Peachland View January 27, 2023

Peachland resident Jenny Kerslake captured this photo from her patio last Sunday morning, when she and her husband spotted an object in the sky (right), which may have been a comet passing through.

PHOTO JENNY KERSLAKE

Council approves 84-unit apartment on Clements Crescent

JOANNE LAYH

It was a bit touch and go for a few minutes, but Porchlight Developments’ proposal for a four-storey 84-unit multi-residential building in the Clements neighbourhood received final adoption from Peachland council on Tuesday night.

As a result, the OCP will be amended from Low Density Residential (LDR) to Medium Density Residential (MDR) for a portion of the property and the parcel will be rezoned from A2 Rural (non-ALR) to RM4 Multi-unit Residential – Medium Density and R1 Single Detached Residential to allow the developer to build rental apartments at 5481 Clements Cres., which is located between Peachland Elementary School and Trepanier Creek.

In his report to council, director of planning and development services Darin Schaal summarized his rationale for recommending the project by stating that the development will

help diversify the housing stock in a neighbourhood

that is ideally situated for multi-family development

and the location is ideally situated for multi-family

rental development due to the proximity of the property to the elementary school, outdoor recreational opportunities, public transit, library, grocery store, bank, pharmacy and medical services.

When the proposal came to council for first and second readings last March, Porchlight, also the developer for the Crystal Lake development on the former Todd’s RV site, was initially proposing a stratified building with an affordable homeownership model but later proposed the building consist of rental units.

Schaal noted the developer has committed to ensuring an affordable housing stock in perpetuity using legal covenants to restrict short-term rentals.

In addition, he said that the proposed infill development makes more efficient use of municipal services and the on-site frontage improvements and off-site

Continued on Page 3

RENDERING FROM DEVELOPMENT PERMIT APPLICATION

New road to be called Wild Goose Street after Wild Goose Bill

road improvements for the elementary school improve vehicle and pedestrian safety in the Clements neighbourhood, especially traffic safety for school children.

A public hearing last June drew nine written submissions, including a petition and was attended by 11 members of the public, five of whom addressed council with their concerns, which included pedestrian safety, traffic and emergency access; neighbourhood character and density; environmental protection and floodplain risk; and concern that the applicant will not be held accountable for commitments.

In response, the developer committed to a pedestrian safety improvement plan that meets the school district recommendations and has the support of the school district traffic safety and planning staff.

With regard to neighbourhood character and density, a density analysis that was conducted found that the proposal is comparable with existing multi-residential developments in the Clements neighborhood.

Concerns about environmental protection, and floodplain issues in particular, had previously been raised by some members of council as well as the public. Following the public hearing, the developer commissioned a floodplain hazard assessment that concluded the hazard to the development is low.

At third reading last September, the previous council

directed staff to schedule the bylaws for consideration of adoption once the developer met a series of conditions.

At Tuesday night’s meeting, Schaal confirmed that all of the conditions had been satisfied, including approval from the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure; registration of various covenants and legal documents; dedication of

lands for future pedestrian access through the property and to Trepanier Creek; and the execution of services agreements.

At Tuesday night’s council meeting, Coun. Dave Collins moved the item, but a seconder didn’t come forward.

Mayor Patrick Van Minsel reminded council that if nobody seconds it’s not on

“It’s very unusual for a council to look at fourth reading and go back on the things we asked, so are there any councillors who want to address this?”

Coun. Collins said the development would add much needed rental stock to the community housing.

“In that sense it is quite valuable and looking back, in the fall I was quite satisfied with the improvements to Clements Crescent that they were willing to do as far as sidewalks and crosswalks and whatnot,” said Collins, who added that the only other concern was around flooding and that was addressed.

posed to a land dedication because all that does is give the district another piece of property to look after.

Council then unanimously voted in favour of adopting the OCP and bylaw amendments.

T he developer will be required to construct a short road next to the school as well as parking stalls for the school and pick up and drop off spots along the new road during peak periods with a small cul de sac or bulb at the end of the road to help with improving traffic conditions during peak periods. In addition, a sidewalk from that parking area will be established on both sides

the table and they cannot discuss it.

It was then seconded by Coun. Rick Ingram followed by a silence when council was asked if anyone would like to discuss the matter.

Van Minsel reminded his colleagues that all of the conditions required at third reading were met and normally this is what he would call a “rubber stamping”.

“I agree with Coun. Collins,” said Coun. Terry Condon. “This is an ideal site for a multiple unit residential and rental building. I think it’s entirely appropriate. I did raise quite strongly the issue of being on a floodplain and they came back with a second set of drawings that in simple terms raised the building to a sufficient height that it became manageable and I voted for it.”

Condon said he was op -

connecting from the parcel frontage and the school site.

T he Peachland Historical Society had initially recommended the new road be called Twiddy Street in honour of Martha Anna Twiddy. However, after working with the developer and the historical society staff settled upon recommending it be called Wild Goose Street in honour of William Jenkins, better known as Wild Goose Bill.

“

This is an ideal site for a multiple unit residential and rental building. I think it’s entirely appropriate.

- councillor terry condon

MAP DISTRICT OF PEACHLAND

Joanne Layh Publisher / Editor editor@peachlandview.com sales@peachlandview.com

Don Urquhart

Contributing Reporter

Melissa Morris Production designer@peachlandview.com

5878A Beach Avenue

Peachland, BC V0H 1X7

250 767 7771

published by Aberdeen Publishing Inc.

Robert W. Doull, pres rdoull@aberdeenpublishing.com

The Peachland View is a free community newspaper that is distributed each Friday to everyone in Peachland. Anyone who lives outside of the distribution area but within Canada can purchase a subscription at $70 per year + GST.

The Peachland View reserves the right to refuse publication of any advertising or editorial submission at its discretion. Material submitted by columnists does not reflect the opinions of the Peachland View or its employees.

The Peachland View retains complete and sole copyright of any content, including stories, photographs, and advertisements published in the Peachland View. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission or consent from the publisher is strictly prohibited.

Recounting the Christmas Eve bus crash

,We are grateful to be here today and we give thanks to the many people who helped us. We were on the bus that crashed on the connector on Christmas Eve. Thank goodness, we were wearing our seatbelts! We were hanging from our seatbelts for about 30 minutes while the bus was evacuated and care was given to the injured. It was better than flying through the bus and hitting something.

People were really good about helping each other, retrieving whatever they could and staying relatively calm. Travellers in cars, stopped to let people from the bus warm up. Blankets got distributed, people shared their coats and let others use their phones to call family. At the scene, first responders quickly assessed and attached coloured ribbons to our arms, indicating the degree of injury, so that arriving EMT staff could go right to work.

All passengers were transported to hospitals by ambulance. We ended up at the Merritt Hospital. Others went to Kelowna, Kamloops and Penticton. At the Merritt Hospital, a nurse was assigned to people coming into ER, making sure we were warm and fed. She made connections with family members, connected with hotels, and prepared vouchers. One of the passengers, from the back of the bus, opened up a box of chocolates that was going to be his dad’s gift, and shared it with fellow bus passengers.

After we were discharged we were trasport-

ed by an off-active-duty police officer to the Best Western Hotel, where we were met by Emergency Services. We were given personal kits and they gave each of us their phone numbers so we could contact them at any time. The manager of the Best Western went beyond duty. She contacted a restaurant, which was providing dinners for needy people. She and some staff went down to get dinner for us, who were at the hotel on Christmas Day! It was lovely for everyone to sit and eat together.

Merritt Emergency Room arranged to have medications replaced during our wait. On our third day E-Bus offered to take us either back to Kelowna or on to the Lower Mainland. We chose to return home and were delivered right to our door. Our friends brought us dinner, which we really appreciated! It was lovely to be back home to some normalcy. The hugs and friendship helped, too.

Besides the value of wearing seatbelts on a bus, we are also reminded that we need to keep our faith in all Emergency Services. They may not be able to act as quickly as we all would like, but they were all there for us when we needed them. We thank all of them, profusely. The Best Western in Merritt is also to be thanked for their care of us during our stay. In a time of “disaster”, people showed their true colours by helping others in need. What a great Christmas gift.

Jane and Don Rampone, Kelowna

Government should get out of the booze business

Recent news reports are advising us that alcohol causes cancer and that consumers need a warning label to advise of the risk to health.

As consumers of alcohol, we are not surprised by the news that alcohol presents a risk to us. We have known all along that addiction is a risk. It is alarming that warning labels on bottles of alcohol is being advocated to warn us about the risk of cancer.

Given the risk level and the desire to post a warning, two things come to mind for me. The first is, governments should abandon their involvement in the purchase, distribution, and sale of alcohol given the new perceived health risk.

The second thing that comes to mind is that there are a myriad of health risks of daily living. For example, driving a vehicle can result in a motor vehicle accident that can cause injury or death. Given this risk, let’s put a bold sign on each passenger

window of a vehicle that driving or being in a vehicle as a passenger involves a risk of being injured or death. Yes, I agree that is ridiculous notion. But let’s recognize that living involves many risks to our good health and safety.

I am not advocating for prohibition. It generates more adverse effects than attempting to deny folks a beverage that is a part of our lives and that of our ancestors for thousands of years.

If is true that alcohol causes cancer, then governments should get out of the business and avoid any financial gain from the consumption of alcohol. It is duplicitous to tax plus manage a commodity along with a health warning.

Government already plays a role to protect us through the Canadian Food Inspection Agency in the products that we consume. Alcohol should not be any different.

Important decision for Canadians

this proposed deal to the Liberal Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, François-Philippe Champagne, who is also the MP for Saint-Maurice—Champlain in Quebec.

Aside from the Competition Bureau’s opposition to this proposed deal, an initial study from the INDU Committee resulted in four recommendations, one being that “the Committee believes the merger should not proceed.”

months ahead of schedule.”

In my MP Report from Feb. 23 last year, I asked whether your wireless cell phone bills have decreased by 25 per cent, as Prime Minister Trudeau claimed.

The response to this question was overwhelming, and almost every reply I received indicated that what the prime minister stated was patently false.

Canada Research Chair in Internet and E-commerce Law at the University of Ottawa, wrote on this proposed deal and the upcoming political decision that Minister Champagne must make to approve or reject this takeover.

Jacques Pelletier, Peachland

New mayor and council leave a positive impression

DAN ALBAS MP

Although the House of Commons does not resume sitting until next week, all-party parliamentary committees are currently sitting and reviewing essential subjects of national interest.

One of the parliamentary committees sitting this week is INDU (Committee on Industry and Technology), which is currently reviewing the proposed takeover of Shaw Communications by Rogers Communications.

This proposed deal has faced several obstacles, including being opposed by Canada’s Competition Bureau, which recently went to Federal Court to block the deal.

The Federal Court ruled against the Competition Bureau, leaving the final decision to approve or reject

The primary concern of many opponents to this proposed deal is that it could result in even less competition in an industry that already has very little competition for the benefit of Canadian consumers.

Canadians pay some of the highest cell phone bills in the world.

In fact, during the 2019 election, PM Trudeau promised that his Liberal government would reduce cell phone bills by 25 per cent within two years, saving the “average Canadian family $1,000” a year.

On Feb. 9 of last year, in the House of Commons, Prime Minister Trudeau stated, “We promised Canadian families that we would reduce the cost of their cell phone bill. Today, I am happy to announce that we have met our 25 per cent price reduction target. In fact, we have done so three

Many individuals even shared their wireless bills, which provided a well-documented cost increase.

Several citizens also noted that wireless plans had changed so that they now paid separately for the plan and the phone instead of being combined, as was the case previously.

In every example I received from citizens, people were paying more overall.

Recently Professor Michael Geist, who is one of Canada’s foremost law professors and also holds the

Professor Geist stated: “Minister Champagne and the government can choose to stand up for Canadian consumers and say this deal doesn’t go ahead on their watch. Or they can stand with big telecom companies and choose to make matters even worse. It’s Champagne’s choice.”

I have two questions for you this week: How concerned are you over the size of your monthly wireless bill? If you were the Minister, what would you do?

I can be reached at Dan. Albas@parl.gc.ca or call toll-free at 800 665 8711.

I told my wife, “I’m going to write a letter to the editor!” She says, “Oh no! You have no tact!” I told her that this was good... because I hate sailing! LOL! Regardless, I wanted to chime in with Rambo Report # 1 for 2023.

After observing this new council for several months, I feel like we traded in our old rusted 1974 Gremlin (whose hood ornament was falling off) for a shiny new 2023 Chevy Tahoe. I like what I am seeing so far, and I love the balance of power on council. Patrick was clearly born to do this job. I see Terry as council’s forensic auditor, Alena as the “think outside the box” member, and Randey as council’s “Rocky Balboa!”

I have new hope for a prosperous and fiscally accountable future for the first time in seven years. I realize that you can never please everyone all of the time, but with this council I have confidence that, on balance, they will make sound and functional decisions.

Nick Walsh, Peachland

LOCAL EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

A WINTER INDOOR MARKET hosted by the Peachland Hub will tke place at the 50 Plus Activity Centre on Sunday, Feb. 5 from 11 am – 3 pm.

HEARTS FESTIVAL takes place Feb 7-13 for a weeklong celebration of the arts. For more information visit peachlandarts.ca

CAPTURED IMAGES exhibition opens this Saturday at

MONDAYS

FITNESS ROOM

5 am - 10 pm

Peachland Community Centre

INDOOR WALKING

8 am - 9 am

Peachland Community Centre

50+ FITNESS

8 am - 9 am ($5 Drop In)

50 Plus Activity Centre

ADULT DAY SERVICE

9 am - 3 pm

Residences on 6th

PICKLEBALL LEVEL 3.0-3.5

9:05 am - 11 am

Peachland Community Centre

FITNESS FUSION

9:30 am - 10:45 am

Peachland Community Centre

PICKLEBALL LEVEL 1.0-2.5

11 am - 1 pm

Peachland Community Centre

PICKLEBALL LEVEL 1.0-2.5

1 pm - 3 pm

Peachland Community Centre

BRIDGE

1 pm – 4 pm

50 Plus Activity Centre

LADIES COFFEE

1 pm -2:30 pm

Peachland Wellness Centre

BEGINNER/INTERMEDIATE

ACRYLIC WORKSHOP

1 pm – 4 pm

Peachland Little Schoolhouse

CHAIR YOGA

2 pm - 3 pm

50 Plus Activity Centre

SPIN, CORE & STRETCH

6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Peachland Community Centre

the Peachland Art Gallery and runs until Sunday, Mar. 5. Featuring the “best of the best” fine art photographers returning for its ninth year.

VALENTINE’S PARTY hosted by the Peachland Ambassadors at the community centre on Feb 18. Call Linda at 778 479 2843 for more information.

FREE FAMILY DAY FILM & FUN is a NEW District of

Peachland event that will take place Monday, Feb 20 from 1 pm - 3 pm at the community cenre and will feature a big screen movie, games, goodies, face painting and more. FREE!

VOLUNTEER BREAKFAST takes place at the Peachland Community Centre on Friday, Mar. 3 from 7 am - 9 am. Mayor and council will be donning aprons and

hats to serve up breakfast to the valuable volunteers of Peachland. Organizations are encouraged to book a table or individuals are asked to RSVP by Feb. 24.

TRAVEL EXHIBIT by the Peachland Art Group is now on display at the Peachland Library. The exhibit features a number of works and art is also available for sale.

ZUMBA

6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Peachland Community Centre

WOODCARVERS

7 pm

50 Plus Activity Centre

TUESDAYS

FITNESS ROOM

5 am - 10 pm

Peachland Community Centre

YOGA

8:30 am - 9:30 am

50 Plus Activity Centre

FLOW YOGA

9 am - 10 am

Peachland Community Centre

CARPET BOWLING

10 am - 12 pm

50 Plus Activity Centre

THERAPEUTIC YOGA

10:30 am – 11:45 am

Peachland Community Centre

AA

12 pm

50 Plus Activity Centre

PICKLEBALL LEVEL 3.75+

1 pm - 3 pm

Peachland Community Centre

PASSION 4 ART

1 pm - 4 pm

50 Plus Activity Centre

MAH JONG

1 pm – 4 pm

50 Plus Activity Centre

MEN’S COFFEE & CARDS

1 pm

PWC (downstairs)

YOGA FOR YOUR BACK

3:15pm - 4:30 pm

Peachland Community Centre

PEACHLAND HUB

NIGHT MARKET

4 pm – 9 pm

Cousins Park

LINE DANCING

4:30 pm – 5:30 pm

50 Plus Activity Centre

POUND

6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

50 Plus Activity Centre

COMPUTER LITERACY

By Appointment

Call 250 767 0141

Peachland Wellness Centre

WEDNESDAYS

FITNESS ROOM

5 am - 10 pm

Peachland Community Centre

INDOOR WALKING

8 am - 9 am

Peachland Community Centre

50+ FITNESS

9 am - 10 am ($5 Drop In)

50 Plus Activity Centre

PICKLEBALL LEVEL 1.0-2.5

9:05 am - 11 am

Peachland Community Centre

SPIN, SCULPT AND STRETCH

9:30 am - 10:45 am

1 pm - 3 pm

Peachland Community Centre

PICKLEBALL - DROP-IN LEVEL

3.0

11 am - 1 pm

Peachland Community Centre

BARGAIN BIN

12 pm - 3 pm

Peachland United Church

PICKLEBALL LEVEL 3.0-3.5

1 pm - 3 pm

Peachland Community Centre

BRIDGE

1 pm – 4 pm

50 Plus Activity Centre

SUNSHINE SINGERS

1 pm -2:30 pm

Peachland Wellness Centre

LEGION KARAOKE

3:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Royal Canadian Legion #69

MINI KICKERS SOCCER

5 pm - 6 pm

Peachland Community Centre

HATHA YOGA

5:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Peachland Community Centre

SPIN, CORE AND STRETCH

6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Peachland Community Centre

CENTRAL OKANAGAN MODEL

RAILWAY CO.

Train modellers + visitors meet

7 pm

Peachland Musum

THURSDAYS

FITNESS ROOM

5 am - 10 pm

Peachland Community Centre

YOGA

8:30 am - 9:30 am

50 Plus Activity Centre

YOGA FOR YOUR BACK

9:30 am - 10:45 am

Peachland Community Centre

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT

10 am-11:45 am

Peachland Wellness Centre

PICKLEBALL LEVEL 3.5

10:30 am - 12:30 pm

Peachland Community Centre

IRON AND SILK FIT

11 am - 12 pm

50 Plus Activity Centre

BARGAIN BIN

12 pm - 3 pm

Peachland United Church

PICKLEBALL LEVEL 3.75+

1 pm - 3 pm

Peachland Community Centre

PASSION 4 ART

1 pm – 4 pm

50 Plus Activity Centre

BEGINNER UKULELE

230 pm - 330 pm

50 Plus Activity Centre

MEAT DRAW

3 pm-5 pm

Royal Canadian Legion #69

BINGO

5:30 pm (EOW)

50 Plus Activity Centre

FRIDAYS

FITNESS ROOM

5 am - 10 pm

Peachland Community Centre

INDOOR WALKING

8 am - 9 am

Peachland Community Centre

FLOW YOGA

9 am - 10 am

Peachland Community Centre

50+ FITNESS

9 am - 10 am ($5 Drop In)

50 Plus Activity Centre

WE ART HERE

12 pm - 4 pm

50 Plus Activity Centre

BARGAIN BIN

12 pm - 3 pm

Peachland United Church

THERAPEUTIC YOGA

12:30 pm - 1:45 pm

Peachland Community Centre

CANASTA

1 pm

50+ Activity Centre

4th

LADIES COFFEE AND CARDS

1 pm -2:30 pm

Peachland Wellness Centre

PICKLEBALL LEVEL 3.0 -3.5

1 pm - 3 pm

Peachland Community Centre

SATURDAYS

FITNESS ROOM

5 am - 10 pm

Peachland Community Centre

CARPET BOWLING

10 am - 12 pm

50 Plus Activity Centre

BARGAIN BIN

12 pm - 3 pm

Peachland United Church

MEAT DRAW

3 pm-5 pm

Royal Canadian Legion #69

SUNDAYS

FITNESS ROOM

5 am - 10 pm

Peachland Community Centre

PEACHLAND FARMERS & CRAFTERS MARKET

10 am - 2 pm

Heritage Park

PICKLEBALL - LEVEL 2.5-3.5

12 pm - 2 pm

Peachland Community Centre

PICKLEBALL - LEVEL 3.75+

2 pm - 4 pm

Peachland Community Centre

Meridian Art & Auctions

Online Auctions • Retail Gallery of Art, Pottery, Textiles, Accessories

Online Gallery & Shop: www.4thmeridian.ca info@4thmeridian.ca

Visit in person: Thurs - Sat

CALL or check Website for current hours #104 1475 Fairview Rd, Penticton inside the historic Cannery Trade Centre

Accepting Consignments: ART, POTTERY, small furnishings

B.C. home owners invited to apply for Home Owners Grant

IZAIAH REYES

The Home Owner Grant program invites B.C. homeowners to take advantage of their funding which in 2023 has a threshold set at $2.125 million.

Covering 92 per cent of residential properties in B.C., the Home Owner Grant reduces the amount of property tax people pay for their principal residence.

I n 2022, the program provided additional relief to almost half a million seniors throughout the province and approximately 13,000 persons with a disability. More than one million applications to the program were approved.

For homeowners in northern or rural areas (outside Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley and Capital Regional districts), the basic grant amount is as much as $770 or as much as $1,045 for homeowners 65 or older, veterans a nd for people who have a

disability or live with a relative who has a disability.

B.C. homeowners may also be eligible for B.C.’s Property Tax Deferment program. It is a low-interest program for homeowners who meet criteria, including:

• Supporting a dependent child (Families with Children Program);

• 55 or older during the current year;

• A surviving spouse of any age; and

• A person with disabilities.

T he best time to apply for the Home Owner Grant is in May after people have received both their BC Assessment notice and their municipal or rural property tax notice. Assessment roll and jurisdiction numbers are needed to apply. Homeowners can apply for the Home Owner Grant and Property Tax Deferment securely online. Please check www.gov. bc.ca/homeownergrant to learn more.

BUILDINGS FOR SALE

INTEGRITY POST FRAME BUILDINGS since 2008. Built with concrete posts. Barns, shops, riding arenas, machine sheds and more. sales@ integritybuilt.com. 1-866-974-7678. www.integritybuilt.com

GET RESULTS! Post a classified in 92 newspapers in just a few clicks. Reach almost 2 million people for only $395 a week for 25-word text ad or $995 for small display ad. Choose your province or all across Canada. Best value. Save over 85% compared to booking individually. www.bccommunitynews.com/advertise or 1-866-669-9222.

WANTED SASQUATCH SKULL - Also purchasing SILVER & GOLD coins, bars, jewelry, scrap, nuggets, sterling, 999+ BULLION, maple leafs, bulk silver, pre-1969 coins. Coin collector BUYING ENTIRE COIN COLLECTIONS, old $ & Royal Canadian Mint coins. TODD 250-864-3521.

In loving memory of KIBBLEWHITE, Gisela Odette (née Kuhn) 1934 - 2023

“For

Gisela passed away peacefully on January 16, 2023, at the age of 88 years, in Kelowna, BC. She will be remembered and sadly missed by her son, Wolfgang (Henrike); grandchildren, Linda (Adam), Tina (Thomas), and Verena (Stefan); great-grandchildren, Lilly, Hendrik, and Ben; siblings, Edith, Luzia, Herrman (Christel), and Horst (Judith); and many, many friends she made in the Okanagan. She was sadly pre-deceased by her loving husband, Arnold ‘Arnie’ Roosen in April 2022.

When the sun goes down, the stars of memory shine!

My grandma was a ray of sunshine; she liked to be happy and sing, but bad weather could spoil her mood. That is why she moved to Okanagan Lake, because the sun often shines here in Canada. She loved Canada, she spent more than half her life there, but she never forgot her roots in Germany, and was still always there for her family. We all loved her and are sad that she is no longer here.

Gisela still has childhood friends in Germany, as well as Canada, many from the time she immigrated in the 70s. Over the years she has cared for them, as family and friends were very important to her. She was active until the end. She wandered thousands of kilometers in her life and she loved it.

Her helpfulness was always great, and nothing was too much for her. She went her way, with dignity and pride. We will always carry you in our hearts, and lovingly remember you. - Tina

To share condolences with the family, please visit our website, www.hansonsfuneral.ca

hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”

Travel exhibit now on display

The Peachland Art Group (PAG) is a group of hobby painters who meet once a week to paint with other like-minded people. The goal is two-fold: to improve their techniques and skills in a variety of mediums, and to support local professional and amateur artists through instructional workshops.

They started up in the 1950s, when a small group of women used to drive to Summerland to paint with that

group. Mary Smith was the Peachland artist who initiated this group, and it has been going and growing ever since.

The PAG likes to share their artwork with the community, through an annual spring art show, weekly summer “artists at work” in the Peachland Little Schoolhouse, and regular exhibits in the Seniors’ Residence, and the Peachland Library.

The current exhibit in the library has a theme of “Travel”, which has many interpretations. This will be on

display for the next two months. A visit to our library during regular hours provides this extra bonus, and the art is also available for purchase.

The PAG is always happy to welcome new members, and will be hosting an open house on Thursday, Feb. 9 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. as part of the annual and upcoming HeARTS Festival. They will also have their art pieces on display during the showcase weekend, Feb 11-12, in the Peachland Community Centre, and will be participating in painting challenges during the weekend.

HeARTS Fest showcase weekend to feature painting challenges

PAULA MCLAUGHLIN

The Peachland Community Arts Council is thrilled to host a full in-person showcase weekend again this year, after two years of COVID restrictions.

The weekend will be two full days of activities to enjoy. These include three mini-workshops:

• Darlene Romanko and Joanne Bale: Home and Garden Design;

• Paula McLaughlin: Macramé hearts; and

• Radina Jevdevic: Flower arranging.

Ongoing demonstrations will be provided by artists Wayne Power, Terry Moore, Kerry Kozak, and Richard Smith.

The showcase weekend will also include two painting challenges: a “bash-out” painting and “one-handed painting,” which promise to be highly entertaining! Music entertainment includes the Peachland Variety Singers, the Ukulele Strummers,

and a romantic singalong with myself.

Throughout the week, look for more ways to participate. The Peachland Library has a make and take Valentine craft, the visitor centre has a wishing tree for decorating a heart with a personal wish to hang on the tree, and the open mic evening will take place on Thursday, Feb. 9. All performers are welcome.

Concerts are a part of the festival as well, with the variety singers on Monday, Feb.13 at 11 a.m. at the 50 Plus, and a very special Okanagan Symphony Orchestra strings concert in the Peachland Art Gallery on Saturday, Feb. 11, starting at 5 p.m., followed by dinner at Peachland Sushi.

Tickets for the concerts, and pre-registration for the workshops are available at the Peachland Art Gallery. For more information call 250-767-7422. The entire schedule of events is available at peachlandarts.ca.

PAULA MCLAUGHLIN

Above: Just Mesa‘n Around by Robin Taylor. Left: Hammock Time Cozumel by Dian Tompkin.

Venice by Paula McLaughlin Deb Livingston and Donna Kerbes manage the sales table.

PHOTOS PAULA MCLAUGHLIN

This week’s Crossword, Sudoku & Word Search

CLUES ACROSS

1. Sea grape

5. European public health group (abbr.)

41. Kansas hoops coach Bill

43. The longest division of geological time

The first sign of the zodiac

11. Badness

12. Protein-rich liquids

14. Not moving

15. Call it a career

18. Poetry term

20. Not wide

24. Pastries

26. Turns away

28. Satisfies

30. Gift adornments

32. San Diego ballplayers

34. Manufacturing plant 35. Check or guide 37. Dogs do it 38. Chilled 40. Scorch

42. Unproductive of success

43. Electronic countercountermeasures 45. Attack with a knife 47. Feel bad for 49. Enclosure 50. Assert

Answers to last week’s Crossword, Sudoku & Word Search

IS 2023 YOUR YEAR TO MOVE?

Activity will pick up next spring when interest rates stabilize. Buyers will continue to favour Peachland in 2023.

5972 Princess Street, Peachland $849,900

Incredible Lake Okanagan views! This house is located on a beautiful lot in a quiet neighbourhood within walking distance to the nice beaches and wonderful restaurants of downtown Peachland. You are going to love the open concept and vaulted ceilings of the main living area. All focus flows towards the stunning views & sprawling outdoor deck. The kitchen has granite counters & newer appliance package that is perfect for cooking wonderful meals for friends & family. The primary bedroom has a deluxe ensuite complete with jetted tub so you can relax after playing at the beach.

Lakeview

$979,900 MLS® 10265700

5991 Meldrum Pl - Acreage, lake views and privacy can all be enjoyed from this lovely rancher walkout that is nestled in the hillside of Peachland. Located at the end of a no thru street and surrounded by natural landscaping this one owner home offers a cozy living room with large windows that showcase the lake and mountain views, functional kitchen with access to covered deck, spacious primary bedroom complete with walk in closet and 4pc ensuite.