News Influencing Thompson Okanagan Business
KELOWNA
Liz and Dylan Ranney, two local artists and muralists, designed the new art banners in downtown Kelowna’s Cultural District.
An affiliate of Serruya Private Equity Inc., which has invested in automotive, real estate, and fast-food enterprises, has acquired the majority of The Body Shop‘s business.
The 2024 Canadian Tourism Award recipients were announced by the Tourism Industry Association of Canada (TIAC), and Accent Inns Inc., a Victoria-based company, was recognized as the Tourism Employer of the Year. Mandy Farmer, the third-generation CEO, oversees a formidable staff in British Columbia that encompasses Accent Inns, Hotel Zed, and ROAR restaurant. The team’s success, which is further exemplified by the company’s Leading with Love philosophy and its commitment to creating happier workplaces in the hospitality industry, was also recently recognized when Accent Inns Inc. was awarded Canada’s most esteemed corporate culture last month.
The Kelowna City Council has approved a rezoning application that will permit the construction of a rental apartment building at 2160 Wilkinson Street. The building will be operated by the NOW Canada Society.
Urban Options Planning Corp. has relocated to 303-3275 Lakeshore Road and is set to celebrate a decade in business on January 1, 2025.
The owner of Greenery Cannabis Boutique plans to establish a second location at Reid’s Corner and is seeking to obtain the C2rcs – Vehicle Oriented Commercial Retail Cannabis Sales zone for this new site.
Senior Helpers® of Kelowna, located at 3021A Pandosy Street, has launched as a new in-home care service provider in the Okanagan, under the ownership and operation of Colin Little.
New Punjab Restaurant Sweets & Bar, which is owned and operated by Baldev Singh, Chef Baljinder Singh and Dilpreet Singh, has recently opened at 110 – 1950 Harvey Avenue in Spall Plaza, between TD Bank and Moore’s Men’s Clothing.
The Tim Hortons Holiday Smile Cookie campaign for 2024 has raised a record $25,717 for Tim Hortons Foundation Camps and $25,717 for JoeAnna’s House.
A new residential cleaning service, Shiny Happy Spaces, has been established by Ronda Young. The service is available in the Okanagan region, from West Kelowna to Vernon.
Porter Airlines will begin operating five weekly flights between Kelowna and Toronto on May 14, 2025.
This week, Big White Ski Resort celebrated the completion of a significant staff housing extension that added 128 new beds, increasing the resort’s capacity for seasonal staff housing to 605 beds overall.
KAMLOOPS
Chris Les
Chris Les has started a new position as CEO at Delta Water Products.
A brand-new Christmas market featuring dozens of sellers will be held at Underground Market on Friday, December 20 at 340 Victoria St.
The Thompson-Nicola Regional District‘s (TNRD) Board of Directors has given their approval to the 2025 budget in general.However, efforts are still being made to further mitigate the impact on taxpayers. Next year, residents can expect a world tax increase of about 7.86%. This is less than the 8.5% increase that was expected before.
Interior Health is currently in the process of awaiting confirmation from the province regarding the funding of a three-year-old business plan that pertains to the expansion and redevelopment of long-term care sites in Kamloops.
The Salvation Army Kamloops is ramping up efforts to meet its fundraising targets as the holiday season comes to a close, aiming to support community programs such as the distribution of Christmas hampers.
Todd Mastel, the executive director of business operations at Interior Health, updated the Thompson Regional Hospital Board that the Ronald McDonald House Family Room, currently under construction on the third floor of Royal Inland Hospital, is projected to be completed this winter.
Starting in January, renovations will commence on the exterior of the Clearwater Library at 422 Murtle Cres., along with updates to the building’s interior. As construction begins, all materials will be packed and relocated to a temporary site at 209 Dutch Lake Rd.
A zoning modification bylaw covering 2001, 2013, and 2019 Glenwood Dr. was passed in its first three readings by the Kamloops council at its last 2024 regular meeting. The council also allowed the distribution of a notice of intent to pursue a development variance permit.
The North Shore UPCC reached full working hours on December 10 after opening in late November.
PENTICTON/OLIVER/OSOYOOS
Ash Regner
Ash Regner has been appointed as the Fire Chief of the Oliver and District Fire Department, effective December 19, 2024.
Wildstone Construction of Penticton is building Canada’s largest off-grid solar plant, the Anahim Lake Solar Project at Lake Anahim, will reduce diesel generation by 64 per cent in the rural town.
Penticton was named the ninth most livable city in Canada.
CUPE 523 Union has donated $500 to the Penticton and District Search & Rescue.
The next stage of the City of Penticton‘s Sports & Recreation Needs Assessment is about to begin, with a complete draft plan scheduled to be submitted to council in the spring of 2025.
Discovery House‘s Shed the Light on Addiction campaign has received $50,000 from Pentictonite Janet Parker, who has been supporting the organization.
A new accessible elevator is in the works at the Penticton Youth Centre, thanks to a matching grant from an outside group. The grant will bring the total amount to $600,000, and the Community Foundation of the South Okanagan Similkameen has pledged to match the grant.
Penticton’s Slackwater Brewing has teamed up with Port Moody’s Parkside Brewery.
Below the Ankle, located at 255 Main Street in Penticton, will be closing at the month’s end.
The City of Penticton announced its partnership with Telus SmartEnergy, which offers homeowners a free 12-month subscription and seeks to assist them in monitoring their home energy use.
Apple Plaza Community Walk-in Clinic, is set to open in the southern part of Penticton. The local council has waived the building permit fees and granted tax exemption to the project.
SALMON ARM
Applications are now being accepted for the 2025 Water Quality Grants from the Shuswap Watershed Council. Eligible projects have the opportunity to receive up to $45,000 in funding.
To assist in the operation of On the Land youth culture camps and the continuation of youth mentoring programs, the Salmon Arm council will draft a letter of support for Rise Up Indigenous Wellness‘s $1.5 million grant application.
The Shuswap Trail Alliance is looking for financial or item donations to help make the 2025 Shuswap Trails Winter Online sale the greatest one yet. The auction is scheduled to start on February 7th.
At the Salmon Arm city council meeting on December 9, Steven DeBoer from 4AG Robotics proposed for the expansion of bus service to an industrial park, aiming to assist employees in reaching their workplaces.
VERNON
The People Place, 3402 27th Ave., is now home to the Canadian Mental Health Association Vernon & District’s Restorative Justice Services, which were previously located in the City of Vernon’s Community Safety Office.
A new fine art gallery, The Artists’ Lounge Gallery and Gift Shop, has opened at 152 Silver Load Lane in Silver Star Village to exhibit local art.
The I.D.A. CareConnect walk-in clinic in Vernon now has Dr. Lioubuv (Louba) Kazatchenko on staff.
The Greater Vernon Advisory Committee will provide an update to the Regional District of North Okanagan board during its meeting on Wednesday. Construction designs will start in the new year, and the detailed design should be completed by the end of December 2024, the report states.
More reasonably priced homes in Vernon has been a goal of the municipal council for some time. After being rejected from the Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) in the first round, Vernon has reapplied in the hopes of receiving funding for the initiative.
A $587,399 expenditure is being contemplated by the Regional District of North Okanagan for an outdoor pool project that is currently in progress in Enderby.
The nonprofit Options for Sexual Health, which has clinics across the province (including Vernon), revealed last week that, owing to financial difficulties, it will probably have to close most of its clinics.
SUMMERLAND
LocalMotive Organic Delivery and Low Waste Market owner Thomas Tumbach addressed the local council to ask for assistance in submitting a grant application to construct a greenhouse education centre for aspiring farmers.
The Twister Thrifters, a business that was recently established by a Summerland resident to assist in the funding of fine arts instruction for children, has since expanded to include an art gallery and coffee shop. Twister Thrifters and Twisted Whiskers Cafe are located at 9908 and 9910 Main Street.
On Tuesday, Summerland council discussed plans to improve Rotary Beach’s landmark pier after the Rotary Club raised $200K. The District of Summerland authorized its basic replacement with $800,000 in grant cash, reopening it in July.
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