Council Highlights December 2024
December 19, 2024
December 2024 Council Highlights
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE – DECEMBER 3, 2024
Council was presented the 2025 Provisional Budget which includes a tax increase of 6.65%, equating to a $111 increase in property taxes collected for an average assessed home in Peachland. The tax increase is necessary to fund ongoing operational expenses and services and to contribute a portion to reserves for future expenditures. As with many Canadian municipalities, Peachland’s infrastructure is aging, and consideration must be given to repairs and replacement that will be needed in the future. Capital Projects are funded by grants and reserves with no taxation required. An Open House on the 2025-2030 Financial Plan will be held in February 2025. The 2025 Provisional Budget can be viewed at www.peachland.ca/finance.
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 3, 2024
5601 Wild Goose Street – OCP and Zoning Amendments
Council gave first and second readings to Official Community Plan and Zoning Amendment Bylaws for District-owned property at 5601 Wild Goose Street, a new road being created that will lead to the Peachland Child Care Centre adjacent to the Peachland Elementary School. The application proposes OCP amendment from Low Density Residential and Medium Density Residential to Institutional and Zoning from RM4 Multi-Unit Residential – Medium Density and R1 Low Density Residential to P2 Pubic/Institutional, which will allow the development of the Peachland Childcare Centre. The application will now be scheduled for an upcoming Public Hearing on the proposed OCP amendments.
Princess Street Development Amendment
Council authorized the issuance of an amendment to the comprehensive form and character development permit to modify the exterior of buildings 4, 5, 13, and 14 in order to accommodate an additional 16 units in the multi-family residential development at 5976 Princess Street. The move was made contingent on receipt of $30,032 for Community Amenity Contribution. The development now includes 72 townhouse units constructed in 10 phases.
2025 Provisional Budget
After receiving information during its earlier Committee of the Whole meeting, Council approved the 2025 provisional budgets for General, Water and Sewer Operating Budgets and the 2025 Capital Budget, allowing staff to move forward with critical capital projects early in 2025. An Open House on the 2025-2030 Financial Plan will be held in February 2025. The 2025 Provisional Budget can be viewed at www.peachland.ca/finance.
2024 Citizens Survey Results
Council received the results of the 2024 Citizens Survey and will use the information gathered in upcoming strategic planning sessions. The District conducted the Survey between September 17 and October 20, 2024, polling residents on their satisfaction with a variety of District services and to seek feedback about programs and initiatives underway or being considered. A total of 412 surveys were returned. Key findings include:
- Over 90% of residents indicate a “Very Good” or “Good” quality of life
- Respondents indicated the most important community topics in Peachland are: improving roads, sidewalks and streetlights; protecting environmentally sensitive areas; growth management; Highway 97 route through Peachland.
- Respondents indicated the least important community topic in Peachland is higher density, multifamily development downtown
- Canada Day festivities are, by far, the most popular event, followed by the Christmas Light up and Remembrance Day.
- Respondents far prefer direct mail and enotification for communication purposes.
- 62% of respondents indicated they would welcome FireSmart Funding support for private property fire mitigation work.
- Respondents showed little appetite for instituting metered parking downtown or on Beach Avenue or for Industrial sector development in Peachland.