in a local coffee shop or cafe for a while.

5) Companion Pets are the best way to meet and connect to other animal lovers. A study in Australia determined that 60% of pet owners felt more socially connected. Offer to help other pet owners.

There are many ways that we can help with our loneliness when it’s lovely and sunny out. Peachland comes alive with the markets, car shows, parks and open patio restaurant venues. But what about the off season?

z Yoga Therapy z Ayurveda

z Yoga of Recovery

z Teacher In Training Counsellor z Indian Head Massage Treatments

DAWN BOYS 250-878-6342

1000 hr. RYT, IAYT YOR & Ayurveda Counsellor www.remedydawnboys.com Info@remedydawnboys.com bodyomyoga@shaw.ca

We need to plan ahead and resource some community events and activities to prepare ahead. Check out our section in the paper regarding community events. There truly is something for everyone.

Yes, we can feel alone, and I know this feeling. If you are struggling in a way that you don’t feel like participating in life and require more support, please reach out to your medical caregiver, go to the urgent care or call BC Crisis Line for additional support. You’re not alone if you reach out and know that there’s someone there for you. You don’t have to go through this alone.

Dawn Boys is a IAYT Yoga therapist, Ayurvedic counsellor, personal trainer, student counsellor and outdoor enthusiast.

LOCAL LEADER

Priorities include firehall, child care centre, emergency preparedness

LABRECQUE FROM PAGE 1

of Peachland as Special Projects Coordinator in 2021. A year later he became Director of Community Services and then Deputy CAO before taking over from retiring CAO Joe Creron on April 15.

“We love it here. I feel honored to be taking on the leadership role and I look forward to working with council, staff and the community for many years to come,” said Labrecque.

Short-term priorities for Labrecque include building relationships with management, staff and the community.

“I love that we received the Canada’s kindest community award. It’s a good marker for self reflection on how we treat each other and how we treat the community,” he said.

A potentially busy fire season and managing water restrictions are also priorities. Labrecque said the current drought is top of mind, and district staff have been preparing and training at the Emergency Operations Centre for the region, now run by the Regional District of Central Okanagan and located near the Kelowna airport.

“Staff have been spending time there, getting familiar with how things are set up, doing drills and training. We’re also preparing at the ground level so that we have all protocols in place,” Labrecque said.

Peachland Lake is the town’s water source and staff are keeping an eye on the lake’s level, said Labrecque, while making sure that the community is aware of and understands why restrictions are needed. “Sometimes these decisions are tough and there’s trade-offs so we have to communicate to the community as to why we have the restrictions,” he said. Getting the new child care

centre is a priority for the next six to eight months, Labrecque said. “We want it delivered for the community on time and on budget and I think we’re doing a very good job of that. There are still lots of micro decisions to be made, as well as transitioning its operation over to the Boys and Girls Club,” he said.

Labrecque said delivering a new fire hall to the community is high on his list, and results of a request for proposals (RFP) for construction will be learned next week. The district is also seeking a federal grant for the firehall.

“If the RFP comes in on or under budget, that would be good but if not, we’ll be looking for that grant to come in in July. The bestcase scenario is that the firehall comes in at budget, and then the grant is used for proper equipment from day one and possibly a fire truck because that’s something we need, and there would be less impact to taxpayers,” he said.

A longer-term priority is asset management, and like many B.C. communities, Peachland’s assets are aging. That’s part of the ongoing challenge of producing balanced budgets while upgrading infrastructure and still keeping taxes low. “We want to do very detailed asset management and planning for replacement for the future,” said Labrecque.

“I think the core challenge that Peachland and other smaller municipalities have comes down to having a balanced budget. It’s not as easy as it sounds because we’re dealing with the needs and wants of the community and the costs of attaining those things. A big part of our job is efficiently

delivering those things for the community that have long lasting value, without heavily burdening the taxpayer,” he said.

With many Peachland homes still on septic sewer systems, the much-publicized sewer upgrade is an example of infrastructure the town needs but can’t afford to pay for, at least not without provincial help in the form of grants. “We have a council that has strong relationships with politicians down in Victoria, so it’s about seeking opportunities to leverage those grants. Without them, we might not be able to do it,” said Labrecque.

Partnerships with the Peachland Wellness Centre, the 50+ Activity Centre, Peachland Arts Council, Our SPACE, and others are all critical to delivering services in town, he said.

Regarding workplace culture, Labrecque likened his role to managing a successful baseball team.

“I’m a big baseball fan, and I look at the Blue Jays, a successful team, and I see it like being the manager of the Blue Jays, helping staff bring their best to the game. I feel fortunate that I have a team that is solu-

tions-based. I’m extremely grateful and happy we have them,” he said.

Labrecque recognizes that some residents feel municipal taxes and staff salaries are too high, but he said taxpayers are getting their money’s worth and salaries reflect the employment market.

“I’m a taxpayer too, I’ve got some skin in the game. I’m lucky that I’ve been around at different levels and I can tell you that taxpayers are getting good value from staff. We have a team that gives it their all and the passion for service is tremendous,” he said. “In terms of salary, we must be competitive with the region. We have talented staff here and we want to keep them, because the cost of attracting new talent is more than retaining current staff. Professionals don’t come cheaply.”

Years of delays with developments like Romspen’s golf course and New Monaco’s planned community are frustrating but the district is doing everything within its power to move projects along, said Labrecque.

“I sense the frustration from the public and I understand it but there is only so much power the government has over private property. It comes down to private dollars and private decisions,” he said.••

Peachland Places of Faith

WELL PLAYED

Evil Peaches, Sea Lions and Edgewater Classics do Peachland proud

Young and adult team sport players excel at what they do

U11/12 GIRLS SOCCER TEAM – EVIL PEACHES

After finding success at the U8, U9, and U10 levels, including a 2 ½ year undefeated streak, the self named “Evil Peaches” Peachland U11/12 girls soccer team found themselves in the rare position of being one of the younger and smaller teams competing against stronger opposition in the U11/12 division.

The team opened the season with tough matches against Osoyoos and Summerland, followed by a very competitive game against Penticton. The Evil Peaches bounced back with an

GOLFING FOR GOOD CAUSE

exciting 11–5 victory over Oliver last week, with multiple goals scored by Annie Wilson, Lylah Wright, and Wynter Ahern. The team will look to continue building on their success this week as they take on Osoyoos U12 Team #1.

U9/10 BOYS SOCCER - THE SEA LIONS

Peachland U9/10 boys played Oliver U10 boys at Penticton last Saturday and won. Peachland’s Max Stripling and Lincoln Bishuty had 3 goals each, and Ben Sawyer had 2. Dominic “The Dominator” Boden and Sawyer, “The Destroyer” Hann-Cox had strong games on defence and Chase Braun made some excellent saves in goal. Carsen Charlesworth, blessed with

At its annual Charity Golf Tournament on May 3, 2026, the Peachland Lions Club raised $8,000 for Camp Winfield to help support accessible summer camp experiences for kids with disabilities.

LOCAL COMMUNITY SPORTS

enormous kicking strength for a young boy, took Peachland’s free kicks and corner kicks, launching many long accurate balls towards the opposition goal.

Peachland’s Jaden Forster, Lincoln Bishuty, Archie Manson and Ben Sawyer ran their hearts out, carrying the play to the other team and setting up many scoring opportunities. Auston Bowers

played well both on defence and offence throughout the game.

The boys are 4-1 in league play this season with their only loss coming when only 5 Peachland boys could make an earlier season game in Oliver.

The boys call themselves “The Sea Lions” based on their unique goal scoring celebration which I had never seen before, having coached for over 30 years. It’s not something you’d want them to do if they were on a goose poop laden field, but what the heck, they like it and are having fun.

SENIORS SLO-PITCH

The Peachland Edgewater Classics senior co-ed slo-pitch team are now 6-0 after 3 weeks of play in the 10 team, 6 community Central Okanagan Senior Slo-pitch league. The team has won games against teams from West Kelowna, Summerland, Penticton, and Oliver.

In the most recent game Thursday May 7, at home at Cousin’s Park against Summerland’s Cascadia Credit Union, the Classics saw strong performances from player of the game Stacey Trovato and timely catches from Brian Burkard to stay undefeated.

Iain Rankin played stellar at shortstop, Lynnette MacKenzie was flawless at 1st base and Scott Davis clobbered a number of home runs.

Seven innings of slo-pitch starting at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays followed by the “8th inning” at the Edgewater Pub. What’s not to like about that???

Randey Brophy has coached youth soccer and baseball for 32 years. He spearheaded the drive for Turner Park to be redeveloped as a multi-use field in 2022 and formed the Peachland Youth Soccer club in 2023. He also manages and plays on a Peachland seniors slo-pitch team.

FROM LUCK TO RESILIENCE:

Why FireSmart is Peachland’s best defense against wildfire

By Janice lieBe

The beauty of the forest surrounding Peachland is one of the reasons we call this place home. But that beauty comes with a reality we cannot ignore. Last year, our community was at the centre of three separate wildfires that forced many families to evacuate with little notice. As we enter another year of persistent drought, and are already at Stage 3 Water Restrictions, the question isn’t if fire season will arrive, but how ready we will be when it does.

As Chair of the Bulyea FireSmart Community Board, I see firsthand how vital local action is. Our volunteer board works under FireSmart Canada to move beyond individual effort and build a contiguous zone of protection across our neighbourhood.

In Peachland, three recognized FireSmart communities are helping lead this work: Bulyea, Eagles View, and Trails at Ponderosa. The goal is simple: reduce fuels and vulnerabilities property by property so the whole community becomes harder to ignite.

Last summer was a stark wake up call. Our neighbourhood was sandwiched between two separate wildfires, and while I wish I could say our efforts were the reason we were spared, it was simply luck. I

can tell you from experience that 15 minutes to prepare to evacuate is not enough time, barely enough to get loved ones and pets into the car. When an order comes, stress replaces clear thinking. Beyond having a “to-go bag” ready, keep a prioritized “must grab” list by the front door so decisions are already made. Keep your phone on your bedside table with the ringer on; your only alert may be a neighbour’s call, as it was for us. Know how to manually open your garage door if the power fails and keep a flashlight nearby so you’re not forced to evacuate in the dark.

It is a common misconception that homes are primarily lost to direct contact with wildfire flames. Embers pose the greatest risk. Most homes ignite not from the main fire front, but from embers carried by the wind that can travel kilometres ahead. When embers land in “fuel packages” like dry, resinous coniferous plantings such as juniper and spruce ground cover, or cedar hedges, they can ignite quickly. These plants, unlike deciduous plantings, create their own significant “ember storms,” showering nearby homes.

As Deputy Fire Chief Wes Agrio has emphasized, “Wildfire doesn’t need to reach your home to destroy it; embers do the job. If we can keep embers from finding something that will ignite, we can dramatical-

ly improve a home’s chances.

Mitigation on private property starts with the Non-Combustible Zone, the 1.5 metre perimeter around a home. Within this space, remove anything that can catch and carry embers, such as bark mulch, doormats made of combustible fibres, stacked firewood, and coniferous plantings. Eliminating these “bridges” is one of the most effective ways to stop an ember from becoming a structure fire.

The Bulyea FireSmart Community held our annual Community FireSmart event on the weekend of April 26th. With a $750 grant, we completed the second year of mitigation on the Bulyea Avenue Road easement. Working with Tony Wright Contracting – Tree and Forestry Services and the Peachland Fire Department, we removed coniferous limbs that were close to the ground to prevent ground fires from climbing into the canopy. To help residents take similar action, we also held a chipping event: residents placed coniferous cuttings from their property at the ends of their driveways for Fire Depart-

ment collection.

It is a sobering fact that when a wildfire strikes, the Fire Department may have to triage. Crews must focus protection on properties most likely to survive and may be forced to bypass homes that have not been FireSmarted because they pose too much risk.

Fortunately, the Peachland Fire Department provides excellent resources. Funding is available through the FireSmart Rebate Program, covering 50% of eligible costs up to $1,000. To qualify, you need a (free) FireSmart Assessment completed by the Fire Department. Contact the Peachland Fire Department at firesmart@peachland.ca for more information. Specialized help is also available for residents over 65 who need assistance removing coniferous plantings. If you would like to start a FireSmart community for your neighbourhood, contact the Peachland FireSmart Team.

Don’t wait for the smoke. By turning these lessons into collective action, we can rely less on luck and build real community wildfire resilience.

INGA STREET

This road, located near the top of Princeton Avenue, is named for Inga Mastad, a young woman of Norwegian origin, who was a very early resident in Peachland. A photograph, taken in 1900, shows a group identified as the Peachland Outing Club. Standing right in the middle of the group, hatless, and surrounded by mostly older and rather austere women, Inga seems to be the bright spark in that somewhat solemn gathering.

We do not know much about Inga’s life before she arrived in Peachland, but clearly she was a favourite of J.M. Robinson, the

founder of Peachland, and she is undoubtedly the first woman after whom a road was named here.

Inga did not stay very long in Peachland. Around 1902, J.M. Robinson left to live in Summerland and it seems that Inga also went. In 1905, at the age of 24, she married Alexander Moreland, who ran a General Store in Summerland. By 1911, they had three children, two boys and a girl. Little is known about the later lives of Alexander and Inga. At some stage they moved to Hamilton, Ontario where Inga died in August 1945, aged 65.

CROSSWORD SUDOKU

Fill the grid so that every column, every row & every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 to 9.

Keyword: READING

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By what nickname is the wild-west character William Bonney known?

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What a mycologist studies (5) Lied under oath (8) Illegal action in ice hockey (7) Hazardous; dangerous (5) Observed (4)

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What nationality was artist Vincent Van Gough?

What historic event happened on July 20th, 1969?

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Keyword: AUTHORS

In what year did the Berlin Wall fall?

Who created the iconic Little Black Dress?

How many wives did King Henry VIII have?

Who discovered America in 1492?

What ancient civilization built the pyramids?

year did World War Two end?

What was the main language spoken in the Roman Empire?

was the god of the sea in Greek mythology?

What year did the Great Fire of London occur?

#19

POST EVENTS

POST EVENTS MAY 16-22

We invite you to post your group’s meeting times. Registration may be required. Please contact the organization for more details.

SATURDAY

50 PLUS CENTRE 250-767-9133

Carpet Bowling 9:30-noon

OUR SPACE

Geese & Chickens 10 AM-4 PM

Polymer Clay 1-4 PM

Register Okanagan Folk School

PEACHLAND ART GALLERY

Hours Wed. to Sun. 10 AM-4 PM

Exhibit Opening 2 PM

Carney Oudendag and Angela Hanson

PEACHLAND LEGION

Tues. to Sun. opens at noon

Smash Burgers Meat Draw

50/50 3 PM

Ticketed Event 6:30-9:30 PM

PEACHLAND MUSEUM & VISITOR

CENTRE 250-767-3441

Open Daily 10 AM-6 PM

Train exhibit is operating

SUNDAY

50 PLUS ACTIVITY CENTRE

Pancake breakfast 8-11 AM

Jeremy

PEACHLAND ART GALLERY

Wed.-Sun. 10 AM-4 PM

New Exhibit

PEACHLAND COMMUNITY CENTRE

Closed—May Long Weekend

PEACHLAND LEGION

Pig Roast 2-6 PM

Slam Dogs 3-6 PM

MONDAY

50 PLUS CENTRE 250-767-9133

50+ Fitness 8-9 AM

We Art Here 12 PM

Bridge 1-3:30 PM

OUR SPACE

Drop In Earring Class 7-11 PM

Memory Wire Ring 7-11 PM

OFS Register

PEACHLAND COMMUNITY CENTRE

Closed: May Long Weekend

PEACHLAND WELLNESS CENTRE

Adult Day Service 9 AM

Ladies’ Social 1 PM

TUESDAY

50 PLUS CENTRE

Yoga 8:30-9:30 AM

Events listings are free to non-profit and community groups. Submit by Friday, 3 PM for publication the following Friday at info@peachlandpost.org

Carpet Bowling 9:30-noon

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

Treasure Hunters 7 PM

PEACHLAND COMMUNITY CENTRE

Flow Yoga 9-10 AM

Pickleball All Play Drop-in

10:30 AM-12:30 PM

Remedy Yoga 10:30-11:45AM

Fitness Blast 12:30-1:15 PM

Pickleball 3.75-4.0 1-3 PM

Yoga for your Back 3:45-5:00 PM

Beginner Vinyasa 5:15-6:30 PM

Cycle Fusion 5:45-6:45 PM

PEACHLAND LEGION

Catch the King 5 PM

Darts 7 PM

PEACHLAND WELLNESS CENTRE

Ladies’ Cards 10:30 AM

Men’s Coffee & Crib1 PM

Love, Loss, Grieving Group 4:30 PM

Register with PWC Meet at

United Church Hall 4421 4th Street

PEACHLAND WHEEL NUTS

A&W 4-6 PM

WEDNESDAY

50 PLUS CENTRE

50+ Fitness 9-10 AM

Chair Yoga 11-noon

Bridge 1-3:30 PM

Zumba Gold 1-2 PM

Tae Kwon Do 5:30-7:30 PM

OUR SPACE

Drawing with Terry Moore 1-3 PM $5

PEACHLAND COMMUNITY CENTRE

Indoor Walking 8-9 AM

Pickleball Drop-in 1.5-2.0

9:15-11:15 AM

Pickleball 3.0+ Drop-in 11:30 AM-1:30 PM

Pickleball 2.5-3.0 1:45-3:45 PM

Pilates for Bone Health

1:45-2:45 PM

Pickleball Drop-in (All Play) 4-6 PM

Pickleball Drop-in 4.0+

6:30-8:30 PM

PEACHLAND LEGION

Wings Special Karaoke 3-6 PM Sherry

PEACHLAND MODEL TRAIN GROUP

6:30 PM Museum

PEACHLAND WELLNESS CENTRE

Tai Chi 10 AM

Sunshine Singers 1 PM

THURSDAY

50 PLUS CENTRE

Zumba 8:30-9:30 AM

Art In Peachland 10 AM-2 PM

Iron & Silk 11-12 AM

Ukelele 1-2:30 PM

Bingo Doors 5 Starts 6:30 PM

PEACHLAND COMMUNITY CENTRE

Pickleball 3.0-3.5 8:15-10:15 AM

Yoga for your Back 9:15-10:30 AM

Pickleball 3.5-3.75

10:30 AM-12:30 PM

Yoga Strength 11 AM-12:15 PM

Fitness Blast 12:30-1:15 PM

Pickleball 3.75-4.0 1-3 PM

Volleyball & Badminton 5-6 PM

Pickleball All Play Drop-In

6:15-8:15 PM

PEACHLAND LEGION

Liver & Onions

Meat Draw 50/50 3 PM

PEACHLAND LIBRARY

Preschool Story Time 11 AM Stay & Play 11:30 AM

PEACHLAND WELLNESS CENTRE

Adult Day Service 9 AM

FRIDAY

50 PLUS CENTRE

50+ Fitness 9-10 AM

Coffee Beans 10:15-noon

Chair Yoga 11-noon

Canasta 1-4 PM

Potluck 5:30-8 PM

OURSPACE

Acrylic Painting with Wally Register with PCAC

PEACHLAND COMMUNITY CENTRE

Indoor Walking 8-9 AM

Flow Yoga 9-10 AM

Myofascial Yoga 10:30-11:45 AM

Creative Playtime 9-12:15 PM

Pickleball Drop In 2.5-3.0 12:30-2:30 PM

Pickleball Drop-In All Play 2:45-4:30 PM

PEACHLAND LEGION

Fish & Chips

Crib 1-3 PM

Double Shot Country 6-9 PM

For information on more programs at Peachland Community Centre search on-line at peachland.ca/recguide or phone 250-767-2133.