For the first year ever, the MS Walk was in Peachland Saturday, May 25. Peachland Community Policing hosted the event, which had 125 people walking, wheeling and running along the Beach Ave pathway. One organizer said this was more people than last year (the event alternates between Peachland and West Kelowna.)

Organizers said the run has raised $23,000 throughout the Okanagan for MS research. According to the MS Canada website Canada has one of the highest rates of MS in the world. A dozen people a day are diagnosed with the disease, mostly those between the ages of 20-49.

 

Some photos from Saturday: Community Policing volunteers manned different points along the race route.

 

…The Sun came out just in time…

 

…Mayor Patrick Van Minsel and other dignitaries spoke before the run started:

 

 

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Have you ever wanted to join Peachland Community Police? Now is a great time, because they’re looking for volunteers!

 

 

From 2023:

PCP president Gary Hedge wants to know who purposely deflated all four tires of their patrol vehicle recently. Here’s a letter he sent July 17:

 

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First Speed Watch operation of spring! Thanks to Community Policing president Gary Hedge for the photo and writeup. He was joined by volunteer Grant Mercer.

“People were actually for the most part driving normal. The program will be as usual moving around Peachland, with all the statistics we collect going to the RCMP such that they can decide where to set up traps and issue tickets. As usual we spotted numerous distracted drivers. Drivers are just not getting the message!”

 

Peachland Community Policing volunteers work with the RCMP on a variety of safety programs, from Speed Watch to checking up on seniors living alone. The office (at 4440 5 St.) can be reached at (250) 767-2623, or you can email info@peachlandcommunitypolicing.ca

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The Peachland Community Police is on the move – Written by Gary Hedge, Peachland Community Policing president

With the upcoming construction of the new Seniors complex, our current building will be torn down to make way for the new building. The Peachland Community Police will be relocating from our current location at 4440-5th Street, to the 50+ Centre at 5672 Beach Avenue as of September 30th.  

Peachland Community Policing is a community of fellow citizens who volunteer approximately four hours each month to help make the District of Peachland a safer place for everyone to call home. We work together with the RCMP, ICBC, RDCO and the District of Peachland Fire Department. All our members are vetted RCMP volunteers.

 We are always looking for volunteers for our community patrols and Speed Watch program.  If you are interested and you would like more information including details on all the services we provide please call the office at 250-767-2623 or email us at :info@peachlandcommunitypolicing.ca  or visit our website

If you would like to really make a difference to your community give us a call!

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Helmets for Peachland Elementary Students! Community Policing president Gary Hedge stopped by Peachland Elementary on Monday, May 30. He had 13 helmets, courtesy of BrainTrust Canada, to give away – ones that are suitable for biking and skateboarding. We set up a quick picture in front of the new Community Policing vehicle. The other adults are Peachland Elementary Principal Wendy Briggs (in the middle), and Peachland Mayor Cindy Fortin.

 

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Peachland Community Policing president Gary Hedge (far right) was happy to “officially” have the keys to their brand-new SUV, to be used by volunteers for patrols. Pictured is Peachland Fire Chief Dennis Craig, West Kelowna RCMP Staff Sgt Duncan Dixon, the RDCO’s Roy Morgan and David Gazley, and Mayor Cindy Fortin.

Replacing the group’s 2004 van – which did not have AWD and had a few old-age foibles – was a long time coming for this group. The new vehicle – a 2022 Ford Escape – was paid for primarily through reserve funding – and they also received a $3,000 contribution from Peachland Sportsmen’s Association.

“We’re very happy,” Gary said at the official handing over of the keys, which took place Feb 9, 2022.

Next time you see Community Policing volunteers driving this around town – first slow down, lol – and give them a wave!

 

 

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Spring, 2021: As part of the Speed Watch program, Peachland Community Policing president Gary Hedge recently set up near Antler’s Beach. The fastest speed recorded in that 70 km/h stretch? A whopping 109 km/h. The group is advocating for a left-turn lane heading south into the parking lot. Photo courtesy Judy Hedge.

 

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Peachland Community Policing believes the use of an alarm is your best bet against a home invasion, in addition to the obvious – keeping your doors locked and valuables non-visible. Most property crimes are crimes of opportunity. Here’s some advice on what business owners can do:  

 • Activate your alarm and video monitoring systems

• Do not leave any valuables visible or accessible

• Deactivate all scheduled door openings

• Empty or remove all ATMs

•   Move all safes and tills off-site. If not possible, empty these items and keep cash drawers open

• Remove all alcohol from the property

• Keep lights on inside and outside your business

• Post “No cash or valuables on-site” signage

The RCMP also suggests that business owners regularly visit their property and consider doing so at different times, so as to not form a pattern that could be observed by would-be thieves. The Peachland Community Police also encourages neighbours to work together to keep an eye on each other’s properties as well as businesses in town. With the stay at home recommendations, the number of people on the downtown streets is very low especially in the evening hours. If you see something suspicious call the West Kelowna RCMP detachment at 250-768-2880 or call 911.

 Dr. Gary Hedge, President

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See stories:

July 26: Community Policing Prez’s camera captures another neighbourhood prowler (with video)

June 9: Community Policing President thwarts break-in at own home

April 28: Pair of break ins hit Beach Ave businesses

April 1: Enough is enough, say Peachlanders who want cameras downtown

March 31: Downtown mural defaced yet again