Council Highlights January 13, 2026

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News

COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

Downtown Revitalization Implementation Strategy

 

Council received a summary of the engagement conducted on the Phase I Downtown Revitalization Implementation Strategy (DRIS) report and directed staff to bring forward a final DRIS report after providing more feedback.

 

The DRIS project was initiated in the Fall of 2023. Its intended purpose was to identify specific actions to be taken by the District that would lead to new development activity and improved vitality in the downtown core of Peachland. Council received the first draft of the report on April 8, 2025 and directed that public engagement be undertaken. Staff presented a summary of engagement feedback received from the DRIS Task Force and community. Input was incorporated to clarify the Five Big Moves recommended by the report, which are:

 

  1. Update Official Community Plan and Zoning regulations.

    1. Adopt new and clarifying OCP Downtown Policy.

    2. Develop new Downtown Zoning regulations to set clear expectations and reinforce Peachland character.

  2. Actively prioritize and financially invest in the growth and economic development of the downtown. 

    1. Develop a downtown-specific financial incentive program.

    2. Support a municipally funded economic development function.

    3. Pursue partnership and grant opportunities.

    4. Capitalize on municipal land.

  3. Modernize parking policies. 

    1. Reduce minimum parking requirements for new downtown development.

    2. Initiate parking demand management in downtown and areas around Beach Avenue.

  4. Activate public and pedestrian spaces. 

    1. Expand and activate spaces for people. 

    2. Improve wayfinding and traffic calming.

  5. Invest in improved active transportation connection to and within downtown. 

    1. Fund active transportation improvements as part of the District’s capital improvement program. 

A finalized report will be provided at an upcoming meeting of Council. It will include background research, engagement summary and details on the process, the DRIS vision, policy principles, the five big moves and an implementation/monitoring framework.

 

Read more in the January 13, 2026 Committee of the Whole Agenda.

 

Next Council Meeting

The next Regular Council Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 27, 2026, beginning at 3 pm. Council meetings are open to the public and webcast live. Find the full schedule by visiting www.peachland.ca/government/meetings. Find webcasts of past meetings at www.peachland.ca/government/meetings/archived-webcasts.  Keep informed; subscribe to get news and event information emailed directly to you at www.peachland.ca/services/subscribe.