REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
Minor OCP Review
Council adopted the Official Community Plan (OCP) Bylaw No. 2466, the culmination of a year-long minor review of the bylaw. As part of the Province’s ongoing proactive planning requirements, the District will be required to undertake another review and update of its OCP by December 31, 2030, coinciding with the District’s next Housing Needs Report. While the Minor OCP Review has addressed the District’s immediate objectives and recent provincial requirements, the 2030 review will provide an opportunity to reassess the OCP comprehensively and ensure that growth planning continues to align with provincial direction and the community’s evolving needs.
Small-Scall Multi-Unit Housing Next Steps
Council gave first three readings to amendments to the Subdivision and Development Servicing Bylaw and directed staff to review additional driveway access provisions for duplexes through the broader technical review being undertaken as part of the grant funded Small-Scale, Multi-Unit Housing Next Steps project. Council had agreed at its meeting on March 10 to seek allowances within the bylaw for two driveways for a lot that permits a duplex, with some provisions. Staff identified potential impacts that will be studied during a comprehensive review of driveway regulations within the broader framework of Bill 44, BC’s Housing Statutes (Residential Development) Amendment Act.
2027 Permissive Tax Exemption Bylaw
Council gave first three readings to the 2027 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 & the Peachland Food Bank
- Peachland Riding Club
- Okanagan Boys & Girls Club & Our School for Peachland, Arts, Culture & Ecology
- Peachland District Retirement Society & The Peachland Community Police
- Maple Springs Bible Camp
- The Nature Trust of BC
- Peachland Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion
- Okanagan Regional Library
- Peachland Chamber of Commerce
- Peachland Little Schoolhouse Society
The estimated financial impact of the 2027 tax exemptions is $78,561 or .92% of the 2026 budgeted general municipal tax revenue or $24.44 for the average residential property.
Funding for Development Servicing Guidance Study
On July 6, the Province of BC announced that Peachland was one of 56 local governments to receive funding under the 2026 Local Government Development Approvals Program. The District received the maximum funding of $200,00, which was added to the 2026 Budget. The funding will be used for its Development Servicing Guidance Study which aims to modernize and streamline the District’s development approvals processes in response to growing pressures related to recent provincial legislation, including Bills 44, 46, and 16.
Next Council Meeting
The next Regular Council Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 8, 2026, beginning at 3:00 pm. Council meetings are open to the public and available live on a webcast. Find the full schedule by visiting peachland.ca/government/meetings. Find webcasts of past meetings at peachland.ca/government/meetings/archived-webcasts. Keep informed; subscribe to get news and event information emailed directly to you at peachland.ca/services/subscribe.