News Influencing Thompson Okanagan Business
KELOWNA
Dr. Neil Fassina
The Okanagan College Board of Governors announced the renewal of Dr. Neil Fassina’s contract as president and has appointed him to the role on a permanent and ongoing basis.
Rob Johnson, the previous Director of Athletics at Okanagan University College and UBCO, and Steve Manuel, the current head coach of the UBC Okanagan women’s volleyball team, has been inducted during a ceremony held as part of the CCAA’s annual general meetings in Kelowna.
The new airport terminal building’s mass timber roof structure has been finalized as part of the Kelowna International Airport‘s expansion.
The Christine Bergeron Woman Entrepreneur Award, established by Kelowna-based WeBC, will be presented on July 21 to a pioneer who promotes sustainable growth.
Homestead Foods in Kelowna marks its first anniversary, with plans for another greenhouse underway and goals to construct an Interior Health-approved kitchen to enhance processing of its produce.
The $24.8 million first phase of the Dilworth Shopping Centre redevelopment has been granted a building permit.
A new rehabilitation plan for the Kelowna International Hostel on Pandosy Street has been presented by the property’s new owners. It calls for a six-story mixed-use building with 40 rental apartments above ground floor medical offices.
The Kelowna Share Society will benefit from the sales of the June 22 Summer Moon Vintage Market, which will be held at the Laurel Packinghouse, located at 1304 Ellis Street.
The official launch of AesthetiKs LAB took place on June 15 at 436 Bernard Avenue.
Kelowna will get $8.4 million from Telus as part of the province-wide effort to upgrade wireless and internet service.
Toys “R” Us Canada‘s Kelowna location on Harvey Avenue will permanently close its doors.
The Council has backed a proposed Fees and Charges Policy aimed at establishing fair, transparent, and consistent user fees. The goal is to connect expenses with the beneficiaries of services, reducing dependence on property taxes.
The Council received an update on the effects of the 2025 Montana’s Brier, which drew over 89,000 attendees, with 36 percent coming from outside Kelowna. The Brier brought a significant local economic boost of $15,200,744.00, supporting 121 jobs in Kelowna.
The Kelowna Chamber is hosting the Quarterly General Meeting of the Chamber – Members & Non-members on June 25, 2025 at Rustic Reel Brewing Company, 760 Vaughan Avenue, Kelowna.
KAMLOOPS
Shelley Lampreau
The Simpcw First Nation‘s health director, Shelley Lampreau, has been recognized with the First Nations Health Foundation’s (FNHF) most prestigious health leadership award, the Health Champion Award.
Kelli Fox, the new artistic director of Western Canada Theatre, aims to transform the Kamloops-based company into a hub for B.C. theatre, seeking to attract a national audience.
The Kweseltken Farmer‘s and Artisan Market is back for another summer at its new spot, 520-185 Chief Eli Larue Way, right across from Tim Hortons.
The Ronald McDonald Family Room has officially opened at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops, located on the paediatric floor of the Gaglardi Tower.
ARPA Investments marked the grand opening of Thompson Landing on Royal, a new riverfront condominium development at 207 and 215 Royal Avenue on Kamloops’ North Shore, on Tuesday, June 17. A notable milestone was reached for the North Shore community as local leaders, business professionals, and project supporters gathered to celebrate the opening of the first phase of the development.
TRU’s Low-Carbon District Energy System, which will replace natural gas boilers with electric heating systems in the majority of campus buildings, and its PV Solarization project, which has seen 570 of 1,400 solar panels installed to date to help power the system, have earned the university an honourable mention in the 2025 Canadian Association of University Business Officers Quality and Productivity Awards Program.
Kamloops Airport is collaborating with several regional tourism organizations, such as the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, Tourism Kamloops, Tourism Sun Peaks, the Thompson-Nicola Regional District, and Destination BC, to improve flight options and infrastructure at Fulton Field.
An environmental assessment certificate has been granted to Teck Resources, a mining corporation based in Vancouver, by the government of British Columbia. This certificate will allow Teck Resources to prolong the life of the Highland Valley Copper Mine.
The North Shore Community Health Centre (STEPS) opened at 202B-780 Windsor Ave. on May 15 with the goal of providing family doctors to 4,300 patients.
ARPA Investments cuts the ribbon at their new 64-unit development located on Royal Avenue in North Kamloops, known as Thompson Landing.
Lewis Hill, the City’s Financial Services Manager, presented Council with a report requesting loan authorization bylaws for a list of debt-funded projects from the past two years. In the 2025–2029 Five-Year Financial Plan, all projects except the police services facility and 965 McMaster Way are covered.
The City’s Business Operations and Events Supervisor, Andrew Smeaton, briefed Council on a park liquor pilot program. After a presentation to the Governance and Service Excellence Select Committee on June 27, 2024, Council authorized staff to work with Tourism Kamloops to examine liquor consumption in City parks. Many other British Columbia towns have allowed responsible booze use in parks and public spaces for years.
PENTICTON/OLIVER/OSOYOOS
Evolve Sparkling House, one of the Time wineries together with Chronos, was named Canada’s Best Sparkling Wine of the Year after winning the sparkling wine category at the 2018 All Canadian Wine Championships (ACWC).
Dragonboat Pub has added 50 outdoor tables and new delicious menu options to ensure everyone has the ultimate patio experience this summer.
The South Okanagan Events Centre in Penticton will play host to the debut show of a new collaborative tour by The Tea Party, Headstones, and Finger Eleven on November 25, 2025.
The Apex Volunteer Fire Rescue hosted a large celebration on Saturday to mark the opening of their new fire hall.
The 2025 WETT (Wood Energy Technology Transfer) AGM and Conference will take place at the Penticton Lakeside Resort and Conference Centre from June 25 to 27, bringing together wood energy professionals from throughout Canada.
SALMON ARM
The Columbia Shuswap Regional District office starts installing public chargers and upgrading the parking lot to accommodate more of their fleet of electric vehicles.
A number of proposals put up by the Salmon Arm Active Transportation Advisory Committee have brought the city closer to the goal of legalizing e-scooters.
The Shuswap Cardiac Society has implemented a new self-referral form in an effort to enhance the accessibility of rehabilitation services.
VERNON
Gord Fowler
Gord Fowler has been awarded the Luminary of Distinction Award by Re/Max International. This award is presented to Realtors who have exhibited industry-leading professionalism, top-tier sales performance, and unwavering client service for a minimum of 20 years.
The Greater Vernon Museum and Archives celebrates 75 years of history in Vernon and North Okanagan.
SilverStar Mountain Resort in Vernon is finalizing its preparations for the summer season.
The provincial government awarded the District of Coldstream with $39,979 as part of the community emergency preparedness fund. This sum will be allocated to the Emergency Operation Centre training and operational equipment.
Community members are being sought to serve on the Board of Directors of the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce for the 2025-2026 term. Nominations are being accepted until June 30.
SUMMERLAND
7Song, a clinical herbalist based in New York, will be conducting a workshop at the Summerland Regional Library on July 6th on herbal protocols for stress and anxiety.
The $8.5M Wharton Street Revitalization Project is currently in progress in downtown Summerland, which includes infrastructure enhancements.
Summerland winery Solvero Wines won White Wine of the Year at the All Canadian Wine Championships for their 2022 Solvero Chardonnay.
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