TOTEM STORY IS OVER Time to retire Peachland’s totem pole, Judy Wyper says P.6
Peachland POST
The week of January 24, 2025
HEARTS & RED TIES Fundraiser will help local groups operate space P.8
ABOUT TOWN Find out what’s going on and where it’s happening P.11
Home sweet home!
Arts, culture and ecology in Peachland have found a place of their own in the historic yellow schoolhouse
By Jeff McDonald Staff RepoRteR
Our SPACE is the society and umbrella group for three local organizations that now call Peachland’s historic yellow schoolhouse home. The Peachland Community Arts Council, Okanagan Folk School and Bat Education & Ecological Protection Society are occupying the space and creating all the programming.
Our SPACE co-president Paula McLaughlin wants everyone to know what the name stands for.
“It’s an acronym for School for Peachland Arts, Culture and Ecology,” says McLaughlin. “A lot of people in Peachland don’t know the acronym yet, and they don’t know what’s going on in the building and how much is happening there.
We want to keep on building up our visibility and becoming known as Peachland’s cultural centre.”
The Peachland Art Gallery has been located in the schoolhouse for years and remains there. But with Peachland’s visitor
centre moving to the museum, Our SPACE now has use of the front half of the school, and McLaughlin said it’s now truly the heart of Peachland’s cultural activities.
“We want it to be considered the cultural centre for Peachland and beyond. There are no other cultural centres in town,” she said. “We’re pretty cramped in Peachland for public spaces so it’s very special that we’re now able to use this building and create what’s truly a centre for arts, culture and ecology.”
But use of the freed-up school space comes with new financial responsibilities, said McLaughlin, and she’s not expecting it to be an easy transition. The yellow schoolhouse is still owned by the District of Peachland; Our SPACE is renting it from the district and is responsible for operating costs, which are
WOES Workshop outlines sewage options for Peachland P.3
YOU GO, LET US KNOW!
If you are planning a getaway this winter, talk to us about what needs to be done before leaving home.
You need to take certain precautions for your policy to cover loss or damage caused by freezing. BEFORE
SEE OUR SPACE PAGE 7
OUR SPACE
Our SPACE co-chair Paula McLaughlin
John McDonald photo
The historic yellow schoolhouse is set to become the epicentre of arts, culture and ecology in Peachland.
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Local RCMP amongst first in province to deploy body cams
Peachlanders should smile the next time you find yourself in an interaction with police, because you may be on camera.
Kelowna and Central Okanagan RCMP announced last week that it’s one of the first detachments in the province to employ body-worn cameras in its daily operations.
“These cameras are a vital step in modernizing policing, play a crucial role in fostering better interactions with the public, enhance evidence collection, build trust in law enforcement, resolve public complaints more efficiently and support officer safety,” the RCMP said in a release.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Labrecque named district deputy CAO in new combined position
The District of Peachland’s director of community planning Cory Lebrecque has been named deputy chief administrative officer.
Lebrecque takes up the position effective immediately.
He will will continue in his current role but has had deputy CAO responsibilities added, said district CAO Joe Creron in an email to the Peachland Post.
The salary for the new combined position is $140,000, Creron said.
According to a job description provided by the district, the deputy CAO oversees key initiatives including capital projects and change management processes, provides management support and strategic advice to the CAO and to the district council, and manages the day-to-day operations of the district, among other responsibilities.
The appointment was made at at the January 14 council meeting.
poSt Staff
RCMP in Peachland will soon be wearing body cams.
Expect sticker shock over future sewage upgrades in Peachland
By Jeff McDonalD Staff RepoRteR
Getting Peachland houses off septic systems and onto a municipal sewer system has long been an issue in Peachland.
The District of Peachland has a strategy in place that could ensure the entire town is linked to a municipal system in 10 to 15 years.
However, the estimated $48.6 million cost is prohibitive, and even with significant grant funding from other levels of government, none of the funding options for Peachland’s share are going to be easy for residents to swallow, says councillor Terry Condon.
“It’s a major expense for our town, but it’s an issue we have to deal with and the residents of Peachland should understand that this issue is a top priority for the balance of this council’s term,” said Condon. “We can’t wait because costs are only going to go up.”
Condon’s comments came after the district’s second community of the whole meeting on the sewage issue last Monday. Consulting firm Urban Systems provide technical background and mayor Patrick Van Minsel provided a range of scenar-
Tree fruit resiliency program opens up applications
The Tree Fruit Climate Resiliency program is offering eligible businesses a chance to apply for funding to boost their resilience and readiness for extreme weather events that could impact the competitiveness of British Columbia’s tree fruit industry.
The program will provide 80 percent cost-share funding of up to $125,000 of eligible costs – for eligible projects - up to a maximum of $100,000 per farm business.
Applications will be accepted starting on January 30, 2025, until funds are fully committed.
Budget open house scheduled for February
ios and options that included borrowing from $2.6 million to $10 million of the $48.6 million cost, which will need to be borne by residents.
Urban Systems has a robust plan for public engagement, Condon said, which is critical to help the community fully understand the technical aspects of the project and cost implications.
“I’m concerned the community
does not fully understand what we have to do and where we have to go as we move into Peachland’s future,” he said. “My aim is that we communicate well enough to the community so that everyone understands who has sewer and who doesn’t and what that means going forward, and for those who don’t have sewer, what it might cost them to get onto sewer.” ••
The District of Peachland will hold an open house to discuss the 2025 provincial budget on February 25 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Peachland Community Centre. A tax increase of 6.65 per cent is proposed, or approximately $111 on an average assessed home.
The district’s financial plan must be approved by May 12, 2025.
poSt Staff
Jeff McDonald photo Shown above is the future location of Peachland’s emergency sewage storage facilty at the top of Chidley Road.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Water issues require collaboration not criticism
To the editor:
Regarding Judith Wyper’s article in the January 10 edition, I appreciate her perspective and understand her concerns.
When I moved here in 2015, I knew what I was choosing: a beautiful rural setting with great weather. Ensuring clean water was a priority, so I invested in good filtration – tap filter and a Berkey countertop system – which work wonderfully.
Since the new water system was implemented, I’ve noticed significant improvements. Mineral deposits in my kettles and coffee makers are now a thing of the past.
While I share a healthy skep-
ticism of politicians, I trust Shawn Grundy. Over the years, I’ve observed his work, and he is one of the most capable and genuine civic employees I’ve encountered. I’m confident he’ll find the right solutions to any water challenges.
Criticism is easy, but real progress comes from collaboration.
Nick Walsh, Peachland
Peachland’s new tree protection bylaw not FireSmart
Peachland’s council adopted a new tree bylaw last year making it very difficult and expensive to FireSmart your home. Our old bylaw allowed any owner to remove up to three trees per year if they were less
than 16” diameter. The new one protects all trees over six inches in diameter, unless you are a developer or a new home builder and apply for a permit.
If you are worried about a flammable pine or spruce tree being too close to your home, you may only remove it if it is within 1.5 meters of your walls. Developers can cut trees to FireSsmart or create lake views for their projects (e.g. Todd’s RV lot) but not existing homeowners.
B.C.’s FireSmart Manual says we should remove all trees and shrubs within 10 meters of our buildings and thin and limb up to two meters all trees and shrubs within 20 meters. It stresses that pine and spruce trees are far more flammable than deciduous. Our new bylaw protects all such conifers that are more than
1.5 metres from your home. We used to be able to prune any tree anytime, but now, unless a branch is within reach from the ground, you cannot prune without hiring a professional and getting a written report that the limb is dead, diseased or damaged.
Council increased the penalty for breaches from $500 to $10,000, among the highest in BC.
Kelowna’s tree protection bylaw lets owners cut trees on their lots so long as they are not on 30-per-cent-plus slopes, near streams and rivers or located in the map of protected areas.
Peachland has been threatened by wildfires large and small many times in the last five years. Should council rethink the wording of this new bylaw?
Peter Warner Peachland
This could be your hand-painted tile here
PEACHLAND COMMUNITY MOSAICMURAL
3 easy steps to get you painting
STEP 1 Order a painting kit from www.peachlandmakingwaves.com
STEP 2 Receive your Kit
STEP 3 Submit your artwork
Questions?
Email info@peachlandmakingwaves.com
NO HISTORY? KNOW HISTORY by
RICHARD SMITH
Alberta’s first Lieutenant Governor ended his days in Peachland
Did you know that the first Lieutenant Governor of Alberta lived here?
George Hedley Vicars Bulyea was born in 1859 in New Brunswick and died on July 22, 1928 in Peachland.
As the youngest ever Lieutenant Governor, he was appointed by Governor General Lord Earl Grey in 1905.
Bulyea spent many years in the service of the territorial and provincial governments and played an important role in the early history of the province of Alberta.
The Bulyeas were prosperous farmers and they had a summer home at the bottom of Princeton Avenue.
The house is still there.
Richard Smith archives George Headly Vicars Bulyea was the first Lieutenant Governor of Alberta. He died in Peachland in 1928.
LETTERS
Reader has a bone to pick with the Peachland Post
To the editor:
I have received two editions of the Peachland Post in my mailbox and I have a bone to pick with your publication.
The articles titled, “No History, Know History” are a direct reference to a Castanet article that was taken out of context and which led to Councillor Glasman being targeted for a misinterpretation. The title can simply be “Peachland History”. This side swipe is unnecessary.
I am also thoroughly disappointed that many of your advertisers left the Peachland Phoenix, who is a local businessperson that does investigative journalism and accurate, unbiased reporting. Are you trying to throw a local businessperson out of town?
I would encourage Peachland residents to pay for just a one year membership to this online paper to see what actual reporting is.
Many of the questions regarding council decisions that are asked online are written about in this online paper with background information provided on articles where it is relevant. I would rather support local, actual journalism than read puff pieces with a clear slant.
I am, quite frankly, surprised that our mayor and other council members are willing to post articles of their own in a paper which every week subtly attacks one of their own.
This is not the group I thought I had voted for.
Michele Lewis, Peachland
Editor’s note: Richard Smith’s No History? Know History column bears the same name as it did when the column appeared in the Peachland View.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Province is infringing on municipality’s turf
Like all municipalities in B.C., Peachland is in the process of adapting to a slew of provincial government policies and legislation designed to ensure that every community shoulders responsibility for addressing the housing crisis.
“As premier, I am committed to making meaningful progress to make sure everyone in B.C. can afford a good home,” said Premier David Eby in a recent interview. “That’s why we’re taking action to fix zoning problems and deliver more homes for people, faster.”
Municipalities are required to develop plans to meet all types of housing needs, and to change zoning bylaws measures to include: allowing secondary suites in single family homes; allowing up to four dwelling units on single family serviced lots; and removing the need for public hearings when a proposed re-zoning is consistent
POLICY MATTERS
Keith Fielding
with the Official Community Plan.
They also hope to increase housing stock by preventing short-term rental of properties that are not owner-occupied; prohibit strata councils from preventing the rental of a vacant unit; and install mechanisms by which the province can mandate zoning changes and growth targets where not adequately addressed by a municipality’s own needs assessment.
How these changes will affect neigbourhood life in Peach-
land is yet to be discovered.
Many municipalities have pointed to a number of concerns about this change.
That includes the process by which legislation has been developed; negative neighbourhood impacts; the impracticality of a one size fits all approach; the lack of infrastructure funding to implement change; and the time and expense involved in amending zoning bylaws, updating Official Community Plans, and amending other bylaws and policies affected.
I’ve spoken to Peachland officials who share these concerns.
The strategy adopted for dealing with the housing crisis infringes too deeply on local decision-making by not recognizing that different communities have different needs.
Keith Fielding is a former mayor of Peachland.
Park totem pole has a
Iremember Sesame Street and that little jingle ‘One of these things doesn’t belong here.’ And it’s true of our Heritage Park totem pole.
Huh? Totem pole? In 2025?
Totem poles are complex
of B.C.’s Indigenous people.
He had a large collection of artefacts which he liked to show off. He handcrafted a wide assortment of items such as moccasins and knife sheaths masks, which he had researched to make them as authentic-looking as possible.
He dressed up as an Indigenous person for special occasions, like the Kelowna Regatta.
He had a very positive relationship with local First Nations and ran a popular museum dedicated to his collections.
historical, personal, cultural and social artefacts. The various types serve multiple purposes, record lineage or represent characters in cultural stories.
They are symbolic historical monuments. So, what’s with the totem pole in Heritage Park? It’s not the heritage of the local settlers or the Okanagan Nation people.
Our local Okanagan people did not carve totem poles. Totem poles are carved by West Coast First Nations.
The pole in our park has a colourful history. Oliver Jackson, an Englishman, carved the pole in 1958. He was fascinated with and admired the culture
In 2008, the totem pole came to the attention of Richard Smith, who is always on the lookout for interesting memorabilia. It had been neglected and lying on its side in a Rutland park.
Smith took it to his home and repainted it. He chainsawed off John Rutland’s image, which was rotting at the base.
Meanwhile, owners of a Valemount hotel offered Smith $25,000 for the totem pole. It had value. He brought it to the attention of the Peachland council of the day, who decided to locate the pole in our park as part of the 2009 centennial birthday of Peachland.
I was recently part of a group attending cultural sensitivity sessions with Pamela and Grouse Barnes, two elders of the Westbank First Nation. Among other things, Grouse is a
language and knowledge keeper, and Pamela conducts sessions for UBCO’s nursing faculty.
When I asked them about the pole, they were clear that it is time for the pole to be taken down from a public park. They saw it as an insult.
Notwithstanding the past of the totem pole, the history of Oliver Jackson and his appreciation of Indigenous ways, I feel it reflects badly on us to have it in a public park.
Imitation can be a form of flattery but in these days of rec-
onciliation and the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, it’s inappropriate. Richard Smith has said he will happily take care of it and add it to his massive collection of interesting artifacts. It has a great back story but Peachland, get with the times. This is 2025.
Judy Wyper is involved with the Peachland Watershed Protection Alliance, Seniors For Change, First Things First, and the South Okanagan Chapter of the Council of Canadians.
NATURAL WONDER
JUDY WYPER
Judy Wyper photo
The totem pole in Heritage Park has a great backstory but is not culturally appropriate for Peachland or the Okanagan Valley, Judy Wyper writes.
high. The district had been providing grant funding but is pulling it away soon, said McLaughlin.
“We have been given the directive that we have to work together, between the Arts Council, the Okanagan Folk School and BEEPS, to support the use of the building, to pay for all the utilities and to take care of our own programming as well,” she said.
“So it’s a big load financially, but we’re working hard to replace that money with our own programming,” she added.
“We have a year’s worth of plans and we’re doing as much as we can to collaborate on projects and events and ways to bring the public in and build awareness.”
As well as generating revenue through events like the increasingly popular Open Mic concerts, February’s HeARTS Festival 2025 and the Red Tie Opening Gala on February 8 are important fundraising opportunities for Our SPACE, said McLaughlin.
Two years ago the district had hinted that it wished to move some offices into the building, but a public petition led to the decision to keep the building as a community facility.
“The people who took action and signed that petition two years ago and said hey, we need
to save this building for the arts, we need them now to show their support, come and be an audience or sign up and join a program, take a drawing class, come to an open mic and listen to the talent we have right here in our town. Or come and count bats.”
McLaughlin said many older people remember attending the yellow school, and with
Our SPACE now occupying what’s considered a landmark building, there’s an opportunity to add to its legacy.
“We’re trying to maintain the history of the building and grow it into the future by keeping it a vibrant and active place where people meet, socialize, listen to performances and educate themselves.”
Our SPACE has something
to offer for everyone, said McLaughlin, even people who don’t think they have a creative spirit.
“There’s just so many channels that can be followed. It’s a creative outlet if you’re a performer, or a maker or an artist, which is wonderful, even for the people who are just there to consume art or observe art, as audiences, as viewers,” she said. ••
Peachland Places of Faith
Sunday Morning Service: 10:30 am Pastor: Lyle Wahl peachlandbaptistcanada.com There is a sermon audio
Peachland United Church 4421 4th St., Peachland 250-767-2206
“Let Us Worship Together” ZOOM AND IN-SANCTUARY SERVICES AT 10 AM Pastor: Ian McLean ALL ARE WELCOME For 10:00 am zoom service, visit www.peachlandunited.ca Lake Avenue at 13th Street 250-767-9237
Contributed photo
HeARTS Festival 2025 means love is in the air in Peachland
The following is a selection of entries primarily from the Peachland Community Arts Council bi-weekly newsletter
Peachlanders, as February draws close, you’ll begin to feel that special vibe – ‘cos love is in the air – LOVE Our SPACE is the 14th Annual HeARTS Festival 2025 and it’s about to arrive.
Start planning! The Peachland Community Arts Council, Okanagan Folk School and Bat Ecological Protection Society have been working together to present this year’s festival in what is now called Our SPACE (School for Peachland Arts, Culture and Ecology), also known as the yellow schoolhouse. The festival will launch with a special Red Tie Gala fundraiser on February 8, at Our SPACE, from
5 to 9 p.m. Go to peachlandarts. ca to get your discounted early bird tickets now! All proceeds go towards improving the functioning of Our SPACE.
The evening will feature freshly shucked West Coast oysters by Codfathers, sparkling wine from Summerhill Pyramid Winery, additional hot and cold appetizers and assorted beverages.
There’ll be an art auction, 50/50 draw, live music, and artwork in the gallery. Full details of the week’s activities are available at peachlandarts.ca/hearts-festival.
Starting on February 11, visit the Passion 4 Art group in the 50 Plus Centre from 1 to 3 p.m.
On February 12, the Pincushion Quilt Guild is hosting an open
house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Thursday pop into the Peachland Art Group in the Community Centre to watch the artists at work.
The three-day Artisan Showcase featuring demos and displays by all Peachland arts groups happens over the weekend, February 14 - 16 in Our SPACE each day from 10 am to 4 p.m.. Let your passion drive you to this week’s love fest!
Been waiting for the next open mic, have you? Well, it’s on January 30, at 7 p.m., presented by the Arts Council in Our SPACE with another great lineup of talent of all ages, including guitar, ukulele, piano, vocal, and spoken word.
You’re invited to support your favourite performers and enjoy an evening of live entertain-
ment¬†right here in our community! The yellow schoolhouse is now the cultural centre of Peachland and Open Mic events are scheduled for the last Thursday of every month. Each event is different with both new and returning participants. Tickets are available at peachlandarts.ca and at the door ($3 children 12 and under, $5 members, $7 non-members). •••
On February 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the Kelowna Community Theatre, the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra will feature saxophonist Allen Harrington performing Alexander Glazunov’s Saxophone Concerto along with Scott Joplin’s Paragon Rag and Maple Leaf Rag. The orchestra will also perform Nathaniel Dett’s Cave of the Winds, Claude Debussy’s Petite Suite and Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Symphonic Dances op. 45.
Anticipate a delightful evening! That afternoon there will be an open dress rehearsal at 2 p.m. with a suggested donation of $20 at the door. What a deal for those who might not be able to afford the higher admission or dislike driving in the dark!
Christopher Byrd is the editor of the Peachland Community Arts Council newsletter.
RED TIE GALA
Jeff McDonald photo
Enjoying the winter sun on Beach Avenue.
Maria Bandol photo A bald eagle taking a break on the waterfront last month.
Richard Smith archives
SS Sicamous almost stuck in the ice, Peachland, 1925.
Mark Rucker photo Pickleball action at the Peachland Community Centre.
Mark Rucker photo
The Pincushion Quilt Guild of Peachland hard at work during a bi-annual session in the Commuity Centre, January 17.
SEE ALL PUZZLE ANSWERS BELOW
Pun
of the Week
I never wanted to believe my dad was stealing from his job as a road worker. But when I got home, all the signs were there.
POST EVENTS
Reservations or registration may be required for the following activities or events.
SATURDAY
50 Plus Centre 250-767-9133
Carpet Bowling 9:30-12 PM
Peachland Legion 250-767-9404
Meat Draw & 50-50 Draw 3-5 PM
Everyone Welcome
SUNDAY
Peachland Wellness Centre
250-767-0141
Jerry Dober breakfast 8-11 AM at the Community Centre
50 Plus Centre 250-767-9133
Bluegrass 2-5 PM
Peachland Community Centre 250767-2133
Jerry Dober Breakfast 8-11 AM
Home alone class 9-12 PM
Babysitter training 9 AM 2 PM
Paint on pottery 1-2:30 PM
Movement and dance 12-12:45 PM
Kids and parents clay class 1-2:30 PM
Intro to ballet 1:00-1:45 PM
Ballet 2-2:55 PM
jazz 3-3:55 PM
MONDAY
Peachland Community Centre
250-767-2133
Indoor walking 8-9 AM
Mini batters (ages 4 to 6) 5:15-6 PM
Baseball fundamentals (ages 7 to 9) 6-7 PM
Volleyball 7-8:15 ($5.25 drop-in)
50 Plus Centre 250-767-9133
50+ Fitness 9-10 AM
Variety singers 9-11
We Art Here 12 PM
Bridge 1 PM
Tae Kwon Do 5:30-8:30 PM
Peachland Boys and Girls Club
250-767-2515
Peachland Preschool 8:30-12:15 PM
Family Tot play time 9:30-1 PM
School’s out 2:30-5 PM
TUESDAY
Peachland Community Centre
250-2133
Flow Yoga 9-10 AM
Remedy yoga (Lvl 2) 10:30 - 11:45 AM
Therapeutic yoga 12-1:15 PM
Pickleball drills & play
10:30-12:30 PM
Friendship Club 1-3PM
Peachland Library 250-767-9111
Winter Story Time 11 AM
Stay & Play 11:45 AM
50 Plus Centre 250-767-9133
Yoga 8:30-9:30 AM
Carpet Bowling 9:30-12 PM
Fellowship (AA) 12-1 PM
Mahjong 1-4 PM
Passion 4 Art 1-4 PM
Line Dancing 4:30-5:30 PM
Cloggers 6-7 PM
Peachland Wellness Centre
250-767-2133
Ladies Coffee & Cards 11-12 PM
Mens Coffee & Cards 1-3 PM
WEDNESDAY
Peachland Community Centre
250-767-2133
Indoor walking 8-9 AM
Yoga and beyond
5:15 PM and 6:30 PM start times
Mini kickers (ages 4 to 6)
5:15-6 PM
Soccer fundamentals (ages 7 to 9) 6 -7 PM
Quilters 8-4 PM
Strength & Stretch 11:15-12:15 PM
50 Plus Centre 250-767-9133
50+ Fitness 9-10 AM
Chair Yoga 10:30-11:30 AM
We Art Here 12 PM
Bridge 1-3:30 PM
Tae Kwon Do 5:30-8:30 PM
Peachland Boys and Girls Club
250-767-2515
Peachland Preschool 8:30-12:15 PM
School’s Out 2:30-5 PM
Element Club 6-8 PM
Peachland Wellness Centre
250-767-0141
Tia Chi 10-11 AM
Sunshine Singers 1-2 PM
THURSDAY
Peachland Community Centre
250-767-2133
Art group 8-4 PM
Volleyball 5-6:15 PM
($5.25 drop in)
50 Plus Centre 250-767-9133
Yoga 8:30-9:30 AM
Iron & Silk 11-12 PM
Ukulele 1:15-2:30 PM
Peachland Library 250-767-9111
Winter Story Time 11 AM
Stay & Play 11:45 AM
FRIDAY
Peachland Community Centre
250-767-2133
Yoga for pickleball 12-1 PM
Peachland Boys and Girls Club
250-767-2515
Peachland Wellness Centre
250-767-0141
Intergenerational Choir 10 AM
Peachland Library 250-767-9111
LEGO Builds 3-4 PM
50 Plus Centre 250-767-9133
50+ Fitness 9-10 AM
Coffee Bean 10:15-12 PM
Chair Yoga 10:30-11:30
Canasta 1-4 PM
Knitting 1-3 PM
CLASSIFIEDS
Peachland Preschool 8:30-12:15 PM
Classified ad and obituary enquiries should be directed by email to info@ peachlandpost.org. The cost is $10 per column inch (30 words) with a minimum charge of $10.
WEST KELOWNA
Man who threatened welfare office staff facing new charges
By Ben BulMer
iNfoNewS RepoRteR
A West Kelowna man, who the province tried to permanently ban from a welfare office after he repeatedly threatened staff, has once again been charged for uttering threats, this time at a cashier in a gas station.
Dylan Anthony Choquette was supposed to be in court Jan. 14, having been charged with threatening the female cashier with death or bodily harm at the Petro-Canada gas station in West Kelowna on Nov. 12, 2024.
However, Choquette failed to
show up to court and a warrant was issued for his arrest.
The gas station is a mere 100 metres away from the welfare office where Choquette verbally abused staff.
Choquette, of no fixed address, has a lengthy criminal record for theft, mischief and uttering threats,
court records show.
His behaviour at the West Kelowna office of the Ministry of Social Development made headlines in early 2023 when the province took the unusual step of getting a restraining order against him after he repeatedly threatened ministry staff. ••
BWelcomeonu$
