News Influencing Thompson Okanagan Business
KELOWNA
Dr. Adam Ford
Dr. Adam Ford, an associate professor in the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science; Dr. Lelsey Lutes; and Dr. Wendy Wong are the three outstanding researchers who have garnered international renown at the University of British Columbia Okanagan.
Direct flights between Kelowna and Comox will be offered by Pacific Coastal Airlines beginning June 25.
Amanda Fitzhugh has been hired as VP, Human Resources with Pro Builders Supply Ltd. operating Home Hardware Building Centers in BC.
In a three-year effort to address food insecurity and decrease waste, the Callahan Property Group—owned and run by Bruce and Bob Callahan—has contributed $100,000 to the foodbank’s Food Rescue Program.
A new athletic and wellness complex, costing $12.5 million, has opened at Kelowna’s Aberdeen Hall Preparatory School.
The Naked Cafe, located at 571 Lawrence Ave, has been listed for sale.
Restaurants in Kelowna are excited to welcome patio season following winter.
Summit, a commercial insurance brokerage and risk management firm based in Kelowna, has successfully raised $3.5 million in its seed round of funding. The cash infusion was headed by IA Capital Group of New York, with Harvest Ventures also making a contribution.
Oak+Cru Social Kitchen and Wine Bar is excited to share the news of its latest menu created by Chef Jason Ao, along with the addition of a delightful High Tea experience in the Wonderland Cellar.
Canadian Country Music Association awards are scheduled to be held in September 2025 in Kelowna, which will be supported by Creative BC, the Province of British Columbia, Tourism Kelowna and the 2025 Host Committee.
The largest fundraiser for the YMCA of Southern Interior BC, the 17th annual Cycle for Strong Kids, will be held at Stuart Park on June 2. The event is supported by the Payton and Dillon Budd Memorial Fund.
The top prize + $3,500 was awarded to the Peachland Andrews team consisting of Kelly Robinson, Philip St-Cyr, Chloe Bank, Bao Thai, and Callia Babin at the Live Case Challenge, an event organized by the UBCO Faculty of Management in partnership with Argus Properties Ltd.
A proposal was submitted to the city by the owners of the convenience store located at the intersection of KLO Road and McCulloch Road in Kelowna. The proposal called for the installation of a gas bar in the forecourt and a redesign of the parking lot to accommodate 12 additional parking spaces.
The Lomi Food Waste Recycling Program has developed a countertop composter and is now offering to collect the waste it generates. Beginning in May, the device will be piloted in Kelowna, providing residents with convenient organics collection. Food waste will be converted by the company into Lomi Earth, a natural fertilizer for lawns and gardens. This product can be utilized domestically or donated to local farms and collection partners for the purpose of soil regeneration.
AFP Interior BC‘s “Dare to Dream Big” one-day mini conference, which includes the first-ever local showing of “Uncharitable” is on May 10 at UBC Okanagan in Kelowna.
KAMLOOPS
Vessy Mochikas, who has been with the Kamloops-Thompson district for 28 years, will be moving on to become the superintendent of the Gold Trail district.
Former Tourism Kamloops CEO Monica Dickinson and former Fairmont Hot Springs Resort CEO Vivek Sharma, the new owners of Lac Le Jeune Resort, anticipate the property to reopen next month after being closed for nearly five years.
One hundred vendors participated in the first market day of the year, which was held on Saturday, April 20, in the Stuart Wood schoolyard located in the 200-block of St. Paul Street, Kamloops.
The Kamloops-Thompson school district has announced that a new school is being constructed in Pineview Valley, which will be named Sníne Elementary.
Thompson Rivers University‘s CFBX is hosting their annual Record Fair on May 26 at Sahali Centre Mall. The radio station is currently accepting donations of used music at the station’s offices at House 8 on TRU’s campus behind the Campus Activity Centre.
A proposed multi-family development near The Dunes golf course in Westsyde is set to include nearly 50 units of housing. The development would be located at 652 Dunes Dr.
The BC Wildlife Park is hosting its fifth annual Scavenger Hunt on July 7th.
The province collaborated with School District 73 on a project that will utilize $2.8 million from the ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund. This initiative aims to open 72 childcare spaces within the premises of the former Happyvale elementary school. The provincial government has stated that this will provide more choices for families residing in North Kamloops and Brocklehurst.
By summer’s end, a shopping centre in Brocklehurst should have a new dollar store and a Parasol Early Years Learning centre.
Propolis Housing Cooperative building tour will take place April 29th at 11:00am. Meet Miles Pruden Nexbuild Construction Corp – Affordable Net-Zero Energy Homes and Dale Parkes (Project Green Architecture) to learn more about the site and their exciting plans to build 50 affordable, net-zero homes and vibrant commercial spaces!
PENTICTON/OLIVER/OSOYOOS
This week, the Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce and Kettle Valley Memorial honoured Kelsey Hoy, owner of Tickleberry’s, and Linda Sankey, executive director of the South Okanagan Similkameen Brain Injury Society, as top 40 award recipients.
Tickets are now available for the annual OSNS Child and Youth Development Centre Tee It Up golf tournament, which will be held at Fairview Mountain Golf Club on August 30.
Penticton’s Cannabis Cottage announced the launch of their new cannabis patio, coinciding with recent provincial legislative changes. This addition allows customers to enjoy their cannabis products in a comfortable outdoor setting.
Highway 97 Brewery will play host to the inaugural in-person fundraiser for the Penticton and Area Access Centre on May 16.
The Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen is havng a public meeting to discuss the assessments of wastewater and waterworks systems that they are considering acquiring in Okanagan Falls. The meeting will take place on April 25 at Okanagan Falls Elementary School.
Tin Whistle Brewing Company is introducing a new lager crafted from byproducts of another local business in an effort to recognize their transition to a zero-waste company.
SALMON ARM
The Recline Ridge Eco Park-based Llama Sanctuary in Tappen Valley introduces a cat hotel and a Kitty Kat Cafe.
Sugar Smooth TLC Salon at 261 Alexander St. NE is offering 20 per cent off Corsus, Skin Essence, and Om natural skin care products and facials for Mother’s Day.
Chefe Daniel – Food Truck & Catering Services has moved to its new location at 𝟏𝟏𝟒𝟎 𝟒𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐖, 𝐢𝐧 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐙𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐇𝐮𝐛, 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐦𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐫𝐦.
Salmon Arm Toastmasters club celebrated their 45th anniversary.
Word on the Lake Writers’ Festival is happening on May 17th-19th at the Prestige Hotel on Shuswap Lake. This is a literary event bringing together writers, readers, editors, publishers and others participating in workshops, discussions, one-on-one sessions with writing professionals, readings, musical entertainment and more in a relaxed and intimate setting.
VERON
As part of its 45th anniversary celebration, the Vernon Farmers’ Market launched its 2024 season in the parking lot of Kal Tire Place.
The Department of National Defence is collaborating with Canada Lands company to explore the possibility of selling surplus properties, such as the Brigadier Murphy Armoury in Vernon, as a potential solution to the housing crisis.
The Regional District of North Okanagan approved a zoning modification at Wednesday’s board meeting, paving the way for the Okanagan Gondola Project to move forward after receiving a development variance permit.
A spiritual care room that is open to patients, relatives, employees, and visitors is now open at Vernon Jubilee Hospital. The faith-neutral facility is a collaborative effort of Interior Health and the VJH Foundation.
The Power the Tower event, in aid of 97.9 Valley FM, will take place on April 25 at Don Cherry‘s, located in the Vernon Lodge and Conference Centre.
June 8th is set to be the grand launch of Wine Cave and the 15th anniversary gala of Casino Royale.
Vernon Dodge Jeep, Monashee Garage Doors LTD and Gallery Vertigo- North Okanagan Artists Alternative (NOAA) have recently joined the Vernon Chamber of Commerce.
SUMMERLAND
On May 11, the Summerland Rotary Club will hold their annual Party For The Pier gala to replace the deteriorating Kiwanis Pier with a brand new and upgraded community pier.
Foundry Penticton is excited to announce the launch of SAGE (Snacks, Art, Games & Events), a program dedicated to creating a warm and inclusive environment for young people in Summerland.
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