COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MEETING
Downtown Revitalization
Council was presented the Draft Phase I Downtown Revitalization Implementation Strategy (DRIS) and provided the opportunity to review and give feedback on it before it is reviewed by Council’s Downtown Revitalization Implementation Strategy Task Force and prior to undertaking public consultation on the draft document. The draft DRIS document provides guiding policy principles that will lead to new development activity and improved vitality in the downtown core. The draft document includes five “Big Moves” which are proposed building blocks of activities to achieve the vision of the plan.
Official Community Plan Minor Update
Council took part in a scoping workshop related to the minor review of the District’s Official Community Plan (OCP) to take place this year. The review is expected to cost approximately $150,000 and is fully grant funded, depending on the scope of the work undertaken. The proposed review will consider growth scenarios, population projections, housing policies, financial sustainability and development permit areas and guidelines. The District’s current OCP was adopted in June 2018 and it is recommended to conduct a review of an OCP every five years. The review is identified as a key priority in Council’s strategic plan. The minor OCP review is scheduled for 2025 to coincide with recent provincially legislated changes with requirements to update OCPs by the end of the year, but Council has satisfied the requirement to review the District’s housing capacity in accordance with legislation. The review includes extensive public engagement including pop-up events, a public survey, an open house and a constant online presence throughout. A dedicated project webpage will provide regular updates and an ongoing question and answer section.
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
Downtown Revitalization Implementation Strategy
After a discussion at the Committee of the Whole in the morning on the draft Phase I Downtown Revitalization Implementation Strategy (DRIS), Council directed staff to undertake public engagement at the 2025 Community Open House/BBQ event on June 11 and other activities including a meeting of the DRIS Task Force. Council will receive a report on the summary of the engagement alongside the final Phase I Downtown Revitalization Implementation Strategy for consideration.
6488 Renfrew Road Rezoning
Council gave three readings to a bylaw to rezone 6488 Renfrew Road from Rural Residential (RR1) to Multi-Unit Infill Residential to facilitate a future subdivision. The application will be scheduled for adoption once covenants are registered including development restrictions on environmentally sensitive and hazardous portions of the property, and to provide community amenity contributions and traffic improvements.
The proposal aligns with various policies of the Official Community Plan and is consistent with the future land use designation. The surrounding neighbourhood Low Density Residential (R1) zone also permits up to 4 dwelling units per lot.
Council Meeting Times
Council discussed the motion submitted for consideration by Mayor Van Minsel at the March 25 meeting and agreed to a trial change of the start time of Council meetings to 3 pm from the current start time of 6 pm. The recommended change is expected to result in operational efficiencies and cost savings. Council agreed to a trial until the end of the year. Public Hearings would still be held at 6 pm.
OCP Minor Review Project
Council endorsed the proposed scope of work, community engagement plan, and timeline for the 2025 Official Community Plan (OCP) minor review project, as discussed during a scoping workshop at Council’s Committee of the Whole meeting earlier in the day.
Early Start Time of April 22 meeting
Council agreed to a morning meeting for April 22 to accommodate two councillors who will attend the meeting remotely. The meeting will begin at 10 am.
Next Council Meeting
The next Regular Council Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 22, 2025, beginning at 10 am. Council meetings are open to the public and webcast live. Find the full schedule by visiting www.peachland.ca/government/meetings. Find webcasts of past meetings at www.peachland.ca/government/meetings/archived-webcasts. Keep informed; subscribe to get news and event information emailed directly to you at www.peachland.ca/services/subscribe.