Not a single response to 2024 Peachland Citizens Survey came from the 19 to 24 age group.
At its Tuesday (Nov. 26) meeting, council heard that 79 per cent of respondents were over 55.
The survey revealed that over 90 per cent of residents rate their quality of life as 鈥渧ery good鈥� or 鈥済ood.鈥� When asked about the most important community issues, respondents highlighted improving roads, sidewalks, and streetlights; protecting environmentally sensitive areas; managing growth; and addressing Highway 97 through the community.
Nearly 90 respondents cited issues with the highway, including speeding, lack of left-turn access, and the potential need for a bypass or safety improvements. The absence of sidewalks was a common complaint. Residents also mentioned speeding on district roads, insufficient law enforcement, poor road maintenance, and snow removal.
Services such as recreation programs, sports fields, playgrounds, and street lighting received high satisfaction ratings but were deemed lower in importance. Higher-density development downtown and downtown revitalization ranked as the least important concerns. There was little interest in metered parking downtown or along Beach Avenue, or in developing an industrial sector.
When asked about their favourite aspects of Peachland, residents frequently mentioned its small-town charm, peaceful atmosphere, proximity to Okanagan Lake, and friendly community. Community events, local restaurants, and access to parks and trails were also widely appreciated. Canada Day celebrations were the most popular community event, followed by the Christmas Light-Up and Remembrance Day ceremonies.
The poll was conducted between Sept. 17 to Oct. 20 with 1,000 surveys mailed to randomly selected properties. There was also an option for the public to download and submit their responses.
The skewed participation has prompted the district to consider offering future surveys online and introducing prize incentives to engage underrepresented groups. Future surveys are expected to be more inclusive and accessible, with efforts to address the feedback received from residents.
