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Peachland POST

The week of May 16, 2025

ALL PURPOSE Klip hails the benefits of having an all-purpose retail store P.8

BREATHLESS Your body is trying to tell you something, says Dawn Boys P.6 ABOUT TOWN Find out what’s going on and where it’s happening P.11

PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE

Peachland is suffering the misfortune of having a crumbling firehall while lacking the funds to pay for a replacement

By John McDonalD Staff RepoRteR

While the Downtown Revitalization Strategy is recommending increases to allowable building heights along the main drag, the first

firehall, a community policing office, a B.C. Ambulance station and possibly even a new city hall.

At least that’s the vision of Peachland Mayor Patrick Van Minsel, who is pushing for a so-called public private partnership to secure what he

CLASSIC Old autos take over Beach Avenue this weekend P.3

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District of Peachland celebrates opening of new off-leash facility in Sanderson Park

Peachland residents with dogs will soon be able to access a new off-leash dog park, the District of Peachland announced in a media release.

The Sanderson Park dog park will be fenced with separate highand low-energy dog runs and water service, the release said.

The new dog park was built using $100,000 from the $2.76 million the district received from the provincial Growing Communities Fund as well as a $5,000 for trees from B.C. Hydro’s Community Regreening program.

The district is holding a grand opening ceremony for the Sand-

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

The District of Peachland spent $100,000 to develop an off-leash facility in Sanderson Park.

erson Park off-leash dog Park on May 24 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 5900 Sanderson Ave.

On hand will be representatives from training, grooming and pet-sitting companies, the release said, and dog owners will take home a free doggy bag.

Wellness centre offers Parkinson’s Disease support group

If you or someone you care for has received a diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease, the Peachland Wellness Centre is now offering a support group.

Dubbed Shaken But Not Stirred, facilitator Barrie Hewer says the group members add up to more than 100 years experience living with the neurological disorder he estimates affects at least 50 people living in Peachland.

The group will share the latest in treatment, drug trials and lived experience, Hewer said in a media release.

For more information, call the wellness centre at (250)767-0141. poSt Staff

Classic cars take over this weekend

By John McDonalD Staff RepoRteR

The 2025 Peachland Classic Car Show will again be the focus of the May long weekend as around 225 gleaming machines are put on display downtown.

Presented by the Peachland Chamber of Commerce, the car show is considered the beginning of summer in Peachland’s social calendar and is widely considered its premier event.

Entrants are restricted to cars, trucks and hot rods that date from before 1980 all the way to 1919, Chamber president Jonathan Wall said in a media release.

“Whether you’re a car enthusiast or just looking for a fun day out, this event promises an incredible experience,” said Wall. “Don’t miss out on the chance to see these beautiful automobiles up close and partake in our community celebration.”

The owners of these classic vehicles come from as far as Saskatchewan, Alberta and all over British Columbia, the release said. Along with classic cars, there will be a few classic boats tied up alongside the event’s downtown location.

Besides the gleaming collection of chrome and engines, those attending the event can take a float plane ride, partake of food from lo-

cal food trucks and restaurants and listen to music from buskers and The Blues Brothers band. Admission to the event is by donation.

The show begins at 11 a.m. Sunday running until 4 p.m. Beach Avenue will be closed to traffic from First to Sixth Street with a detour along Waldo Way. Parking will be limited on the roads around the event so a free shuttle bus service will ferry people from free parking offered near Clements Crescent to the Peachland Community Centre between 10:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

While spectators will be allowed to get up close to the vehicles, organizers are asking that people look but don’t touch although they are free to take as many pictures as they like.

In addition to the Peachland Chamber of Commerce, event organizers Alan Wiebe, Cors Verhage and Ali Bani-Sadr would like to thank their sponsors including Bannister GM Kelowna and the District of Peachland, as well as the numerous volunteers who helped stage the event. ••

IN BRIEF

Province extends deadline for short-term rental apps to begin delisting illegal listings

The Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs has extended the deadlines for when short-term rental apps are legally required to validate provincial registration numbers and automatically remove illegal listings, the province announced in a media release.

As of June 2, if a short-term rental listing does not have a valid registration number, short-term rental apps must stop advertising the listing and prevent new bookings from that host or face a possible investigation and potential fine.

As of June 23, platforms must cancel all future bookings from hosts without a valid provincial registration number or face a possible investigation and potential fine, the release said.

During this period, the province will continue working with platforms to ensure technical concerns are addressed.

Hosts are still expected to have registered their listings by May 1.

To learn more about the principal-residence requirement, visit gov.bc.ca/ShortTermRentals. poSt Staff

John McDonald photo At least 225 classic cars, trucks and hotrods will again grace Beach Avenue as the 2025 Peachland Classic Car Show takes over downtown.

60-SECOND RANT

Who’s the genius that decided where speed bumps should go?

It’s easy to rationalize the need for the temporary speed bumps recently installed along Beach Avenue – gotta slow all those hot rods and lead-footed spectators who are sure to violate the already-low speed limit of 30km/h during the classic car show this weekend.

Placing them on either side of the crosswalk downtown also makes sense – crosswalks are frequently ignored by drivers.

What doesn’t make sense is the big speed bump about five feet in front of the stop sign at the corner of 13th St. and Beach Ave. - if a driver is willing to blow a stop sign at a t-intersection a speed bump isn’t going to slow ‘em down.

LETTERS

Peachland elementary parent advisory

council is a lot more than a ‘mom’s club’

To the editor:

Think your local Parent Advisory Council is just a “Mom Club”? Think again.

At Peachland elementary school, the Parent Advisory Council is the heart of connection, collaboration, and community spirit. If you’re a parent or guardian of a student at the school – you’re already part of the PAC.

This isn’t an exclusive club. It’s an open invitation to get involved in your child’s school experience in meaningful, hands-on ways.

Meetings are casual and welcoming, typically held the first Wednesday of each month at 8:45 a.m. at the school.

Got a little one at home? Bring them along.

(Note: attendees must be a parent or guardian of a student.)

PAC is where ideas turn into impact. Want proof? Take a walk to the playground. The ropes, the slides, the multi-user seesaw – was all made possible by PAC fundraising. Last year, our PAC officially paid it off – a huge win for our students and our community.

Throughout the year, the PAC organizes hot lunches, garden seed fundraisers, Christmas markets, and more. But our biggest celebration? The annual School Carnival, happening next Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. It’s a

fun-filled event for all ages, made possible by generous sponsors and dedicated volunteers.

Most of the proceeds go directly to field trips, classroom enhancements, and teacher support. Every dollar raised helps enrich the educational experience for our kids.

So next time you’re pushing your child on a swing or catching a giggle on the seesaw, remember: PAC made it possible. And the PAC is you. Join us. Support us. Let’s keep building something amazing together.

Brianna Rosas, COPAC representative Peachland elementary

NO HISTORY? KNOW HISTORY by

RICHARD SMITH

Chinese orchard workers once lived together in a house on Buchanan Road

There was a Hong Kong in Peachland in a very strange place.

It was the not-so-nice local name for the cabin on the beach where the Chinese orchard workers lived, below the intersection of Buchanan Road and Highway 97.

Many orchardists needed help to harvest crops and there were many Chinese that did this work. Most had been labouring on the building of the CPR Railway. Their little cabin on the lakeshore was a retreat from orchard work.

Richard Smith archives Hong Kong was the name for the place where Chinese orchard workers once lived.

LETTERS

Local government will become irrelevant

if Bill 15 is allowed to become law

To the editor:

The B.C. NDP’s Bill 15 is a direct assault on local democracy.

If passed, it will give the provincial government the power to override municipal councils, rewrite zoning laws, and fast-track developments without community input.

Why bother holding local elections if our elected officials can be bypassed with the stroke of a pen?

In Peachland, this bill could make our mayor and council irrelevant‚ mere figureheads with no authority.

Are we now waiting for a dissolution notice for our town council?

Will the district’s administrative office soon answer only to Victoria?

This isn’t progress – it’s centralization. And it’s happening without meaningful consultation. Residents across B.C. should be alarmed.

If Bill 15 passes, local government dies. And with it, the voice of the people.

Nick Walsh, Peachland

POST LETTERS

We encourage readers to submit letters to the editor on appropriate subjects. We reserve the right to edit letters for clarity, brevity and legality. Keep your submissions under 150 words and they are more likely to be published. Send your submissions to editor@peachlandpost.org

Help us continue to provide the Peachland Post

Dear Bill Gates, the Peachland Post has noted with interest that you plan to give away US $200 billion by 2045. That is most commendable and we would like to draw to your attention a particularly worthy Peachland cause that we are about to launch, the Peachland Post Sustaining Donor campaign.

Peachland Post is a community newspaper delivered free of charge to every Peachland home and business, every week. Our paper is valued by readers and fills an important community need. However, we are financially dependent on advertising revenue, donations, and the generous start-up funding provided by our founding partners.

Our sustainability requires robust revenues, which is why we are initiating our Sustaining Donor campaign and asking you and our readers to consider providing financial support.

A Sustaining Donor is someone contributing $500 or more. A list of such donors will be maintained and published in each edition. If the donation is at the $1,000 level, our front page will also say: “This Week’s Edition Supported By Sustaining Donor (your name here). Bill, as you may know, many profit-driven newspapers have closed due to high production costs and declining readership caused by people getting their news on computers – not trying to blame you for that, it’s

just how it is. So how about kicking off our campaign with a $500 or $1,000 contribution? That would be most helpful. A word about Peachland, Bill. We are located in British Columbia and have a population of about 6,200. We are noted for our small town charm and the stunning scenery surrounding us. I’m sure you would love it here! We have many B&Bs and if you wish to visit I can provide a list. Pickleball is very popular, and if you play I can probably arrange some court time. Do let me know. For more information about our Sustaining Donor campaign email me at info@peachlandpost. org. Otherwise, donations of any amount can be sent by e-transfer to accounts@peachlandpost.org

Thanks Bill (and our readers!)

Keith Fielding is president of the Peachland Community Newspaper Society.

YOUR LOCAL NEWSPAPER

LIFE FORCE

Your breathing is trying to tell you something about your body

We come in to this life with an inhale and we leave with an exhale. But in the space between are many breaths and how we breath can have a significant impact on our life and our life force.

We can take this autonomic process, of breathing for granted. We typically breath 10 to 20 breaths per minute.

In fact, if we take a moment to actually be aware of our breath, it can tell us a lot about our state of mind.

For instance, when we are stressed about something we’ve heard or are shocked by the news we likely hold back our breath. When we hear that everything is going to be okay, what do we do?

We let out the breath we were holding and have a sigh of relief. Then we take a full breath.

This is a reset and lets out parasympathetic nervous sys-

tem know that it’s ok to let our guard down, the coast is clear and we can breath again.

So imagine living in a state of hyper-arousal and stress, or the sympathetic nervous response.

You likely wouldn’t be breathing in a way that gives your body the proverbial high five to go on living in a relaxed manner.

This top down effect of using your brain to control your body is a common way to function.

More recent studies on the bottom up effect tells us that 70 per cent of what we experience in our body will communicate to the brain, through our Vagus nerve, that we are either in a state of arousal or calm.

This means that only 30 per cent of what the brain interprets is affecting the body.

So if you aren’t breathing in a relaxed or fluid pattern, your brain gets the message that there may be a threat and it sets you up to be on guard.

To simplify what this means in our breathing is that when we panic and hold our breath or just deny breathing coherently, we tell the brain that something is wrong and the brain sends messages to the vital organs, muscles and fascia that we need to be ready to fight, flee, freeze or fawn.

If, however, we incorporate a slow extended breath in times

“ Poor breathing patterns have been found to exacerbate musculoskeletal dysfunction, and general back pain… “

when we can practice response to stress, we learn to readjust the bottom up effect and turn off these stress responses that have many health repercussions if we experience them repeatedly.

So what do studies show about this coherent, resonant or slow breathing?

The studies are too numerous to mention, but those done on heart health stood out most in one systematic review done in 2017.

The study that investigated slow breathing increased respiratory muscle function, ventilation efficiency, increased the baroreflex or blood pressure regulation, increased heart rate variability, increased blood flow dynamics, improved respiratory sinus arrhythmia, and so much more.

In addition to this study, this coherent breathing reduces anxiety, depression and stress in palliative care patients as well as care staff, it reduces symptoms in

insomnia disorders, other autonomic disorders like PTSD and panic disorders and chronic pain.

In this large research study done in 2015, a literature review concluded that “athletic trainers and physical therapists should consider the inclusion of breathing exercises for the treatment of back pain.” (Anderson and Huxley Bliven 2015).

Poor breathing patterns have been found to exacerbate musculoskeletal dysfunction, and general back pain.

As there is much more to unpack on this topic, just start with noticing when you hold back your breath.

Are you feeling stressed? If you can come back to your breath and just breathe, does this change the way that you feel?

And maybe your breathing is telling you something about your situation and environment. I always say in my yoga teachings that if you can’t breathe, you shouldn’t be there.

This may relate to the movement practice or yoga shape that you’re in , situations, thoughts, or even the people that you’re around. Trust your breath. It’s your life force.

Dawn Boys works at the Peachland Wellness Centre and Peachland Parks and Recreation.

FROM PAGE 1

Beach Avenue buildings and the involvement of a private developer would help finance a move to group all the district’s primary services in one building. “We don’t need to be down on Beach Avenue on such a prime site,” he said, of the current municipal offices.

A public private partnership, or P3 as they are known, typically involves a combination of some level of government and a private developer or operator either of which might own the land or the infrastructure built on top of it, all of it defined by a customized contract.

While Peachland has never used a P3, they have been employed for years by cities and municipalities across Canada to fund various infrastructure projects big and small, including for such mega-projects as the Confederation Bridge connecting Prince Edward Island to the mainland, the 407 toll highway in Toronto and the Royal Ottawa Hospital in the nation’s capital.

Closer to home, P3s have been used to finance the Canada Line Skytrain expansion in Vancouver and the Abbotsford Hospital in the Fraser Valley. Both Prospera Place arena in downtown Kelowna and the $144-million William Bennett floating bridge across Okanagan Lake were built under the auspices of P3 agreement. Indeed, B.C. is at the forefront of P3 use in Canada through the creation 20 years ago of Partnerships BC, a company registered under the Business Corporations Act whose only shareholder is the provincial Ministry of Finance. While a protective services building for Peachland isn’t in the league of those mega-projects, Van Minsel maintains a public private partnership is the only

way to make up the $10-million budget shortfall without a multiyear tax increase for homeowners and a raid on capital reserves.

Details of the new building are a ways off but District of Peachland councillors have already agreed to at least consider the possibility through a request for expressions of interest it has already put out to private sector developers.

Councillors will know by June 14 which companies might want to jump into the project, Van Minsel said, which would then be asked to submit detailed proposals for constructing the building on land the district already owns.

While the idea of living over a working firehall might not sound appealing, Van Minsel said such an arrangement already exists in Victoria, where 130 units of affordable housing were built in the eight floors on top of the city’s replacement firehall No. 1.

During an official visit to Victoria last month, Van Minsel consulted city planners about the possible pitfalls and problems of using the P3 model. “They were very satisfied (and the) residents there have

no complaints.” Van Minsel added.

P3s are certainly not without their critics, who usually invoke the dangers of placing critical public infrastructure in the hands of a private company, but Van Minsel is dismissive of those concerns.

“We will not be giving up ownership of the land,” the mayor insisted. “But you have to have strict rules in place about who does what and an iron-clad contract. We also have a very good lawyer who will look things over before anything is signed.”

Peachland homeowners, at least those who’s homes still employ a septic field for sew-

age disposal, might also find themselves involved in a public private partnership, although Van Minsel calls that “plan B”.

Just about half of Peachland’s homes are still without a sewage connection, with many of them facing the prospect of imminent failure and all of them facing a price tag of between $30,000 to $60,000 for eventual replacement, according to the mayor.

Even with a $4-million grant from the Okanagan Basin Water Board and another $4 million drawn from district reserves, Van Minsel says Peachland has less than a third of the estimated $26 million needed to connect 1,274 homes to sewage treatment.

His office has been actively lobbying the provincial and federal governments to make up the $18-million shortfall through infrastructure grants, but Van Minsel says the district is preparing a backup plan, given that Peachland has been turned down for such grants three times before.

“If we don’t get any grants, it will cost (homeowners) three to four thousand a year for 30 years,” Van Minsel said. “Nobody can afford that.”

With a P3 the mayor said the cost would drop to between $200 to $400 a year, albeit over a much longer time span. ••

John McDonald photo B.C Ambulance’s current Station 347 at the end of 3rd Street. The station would be a likely tenant of the proposed protective services building.

The commercial aspect of any town has stores with items you need, and others with items you want. Both are essential to making a community work for its residents.

Your Dollar Store and More fits the first category admirably. They have many thousands of items that we may need at any time, and can simply go to their location in the Peachland Centre Mall and save a trip to West Kelowna or Kelowna.

Under the year-and a half ownership by Kam Suthar this store has become a local favourite for its wide variety of products.

Kam’s background in computer engineering, and his experience managing systems and ordering, have helped streamline the store’s operations, ensuring

smooth shopping for all.

Kam’s focus is on offering an assortment of items that cater to the needs of the Peachland community.

Some of the store’s standout features include an extensive selection of greeting cards, school supplies, craft items, electronics, and party supplies like helium-filled balloons.

Plus, they offer seasonal items for celebrations, such as the recently-held St. Patrick’s Day and Easter. His business phone number is (250) 767-1877. Email is Mitinfosys@gmail.com.

The commercial aspect also includes home-based businesses who survive and thrive on word-of-mouth commendations and I, amongst others, have recommended Ali Bani-Sadr, who helps friends and neighbours with their technical problems. Ali has decades of technical know-how in his background. For example, in the late 1980s, when he had an auto dealership, he introduced an innovative approach to systems to have a computer network, with a computer on every desk. In today’s world, that is very

common, but it was industry innovation then. Ali loves to work with technology, and also loves to help people in his community. As his card says, he is “here to help”, and he teaches understanding as well as providing solutions. Ali is involved with the Classic car show and coaching kids’ soccer.

You can reach Ali at (604) 250-6711, or email at abanisadr555@gmail.com

KLIP’S TIP:

“Real success is finding your lifework in the work that you love.”

David McCullough

Bruce Klippenstein, CPA, CA is the Okanagan Town Crier and lives in Peachland. Contact klipper1@ shaw.ca. News items welcome.