News Influencing Thompson Okanagan Business
KELOWNA
Gary Parmar
Gary P. Parmar, a Partner in British Columbia, recently celebrated his 25 years at MNP.
Sander Dokter is celebrating 12 years anniversary with Sentes Automotive.
As the wine sector struggles with persistent climate-related issues and vine damage, the province has announced new regulations that would allow wines to be created with grapes and juice from outside the province for the 2024 vintage year. These provisions will go into effect on April 1, 2025, and expire on March 31, 2026.
Vancouver-based investment firm Odlum Brown is pleased to announce the appointment of Debra Doucette to the role of Executive Chair. Doucette has been with Odlum Brown since 1991 and served as President and CEO for the past 17 years. In her new role, she follows immediate past board Chair Andy Eisenbock. Doucette was honoured with the Order of British Columbia in 2021 for her community leadership and her vision, passion and dedication as a business leader. In addition, longtime Odlum Brown Portfolio Manager Trevor Short takes over the role of President from Doucette. Short was a Vice President of Odlum Brown and has earned the Canadian Investment Manager (CIM) designation along with the highest designation granted from the Canadian Securities Institute, the Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute (FCSI®).
Norman’s Diner in Rutland hosted a party to celebrate their first year in business, complete with live music and a fundraiser to benefit the Central Okanagan Food Bank.
To develop a “battery innovation centre” at UBC Okanagan, the province is contributing $2 million, which will cover the expenses of equipment and construction.
Construction is scheduled to begin in early August at the Okanagan Heritage Museum on 470 Queensway. The focus of the project is to enhance the accessibility ramp at the front entrance.
Inspired by the Red Fish Healing Centre at Riverview, BC United planned to construct a 100-bed complex care mental health and addiction treatment facility in Kelowna.
The current owners of the Black Mountain property, situated at 1850 Brentwood Road, are seeking the Agricultural Land Commission‘s authorization to set up a cherry orchard.
The Residential Energy Efficiency Works Program, run by the Canadian Mental Health Association in Kelowna, is seeking applicants to assist those who are encountering job difficulties in finding employment.
SpearHead Winery has been recognized as the Best Performing Small Winery of the Year at the prestigious WineAlign National Wine Awards of Canada. In addition to this remarkable achievement, SpearHead Winery also claimed the title of Winery of the Year.
Plans for a senior housing development on Valley Road in Glenmore have been slightly modified by Troika Developments, which seeks to rezone the site to the rental-only zone for apartments.
The developer is making more changes to the four-story apartment building at 459 Osprey Avenue for a plan that would rezone the site from the urban centre zone to the rental only zone for urban centres.
The province plans to invest $2 million in the University of British Columbia’s Okanagan campus to establish a battery innovation centre.
On July 26, the BC Tree Fruits Cooperative ceased receiving fruit and will be assisted in winding down the cooperative in accordance with court orders, ensuring the best possible recovery for all parties involved.
KAMLOOPS
A Way Home Kamloops celebrates 10 years of significant positive impact on the lives of many young people in the community.
Emma’s Nails is now open in the Northills Mall for Pedis, manis, nail extensions & foot massages. Walk-ins welcome.
ScoreGolf Magazine has recognized Skwlax te Secwepemculecw‘s Talking Rock Golf Resort, located northeast of Little Shuswap Lake, as one of the 100 finest courses in Canada.
James Olson, organizer of the IBEW 993 Golf Tournament in Kamloops, gives a cheque for $530 to the BC SPCA. The funds were raised during the event.
IBEW 993 Business Manager Jim Bicknell proudly awarded Caelen Holling with his Red Seal, officially recognizing him as a new Red Seal Journeyman/Wireman.
The federal government has awarded Tk’emlups te Secwepemc $1 million to assist in the construction of a stormwater collection system on Chief Louis Centre lands.
EV owners are invited to register their vehicles for Electric Avenue at Hot Nite in the City on Saturday, August 10. The event will feature EVs, e-bikes, and electrification and will occupy a full city street.
The recently rezoned site near Kamloops Airport is attracting significant interest, according to managing director Ed Ratuski, with approximately $3.5 million worth of construction anticipated, including roads, sewers, and water systems.
The BC Sports Hall of Fame, the Kamloops Sports Council and Hall of Fame and PacificSport Interior BC will co-host the Annual Summit in Canada’s Tournament Capital, Kamloops, from September 19th to 21st, 2024.
Penticton/Oliver/Osoyoos
Melissa Zimmerman
Melissa Zimmerman, a registered veterinary technologist, is offering in-home veterinary nursing care and support for pets in the area.
Spirit Ridge Resort’s Nk’Mip Cellars will hold the Indian Residential Survivors Society’s second annual fundraising event on September 28.
The Penticton Community Centre will be closed Aug. 17–24 for electrical replacement, and the pool will be closed Aug. 10–Sept. 2 for scheduled maintenance.
From August 30 to September 1, Penticton Pickleball for Mental Health will have its third annual tournament, organized by the Canadian Mental Health Association and Parkers Chrysler.
The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) presented the City of Penticton with a Gold Quill Award for their communications efforts about the new book recycling program.
The Osoyoos Airport will be rented by the Penticton Model Aviation Club for club operations and the operation of remote-controlled aircraft effective mid-August.
The Sage Mesa Water System and Public Service Co. Ltd. plant north-west of Penticton is being considered for purchase by the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen. The system supplies water to Sage Mesa, Sandstone, Westwood Properties, Pine Hills Golf Course, WOW Golf Course, and Husula Highlands in Okanagan Lake West, Greater West Bench, and Faulder’s Electoral Area “F”.
The first annual Penticton Latin Rhythm Fest is coming to Skaha Lake Park on September 1, 2024.
According to Insolvency Insider Canada, Foxtrot Winery ULC and Foxtrot Farms ULC, which own and operate a boutique winery in Naramata, BC, were placed in receivership on July 12 on application by CIBC, owed approximately $2.7 million as of April 2024. Foxtrot has committed multiple ongoing defaults under the credit facilities provided by CIBC, including allegedly using funds earmarked to pay down the loan to instead pay unpaid wages, source deductions and management fees. CIBC previously sought to have an interim receiver appointed in May, but Foxtrot was granted time to negotiate a potential sale which failed to materialize. PwC is the receiver. Counsel is McCarthy Tétrault for CIBC and Farris for Foxtrot.
SALMON ARM
Darrell Garceau
Darrell Garceau has been appointed as the interim chief administrative officer of the District of Sicamous, following the resignation of chief administrative officer, Kelly Bennett.
The Ricochet Taphouse has opened at 310 Hudson Ave. NE, Salmon Arm.
More than $290,000 in grants have been given to regional organizations that offer assistance and services by the Shuswap Community Foundation through its semi-annual 2024 grant program, according to the announcement.
Tickets are NOW on sale for the 2024 Business Forum! Join the Salmon Arm Chamber of Commerce on October 30th, 2024, at Song Sparrow Hall, 180 Lakeshore Dr NW, for an incredible day of learning and networking.
Salmon Arm Chamber of Commerce welcomes their newest member – Enecon BC.
VERNON
Stuart Anderson has been named the 2024 Volunteer of the Year by Community Futures North Okanagan.
Blake MacLeod has been appointed as the Officer in Charge (OIC) of the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP, following his promotion from the position of inspector to superintendent.
BC Hydro will invest nearly $6 billion in capital projects across B.C.’s southern Interior over the next decade to expand the electricity grid, and upgrade its infrastructure to ensure a continued, reliable supply of clean power across the region. For Vernon, $50 million will be spent to expand its distribution system, which will add 15,000 new homes.
The Kalamalka Rotary recently hosted its third annual Charity Golf Classic at the Vernon Golf and Country Club. The event successfully raised $28,500 for the Kalamalka Starfish Society.
Vernon’s Historic O’Keefe Ranch Jacob Jacott, ranch event co-ordinator and staff manager, positively shared the exciting range of activities available at the ranch this summer. Visit the ranch’s website for more information.
The first-ever all-day punk festival in Vernon, Anarchy in the OK Music Festival, takes place at the Creekside Conference Centre on August 31.
The province has allocated $11.5 million from the ChildCareBC New Spaces Fund to a new initiative that aims to establish 103 childcare spaces in Lumby. The new facilities are anticipated to be operated by the Vernon School District in collaboration with the Whitevalley Community Resource Centre.
SUMMERLAND
An evening of wine, music, and food will be held on August 6 at the Lightning Rock Winery location on Giants Head Road by Lightning Rock Winery and Summerland’s Agur Lake Camp.
Controlled Entropy Distilling, which is owned by Shea Bennett and Nahome Boule-Paquette, is marking its one-year anniversary with a patio celebration.
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