Mayor threatened online

Photo: Contributed

Peachland's mayor is fighting back against perceived threats made against her on social media.

Cindy Fortin says she was alerted to the threats, made by a person going by the name of Janice Wyatt on the Friends of Beach Avenue Facebook page, last week.

The post, which has since been removed says, "The Peachland mayor is not for the people shes (sic) for profit someone go light a fire to her house scum!!!"

"I was alarmed and, to be honest, quite disgusted by it," Fortin told Castanet news.

"Somewhere down the line it became acceptable to say whatever you want to say to elected officials on social media."

Fortin says she registered a formal complaint with the RCMP in West Kelowna the next day. She says police talked with the person, who Fortin says does not live in Peachland.

It's not the first threat made on the Facebook page, which was started after a developer proposed to construct a five-storey mixed-use building on Beach Avenue in downtown Peachland.

"A young man suggested violence to stop this development, but they took that one down right away."

The controversial development was given council approval last month.

The decision followed months of formal opposition from some in the community who strongly opposed the municipality's decision to alter the Official Community Plan to allow a building larger than three storeys on the property.

"They crossed the line when they became personal," said Fortin.

"It's one thing to have a difference of opinion, and I understand that and accept that. When you start becoming personal and make threats or perceived threats, then it's time to stand up and say enough is enough.

"I have a really high tolerance for comments, but when you cross the line and become personal, that's when I draw the line."