Peachland's Newest Seniors Housing
Message from the Mayor - Peachland's Newest Seniors Housing
>A note from Peachland Mayor Patrick Van Minsel about the community’s newest senior’s housing development:
August 31, 2023 At Tuesday’s Council meeting, we unanimously approved the next step for Phase II of the Peachland Senior Support Society (PSSS) building on 6th Street. The 8-month process resulted in a better deal for Peachland residents and taxpayers. We looked at the original agreement at the beginning of our tenure as Council and we thought there was room for improvement. Here’s how we got there:- Council directed me, as mayor, to negotiate with BC Housing staff and Minister Ravi Kahlon to ensure BC Housing pay for the development cost charges (DCCs) to the amount of $1,100,000. This deal means a 3% tax increase for our taxpayers is no longer necessary; when a municipality “forgoes DCCS”, it just means the taxpayers must pay these.
- Mayor and Council and subject matter experts entered into negotiations with the board of PSSS which resulted in a memorandum of understanding about parking. Now we’ll see 5th Street redesign and sidewalk/access improvements.
- Council asked that there be more input into who is chosen to live in these new homes. BC Housing has since confirmed that PSSS will be responsible for the intake of the residents for the Phase II Building. This confirms the original intent, and Council’s sincerest wish, that these senior buildings are for Peachland residents to stay in place.
- We have also learned the building will exceed Step Code 3 for energy efficiency, moving us closer to achieving important environmental goals.