The three volunteer-run groups now in charge of the historic yellow schoolhouse across from Swim Bay celebrated the Peachland Classic Car Show at Our Space. Photos are from the Okanagan Folk School’s Facebook page:

People wandered in, visiting the art gallery and taking in the craft demonstrations, buying something handmade, decorating cookies, enjoying coffee – it was hosted by the Okanagan Folk School, the PCAC and BEEPS.

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Who will be operating Peachland’s historic yellow schoolhouse? Our SPACE – an amalgamation of three difference community groups, will be taking over the lease this spring.

November, 2023: “So happy”: Three local groups could be running the historic yellow schoolhouse 

Our SPACE – Peachland’s School for Arts, Culture and Ecology – is in early stages. But big things, from a pair of gift shops / coffee and workshop space is planned. The art gallery will stay. Two people from the PCAC, the Okanagan Folk School (OKFS) and BEEPS are on the board. The group will receive $21,000 in funding from the District in 2024, $14,000 in 2025 and $8,000 in 2026.)

“It’s a beautiful building where we can meet as a community,” said OKFS president Murray Wood, who is on the SPACE executive. noting the schoolhouse’s history as a centre of activity in Peachland.

What school was like long ago…

“The community hall is great, but it’s more institutional. The school house – it’s just welcoming when you walk into it.”

“I think this is a way better model than when we have now,” said Mayor Patrick Van Minsel of the multi-year agreements. He said it’ll allow groups to plan ahead with more certainty.