REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
RCMP Update
Staff Sergeant Brendan Dolan presented an update on policing in Peachland and introduced Inspector Melinda Dixon, the new interim West Kelowna RCMP Detachment Commander. S Sgt Dolan indicated crime statistics in Peachland are good. A large uptick in traffic incidents can be attributed to the RCMP’s commitment to Peachland Council last year to increase enforcement of speeding in the community. He also indicated the detachment’s Crime Reduction Unit will investigate an increase in break and enters (from zero to four incidents). S Sgt Dolan advised Council the West Kelowna Detachment announced today the details about a large drug bust at a property in Peachland in July. The Detachment’s new drug section seized large amounts of a variety of illegal drugs, multiple firearms, body armour and stolen property. He said he believes the individuals have left Peachland. Council asked for information about enforcement of electric motorcycles that have been seen speeding or stunting in Peachland. S Sgt. Dolan said there have been successful operations by the detachment’s Traffic Enforcement Section elsewhere and will provide that enforcement in Peachland. Electric motorcycles are not allowed on public roads, they cannot be insured and are for off-road use only.
2026 Permissive Tax Exemption Bylaw
Council gave first three readings to the 2026 Permissive Tax Exemption Bylaw, identifying the following properties as eligible for full or partial exemption due to community benefit:
Peachland United Church
St. Margaret’s Anglican Church
Peachland Baptist Church
Peachland Wellness Centre & Peachland Food Bank
Peachland Riding Club
Okanagan Boys & Girls Club & Our SPACE (School for Peachland Arts, Culture & Ecology)
Peachland District Retirement Society
Maple Springs Bible Camp
The Nature Trust of BC
Peachland Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion
Okanagan Regional Library
Peachland Chamber of Commerce
The estimated financial impact of the 2026 tax exemptions, based on a 5% general tax increase, is $72,456 or .89% of the 2025 budgeted general municipal tax revenue or $22.52 for the average residential property.
Major Projects Update - Development Services
Council received an update on significant projects that Planning and Development staff are actively facilitating, including building, development and planning/long-range policy projects in the community. The public can view the report at: Major Projects Update - Sept. 9 or use the District’s online, interactive map which shows active development applications, including zoning, OCP, development permit, variance, and temporary use permit applications. Find the map at Planning & Development - Current Projects.
Next Council Meeting
Council agreed to hold a Committee of the Whole meeting September 17, 2025, starting at 10 am to prepare for the Union of BC Municipalities 2025 convention from September 22 to 26 in Victoria, BC.
The next Regular Council Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 7, 2025, 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.