Peachland voters install new mayor, approve fire hall borrowing

Photo: Patrick Van Minsel

UPDATE 10:15 p.m.

The District of Peachland has a new mayor.

Patrick Van Minsel defeated Keith Fielding and incumbent Cindy Fortin.

There was also significant change on council, with Terry Condon the only incumbent to be returned. He will be joined by Randey Brophy, Rick Ingram, David Collins, Keith Thom and Alena Glasman.

Voters also voted to approve borrowing for a new protective services building with 1,729 and 588 against.

The full unofficial results are below:

• Patrick Van Minsel 1,104
• Keith Fielding 983
• Cindy Fortin 293

Councillors

• Randey Brophy 1,382
• Rick Ingram 1,208
• Terry Condon 1,157
• David Collins 1,091
• Keith Thom 1,081
• Alena Glasman 978
• Mike Kent 779
• Rainer Udala 759
• Pamela Cunningham 725
• Moira Goodman 724
• Kevin Bennett 688
• Nicholas Walsh 643

ORIGINAL 4 p.m.

Voters in the District of Peachland aren’t just choosing a mayor and councillors, they are also deciding on the future of protective services in the community.

Three people are in the running for mayor; incumbent Cindy Fortin, former mayor Keith Fielding who lost to Fortin in 2014, and Patrick Van Minsel who is completing his first term on council.

There are 10 candidates for the six councillor seats, including three incumbents.

Residents will also be asked to answer a referendum question seeking approval for borrowing to build a new protective services building.

The question is: Are you in favour of the Corporation of the District of Peachland adopting the Protective Services Building Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 2364, 2022, to authorize the borrowing of up to Seventeen Million, Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($17,500,000), over a thirty (30) year term, to fund the construction of a new Protective Services Building to accommodate the Fire Department?.

The other major issues in the campaign are development along Beach Avenue and infrastructure, including sewer services and more sidewalks.

Eligible voters can cast their ballots until 8 p.m. at the Peachland Community Centre, 4450 - 6th Street. Bring two pieces of ID proving your identity and that you live in Peachland. One needs to have your signature.

Voter turnout in the 2018 election was 51.55% in Peachland, one of the highest in the Okanagan.

Polls are open at 8 p.m. and results will be published in this story shortly afterwards.

Castanet’s live election show starts at 7:30 p.m.