News Influencing Thompson Okanagan Business
KAMLOOPS
The local real estate industry association reports that the Kamloops market concluded 2025 on a strong note, as evidenced by the most recent monthly summary from the Association of Interior Realtors, which indicates 137 residential unit sales in December. This represents a decrease from November but is approximately 4 per cent higher than December 2024.
Brego’s Bagels will soon open in Kamloops.
Acacia Pangilinan, head of the Kamloops Chamber, reports that a local land trust policy is making headway in Ottawa following the engagement of a lobbying firm to present the concept to important representatives. Pangilinan announced that the Kamloops & District Chamber of Commerce has obtained a $40,000 grant to fund the lobbyist.
Inter-Mtn. Testing Ltd. announced hiring a dedicated technician based locally in Kamloops to ensure local support.
ANT Equipment Group is hiring a Rental Sales Representative in Kamloops.
Mobile businesses can operate in many towns within the Thompson Nicola Regional District with a single business license according to an inter-community business licensing bylaw approved by the Village of Chase.
SALMON ARM
Chadalin Skin & Laser reopens on Tuesday, January 6th.
Salmon Arm Savings and Credit Union has announced a donation of $21,000 to support local food banks, First Nations communities, and educational programs.
The Salmon Arm Chamber of Commerce welcomes its newest members, Zea Friesen Acupuncture and Lawson Developments Ltd.
VERNON
Once Upon a Child celebrated their grand opening ribbon cutting on January 8th.
The Vernon Chamber of Commerce is having their Business After 5 on January 20th from 5-7 pm at the Vernon & District Performing Arts Centre.
The North Okanagan Gleaners have successfully delivered millions of meals to impoverished areas globally once more. In 2025, the Gleaners, based in Vernon, processed 1.7 million pounds of produce at their facility in Lavington.
A new exhibition featuring the work of acclaimed artist and UBC Okanagan Associate Professor Samuel Roy-Bois is currently on display at the Vernon Public Art Gallery. Kitchen Corner is set to be displayed at the VPAG from January 9 to March 11.
Members of the Vernon Pickleball Association (VPA) have successfully gathered over 1,000 pounds of non-perishable food items for the Salvation Army Vernon House of Hope Food Bank for the fifth consecutive year.
BC Transit and local government partners in the Vernon Regional Transit System, which includes Vernon, Coldstream, and RDNO, are set to expand services starting January 4, 2026.
KELOWNA
Brandon Deeves
Brandon Deeves has been appointed as Manager of Strategic Partnerships at Emil Anderson Construction.
Dustyn Baulkham, the current general manager of Friends of Dorothy, will assume ownership of the cocktail lounge starting January 1.
A new initiative called Lawyers for Reporters Canada has been launched by the Canadian Association of Journalists, the University of King’s College in Halifax, and the Canadian Media Lawyers Association. This program provides pro bono legal support to newsrooms that are struggling with increasing financial and legal challenges.
Flex Academy, serving students from kindergarten to Grade 12, has submitted a request to the City of Kelowna for a development permit to construct a two-storey building on its site.
Craig Shirra
Craig Shirra has transitioned from UBCPT to Traine Construction & Development, assuming the role of Director of Development.
The Rotary Centre for the Arts, Black Box Theatre, and Kelowna Community Theatre will host the 10th anniversary Living Things International Arts Festival from January 20 to February 1.
Train Wreck Comedy is set to kick off the New Year with two nights of exceptional stand-up comedy that promises plenty of laughs. International headliner Sunee Dhaliwal will perform at the Castanet Comedy Cabaret on January 16-17 at the Kelowna Actors Studio.
Big White Ski Resort marks a milestone with a record-breaking Christmas and New Year celebration.
First-in-Canada cervical cancer treatment using customized 3D-printed applicators is launched by BC Cancer in Kelowna.
The Fortune Creek store at 231 Bernard Avenue in downtown Kelowna has closed.
Interior Health Authority reports that Kelowna General Hospital’s Medical Imaging (MI) department has completed its renovation
The new departure lounge at Kelowna International Airport is anticipated to open this month, as the expansion is nearly completed ahead of schedule.
SUMMERLAND
Sage Hills Estate Winery, a premium boutique winery located in Summerland has been listed for sale.
The Summerland Arena Banquet Room, located at 8820 Jubilee Road East, will hold the 2026 budget open house on January 14.
Residents of Summerland can now get 2026 Summerland Free Fare Passes to add to their UMO card or app. This will allow them to continue enjoying free fares on Route 30 during the year 2026.
PENTICTON
Jim Minshull
The Penticton Art Gallery announced that Jim Minshull has been hired as Executive Director.
Lyndie Hill‘s Hoodoo Adventures will close its Ellis Street location in Penticton on February 1.
The Balance School of Performing Arts in Penticton is offering an on-camera acting workshop from January 14th to February 6th, under the instruction of Destee Kylne.
The Tempest Theatre will host Penticton’s 8th annual Snakebite Film Festival from January 29 to February 1. Tickets are already on sale.
The Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce welcomes its newest member, Dirty Laundry Winery, Belich’s Ag Foods, Lucid Law, Kettle Valley Ranch to Table, Bubbles Don’t Count, Bobcat of Penticton and Chad Mielke, Realtor.
Penticton Hospital Auxiliary has contributed $120,000 towards new pediatric technology at Penticton Regional Hospital.
Kim Wise, vice-principal at Summerland Secondary School, will take over as principal of Naramata Elementary School on February 1, 2026, while Jordan Harris will take on the Summerland vice principal role.
The Penticton Chamber is holding an online member exclusive workshop in AI Training for Small Business on February 24th from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Preregistration required.
OSOYOOS/OLIVER
South Okanagan Chamber welcomes its newest member, InnerVisions Salon in Oliver and Raina Dawn Lutz.
The Osoyoos and Oliver Rotary Clubs are partnering to hold a Winter Gala and Auction at the Spirit Ridge Resort on January 24. All of the proceeds will be donated to the SO General Hospital Improvement Fund.
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