News Influencing Thompson Okanagan Business
KELOWNA
Brent Lobson
Brent Lobson has been appointed as the new director of operations at Kelowna International Airport, with Indigo Park Canada. Lobson was previously with the Downtown Kelowna Association.
Carole Taylor, a veteran journalist and politician, will discuss the advantages and obstacles of establishing a province-wide continuum of care alongside three top addiction experts at the Save Our Streets Communities Driving Change Forum on January 23. Dr. Pouya Azar, Head of Complex Pain Coastal Health Service at Vancouver Coastal Health, will join Taylor on the panel discussing a continuum of care for addictions and mental illnesses. Also participating are Dr. Nickie Mathew, an addiction and forensic psychiatrist, and Marshall Smith, Vice President of Rubicon Strategy and former Chief of Staff to the Premier of Alberta.
Carmen Rempel, executive director of Gospel Mission in Kelowna, will leave her position on June 15, 2025.
Starting January 17th, WestJet’s nonstop flights to Seattle are taking off from Kelowna International Airport.
Camosun Engineering Transfer students can now transfer to Simon Fraser University, Thompson River University, University of British Columbia (Vancouver and Okanagan locations), and the University of Northern British Columbia following the signing of the BC Common First Year Engineering Curriculum (BC CFYEC).
Lucas Gore
Lucas Gore has taken on the role of Vice President of Operations at Cedar Brush Site Services & Janitorial for their expansion into the City of Kelowna area.
Applications for the Wine Development Legacy Scholarships from the BC Hospitality Foundation close on January 24.
The Downtown Kelowna Association is seeking a new director of operations.
The 18.41-acre BC Tree Fruits property at 3335-3345 Sexsmith Road, Kelowna, posted on the HM Commercial Realty website, has had its price dropped by $11 million.
The 27th Annual Holiday Food Drive of the West Kelowna Fire Department raised a record-breaking $6,600 in cash and over 14,500 pounds of food, valued at approximately $60,000, for the Central Okanagan Food Bank (COFB).
To open their Irvine Road location for the sale of alcoholic beverages, Folktale Cidery has applied for a liquor license and is hoping to have the backing of the district council.
Justin Desjardins
Justin Desjardins has been promoted to General Manager at Buy Direct Truck Centre.
The Burger and a Beer Event, a fundraiser supported by the Western Financial Group Communities Foundation for Lake Country Health, is scheduled for February 8 at Norman’s Diner.
The Lobbyist Registry policy of the City of Kelowna’s Council was revised, with the primary modifications being the extension of the registration period from six months to one year and the redefining of “lobbyist” to encompass individuals who are paid or have a financial interest.
Two distinct rental apartment complexes were approved by the council for rezoning: a six-story structure on two lots at 667/681 Wardlaw Ave. and another six-story structure on an empty lot at 1230 Brookside Ave.
Council has been updated on the revised guidelines for the Heritage Conservation Area, aligning with contemporary heritage management practices and the new housing legislation for 2023. The draft outlines several key features, including a Neighbourhood Statement, updated goals, designated precincts, and guidelines for tree canopy management. Changes are set to protect heritage while enabling the development of small multi-unit homes and low-rise apartments in the area.
Taste Around Kelowna is happening from January 22 – February 9, 2025. Get ready to Sip, Savour, and Save! More than 50 restaurants across Kelowna and the Central Okanagan are offering delicious three-course menus priced at $25, $35, $45, $55, and $65 per person.
UBC Okanagan’s School of Nursing is now accepting applications for its newest professional development opportunity, a micro-credential in case management and care coordination. Designed for registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses, this two-course program addresses the complexities of primary care nursing in today’s health-care environment.
KAMLOOPS
Gateway 286, a new commercial centre is currently under development at the junction of Highway 5 and Highway 97C, involving various developers alongside the five First Nations bands that hold ownership of the land through Spayum Holdings LLP.
Brides-to-be in Kamloops can look forward to an exciting Bridal Expo, where they will have the opportunity to try on wedding dresses and sample delicious cakes. Attendees will also have a chance to win a fantastic prize pack worth $17,000. The Coast Kamloops Hotel & Conference Centre is set to host the expo on Saturday, Jan. 25, from noon to 3:30 p.m.
The Effie Arts Collective will host the Midwinter Magic: A Local Drag Showcase, starting at 7 p.m. on Jan. 18. Drag performers Autumn Horizon, Miss Mousse, and Stevie Nips from Kamloops are set to perform on stage, and Cosmo Politan and Neptune Blues are set to feature special spotlight acts soon.
The Kamloops Fish and Game Club is welcoming families to Walloper Lake on Sunday, Jan. 19 for its annual Ice Fishing Day.
The Kamloops Film Society aims to enhance its community collaborations and broaden its selection of films as it approaches the new year. In the last year, Colette Abbott has assumed the role of executive director of the film society, while Sam Theriault has also embraced his position as programming manager.
The Paramount Theatre in Kamloops is set to present a New York opera, Aida, on on Saturday, Jan. 25.
The Best Western Premier, previously operated as Four Points by Sheraton at 1175 Rogers Way has been sold for $18.2 million in a private transaction that was finalized last summer.
Recycle BC will significantly increase the rates it pays to the Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) for residential recycling collection. This increase is part of new five-year collection agreements that will be effective on January 1, 2025, and are intended to cover the costs of operations for residential recycling collection programs.
The next Ladies on the Shore lunch is at Bright Eye Brewing on Monday Jan 20th. All women in business from anywhere in Kamloops are welcome.
Kamloops & District Chamber of Commerce welcomes their new and reactivated members who joined the Kamloops Chamber in the final month of 2024: Second Pass Forestry Ltd.; Riverdale Trailer Court Ltd. and Inland Truck & Equipment.
PENTICTON/OLIVER/OSOYOOS
Mercer Celgar has teamed up with Skemxist Solutions, a company from the Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB), to collaboratively run a log sort yard in Okanagan Falls. This partnership underscores mutual dedication to sustainability, the responsible use of forest resources, and the creation of economic opportunities that honour cultural values and enhance community ties.
Penticton’s Ogo Float has launched the Community Float Fund, honouring the late Stephen Brettl.
In its fifth year, the city’s distinctive art event, the Mini Mural Project, will take place from March 21 to October 24, 2025, under the management of the Penticton Art Gallery, Ignite the Arts Festival, and Cannery Brewing.
Penticton’s Soundstage Productions has launched a Shakespearean production, which opened on January 15th at the Penticton Lakeside Resort.
SALMON ARM
Ambrosia Grill Taverna has officially opened in Salmon Arm at 321 Alexander Street.
SASCU Credit Union is offering a free financial literacy workshop to members and the community, unveiled on January 13 with workshops, online films, activities, and resources to “Raise the Shuswap.”
The Shuswap Makerspace’s Repair Cafe at the Mall at Piccadilly is scheduled on February 1st.
Okanagan College‘s Salmon Arm Campus, located at 2552 10th Avenue Northeast, will hold an open house on January 21, 2025.
The Salmon Arm Chess Club is hosting a chess night at the Ricochet Taphouse January 28th.
VERNON
A commercial property located at 3901 32nd St. in Vernon, adjacent to a closed Tim Hortons, is on the market with an asking price of $1.6 million. The property includes four lots.
The Upper Room Mission in Vernon has purchased three sites next to its present 27th Avenue location and is currently looking for funds for reconstruction from BC Housing as well as other government grants, foundations, and private investments.
The Vernon Salvation Army recently held a grand opening ceremony for its newest thrift store located at 2707 43rd Ave., in the Midtown Mall, adjacent to Dollar Tree.
As the largest hub in its network, BC Hydro has opened its first 350-kilowatt electric car rapid charging station in Lake Country. This station can accommodate up to 22 EVs charging simultaneously.
A Lake Country property owner is requesting permission to build seven temporary campsites on their agricultural property, which is located within the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) at 12820 Trewitt Road and currently serves as an orchard.
The Fancy Induced Burger recently opened at 3222 30th Ave. near the FreshCo.
The City of Vernon has chosen Bird Canada as their micromobility service provider, with an initial contract that can be extended for three more one-year contracts.
The Willows, a 51-unit supportive housing complex, is presently under construction at the former Howard House site at 2307 43rd Street, near the Our Place sanctuary of the Turning Points Collaborative Society.
Vernon’s Museum & Archives commemorates 75 years anniversary, and the Okanagan Historical Society (OHS) commemorates its 100th anniversary of founding.
SUMMERLAND
Chantelle G. Meriam marks 19 years with Edward Jones as Financial Advisor.
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