Peachland View February 10, 2023

FireSmart program to offer residents coupons for West K tipping fees

JOANNE

LAYH

The Peachland fire department is hoping more residents will FireSmart their properties this year to help reduce the communi-

ty’s risk from wildfire. If the fire department is successful in its application for $200,000 in grant funding through the Community Resiliency Investment Program, the

district’s FireSmart program will be able to offer residents a rebate of 50 cents on the dollar up to $1,000 for FireSmart activities; as well, the district is also hoping to offer res-

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Notice is hereby given that Council will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, February 21 at 5:00 pm in Council Chambers at the Peachland Community Centre, 4450 – 6th Street, Peachland, BC to consider:

“Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw No. 2367” and “Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 2368”

Council will hear from persons who deem their interest in property to be affected by these bylaw amendments.

Location: 6785 Thorne Road, Peachland

Legal Description: (Lot A, District Lot 221, ODYD, Plan 19113)

Purpose: To amend the Subject Property Official Community Plan Future Land Use Map from “Rural” to “Low Density Residential”; AND, to amend the Zoning Bylaw Map zone from “Rural Residential (RR1)” to “Single Detached Residential (R1)”, to facilitate future subdivision.

idents $20 coupons toward tipping fees at the transfer station in West Kelowna.

“We rely heavily on this grant to do our public education and FireSmart activities. Without this grant we wouldn’t be doing any of that planning,” said fire chief Dennis Craig at last Tuesday’s council meeting. The new Community Resiliency Investment

Program (CRIP) replaces Strategic Wildfire Prevention Initiative (SWPI) and allows for a wider variety of eligible tasks than SWPI did, said Craig.

Under the new program, the district will be able to include a rebate program for yard waste disposal fees at the transfer station in West Kelowna, and wage coverage for two Local

FireSmart representatives and a FireSmart laborer as well as an educational event covering evacuation planning.

Local governments that are deemed high risk can apply for funding to cover 100 per cent of the cost of eligible activities up to a maximum of $200,000.

Continued on Page 5

SPIRIT OF PEACHLAND CIVIC AWARDS: GET INVOLVED!

If you are a member of a Peachland Community Group, you can volunteer to be a part of the Spirit of Peachland Awards Selection Committee. This committee will review the nominations and make recommendations to Council regarding the winners. For more information or to volunteer on the Committee contact Ben at 250-767-2133 or email bstringer@peachland.ca

Nominations are being accepted until Friday, March 3, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. For nomination information visit www.peachland.ca.

Copies of the proposed Bylaws and related material can be reviewed at Municipal Hall, 5806 Beach Avenue, Peachland, BC between 8:00 to 3:30 pm Monday to Friday from February 10, 2023 to February 21, 2023 or online at www. peachland.ca/publichearings. Municipal Hall will be closed February 20, 2023.

To be considered by Council, concerns must be expressed in writing or presented in person at the Public Hearing. Written submissions may be delivered to the District of Peachland Municipal Hall or emailed to the Corporate Officer, at corporateservices@peachland.ca. All written and emailed submissions must be received by 4:00 pm on February 20, 2023 and will become part of the public record.

5.12 per cent tax hike for Peachland property owners

JOANNE LAYH

Peachland property owners are looking at a 5.12 per cent general tax increase for 2023, which amounts to $75.61 for an average single-family dwelling.

Council has yet to contemplate how much more they want to add to the town’s reserves, so that number could go up a bit further.

On Tuesday director of finance Garry Filafilo presented Peachland council with a 2023 budget briefing, which received their provisional approval.

Staff had proposed a general tax increase of 4.24 per cent, but the addition of $25,000 for extra staff to operate the poop Zamboni and $25,000 for a part-time seasonal bylaw officer project boosted the increase to 5.12 per cent.

Based on a typical assessed value the increase equates to $75.61, which doesn’t include taxation from the school district, hospital district, regional district (expected to go up five per cent at minimum, according to Mayor Van Minsel) and Okanagan Public Library, as rates have not yet been received from those authorities.

In total, expenditures increased by $1,196,303 from $13,813,928 in 2022 to $15,010,231 in 2023.

Council spent considerable time discussing solutions to the town’s goose problem before deciding to spend $25,000 for someone to regularly staff the poop Zamboni.

Staff had also presented

the option of installing irritant lighting, but there were concerns expressed that irritant lighting might ad-

CAO Joe Creron said it’s a very difficult topic but he agreed to come back to council with some rec-

“Over the past 10 years or so, downtown has been ripe for redevelopment yet not much revitalization

addition of a communication coordinator/grant writer, $30,000 for museum funding assistance, an

The plan, according to Filafilo, will allow them to keep the museum open when it needs to be and serve the community.

“We’ve had a full-time curator for the museum for the last almost 20 years,” said Coun. Terry Condon, in reference to retired fire chief Don Wilson. “I think it’s only right that they’ve asked for help in managing the transition. Don’s not 16 anymore and is looking to scale back the amount of time he spends at the museum, and I think, rightly so. He’s been there for a very long time at no cost to the community at all and he’s done a magnificent job.”

versely affect the local bat population, which the community wants to protect.

Currently staff operate the poop Zamboni about two times a week, but operations manager Shawn Grundy conceded “it does get bad in between those times.”

“Not only is this a considerable irritant, but it’s also a significant health hazard,” said Coun. Terry Condon.

“I don’t think we can stand by and do nothing about it,” said Coun. Dave Collins. “I have my own feelings about geese as a pest and what I would do if I was allowed, but I don’t think we can take a passive approach to it. I think we have to take an active approach of something.”

Coun. Alena Glasman put forward the suggestion that the town consider a cull.

ommendations around a long-term solution to the goose problem.

Creron noted that he worked for the City of Kelowna when they undertook a rabbit cull.

“You’d better be prepared for everyone in the world writing you emails,” he warned. “You will get inundated with emails and protestors and all kinds of stuff, but I think you are looking at it the right way.”

Coun. Brophy said he would support a cull if necessary.

“Children come before geese, simple as that,” said Brophy.

Peachland council also spent a fair bit of time discussing the use of $150,000 from Community Works to fund a downtown revitalization strategy and implementation plan.

has occurred if anything. There have been many discussions, debates and plans including the Sustainable Downtown Plan, completed in 2010, yet redevelopment has not occurred,” reads the budget briefing to council.

Creron told council that although the Sustainable Downtown Plan provides a vision for the downtown, a more detailed strategy is needed to provide certainty to the development community.

“Right now nobody knows what’s permissible,” said Creron. “I’m hoping it will bring some certainty.”

The idea is that the plan will include detailed land use, design guidelines, landscape plans, and building heights.

Other notable 2023 operating requests include $79,401 (prorated) for the

extra $63,490 for policing, $10,000 for Heritage Park electrical upgrades, $7,500 for lifeguard training, retention and attraction, $17,625 to lease a new pickup for the fire department’s deputy chief, $64,449 (prorated) for an operations superintendent, $12,500 for anticipated contamination penalties levied by Recycle BC, $35,000 for T-doc remediation at Swim Bay, $50,000 for Turner Park turf and infield remediation, $25,000 for the first phase of a boundary expansion, and $200,000 for a major DCC bylaw review project.

The $30,000 for museum funding assistance will go to helping the historical society manage the museum’s succession and become more sustainable in the future.

Mayor Patrick Van Minsel agreed, and noted the museum is the town’s property and they are responsible for it.

“There could be some creative things that we could do,” said Creron. “We’ll work through it and we’ll be bringing back a presentation to council.”

The budget’s capital project highlights include $86,000 for a community centre air conditioning replacement ($79,000 from grant funding and $7,000 from reserves), $45,000 to upfit the new fire department pick-up, $920,000 to purchase the lot at 4223 San Clemente for the new fire hall, $375,000 to replace a plow truck, $15,000 to replace a snowmobile, and $25,000 to replace a sander.

The 2023 financial plan, tax rates bylaw and parcel tax bylaws will need to be adopted by Peachland council before May 15.

“Right now nobody knows what’s permissible.”

- cao joe creron

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.

Welcome Castanet

In January we received the news that Joanne Layh will be moving to the Lower Mainland at the end of February. We respect her decision although it was a bit sad to receive. Joanne has been with us for 16 years, through thick and thin. She is one of our most trusted managers and has completed assignments for us in Vernon, Kelowna, Jasper, Edmonton and Peachland (twice). She will be greatly missed both by us and the community at large, but we wish her well in her new location and we expect that she will continue to be successful no matter what she does.

Joanne has a unique skill set in our industry. She is one of the few individuals with a background in both Editorial and Sales and she has been able to marry both skill sets in order to publish The View. We recognize that it is extremely unlikely that we can find another individual with her experience. With this in mind we have decided not to continue the print edition of t he Peachland View and the final edition will be the Friday, February 24 issue.

However, we don’t want to stop the print edition and leave Peachland without a source of local news. So we have invited our friends and colleagues at Castanet to start a Peachland digital edition. They are working on it now. They are creating a Peachland news section and they will dedicate additional editorial resources to increased Peachland news coverage, including coverage of council. Castanet already has a significant readership base in Peachland and they are happy to provide an even greater level of service to the community.

During the new few weeks Joanne will be introducing the Castanet representative, Whitney Oakes, to our Peachland readers and advertisers. We hope you will welcome Whitney and the Castanet team. We believe that you will be in good hands with Castanet.

Robert Doull, President, Aberdeen Publishing

Forestry work needs to be forest-friendly, says resident

The environment is in the news. The B.C. government’s intentions paper, From Flood Risk to Resilience in BC, asks for public input. Premier David Eby has declared our forests “exhausted.” Measures have begun to protect old growth forests. Incomappleux Conservancy was created in January, protecting 58,000 HA of inland

temperate rainforest. There are deferrals on 1.7M HA of old growth B.C. forest. Meanwhile those rumbling logging trucks carry our forest down Princeton Ave and away.

What about us? Our watershed has been overlogged. I say that the forest above Peachland urgently needs protection.

Forests are climate reg-

ulators and carbon sinks. They enable biodiversity and help prevent landslides and flooding. They hold moisture longer in the environment, control downhill water flow, purify and cool the water in our streams.

Clearcuts increase the downhill movement of water, causing a quicker and faster snow melt. Little rivulets turn into small

Max speed should be 70 km/h

I don’t understand why the highway through Peachland has been of no concern to MOTI. Start at Drought Hill going north. You can be doing the speed limit of 90 km/h plus and when the third lane opens up it’s like the white flag has been dropped for cars, trucks and SUVs to break speed limit records.

Not sure if they realize but I laugh at them when we meet at first traffic lights (idiots). The speed limit should be reduced to 70 km/h until just past the connector. Here is the genius part going south on Drought Hill - you can pass just before traffic is turning right onto Hwy 97 north

from Buchanan and traffic turning left on Hwy 97 from Huston. Can you believe it, the speed limit is 90 km/h to add to excitement? Speed turns into 70 km just around corner from Trepanier Bench Rd. I can tell you from experience very few if any comply to the speed limit. So let’s continue on the stretch from Ponderosa to Princeton. Yep, you got it, there is passing allowed on this stretch where there is nowhere to go if any slight miscalculation. Oh, not finished yet. There is a stretch south of Peachland around Brent Rd where death has occurred.

This stretch of highway

through Peachland should be named the highway of death. The speed limit through Peachland should be max 70 km/h and electronic radar controlled with the ability to track license plates with cameras throughout the highway.

Government should be for the people, to serve and protect. What I have witnessed in the last eight years is government for the government.

Stay alive.

Mike Polvere, Peachland

streams and converge with others to create messy runoff. Muddy water flows into Bolingbrooke, Bolivar, and Greata Creek, makes its way into Hardy Creek, and our water treatment plant.

Forests are natural infrastructures and can be commodified. Cleaner water entering our treatment plant lessens the workload,

saves operating costs and could help reduce water rates.

Peachland needs to have a say in what happens in its watershed. It is time for our council to take measures to gain veto rights and jurisdiction in our watershed. We need an end to clearcuts and a move to forest-friendly forestry work. We need to protect what is

left and work to restore the land. Intact forest ecosystems provide clean water for free.

And by the way, we have old growth trees. There’s a book launch at our library on January 11 from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. to celebrate The Big Tree Book, by Terry Nelson. Three of ours are featured in the book.

Judy Wyper, Peachland

FireSmart program changes

Continued from Page 2

Peachland’s application will focus on FireSmart programs such as a partnership with departments from Penticton to Vernon

for TV commercials and other FireSmart education events, hosting of a multi-agency planning meeting for fuel management, training for the Home Partners Program,

off-site vegetative debris management for FireSmart recognized neighborhoods and establishing a local rebate program for residential properties that complete eligible FireSmart activities.

LOCAL EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

BIG TREES OF THE INLAND TEMPERATE FORESTS OF BC book launch and reception wtih author Terry Nelson at Peachland Library Sat. Feb 11 2 pm - 4 pm - meet the author, buy the book. Coffee and baking will be served.

HEARTS FESTIVAL continues until Feb 13 for a weeklong celebration of the arts. Includes OPEN MIC EVENT Feb 9, 7 pm at the Peachland Art Gallery, For more information visit peachlandarts.ca

CAPTURED IMAGES exhibition at Peachland Art Gallery

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

SPIN, SCULPT AND STRETCH

9:30 am - 10:45 am

Peachland Community Centre

REMEDY PELVIC FLOOR YOGA

THERAPY

11 am - 12:15 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

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

SPIN, CORE & STRETCH

6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Peachland Community Centre

PICKLEBALL DROP-IN ALL

PLAY

6:30 pm - 8:15 pm

Peachland Community Centre

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

REMEDY YOGA THERAPY

LEVEL TWO 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)

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

more. FREE!

BEFORE THE FALL MOVIE NIGHT Film screening, Q&A, popcorn, refreshments, and discussion panel after the screening on Feb 23 at 7 pm at the 50 Plus Activity Centre. Hosted by the Peachland Watershed Protection Alliance. Admission by donation.

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

BRIDGE

1 pm – 4 pm

50 Plus Activity Centre

SUNSHINE SINGERS

1 pm -2 pm

Peachland Wellness Centre

LEGION KARAOKE

3:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Royal Canadian Legion #69

MINI KICKERS SOCCER

5:15 pm - 6 pm

Peachland Community Centre

HATHA YOGA

5:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Peachland Community Centre

KIDS DROP-IN SOCCER 7-9

YEARS

6 pm - 6:45 pm except Feb. 8

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 LEVEL

1

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

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.

WELLNESS CENTRE PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP

Meets Tuesdays - call the Peachland Wellness Centre for more details 250 767 0141.

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

MINI BATTERS T-BALL 4-6

YEARS

5:15 pm - 6 pm

Peachland Community Centre

BINGO

5:30 pm (EOW)

50 Plus Activity Centre

PICKLEBALL DROP-IN ALL

PLAY

6:30 pm - 8:15 pm

Peachland Community 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

REMEDY YOGA THERAPY

LEVEL 1

12:30 pm - 1:45 pm

Peachland Community Centre

CANASTA

1 pm

50+ Activity Centre

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

PICKLEBALL DROP-IN ALL

PLAY 3 pm - 4:45 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

PICKLEBALL - LEVEL 2.5-3.5

12 pm - 2 pm

Peachland Community Centre

PICKLEBALL - LEVEL 3.75+

2 pm - 4 pm

Peachland Community Centre

4th Meridian Art & Auctions

unexpected & curious finds

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

HUB Valentine market draws a crowd

Peachland Ambassador Aiyana Bremner serves up cotton candy.

PHOTOS BARRY YEATS

Heidi Slyngbom was on hand to distribute information about the proposed Peachland HUB project.

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.

Investment in health care

DAN ALBAS MP

This week Canada’s premiers are in Ottawa for what has often been report-

ed as “negotiations” with Prime Minister Trudeau for a new agreement on the Canada Health Transfer.

The “Canada Health Transfer” (CHT) transfers a

portion of the federal taxes you send to Ottawa back to provinces and territories to help cover the costs of providing healthcare.

I use the term ‘negotia-

tions’ loosely because, in reality, the federal government typically sets out what the increase will be to the CHT.

Provinces have little

COVID-19vaccination

choice but to accept whatever amount of money the federal government establishes as reasonable.

The CHT is estimated to be $45.2 billion for the 2022/23 fiscal year.

Prime Minister Trudeau announced that over the next ten years, the increase to the CHT will be $196.1 billion, which represents $46.2 billion in new funding on top of what was previously budgeted.

There is also $25 billion set aside for bilateral deals and some other “top-ups” in specific areas.

Overall, the new funding agreement will lead to an increase of 5 per cent in the CHT over the next five years.

The agreement also includes some “strings” like data sharing between the provinces and the federal government and upholding the Canada Health Act to protect Canadians’ “access to health care based on need and not ability to pay.”

Recently the Province of Ontario announced intentions to increase the use of private clinics to help clear surgical waitlists.

ly funded health services, adding further fuel to this discussion.

The CEO of Ipsos Public Affairs said: “...in the 30 years he has studied public opinion in Canada, he has never seen such a shift in support toward privatization.”

Getting back to the CHT announcement, as is often the case, the premiers unanimously expressed disappointment noting that the increase in funding was insufficient to address the severe challenges facing provincial healthcare systems.

Here in B.C., as reported by the Vancouver Sun, our share of this increased funding over the next ten years works out to $600 million a year.

Dr.DanièleBehnSmith DeputyProvincialHealthOfficer, IndigenousHealth

Dr. Danièle Behn Smith Deputy Provincial Health Officer, Indigenous Health

In a media interview with the Toronto Star, the plan by the Province of Ontario was called “innovative” by PM Trudeau.

Vaccinationhelpspreventserious illnessandhospitalization.Designed forchildren’simmunesystems,pediatric vaccinesdeliverasmallerdosethan theadultdose.Theyaretestedandsafe.

Vaccination helps prevent serious illness and hospitalization. Designed for children’s immune systems, pediatric vaccines deliver a smaller dose than the adult dose. They are tested and safe.

As a result of the PM’s praise for increased involvement of private healthcare, many, including some Liberal MPs, have expressed concern and, in some cases, condemnation of the PM’s comments.

The leader of the NDP has accused Prime Minister Trudeau of placing Canada’s universal health care system under threat.

Earlier this week, Global News reported on an Ipsos poll that suggested 59 per cent of adults surveyed expressed support for the private delivery of public-

The B.C. provincial budget for healthcare spending was $23.8 billion in 20212022.

The provinces were asking for an annual increase to the CHT of $28 billion.

What PM Trudeau announced this week is, on average, less than $5 billion in new funding a year.

My question this week: Do you think PM Trudeau should have further increased the Canada Health Transfer, or do you view the announced increase as reasonable?

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

Thebenefitsof

outweightherisks. That’swhymychildren arevaccinated.”

“

Bookyourchild'sCOVID-19vaccinetoday. gov.bc.ca/vaccineforkids

This week’s Crossword, Sudoku & Word Search

25. Print errors

27. Professional drivers

28. Kiss box set

29. Short, fine fibers

30. Administers punishment

32. Czech city

34. Normal or sound powers of mind

35. The academic world

36. Crustacean

37. Currency

38. Pastoral people of Tanzania or Kenya

40. Cloth spread over a coffin 41. Grouped together 42. On land 43. Glistened 45. A type of extension 48. One who assists 51. College sports conference 52. Zero

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

$1,119,900

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.

JASON COWARD

250-575-3643

jason@jasoncoward.ca

www.sellingpeachland.ca

Expert Real Estate Service Since 2007

MLS 10263792

MLS® 10268163

1969 Cornerstone Dr - Overlooking the valley, lake & mountain views this PRISTINE walkout rancher is located in the sought after gated community ‘The Highlands’. Bright living space complete with large windows, open concept living, hardwood floors, well designed kitchen, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops,spacious covered deck, private covered patio, beautiful fenced yard and more! Close to all amenities, golf, schools, hiking ~ perfect home to live the Okanagan lifestyle!

Most affordable home in a neighbourhood of multi-million dollar waterfront properties on a cul-de-sac. Lakeview 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home with unfinished space in the basement for an extra bedroom and bathroom. Large 19x11 covered deck for enjoying the views. Over-sized 21x18 garage offers room for parking and toys. Huge paved driveway offers extra parking and room for your RV. Call Coreena for more information.

Mountain, Lake & Valley Views

Dave Collins 250-870-1444 Coreena Collins 250-801-7164

5182 Robinson Place