News Influencing Thompson Okanagan Business
KELOWNA
Kyla Magee
The Partners & team at MNP Kelowna would like to congratulate Partner Kyla Magee on being the recipient of the Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia’s Early Achievement Award. Kyla is being honoured for her commitment to making a difference in both her profession and her community.
Kelowna accepted a proposal for a new Burger King, with city planners greenlighting a rezoning application to allow for the construction of the building and drive-through.
Connective has been awarded the contract to manage Kelowna’s temporary housing project on Appaloosa Road by BC Housing.
Novem Pharmaceuticals has finalized a purchase agreement for the former BC Tree Fruit cold storage facility located on Sexsmith Road.
The Kelowna council has expressed its approval of the design of Kerr Properties’ 120-unit rental project in Rutland.
A development permit for the form and character of the newest project from the NOW Canada Society, a supportive housing project targeted at women and women with children, was accepted by Kelowna council members.
A rezoning application for 964 Laurier Ave., on the western side of the Capri neighbourhood, which will soon house two daycare centres, received preliminary approval from the Kelowna City Council.
The application for a development permit for the form and character of a 42-unit townhouse complex at the intersection of KLO Road and St. Amand Road was granted by the city council.
A significant amount of the $486,546 raised during the 2024 holiday season by the KGH Foundation’s Celebrate the Miracles campaign will be used to replace the hospital’s antiquated echocardiogram (ECHO) equipment.
Kelso Technologies Inc. is pleased to announce the appointment of Frank Busch as the company’s permanent Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Busch has been serving as interim CEO since July 2024. Kelso is a diverse transportation equipment company that specializes in the creation, production, sales and distribution of proprietary products used in rail and automotive transportation.
Yak meat is now available at Carnist, an ethical butcher shop in Kelowna located along Richter Street close to Recreation Avenue.
On February 14th, Lake Country Speed Dating, owner Kristi Reich‘s biggest speed dating event in Kelowna—will make a comeback to the city.
The Kelowna Chamber of Commerce will be holding a meeting at UBC Okanagan on March 5 to begin planning responses to the impending tariffs imposed by the United States on Canadian exports.
The council has approved a rezoning for 964 Laurier Ave, paving the way for a former assisted living seniors home to be transformed to a new child care centre that will accommodate 63 children and staff.
The council has given the green light for a new development permit, allowing for a three-storey townhouse project featuring 42 units. This development will be located at the intersection of KLO Road and St Amand Road, right next to Immaculata Regional High School.
A development permit has been granted for a six-storey rental apartment building with 120 units at 765 Badke Rd.
An AI system pilot project has been adopted permanently in Kelowna. The AI system is able to flush out non-recyclable items that have been put into blue recycling bins, take photos of the object and send them to the householder.
The owners of So Fetch, a downtown indoor business that allows owners and their dogs to socialize and play has applied for a liquor licence.
The Uptown Rutland Business Association is seeking Rutland business owners or commercial building owners in location to join the board of directors. The Annual General Meeting is on Thursday, March 6, at Valleyview Funeral Home, located at 165 Valleyview Road.
KAMLOOPS
Let Set Go Auto Nation has officially opened in Kamloops at 125 Wilson Street.
Rose and Wild Florist at 665 Tranquille Rd is celebrating Valentine’s Day with a special offer: receive a complimentary bag of rose petals with every purchase of a dozen roses, perfect for adding a touch of romance.
The Fun Factor Fun Centre – Laser Tag Bowling Bumper Cars, owned by Arthur Loring, is celebrating 35 years in business.
Kamloops North Shore BIA welcomes its newest member, Marijke Van Holsteijn, Avid Action COACH Business Growth Community.
The 2025 Community Art Grants are currently accepting applications, which are due on April 4th.
The Mighty Molar Dental Hygienist has opened at 724 Sydney Ave.
The Adultz store has relocated to The Lemonade Stand at 259 Tranquille Rd.
The Ice Cream Social is moving to its new location at 622 Tranquille Road, and will be open early spring.
PENTICTON/OLIVER/OSOYOOS
Okanagan College has officially begun construction on a new 101-bed student housing facility, marking the first on-campus housing in Penticton.
Farm Gate Winery, located at 346 Highway 97, is now available for purchase at a price of $2 million.
The Penticton & District Hospice Society received a $1,000 donation from Penticton Hyundai.
The B.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Food’s Southern Interior Horticultural Show will take place at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre from Feb. 12 to 13. Expert speakers and seminars will address innovative technology, extreme weather, and more.
Penticton and District Community Arts Council marks 65 years of service with the opening of their first exhibition of the year on Saturday, Feb. 15.
Clancy’s pub and grill will host the Penticton Roller Skate Society‘s Punk Rock Prom fundraiser on February 22.
The Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce‘s Annual General Meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 11,2025 at The HUB on Martin.
SALMON ARM
The 29th annual Heritage Week Celebration in Salmon Arm, organized by the R.J. Haney Heritage Village and Museum, will run from February 17 to 22.
A new tourism marketing organization will be launched by the City of Salmon arm in collaboration with the Salmon Arm Economic Development Society.
Co-op Community Spaces is allocating $1M to support local community initiatives, with funding available for projects up to $150K. Applications are open until March 3, 2025.
VERNON
Mark Hay, RPF, of Vernon has been given the Distinguished Forest Professionals award by the Forest Professionals British Columbia.
Glohaven is launching its first ‘shop local’ eCommerce marketplace in Vernon.
Valley First Credit Union participates in the Vernon Winter Carnival, which runs through February 16th.
The VIEW (Vernon Innovation & Entrepreneur Workspace), which will be run by Community Futures North Okanagan, will relocate to Strativity on April 11.
A portion of Kerkhoff Develop-Build’s 421-hectare (1,040-acre) property, known as the 580 Commonage, close to downtown Vernon, is proposed to be developed into a master-planned community.
For the new agricultural park at 4122 East Vernon Road, the BX Swan Lake Community Association is seeking volunteers to create a Friends of the Park organization.
Vernon Search and Rescue is on the lookout for new recruits, with training set to begin in June.
Coldstream Ranchlands Park is being considered by the BC Wildfire Service as a potential training location.
New coaches are needed for the Vernon Amateur Athletics Association’s (VAAA) upcoming season.
SUMMERLAND
The 2025 financial plan and budget has been approved by the Summerland council.
In anticipation of another season of development in Summerland, the Friends of the Ornamental Gardens Society is hosting an open house to recruit new volunteers.
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