General FAQ
If you are elected mayor, what, in general terms, is your vision for the next four years? Looking ahead, my priorities are clear. I will continue strengthening the relationships we've built with the Provincial and Federal governments. Those partnerships have already brought tens of millions of dollars in grant funding to Peachland, allowing us to complete important projects while easing the burden on local taxpayers. I will continue to advocate strongly to secure every available funding opportunity. Water security will remain my number one priority. As we experience the impacts of a changing climate and increasing pressure on our water resources, we must invest in conservation, strengthen our long-term water supply, and ensure our decisions reflect this new reality. That includes reviewing our larger approved development projects to ensure they remain compatible with our long-term water resources, infrastructure and the vision residents have for Peachland. Another key priority is securing Provincial funding for our sewer infrastructure project to move this essential initiative forward. We have completed significant planning and are well positioned to move forward as funding becomes available. This project is essential to protecting our environment, improving our infrastructure, and enhancing the long-term quality of life in Peachland. We will also continue investing in the infrastructure residents rely on every day by resurfacing local roads, maintaining our parks and public spaces, and enhancing public safety. Above all, I want Peachland to remain a community where people feel heard, respected, and connected. I believe leadership is about listening, bringing people together and making decisions that are always in the long-term best interest of our community. Peachland has a bright future, and I would be honoured to continue working with residents, Council, staff, and our Provincial and Federal partners to build on everything we've accomplished together.
Have you delivered on your 2022 election promises? 2022 PLATFORM VS. 2022–2026 RESULTS EFFECTIVE & ACCOUNTABLE LEADERSHIP 1. STRONG COLLABORATIVE LEADERSHIP 2022 Commitments Strong team with Council and staff Consensus decision-making Better communication Engage and listen to residents Achieved / Strong Progress ✅ Stabilized relationships between Council and administration ✅ Reduced public dysfunction and political conflict ✅ Increased mayoral visibility in community events and organizations ✅ Maintained consistent public engagement with residents and businesses ✅ Improved professionalism and collaborative tone at Council 2. ACCOUNTABILITY TO TAXPAYERS 2022 Commitments Address neighbourhood needs above Hwy 97 Reduce red tape Improve permit response times Avoid Fire Hall overruns Transparency with taxpayer dollars Achieved / Partial Progress ✅ Greater operational oversight during a difficult inflationary period ✅ More disciplined budget conversations and project oversight ✅ Increased transparency around infrastructure discussions and priorities ✅ Continued investment across neighbourhoods and infrastructure systems Princeton Avenue Somerset Avenue Trepanier Bench Road Coldham Road Hwy 97/Renfrew Intersection Safety Upgrades HWY 97/Trepanier Intersection Safety Upgrades Areas Still Ongoing ⚠ Permit timing and development processes remain a challenge province-wide ⚠ Inflation affected nearly every municipal capital project in BC “We focused on improving accountability and oversight while municipalities across BC faced unprecedented inflation and infrastructure pressures.” 3. BUILD RELATIONSHIPS WITH PROVINCIAL & FEDERAL GOVERNMENTS 2022 Commitments Secure infrastructure funding Advocate for the transmission line Improve medical services Strengthen government relationships Achieved / Strong Progress ✅ Increased Peachland’s visibility and advocacy with senior governments ✅ Continued regional collaboration on infrastructure and growth ✅ Active advocacy for healthcare access and emergency preparedness ✅ Ongoing advocacy for infrastructure resilience and utilities Increased funding grants allocated to Peachland 2023 $3,114,844 2024 $25,899,348 2025 $ 3,852,007 2026 $ 1,352,007 “We strengthened Peachland’s voice with regional, provincial, and federal partners. 4. STOP WASTEFUL SPENDING 2022 Commitments Reduce consultant dependence Improve planning and execution Achieved / Partial Progress ✅ More emphasis on internal collaboration and staff expertise ✅ Greater scrutiny on project management and spending ✅ Stronger focus on prioritization and long-term planning “We focused on smarter oversight and better value for taxpayers.” 5. BALANCED APPROACH TO DEVELOPMENT 2022 Commitments Affordable housing Diverse housing options Downtown revitalization Responsible rezoning Beach Ave vision and CR3 zoning Achieved / Strong Progress ✅ Maintained a balanced approach to growth ✅ Continued consultation around revitalization and planning ✅ Supported housing diversity discussions ✅ Protected neighbourhood and waterfront character ✅ Focused on development compatible with Peachland's identity “We worked to ensure Peachland grows responsibly without losing what makes our community special.” 6. PROTECT & PRESERVE PEACHLAND’S WATERSHED 2022 Commitments Protect watershed Responsible logging advocacy Conservation Achieved / Ongoing ✅ Increased awareness around wildfire resilience and watershed protection ✅ Continued advocacy for responsible stewardship ✅ Support for long-term environmental sustainability discussions “Protecting our watershed is essential to protecting Peachland’s future.” 7. SUPPORT COMMUNITY GROUPS 2022 Commitments Support non-profits Share expertise and opportunities Achieved / Strong Progress ✅ Strong engagement with volunteer and community organizations ✅ Visible support for local events and initiatives ✅ Continued collaboration with nonprofits and service groups “Community organizations are the heart of Peachland, and we worked alongside them every step of the way.” 8. SUPPORT BUSINESS COMMUNITY 2022 Commitments Work with businesses Improve the local economy Restart downtown revitalization consultation Achieved / Strong Progress ✅ Maintained active engagement with the business community ✅ Continued economic and tourism support ✅ Ongoing downtown revitalization discussions ✅ Stable municipal-business relationships “A strong local economy helps sustain a strong and vibrant community.” 9. ENGAGE YOUNG RESIDENTS & FAMILIES 2022 Commitments Advocate for youth and families Encourage participation Pursue daycare solutions Partial Progress / Ongoing ✅ Increased discussion around housing diversity and family needs ✅ 106 Child Care Spaces in Peachland ✅ More attention to long-term community sustainability “Important progress started, but more work remains.” “Supporting young families and improving childcare access remains an important priority for Peachland’s future.”
Why is experience important over the next four years? The next four years will be one of the most important periods in Peachland's history. Many of our largest projects are no longer just ideas—they are approved, funded, or already underway. Now they need to be delivered successfully. Experience matters because it helps ensure these projects stay on track, on budget, and focused on our community's needs. Over the past four years, we've built strong working relationships with the Province, neighbouring municipalities, First Nations, regional partners, and senior government officials. Those relationships have helped Peachland secure record levels of grant funding and advance major projects. They also take time to build and are invaluable when advocating for our community. The next Council will make important decisions on water security, sewer expansion, the new Protective Services Building, downtown revitalization, transportation improvements, housing, and long-term financial planning. These are complex, multi-year projects that require continuity, sound judgment, and careful stewardship of taxpayer dollars. Experience also means learning from challenges, listening to residents, adapting when necessary, and making balanced decisions that consider both today's needs and our community's future. I'm proud of what we've accomplished together since 2022, but there's still important work ahead. My commitment is to provide the same steady, collaborative, fiscally responsible leadership that has helped move Peachland forward—finishing what we've started while continuing to protect the small-town character that makes our community such a special place to live.
What makes your leadership style different? My leadership style is based on collaboration, respect, and results. When I was elected in 2022, I committed to bringing Council together, working constructively with staff, and rebuilding strong relationships with the Province, neighbouring communities, First Nations, and local organizations. I believe the best decisions are made when people are heard, even when they have different opinions. I don't believe leadership is about creating division or seeking headlines. It's about listening, asking questions, building consensus, and making informed decisions that are in the long-term best interest of Peachland. Over the past four years, that approach has helped Council remain focused on delivering real results—record grant funding, major infrastructure investments, improved parks and trails, seniors' housing, childcare, responsible financial planning, and long-term solutions for water and sewer infrastructure. I also believe in being accessible and accountable. Whether it's at community events, open houses, Council meetings, or simply talking with residents around town, I make myself available because good leadership starts with listening. No Mayor achieves these results alone. I'm proud of what Council, staff, volunteers, community partners, and residents have accomplished together. My role is to bring people together, build partnerships, and keep us moving in the same direction. As Mayor, my commitment has always been to provide steady, practical, fiscally responsible leadership that protects Peachland's character while preparing our community for the future. That's the same approach I'll continue if I'm honoured to earn your trust for another four years.
What has been completed since 2022? Since being elected in 2022, Council has focused on delivering tangible results—not just making promises. Together, we've completed or substantially delivered a wide range of projects and initiatives that improve our community today while preparing Peachland for the future. Infrastructure & Roads Princeton Avenue resurfacing. Somerset Avenue resurfacing. Trepanier Bench Road resurfacing. Road rehabilitation and annual paving programs. New rapid EV charging station installed. Highway 97 intersection improvements advanced with the Province. Parks & Recreation Turner Park redevelopment completed and officially opened. Sanderson Off-Leash Dog Park completed. Expanded trail connections, including Phase 2 of the Peachland–West Kelowna trail. Park and playground improvements throughout the community. Housing & Community Residences at 5th Phase II seniors' housing completed and occupied. Construction of the 89-unit Redhaven rental housing project underway. OUR SPACE Society permanently established in the Historic Schoolhouse. Planning & Governance Downtown Revitalization Implementation Strategy (DRIS) completed. Official Community Plan (OCP) review substantially completed. Updated development policies to protect Beach Avenue's character while planning for responsible growth. Improved relationships with the Province, neighbouring municipalities, First Nations, and regional partners. Public Safety Design completed and construction contract awarded for the new Protective Services Building. Continued investment in wildfire mitigation and FireSmart initiatives. Emergency preparedness strengthened. Funding Success Secured more than $33 million in grants and external funding since 2022, significantly reducing the cost to Peachland taxpayers. Successfully advocated for funding for childcare, trails, transportation, infrastructure, emergency preparedness, and community improvements. Looking Ahead Many of the largest projects—including the new fire hall, the 106-space childcare centre, long-term water supply improvements, and sewer expansion—are now underway because of the planning, partnerships, and funding secured during this Council term. The result? Peachland has moved from planning to delivering. We've improved roads, parks, recreation, housing, emergency services, and community amenities while securing record levels of outside funding. The next four years are about completing these major projects and continuing to build a financially responsible, resilient, and vibrant Peachland.
What projects are already underway for the next four years? A: Over the past four years, Council focused on putting Peachland in a strong position for the future. Many of our biggest priorities are no longer ideas—they are funded, approved, or already under construction. Some of the key projects already underway include: New Protective Services Building (Fire Hall) – Construction is beginning on our modern fire hall, improving emergency response, firefighter safety, and wildfire preparedness for decades to come. The project has received all required approvals and remains within the approved budget. 106-space Childcare Centre – Construction is ahead of schedule and on budget. Once completed, it will provide much-needed childcare spaces for local families. Water Security – Council has made securing Peachland's long-term water supply our number one priority. We are actively advancing both short- and long-term solutions while continuing to advocate for senior government funding. Sewer Expansion – Together with our partners, we have secured significant funding commitments and continue working toward bringing sewer service to more neighbourhoods while reducing the financial impact on taxpayers. Official Community Plan Implementation – The updated OCP provides a clear roadmap for responsible growth that protects Peachland's small-town character while meeting new provincial housing requirements. Downtown Revitalization – The next phase includes streetscape improvements, economic incentives, active transportation connections, and policies to attract investment while preserving the unique character of Beach Avenue. Transportation Improvements – Highway 97 safety upgrades, active transportation connections, and new rapid EV charging stations are helping make Peachland safer, more connected, and ready for the future. Housing Choices – New rental housing, seniors' housing, and family-oriented developments are underway to help meet the needs of residents at every stage of life. Climate and Wildfire Resilience – Council has completed important planning work on wildfire resilience, emergency preparedness, and climate adaptation to better protect our community. My commitment for the next four years is simple: finish what we've started, continue securing outside funding to reduce the burden on taxpayers, protect Peachland's character, strengthen our infrastructure, and ensure our community is prepared for the future—not just today, but for the next generation.
Funding FAQ
How much grant funding has Peachland secured during your term? 2022 – $375,789 - FireSmart wildfire mitigation --> Provincial --> $293,400 - Emergency preparedness and disaster risk reduction -->Provincial --> $82,389 2023 – $3,114,844 - Growing Communities Fund --> Provincial --> $2,760,000 - Fire department equipment --> Provincial --> $30,000 - FireSmart initiatives --> Provincial --> $199,844 - Emergency planning --> Provincial --> $ $80,000 - Next Generation 911 --> Federal --> $45,000 2024 – $25,899,348 - A new 106-space ChildCareBC Centre --> Federal/Provincial --> $12,256,665 - Phase II Seniors Housing (*) --> Provincial --> $11,600,000 (*) renegotiated terms , see Protecting Taxpayers - Active transportation improvements Trail -->Provincial --> $420,236 - Active transportation improvements Trail -->Federal --> $$356,400 - Museum and Visitor Centre renovation --> Provincial --> $600,000 - Development approvals modernization --> Provincial --> $150,000 - Fire department equipment --> Provincial --> $39,040 - Canada Community Building Fund for infrastructure --> Federal --> $327,007 - C.E.P.F. for hazard planning --> Provincial --> $150,000 2025 – $3,852,007 - Highway 97 / Trepanier Bench Road intersection improvements --> Provincial --> $3,000,000 - Additional funding for the Westside Multi-Use Trail(*) --> Provincial --> $500,000 - Canada Community Building Fund for infrastructure --> Federal --> $327,007 - Asset Management Planning --> Provincial --> $25,000 (*) renegotiated terms , see Protecting Taxpayers 2026 – $1,552,007 - Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI-BC) --> Provincial --> $25,000 - Canada Community Building Fund for infrastructure --> Federal --> $327,007 - Funding for three new Level 3 EV fast charging stations in Peachland (*) --> $1,000,000 - Community Resiliency Investment Program --> Provincial --> 200,000 (*) renegotiated terms , see Protecting Taxpayers
How has the funding reduced the burden on local taxpayers? Securing grants is important. Equally important is making sure Peachland taxpayers receive the greatest possible value. Protecting Taxpayers When Phase II Seniors Housing was being finalized, Council successfully negotiated with BC Housing so the Province paid approximately $1 million in Development Cost Charges. That meant: An additional $1 million stayed with the District. Local taxpayers did not have to absorb those costs. Those funds remain available for future infrastructure that benefits our community. Strong Advocacy Delivers Results Good relationships with provincial and federal governments matter. Through continued advocacy and direct meetings with ministers, Council helped advance several important projects, including: $12.26 million for Peachland's new ChildCareBC Centre. An additional $500,000 for Phase II of the Westside Multi-Use Trail, reducing costs that otherwise would have fallen on local taxpayers. Funding for three new Level 3 EV fast charging stations after the original funding was withdrawn and successfully reinstated. What This Means for Residents Every grant secured means less pressure on local property taxes and more investment in the services our community needs. These investments are improving life in Peachland by: Expanding childcare for local families. Increasing affordable seniors housing. Improving highway safety. Investing in trails and active transportation. Strengthening wildfire preparedness and emergency services. Supporting tourism and our local economy. Preparing our community for future growth in a responsible way.
Infrastructure FAQ
What investments have been made in parks and recreation? Over the past four years, Council has made significant investments in parks and recreation because these amenities are part of what makes Peachland such a great place to live. Projects include: The complete redevelopment of Turner Park, including new sports fields and playgrounds. Completion of the Sanderson Off-Leash Dog Park. Expansion of our trail network, including the Peachland–West Kelowna trail connection. Continued improvements to neighbourhood parks and recreational facilities. Many of these projects were supported by grant funding, allowing us to improve community amenities while reducing costs to local taxpayers.
What roads have been improved during your term? Maintaining our roads is one of the most important services we provide, and over the past four years we've made significant investments in road rehabilitation and infrastructure. Major improvements include: Princeton Avenue resurfacing. Somerset Avenue resurfacing. Trepanier Bench Road resurfacing. Coldham RD Resurfacing and sidewalks Ongoing annual road paving and rehabilitation programs throughout the community. Sidewalk, accessibility, and drainage improvements completed as part of various capital projects. We've also continued long-term asset management planning to ensure road improvements are prioritized based on condition, safety, and value for taxpayers. Good infrastructure doesn't happen overnight. By planning ahead and investing consistently, we're protecting one of the District's most valuable assets while reducing the need for more costly repairs in the future.
Water & Sewer FAQ
Water is my biggest concern. What are you doing to secure Peachland's water supply? Water is our community's most valuable resource. Everyone in Peachland wants the same thing: a safe, reliable water supply for our families today and for future generations. Council shares that priority. The District has a long-term approach to managing our water system. We continually update our Water Master Plan, invest in replacing aging infrastructure, protect our water sources, encourage conservation, and ensure that new development can only proceed when there is adequate water supply, storage, and distribution capacity. Growth and water planning go hand in hand. As the Okanagan's drought conditions worsened beginning in 2024, Council made long-term water security its number one infrastructure priority. Climate change has made it clear that we must think beyond today's needs and plan decades ahead. That is why Council has directed staff to investigate long-term solutions, including the feasibility of a new water intake and pipeline from Okanagan Lake—an investment estimated to exceed $25 million—additional reservoir capacity, and opportunities to increase the storage capacity of Peachland Lake, including the possibility of restoring it closer to its historic capacity through measures such as dredging, subject to environmental, technical, and regulatory approvals. Council also recognizes that protecting our water cannot be done by Peachland alone. The District is an active participant in the Okanagan Similkameen Collaborative Leadership Table, where local governments, First Nations, provincial agencies, and regional partners work together to protect one of Canada's most water-stressed watersheds. These are major infrastructure projects that require significant provincial and federal support. Council has met with and continues to seek meetings with provincial ministries and the federal government to advocate for infrastructure funding, as these investments should not fall solely on Peachland taxpayers. Council understands why residents are asking these questions. Residents deserve confidence that their community is planning responsibly for the future. While no municipality can predict every challenge ahead, Council is committed to making water security its highest infrastructure priority and to making the investments and decisions necessary to protect Peachland for generations to come.
Where does the sewer project stand? Another key priority is securing Provincial funding for our sewer infrastructure project to move this essential initiative forward. We have completed significant planning and are well positioned to move forward as funding becomes available. This project is essential to protecting our environment, improving our infrastructure, and enhancing the long-term quality of life in Peachland.
How will the sewer project be funded? More than half of Peachland's homes—approximately 1,274 properties—still rely on septic systems. Replacing them with modern sewer infrastructure is one of the most important environmental and public health projects our community faces. Council has committed $4 million toward the project and secured a further $4 million partnership with the Okanagan Basin Water Board. We continue to advocate for $8 million from the Province and $10 million from the Government of Canada to complete the approximately $26 million project. By securing senior government funding, Council is working to protect Okanagan Lake, support responsible growth, and reduce the financial burden on Peachland taxpayers.
Taxes FAQ
Why have property taxes increased over the last four years? Property taxes have increased for several reasons, and not all of them were within Council's control. Like municipalities across British Columbia, Peachland has faced: Higher inflation, particularly in 2022 and 2023, increasing the cost of fuel, materials, utilities, and contracted services. Significant wage increases required to attract and retain qualified staff in a competitive labour market. Rising costs for policing, emergency services, insurance, and other provincially mandated services. Aging infrastructure that requires ongoing maintenance and replacement to ensure reliable services for residents. Provincial legislation, including Bill 44 and other housing initiatives, requiring municipalities to plan and invest in infrastructure to accommodate future growth. At the same time, Council has continued to provide the essential municipal services residents rely on every day, including roads, parks, beaches, water, emergency services, planning, recreation, bylaw enforcement, snow removal, community facilities, and many other services that keep Peachland safe, attractive, and functioning well. Council worked hard to keep tax increases as reasonable as possible while maintaining these services and protecting the District's long-term financial health. We also focused heavily on securing provincial and federal grants to reduce the burden on local taxpayers. An important decision Council made was to increase annual contributions to infrastructure reserves by 1.2% each year. These reserves are set aside to repair and replace aging roads, water systems, buildings, parks, and other infrastructure in the future. Without gradually building these reserves today, future councils could be forced to make large, sudden tax increases when major infrastructure reaches the end of its life. This approach is about planning ahead and avoiding passing today's costs on to future generations. Our goal has never been to have the lowest taxes at the expense of services. Our goal has been to keep taxes competitive while preserving the services residents value, investing in infrastructure before it becomes a crisis, planning responsibly for the future, and bringing millions of dollars in outside funding to Peachland. "For the average Peachland homeowner, the 2026 municipal tax increase was approximately $80 for the entire year—about $6.67 per month."
What did residents receive in return for those tax increases? Residents have seen significant investments in Peachland while Council secured millions of dollars in outside funding to help reduce the amount local taxpayers would otherwise have had to pay. Over the past four years, Council delivered or advanced: A 104-space childcare centre, supported by approximately $12.2 million in provincial funding. The complete redevelopment of Turner Park, including new sports fields and playgrounds. The new Sanderson Dog Park. Major road resurfacing projects, including Princeton Avenue, Somerset Avenue, and Trepanier Bench Road. Expansion of Peachland's trail network, with additional provincial funding secured through advocacy. Significant progress toward a modern Protective Services Building (Fire Hall) that will serve the community for decades. Continued planning and funding advocacy for community sewer expansion, one of Peachland's most important long-term infrastructure priorities. Continued planning and funding advocacy to increase Peachland's long-term water supply, ensuring a reliable and sustainable water source for existing residents while responsibly preparing for future needs. New rental and seniors' housing developments, helping residents of all ages remain in Peachland. Continued investment in parks, recreation, FireSmart initiatives, emergency preparedness, and community amenities. Throughout this period, Council also maintained the municipal services residents rely on every day, including roads, parks, beaches, water, emergency services, recreation, planning, bylaw enforcement, snow removal, community facilities, and many other essential services that contribute to Peachland's exceptional quality of life. Perhaps most importantly, Council secured more than $33 million in provincial and federal grants during this term. Every grant dollar received is money that did not have to come directly from Peachland taxpayers. Our goal has been straightforward: preserve the high-quality municipal services residents rely on every day, invest responsibly in the infrastructure Peachland will need tomorrow, build financial reserves to avoid major tax shocks in the future, and leverage every possible provincial and federal funding opportunity so local tax dollars go further. This balanced, long-term approach helps ensure that essential services are maintained, infrastructure is renewed before it becomes a crisis, and Peachland remains financially sustainable for both today's residents and future generations.
How do Peachland's tax increases compare with other municipalities? While no one welcomes tax increases, Council's responsibility is to protect the services residents rely on, maintain and replace aging infrastructure, plan responsibly for the future, and keep Peachland financially sustainable. When compared with neighbouring municipalities facing the same economic pressures, Peachland's tax increases have remained competitive while delivering significant community improvements and securing more than $33 million in outside funding. A comparison like this shows that Peachland's tax increases have been in line with, and in several cases lower than, neighbouring municipalities despite: Record inflation. Significant increases in RCMP, emergency services, insurance, wages, and infrastructure costs. Continued investment in roads, parks, water, sewer planning, public safety, and community facilities. Adding 1.2% annually to infrastructure reserves to reduce the risk of major tax shocks in the future. Preserving the high level of municipal services residents expect every day. Securing more than $33 million in provincial and federal grants, reducing the amount that would otherwise have been paid by local taxpayers. | Municipality | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | 4-Year Total* | | :--------------- | --------: | ---------: | --------: | --------: | ------------: | | **Kelowna** | 5.49% | 4.72% | 4.34% | 4.40% | **18.95%** | | **Peachland** | **5.99%** | **6.23%** | **6.90%** | **4.87%** | **23.99%** | | **Penticton** | 5.99% | 5.88% | 5.68% | 5.93% | **23.48%** | | **Oliver** | 4.90% | 5.20% | 5.90% | 7.80% | **23.80%** | | **Lake Country** | 5.92% | 6.25% | 6.25% | 5.75% | **24.17%** | | **Summerland** | 5.50% | 5.95% | 6.85% | 6.36% | **24.66%** | | **Salmon Arm** | 5.74% | 6.47% | 6.85% | 6.60% | **25.66%** | | **West Kelowna** | 5.00% | 6.85% | 7.31% | 6.64% | **25.80%** | | **Osoyoos** | 4.90% | **39.00%** | 7.90% | 5.90% | **57.70%** |
What are your plans to keep future tax increases affordable? Keeping taxes affordable starts with responsible financial management. If re-elected, I will continue to: Pursue every available provincial and federal grant. Carefully prioritize infrastructure investments. Maintain strong financial reserves. Replace aging infrastructure before it becomes more expensive to repair. Look for efficiencies in District operations without reducing essential services. Ensure new development contributes fairly toward the infrastructure it requires. My goal is not simply to keep taxes low for one year, but to keep them sustainable over the long term while protecting the services residents depend on.
Fire Hall FAQ
How much will the new fire hall cost? Council maintained the project within the borrowing authority approved by voters in the 2022 referendum, despite significant inflation in construction costs since then. By using a progressive design-build approach, encouraging pre-engineered components, and taking advantage of favourable market conditions, the District awarded a contract that is expected to deliver the entire project within the $17.5 million maximum budget approved by the community.
How are you ensuring the project stays on budget? The District identified several reasons the tender came in under budget: Progressive Design-Build procurement Competitive market conditions Use of pre-engineered building components Experienced design-build team (Chandos Construction LP and Sahuri + Associates Architecture)
Features and timeline of the New Fire Hall? The completed facility will include: 17,000-square-foot building Four double drive-through bays Eight apparatus spaces Rescue training tower Community policing office Administrative offices Training rooms Meeting rooms Modern firefighter support spaces Post-disaster construction standard Approximately 30 parking stalls Construction Timeline Late 2025: Request for Proposals (RFP) June 2026: Design-build contract awarded August 2026: Existing building demolition anticipated January 2027: Building permit expected Construction: 2026–2028 Operational by: December 31, 2028
Growth & Development FAQ
Do you support high-rise development on Beach Avenue? No. Throughout the Downtown Revitalization and Official Community Plan discussions, Council listened carefully to residents. The overwhelming message was clear: Beach Avenue should retain its unique character. That is why Council supported planning that limits development along the waterfront to generally two storeys, a minimum of 6 meters set-back before going a bit higher, with taller buildings (5-6 floors) located farther back from the lake where appropriate. This approach protects lake views, maintains the pedestrian-friendly character of Beach Avenue, and allows thoughtful redevelopment without creating a wall of buildings along the waterfront. I believe we can provide more housing while preserving the waterfront that makes Peachland unique.
How will you protect Peachland's small-town character? Protecting Peachland's small-town character has been one of Council's guiding principles throughout this term. Growth is inevitable, but how we grow is our choice. Through extensive public consultation, we've worked to ensure future development respects the features that residents value most—our waterfront, neighbourhoods, natural environment, and welcoming community atmosphere. Our planning focuses on directing higher density to appropriate locations while preserving the character of Beach Avenue, protecting public views, maintaining green spaces, and creating walkable neighbourhoods. We also continue to invest in parks, trails, and community amenities that make Peachland a special place to live. My goal is simple: manage growth, not let growth manage us.