Who are you?

My name is Alena Glasman.  I am 56 years old.  I am a loving wife, mother of 2 and grand mother of  7. 

We have 3 Scottish Terriers, Jaxon (9), Poppy (3) and Whiskey (6mo).  

I am an avid crafter and diy'er with a huge creative streak!  I know I have made a few of you items since I have been here.  I love to be creative with my hands and my mind.

I am a business owner, and currently own 4 businesses.

My background is in entrepreneurial development, growth and stability.

With an Administrative Business Certificate from Canadian Job Strategies, my entrepreneurial journey includes:

As a Certified Fitness Trainer, I opened a pole and aerial arts facility in Edmonton, AB, successfully creating an industry in Canada by supporting the communities I opened a facility in. Between 2004 and 2013, I opened 6 facilities in Alberta, creating 96 new part time jobs. The business survived the economic downturn and covid closures because I practiced being fiscally responsible, with no unnecessary spending.  Essentially running lean and mean for almost 4 years (2 of which closed with no income). In 2026, I celebrate 21 years in business.

I founded PFIC Canada (Pole and Aerial Fitness Instruction Commission of Canada) in 2007 under my corporation and have published 4 educational learning manuals, 3 sport certification courses and 1 online learning academy.  The Commission is the only one of its kind in Canada, and the board has certified over 2000 instructors nationally.  The Commission adheres to a Code of Ethics as an Educational Commission, and as it's Founder and Chair Director I hold the same ethical qualities. Respect, Integrity, Responsibility, Accountability. 

I have spent many years taking online studies to assist me in my entrepreneurial adventures, acquiring certificates in a variety of courses including media marketing, digital design, web design, business accounting, business management, anatomy and sport fitness.

In 2020, my husband Todd, was transferred to Kelowna.. we chose Peachland as our home, and have never been happier.
 

What experience do you bring to Council? 

I am called the relationship builder.  I have endeavored to create long lasting relationships with not only my fellow council members, but with provincial ministries, including Ministers and their Parliamentary Staff.  The results...being on a first name basis and having direct access to many.  These relationships have been curated with the intent to bring Peachland to the forefront of their minds when funding avenues become available.  I bring a combination of municipal government experience, entrepreneurship, business development, community involvement and regional representation to the Council table.

I have serviced as Deputy Mayor, stepping into the role of Acting Mayor for 15 weeks during my appointment.  I have 21 years of business ownership, entrepreneurial development experience and involvement with multiple regional and community organizations. I understand both the responsibilities of local government and the perspective of Peachland's residents, businesses and community organizations.

As a Director of the Southern Interior Local Government Association, I am able to address Peachland's needs on a regional level, providing one more avenue to Peachland.

How have you invested in Peachland?

In 2020, I converted from a Visitor to a Resident. As a serial entrepreneur, I began investing into my community by offering workshops to small businesses to assist their operations. I started Web Simple Sites, a website design and hosting company. It was geared for small businesses who needed an online presence but couldn't afford what other companies were charging. I chose to use my experience to assist entrepreneurs like myself.

In 2021, I began participating in locally organized Craft Fairs.  Being a crafter, this was the best way to meet new people and start getting involved with the community..and I simply love being crafty.

In 2022, I started 'Hallow's Court" on Sundstrom Court. A Halloween event that included our entire street and welcomed kids, both big and small.  Hundreds of people have enjoyed the event over the years. We missed 2025, but are back on track for 2026.

In 2023, I cofounded the Peachland Youth Council Initiative with our Mayor.  The intent of this programs was to educate Peachland's Youth on Local Government, allow them the opportunity to make decisions in their community, and hopefully generate future leaders in then Okanagan. A fun fact...I also started breeding and hatching Preying Mantis and Lady Bugs in 2023, a passion I continue today.

In 2024, I opened and operated Peach Place Marketspace, a Vendor marketplace on Beach Ave, featuring local makers, creators, bakers and sellers. Weekly, extra fresh goods were given to the Peachland Food Bank and 50% of proceeds from farm product sales were also donated to the Food Bank.  I personally secured a $1,000 FCC grant, which I directed as $500 to the Peachland Food Bank and $500 to Project Christmas Elf.  I am proud to have spearheaded the Memorial Crosswalk on Beach Avenue at Veteran's Way (2nd St.). I sourced the design and funding to have the 'Lest We Forget" Walk installed before Remembrance Day. It was 11:30pm on Nov 8, when the paint was dry and we could go home.

In 2025, I organized and hosted the Peachland Volunteer Fair, offering every community organization to participate free of charge.  The event was funded by securing sponsorship from FortisBC and Brenda Renewables. Our personal donations for 2025 were to the Peachland Art Council and to the Peachland Wellness Center. 

In 2026, I have been known as the Fruit Lady, as I bring fruit into the Legion on Wednesdays to give away.  This year has so far totaled 400lbs in apples, plums, grapes and melons. Our personal donations for 2026 were to the Maple Springs Bible Camp, Peachland Lions, Peachland Riding Club, Okanagan Folk School and Greata Creek Camp.

Currently, I have memberships with The Peachland Phoenix, Peachland Riding Club, PWPA, 

What have you done about our Water crisis?

I have participated in Council decisions concerning Peachland's long-term water supply, water rates, conservation and watershed protection. I have moved Council action on a drought-related letter to the Province, participated in the review of Peachland's future water supply under climate-change scenarios, supported provincial advocacy for emergency drinking water treatment following wildfires.

As Deputy Mayor in 2026, reported Council's direction to engage the Province, forestry operators and biologists regarding logging in the Peachland watershed. A letter to residents was made in July 2026 to our residents regarding the current state of the crisis.

More recently, we met with BC Water, Land and Resource Stewardship Minister Randene Neill to discuss Peachland's water supply and potential solutions.  Two options were discussed. 1) a connection to Okanagan Lake and the water treatment plant, which is estimated at over $32 million. And 2) an estimated $6-7 million project that would connect an additional upland water source ton our Peachland Lake.  The latter of the two options was considered the practical next step. 

Council will ask that the District Administrationn look at the discussed options, pursue all funding opportunities that were provided by the Ministry and complete the required applications.  The funding options discussed are both Provincial and Federal.

Do you have a question?  Please ask! 

I would love to answer them! 

If you would like them posted on this page, please let me know.