News Influencing Thompson Okanagan Business
KELOWNA
Dr. W. Stephen NcNeil
Dr. W. Stephen NcNeil, an associate professor of chemistry at UBC Okanagan, was awarded a 2025 3M National Teaching Fellowship, making him one of Canada’s top educators.
Nathan Yonas, the business manager at Buy Direct Truck Centre has been named employee of the month.
Gary Callander, a service advisor at Okanagan Dodge, has been recognized as the employee of the month.
Maleah Meier has received top detailer for the third month in a row at Buy Direct Truck Centre.
Tina and Jason Warnick mark one year since acquiring the OK Corral Liquor Store located at 1978 Kirschner Road.
Les libellules (The Dragonflies) child care centre, operated by le Phare C.-B., a part of the Fédération des parents francophones de Colombie-Britannique, has officially opened in Kelowna.
Fifth Avenue Properties’ Nolita project is nearing completion.
Sue Nedelec
Sue Nedelec is starting a new position as the Territory Sales Representative for Kelowna at Integrated Staffing.
Kot Auto Group is proud to announce the official launch of its daily rental business, Rent Direct Automotive.
The Kelowna dealerships of Kot Auto Group, including Kelowna Hyundai, Genesis Kelowna, Okanagan Dodge, Buy Direct Truck Centre, and Kelowna Kia, generously donated $30,000 to Okanagan College in support of their new Recreation and Wellness Centre.
Current Taxi has expanded its transportation services in the Okanagan with the launch of Current Transportation Solutions.
The city has received Denciti Developments’ rezoning applications and an Official Community Plan (OCP) revision that splits the Kelowna Springs Golf Course property in half.
Public hearings are scheduled for June 17, 2025, regarding the Glenmore Protective Services Campus and the Burtch/Harvey Area Redevelopment Plan. These hearings will address proposed land use changes and rezonings, including plans for seven new buildings along Harvey Avenue.
G Group Developments is looking for city approval to establish an alcohol production facility at the proposed McKinley Wine Village site.
The Government of British Columbia has announced the construction of 60 temporary tiny homes at 3199 Appaloosa Road in Kelowna to accommodate individuals who are experiencing housing insecurity. The site will be known as Balsam Place.
Kirmac Collision & Autoglass has acquired Bannister Automotive Group’s collision centers in Kelowna, Vernon, Kamloops, and Chilliwack. This acquisition expands Kirmac’s increases its total operations to 27 locations across its brands: Kirmac Collision & Autoglass, Reborn Autobody, and Fleet Street Commercial Vehicle Repairs.
A portion of 2271 Harvey Avenue, which was previously used for the Kelowna Farmers and Crafters Market, was rezoned with the support of the Council. Spread across two six-story structures, the proposal comprises 294 rental and market units, as well as commercial space.
The council has approved a development permit for a six-storey rental apartment located at 1531 Bernard Ave. The new building will offer 51 units, comprising a variety of studios, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, and 3-bedroom apartments.
The BCEDA Economic Development Marketing Innovation Award for areas with a population over 25,000 was presented to the OKGo Marketing campaign, a joint effort between Tourism Kelowna and Accelerate Okanagan.
The Council received an update on the status of the 2040 Official Community Plan (OCP) and the 2040 Transportation Master Plan (TMP). Recent developments showcase strong urban growth in the Core Area and Urban Centres, with a notable rise in apartment occupancies and rental housing. Transit ridership hit a record 6.4 million boardings, surpassing pre-pandemic levels, and bike trips surged by 42% since 2018, supporting the City’s goals for active transportation. Significant advancements have been made in key infrastructure projects through the Transportation Accelerator Program, along with the successful completion of new planning initiatives like the North End Plan and Heritage Conservation Guidelines. Almost 75% of the combined OCP and TMP actions have been completed, are in progress, or are ongoing, highlighting notable progress toward Kelowna’s 2040 vision.
The Council has opted against supporting Kelowna’s involvement in a proposed food waste curbside organics collection program from the Central Okanagan Regional District. City staff examined the initiative and raised concerns regarding potential costs, infrastructure requirements, and the frequency of garbage collection. Staff has proposed the inclusion of food waste diversion in the update of the 2030 Regional Solid Waste Management Plan.
The City of Kelowna has partnered with Tennis Clubs of Canada (TCC) to bring a new winter tennis facility in Mission Recreation Park and more recreational tennis programs in various neighbourhoods around the city.
KAMLOOPS
WINMAR® Kamloops owned by Mat Isabelle, has officially opened at 108-1383 McGill Road.
Steve Marr and Brayden Toma have been appointed assistant coaches by the Kamloops Blazers for the 2025–2026 campaign.
Kamloops Council approved a pilot project permitting people to bring their own liquor to Riverside Park for the upcoming summer season.
The Alternative Approval Process (AAP) to borrow about $151 million for the construction of a new RCMP detachment downtown has been approved by the Kamloops City Council.
Tourism Kamloops has launched the Freeride Fund, a trail maintenance and community giveback initiative focused on Kamloops’ sanctioned trail
Representatives from the City of Kamloops received a $10,000 check from the BC Interior Community Foundation on behalf of the Sandy and Ellen McCurrach Family Fund to help build the Kamloops Centre for the Arts which will be located at Fourth Avenue and Seymour Street.
Tourism Kamloops has reopened its search for a Director of Brand and Marketing.
The Thompson-Nicola Regional District (TNRD) is informing societies and community groups that a Community Grant Writer is now available for consultations and ongoing support. As part of the TNRD’s Community Grant Writer pilot program, this new position will support non-profit groups in seeking out, and applying for, applicable streams of grant funding. This program is available to non-profit groups in TNRD Electoral Areas or in other areas if they provide a benefit or service to Electoral Areas.
Kamloops Kia now has a EV battery repair centre.
PENTICTON/OLIVER/OSOYOOS
Little Engine Wines, a winery in Naramata, has announced the opening of its lounge, which will be available on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
Cue’s Game Room in Penticton was officially acquired by Chad and Tracy Buchfink.
Evolve Sparkling House, BC’s newest sparkling-dedicated winery, has taken top honours at the 2025 All Canadian Wine Championships, just days ahead of its official grand opening on the Naramata Bench. The winery also produces a still rosé, white, and red.
Nighthawk Vineyards will be hosting their annual Father’s Day Blues & BBQ event on Sunday, June 15 at 2735 Green Lake Rd. in Okanagan Falls.
The Penticton council has approved a $655K budget increase to repair city-owned facilities. These facilities include the washroom at Cleland Theatre, the brine header replacement at McLaren Arena, the sustainability trailer in the city yards, and the washroom in Kings Park.
Midtown RV, Windsor Plywood Penticton, Penticton Auto and Diesel Performance, Sunshine Glass, and Leisureland RV Centre will be hosting the inaugural Industrial Place Block Party & Open House on July 5.
Jeff Fitton from Princess Margaret Secondary School and Scott Harkness, Vice-Principal at KVR Middle School, received the Paul Harris Fellowship Award from the Penticton Sunrise Rotary Club.
The Penticton Art Gallery has announced that the Artful Soirée, an annual fundraising auction gala in its 42nd year, will take place on Thursday, June 19, 2025.
Tickleberry’s at the Peach opens at 1207 Main St., Okanagan.
SALMON ARM
The Southern Interior Regional Economic Summit (SIRES) is scheduled for November 3–5, 2025, in Salmon Arm.
The Greater Westside Board of Trade and the Okanagan Young Professionals are working together to organize a coffee gathering at Paynter’s Fruit Market on Tuesday, June 24th.
The Salmon Arm Equine Rescue will benefit from a charity petting zoo that will be held on June 21 at Sibling Rivalry Ranch, 326 Highway 97.
Salmon Arm Chamber welcomes new member Simply Lunch and Canadian Professional Training Institute.
VERNON
The Vernon Community Arts Centre will host the Vernon Arts Summer School (VASS) from August 4 to 17. The program will consist of 12 workshops.
Local non-profit organizations, including the BC Wildlife Federation, Family Resource Centre Society for the North Okanagan, Kalamalka Starfish Society, North Okanagan Pipes & Drums, Okanagan Quality of Life Society, Sadok Ukrainian Dance Ensemble of Vernon, Vernon Community Band (VCB), Vernon Amateur Athletics Association, Vernon Lawn Bowling, Vernon Paddling Centre Society, and Vernon She Shed Society, were among those who received grants approved by the Vernon council.
The North Okanagan Hospice Society is launching the Hospice at Home Pilot Program, a novel approach to end-of-life care.
The maternity unit at Vernon Jubilee Hospital received $93,500 as a result to a six-week spring campaign run by the VJH Foundation.
The Vernon Chamber of Commerce is having a special edition of the Business After 5 at Rusty Spur (the old Briteland) on June 17th from 5-7 pm. The location is now under new ownership. They also welcome new member Okanagan Respite and Senior Services (ORSS), Designer’s Gallery, Simon’s Coins, Westwood Cabinetry, SVOÏ Media, Bean Scene Coffee House, CanaClean™ and Okanagan Skate Co.
The golf tournament held by the Vernon Lions Club in Vernon raised $21,475 for Easter Seal Camp Winfield.
SUMMERLAND
The White Noise Belgian Style IPA from Giant’s Head Brewing in Summerland was awarded gold in the American Belgo-Style Ale & Belgian Blonde Ale category at the annual Canadian Brewing Awards.
Ve Oh Lay Acres Winery and Farm has a new guest chef for the summer. The kitchen opens this Saturday.
The Summerland Museum & Archives Society is the recipient of the 2024 Mayor’s Award of Excellence, an annual recognition given by the mayor of the day to a local organization that makes an outstanding contribution to the community.
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