Peachland’s infamy

Dear editor: Peachland’s size is eclipsed by its fame or at least, by its infamy. A West Kelowna man laughed, saying he always checks the Peachland View for reports of our political antics.

How he must enjoy the latest. “Police protect Council from unruly mob.” The mob was protesting approval of only the second development on Beach Avenue in 20 years. Is that an anti-development symptom, or what?

Fourteen years ago, approval of the Gateway development was opposed by a similar storm of ritual protest. Today, the Gateway stands out as the most attractive commercial establishment on Beach Avenue. The others are dated and quaint as are the numerous modest residences, many of which are rentals.

Tombstone, Arizona is another town with a main street adorned with structural relics of the past. Among others is the OK Corral where the famous gun fight is re-enacted daily. Tombstone’s relics attract the tourism that supports their economy. With no natural assets, Tombstone survives by capitalizing on a colourful history.

Unfortunately Peachland’s relics are unattractive and re-enactments of Peachland’s history will never draw flies. But Peachland does have a superb natural asset, 14 km of lakeshore that includes real estate with the potential to attract desirable Gateway-type development increasing the tax base and providing stable employment.

How long will the majority of Peachlanders remain silent while unaccountable, irresponsible mobs set our image and derail the best efforts of council to capitalize on the lake lands to create an even more attractive community but also, one with a viable and sustainable economy? John Abernethy

Peachland