News Influencing Thompson Okanagan Business
KAMLOOPS
U.S.-based Coeur Mining acquired New Gold Inc. in a deal valued at approximately US$7 billion and the New Afton gold-copper mine, located near Kamloops, will become part of Coeur’s portfolio. It was recently reported that New Gold is eliminating approximately 85 positions at the New Afton mine
Thompson Rivers University opened a new cybersecurity lab in January, giving students in its computer network and cybersecurity diploma a dedicated space to train against real-world cyber threats. Students in the diploma can ladder into a bachelor of computing science or pursue industry certifications.
The Kamloops Airport Society Board and Vantage Group have given the go-ahead for the first part of the $10 million renovations to the airport’s terminal to start.
Indigenous students from British Columbia and the Yukon are being extended an invitation to apply for the Kúkwpi7 Rosanne Casimir Aviation and Aerospace Scholarship by Kamloops Airport and the British Columbia Aviation Council (BCAC).
Starting this year, the Kamloops Sports Council will assume responsibility for Ribfest in order to promote sports and events in Kamloops.
Community Futures Thompson Country is starting a new youth entrepreneurship program starting on March 10 for 14 weeks. The program is for high school kids in the area and is meant to teach them real-world business skills.
The Thompson-Nicola Film Commission (TNFC), in partnership with the Kamloops Film Society (KFS), is presenting Learn About Film (LAF) – a two-day immersive event taking place on March 7 and 8, 2026, at the Paramount Theatre in downtown Kamloops. Designed to support emerging and mid-career filmmakers, LAF offers hand-on workshops, industry insights, and networking opportunities with film professionals from across Canada.
SALMON ARM
Salmon Arm Roots and Blues has received the council’s nod to explore fundraising efforts aimed at inspecting wood saved from Memorial Arena for the creation of an unique guitar.
The 2026 Heritage Conservation Awards will be held in the council chambers of city hall on February 23.
Andrew Sheret Limited, a plumbing and HVAC company located at 2690 13 Ave. SW, donated $5,894.23 to Second Harvest Food Bank.
The Business After Business – March Edition of the Salmon Arm & District Chamber of Commerce will be held on March 10 at Okanagan College, and it will be hosted by Simply Lunch Co.
VERNON
Vernon’s median rent for all bedroom counts is 1% less than the national average and 4% less than a year ago, according to Zumper, the online rental site.
Kerkhoff Develop-Build has put forward a proposal for modifications to its 580 Commonage development, which calls plans for almost 3,500 affordable homes.
The city is considering the construction of 260 new residences in the Hesperia Lands subdivision in Vernon.
I Am Woman, Hear Me Laff! will be returning to the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre on March 7 as part of the annual celebration of International Women’s Day.
The Vernon Amateur Athletics Association is currently accepting registrations.
KELOWNA
Kristian de Pont has officially sold Prime Concrete Coatings to Brady Mende.
The design for Cottonwoods Long-Term Care Facility in Kelowna has been awarded to Stantec.
WestJet is suspending its daily flights to Toronto starting in mid-April.
Kelowna’s Accelerate Okanagan is now inviting startups from all over Canada to apply for the Okanagan Angel Summit.
The world’s first combination conversion of a Boeing 737-800 aircraft, which boasts a forward cargo compartment with five pallet positions and a 90-passenger cabin in the rear section, was successfully completed by KF Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineers Inc.
The old White Spot room at YLW has been taken over by Ellison Field Taphouse, while Okanagan Vintners Exchange is now located in the new departures lounge.
The latest Offsite event from Accelerate Okanagan will be held at Summerhill Pyramid Winery on February 26. This event helps business owners improve their leadership skills.
Okanagan College and WeBC are starting a leadership and growth program called TogetHER. The goal is to bring together Okanagan women business owners, leaders, and innovators to boost innovation and teamwork. The project began on February 18 and will culminate with the TogetHER Women’s Leadership Summit on March 5 and 6 at the Vernon campus of Okanagan College.
New proposals to build 16 townhouses and 1 single-family home on the Groves Avenue sites in the South Pandosy district of Kelowna has been unveiled.
SUMMERLAND
Summerland Fire Department and the Class of 2026 graduates successfully raised $2,522 through Christmas tree chipping, benefiting the 2026 Dry Class.
The Summerland council is currently considering the possibility of having additional bus platforms in Trout Creek.
This year, the Freshwater Fisheries Society of BC will be updating and modernizing the nursery and fish production system. This includes work on the Summerland Trout nursery.
PENTICTON
Brent Rowland has been appointed as the new executive director of Discovery House in Penticton.
Berry and Smith Trucking Ltd. expects further expansion through the integration of new technology and a dedicated workforce.
The Penticton Trade and Convention Centre will host the Wild Sheep Society of BC‘s Salute to Conservation and Mountain Hunting Expo and the Wild Sheep Ram Awards from February 26 to 28.
The Pentastic Hot Jazz and Music Festival returns for its 28th year from September 11 to 13 in Penticton.
Penticton City Council is nearing the final stages of approving a $38 million plan for upgrades and replacements to the City’s aging fire halls, as they consider the Firehalls Replacement and Upgrades Loan Authorization Bylaw.
OSOYOOS/OLIVER
Osoyoos Golf Club is set to open its doors on March 6.
The Osoyoos Festival Society is holding its Annual General Meeting on February 26th at the Sonora Community Centre.
The South Okanagan General Hospital has received nearly $30,000 in donations from the Rotary Clubs of Oliver and Osoyoos to support improvements.
The South Okanagan General Hospital received $10,000 in support from the Oliver Pharmacy.
Send your business announcements, news, celebrations or new hires HERE
