Peachland, B.C. – At a Special Meeting on Thursday, July 24, Peachland Council rose and reported that it will pursue the purchase of additional land for the construction of the Peachland Protective Services Building.
Mayor Patrick Van Minsel reported on behalf of Council that the two properties that have been assembled for the project will not be adequate to meet the future needs of the emergency services building and more land is needed.
“The District is in communication with the Peachland Baptist Church to discuss purchasing its 4204 Lake Avenue property with an option that would fully support Peachland Baptist Church by professionally relocating its building to a nearby site within the same neighborhood.,” said Mayor Van Minsel.
In a 2022 referendum, Peachland residents approved the borrowing of up to $17.5 million to build the new Peachland Protective Services Building which will house the firehall, BC Ambulance service and Citizens on Patrol. The current facility at 4401 3rd Street is no longer suitable due to age, condition and increased service demands and is not meeting regulatory requirements. Since that time, the District has purchased property at 4223 San Clemente Avenue, adjacent to the municipally owned parcel at the corner of San Clemente Avenue and 13th Street. The new central location will meet health and safety regulations, improve response times and enable the District to more effectively support regional emergency activations.
“Council wholeheartedly believes that a mutually beneficial solution will be achieved and has directed the District to support the relocation of the Peachland Baptist Church, a deeply valued institution that has been part of the community for over 100 years,” said Mayor Patrick Van Minsel.
The District’s project consultants have determined that commercial construction costs have increased dramatically due to market volatility and price escalations, prompting the need to explore more cost-effective delivery models. In seeking a viable solution, the District has been examining a Public-Private Partnership (P3) approach to help offset rising costs and maximize the use of an expanded site. The property on which the Peachland Baptist Church is situated provides the needed space and strategic location for an expanded Protective Services Building to serve the community’s long-term needs.