News Influencing Thompson Okanagan Business
KELOWNA
Spencer Malott
Spencer Malott has officially joined the Kelowna office at WSP Earth & Environment, becoming a part of the Mine Surface Water Team.
Luna Taniguchi’s Komorebi Cafe and Healing Art Studio has recently opened on Cawston Avenue in Kelowna.
Rajpreet and Simran Oberoi, who also own Cozy Nook on Main Street in West Kelowna, have opened a second restaurant, The Nook Café + Bar, at 567 Bernard Ave., in the former 350 Bakehouse.
Ask Pablo, a new cocktail bar, has opened its doors in the former Orchard Room location at 269 Lawrence Avenue, by owner/operators Alex Perras and Kai Koroll.
The Kelowna Leckie House, located at 781 Bernard Avenue, is currently on the market for $1.675 million.
CGT has completed the acquisition of Tuff Industries, a leader in the decking market located in Kelowna, and a long-standing partner and customer of its Industrial division.
Kelowna Karting is currently in the process of applying for a liquor primary license from the provincial Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch and the city to expand its operations.
The $242.3 million plan to construct a new Parkinson Recreation Centre in Kelowna has taken a significant step forward with the approval of a development permit for the project by Kelowna councillors on Monday.
Ledingham McAllister’s four-tower residential project, The Vintage at Waterscapes, at 1070 Ellis St., has submitted an application for a development permit to the City of Kelowna.
Derek Gratz
The Kelowna Chamber is set to host a dinner and silent auction to honour its volunteers and officially welcome new Board President Derek Gratz. The event will take place on Wednesday, April 30, at the Hotel Eldorado for Chamber members.
Bristow Instruments, a tool and aircraft instrument repair firm established in Edmonton, recently opened a new office in Kelowna at 100-2092 Enterprise Way.
On Saturday, April 26th, Tacos & Tequila will make a comeback to the Okanagan at Metro Hub in downtown Kelowna. The event will feature tequila cocktails from The Rico Room, Central, The Bar Travelling Man, Sip n’ Celebrate, Derrick’s Steakhouse, Casa de Frida, The Happy Hour Event Co, Tequila Herradura, and Two Brothers Mexican Restaurant.
The deadline for the Downtown Kelowna Association‘s call for nominations for the board of directors is Monday, April 21.
BNA has officially revealed its new location at the former Slackwater Brewing taproom in Penticton, situated at the corner of 218 Martin Street.
Council approved a development permit for the multi-use recreation complex to replace Parkinson Recreation Centre, which will have a triple gymnasium, running track, exercise studios, aquatics facility, multi-purpose rooms, community teaching kitchen, library, washrooms, administration space, and child care facilities. The concept also includes additional sports fields, pickleball and tennis courts, a multi-sport box, multi-use grass areas, playgrounds, Mill Creek restoration, outdoor fitness equipment relocation, and a cultural gathering space.
Kelowna City Council Council approved new tenant protection measures aimed at supporting renters during redevelopment projects. Key recommendations include mandatory Tenant Protection Plans outlining compliance with the Residential Tenancy Act and City bylaws, compensation equivalent to three months’ rent, four months’ notice, and $1,000 in moving expense assistance.
Tenants affected by redevelopment projects, containing five or more rental dwelling units, will be supported by new municipal initiatives, recently approved by Kelowna City Council. Mandatory Tenant Protection Plans assure Residential Tenancy Act and City bylaw compliance,o suggest three months’ rent, four months’ notice, and $1,000 for relocation. They support the Council’s affordable housing and homelessness initiatives.
Council approved its first Water Security Plan to protect the region’s water supplies. This “one water” plan integrates governance, collaborations, and Syilx expertise across six critical sectors: water supply, wastewater management, environmental flow demands, stormwater management and flood protection, natural systems, and source water protection. The plan meets a provincial long-term water strategy requirement and Council’s Climate & Environment goals.
There will be four weekly direct flights from YLW to YYC with Flair Airlines this summer: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. Until 11:59 p.m. MST on April 9, 2025, use the promo code WINTER2025 to book now and receive 20 per cent discount on select flights.
KAMLOOPS
Kadin Rainville
Kadin Rainville, a realtor from Kamloops, has been appointed as the president of the Association of Interior Realtors.
Comet Industries announced the appointment of Mr. Malcolm Davidson, CPA, CA as Chief Financial Officer, effective February 3, 2025.
Kamloops Kia’s Service Department is now offering a Mini Spring Detail Service.
Ed Ratuski, formerly managing director at YKA, has taken a position as executive managing director at John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport. Ratuski will be replaced by YKA’s manager of airport facilities and safety, Jim Moroz.
The “dynamic” music director and conductor of the Kamloops Symphony Orchestra, Dina Gilbert, will be stepping down at the end of the 2024–25 season.
A non-profit housing co-operative in Kamloops, Propolis Cooperative Housing Society, has issued community bonds to 101 investors, raising $1.1 million. This money will go toward the development of a 53-unit affordable, net-zero housing project in the city.
The Ice Cream Social are open at their new location of 622 Tranquille Road.
TRU will host BC’s Best Butcher Competition, presented by BCMeats on May 3rd. The University has also bestowed honorary degrees to: Indigenous knowledge keeper Kyé7e Jean Sandy William, philanthropist and volunteer Fiona Chan, lawyer and developer Frank Quinn, and former Kamloops mayor and MLA Terry Lake.
PENTICTON/OLIVER/OSOYOOS
Kin and Folk, a Penticton restaurant owned by Mack Davis and Zachary Chan, is opening a second location in Kelowna in the old space occupied by Krafty Kitchen.
Downtown Penticton BIA will be hosting the 2026 BIA BC Conference.
The Book Shop at 242 Main Street is believed to be the largest used book store in Canada. The more than 50 year old fixture is still owned by the Stevenson family and was featured in the Amazing Race.
David Launier received an auto body and collision certification from JF Kustoms, a renowned auto body repair shop in Osoyoos, as part of their apprenticeship program.
Daniel Wasyl Markin has launched Daniel’s Blue Ribbon Barber Shop at 145 Westminster Avenue West in Penticton.
Noodlebox, an Asian-fusion stir-fry restaurant based in Victoria, has opened a location in Penticton within the Walmart complex.
Drift Boutique and Redhead Market on Main Street in Oliver will close at the end of this month following an order to vacate due to the sale of the building.
The Osoyoos Indian Band has partnered with Weyerhaeuser to manage Tree Farm License 59, overseeing local forestry holdings located near Oliver.
The Pig Out Festival Weekend is set to take place in Oliver Osoyoos Wine Country from May 2 to 4. The event will kick off with a guest chef dinner at Manzil Restaurant, located in the vineyard garden of Kismet Estate Winery.
The Blue Barn in Osoyoos is doing its annual pet food challenge from April 17th to the 30th. The event benefits local animal groups, including Happy Tails Cat Rescue Society, Animal Lifeline Emergency Response Team Society, and Lend A Paw Pet Food Foundation.
SALMON ARM
A food delivery company called Nature Delivered has launched an online store where local produce is delivered to homes in the Okanagan and Shuswap throughout the year.
Ramzi’s Express Food Truck at DeMille’s Farm Market now serves Donairs.
Elan Family Wellness Centre has joined the Salmon Arm Chamber of Commerce as a new member.
A bonus Salmon Arm Chamber of Commerce Business After Business Event will take place on April 29th from 5:30 to 7:30 at Setters Neighbourhood Pub.
VERNON
The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce is set to host the fifth annual Community Expo on April 26 at Kal Tire Place North.
A plan to seek public approval to borrow funds for the Mission Hill Water Treatment Plant update is anticipated to be approved by the board of directors of the Regional District of North Okanagan.
The Vernon Golf and Country Club is hosting the fourth annual Kalamalka Rotary Charity Golf Classic, and registration is now open for the June 5 event.
Fraser Young, a Vernon citizen, has taken his case for expanding BC Transit bus route 97 to incorporate UBCO route 90 all the way to the BC Parliament.
Renovation of the Pleasant Valley Cemetery entrance is set to begin the week of April 14, with completion anticipated by mid-August.
The longest continuously operating department store in Canada, Hudson’s Bay Company, announced intentions to close most of its surviving stores due to ongoing economic challenges.
The Okanagan District Shoppers Drug Mart’s First Mingle of 2025 will be held at Gray Monk Estate Winery on April 30, 2025.
SUMMERLAND
The Distributed Generation Program, which enables homeowners to sell power back to the municipal utility with solar panels on their homes, is once again accepting applications in Summerland.
The District of Summerland has been honoured with the Canadian Award for Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for the third year in a row.
The District of Summerland will hold a One-Day Recycling Depot at the Summerland Arena Recycling Compound, located at 8820 Jubilee Road, on April 19.
The Annual RE/MAX Easter Egg-Stravaganza returns on April 19, now at Summerland Middle School Field.
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