Peachland residents have a chance to help shape the future of their downtown.
The district is hosting an open house and community BBQ on Wednesday, June 11, at the Community Centre, starting at 4 p.m. Residents can drop by to learn more about the Downtown Revitalization Implementation Strategy (DRIS), and share their thoughts.
Launched in 2023, the strategy aims to identify steps to encourage development and vibrancy in the downtown. It was presented to council’s Committee of the Whole in April and builds on the 2010 Sustainable Downtown Peachland Plan. While that earlier plan was visionary, it lacked the tools to bring ideas to life, according to a staff report.
The strategy envisions downtown Peachland as a vibrant, year-round destination that balances growth and tourism and small-town charm. Ten guiding principles support the vision, highlighting mixed-use development, walkability, heritage and waterfront preservation, and economic vitality.
The plan also outlines five initiatives or “Big Moves.” These include updating planning policies, investing in downtown growth, modernizing parking regulations, activating public spaces, and improving active transportation.
The strategy also proposes changes to zoning regulations that have been seen as barriers to redevelopment. Current rules around density, residential mix, and parking have made it difficult to attract new investment, according to the report.
Also, a review of the 2016 Parking Strategy found that only 52 per cent of downtown parking stalls were in use, supporting the proposal to eliminate commercial parking requirements for new developments.
Public input has played a major role in shaping the plan. A task force helped refine the vision and priorities, and feedback from a public open house in June 2024 was also used to help guide it.
Next steps include gathering final feedback from the task force, additional public engagement, and finalizing the DRIS document. Once complete, the strategy will go to council for endorsement, potentially followed by bylaw changes to begin implementation.
Residents are encouraged to attend the June 11 open house to learn more and have their say on the future of downtown Peachland.
