News Influencing Thompson Okanagan Business
Kamloops
Danny Nakad
Bannister Automotive Group has recognized their 2025 top performers: Salesman Danny Nakad of Bannister Chev Kamloops and Technician Nick Pattie of Bannister GM Kamloops were honoured.
Dozens of new townhouses and apartments are now available for rent at the Tk̓emlúps reservation, part of a $9-million BC Housing project aimed at benefiting band members. The 30-unit apartment complex is located at 740 Kamloopa Rd.
The Kamloops Symphony Orchestra and KSO Music School are celebrating their 50th anniversary.
The Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser is still seeking support to hit its $25,000 target, aimed at assisting programs for those facing homelessness in Kamloops.
Low-Carbon District Energy System (LCDES) and The Indigenous Education Centre, Thompson Rivers University’s two major capital projects, are expected to be completed by the end of the year.
The RCMP Musical Ride, a cherished Canadian tradition since the late 1800s, is set to perform at the Nicola Valley Rodeo Grounds on August 26, which marks its first show in Merritt since 2018.
The Kamloops Film Society kicked off a 10-day international film festival, which runs from March 5 – 14.
The 11th annual Fur Ball gala, BC SPCA‘s Kamloops’ biggest fundraiser of the year, is set to take place at Thompson Rivers University’s campus activity centre on May 30.
SALMON ARM
Steve Norton
The Sicamous Fire Rescue department has promoted Steve Norton to the rank of captain and appointed Jarrod LaRoy to the position of deputy chief.
The Salmon Arm Chamber welcomes new member: Foundation Wealth Partners, Viking Doors Inc and Talius Group Inc.
The North Shuswap Community Library is set to celebrate the grand opening of its new permanent location in Scotch Creek on March 11.
Cantina Vallarta celebrates 11 years in business.
LittleFoot Shoe Co opens in Salmon Arm.
VERNON
The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce welcomes new members: Vernon Sheet Metal Works and Verum Innovations.
Arrowleaf Real Estate Holdings Ltd. has applied for a rezoning for Via District, an 18-acre development planned for eight sites on Vernon’s south side southeast of 19 Avenue and Kalamalka Lake Road and limited by Polson Drive.
Armstrong MetalFest, recognized as one of the most intense music festivals globally, is set to make its return in 2026 for its 16th annual festival set for July 17-18 at the Hassen Arena in Armstrong.
The annual Coldest Night of the Year event is being celebrated as a success. On Feb. 28, nearly $30,000 was raised for the Canadian Mental Health Association Vernon & District North Okanagan Rent Bank, through its annual Coldest Night of the Year event.
The Okanagan Gondola project, situated on the west side of Kalamalka Lake, is set to open its doors to visitors in April 2027.
BC Housing has announced the commencement of construction on a new supportive housing facility located at 3201 24th Ave., previously the Polson Park Motel.
The Seismic Mountain Festival is set to return for 10 days, taking place from March 27 to April 5 at SilverStar Mountain.
KELOWNA
Allison Yorke
Allison Yorke has been promoted to Director of Finance at Okanagan Dodge.
Brad Britton is starting a new position as Manager, Digital and IT at Traine.
The 41st Annual Kelowna Chamber Golf Classic returns Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at the Okanagan Golf Club.
On Tuesday, March 24th the Kelowna Chamber is hosting a panel discussion at the Kelowna Events Centre regarding the updated BC Budget. Key topics will include PST changes, strata impacts and land claim concerns.
Kevin Mathew has been promoted to Director of Accounting and Administration at KOT Auto Group.
Michael Wu, Experience Manager at Genesis Kelowna, has been named Employee of the Month.
Okanagan Vintners Exchange Gastrobar has officially opened its doors in the newly expanded departures area at Kelowna International Airport.
Terralux Estate Winery is now up for for $4.5 million, following a court-ordered sale that has significantly reduced its original price of $8.56 million.
As part of a nationwide initiative to make life easier for military families who frequently have to relocate quickly for the Canadian Armed Forces, military spouses and their adult children migrating to British Columbia can now access WorkBC services from outside the province.
SUMMERLAND
The District of Summerland is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Aquatic & Fitness Centre, Arena and Curling Club.
In April of 2026, Sunflower Ukrainian Cafe, a Summerland institution, will expand to Penticton’s Main Street.
The District of Summerland has been honoured with the prestigious Canadian Award for Financial Reporting for four years running by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA).
PENTICTON
Mayor Julius Bloomfield delivered the annual “State of the City” address hosted by the Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce on Friday, March 13, at Okanagan College’s Community Hall.
The headquarters of the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen is available for purchase at a price of $4.53 million. The RDOS is relocating to a site on Skaha Lake Road in Penticton, previously occupied by Windward Software Systems, which was acquired for $10.2 million in 2025.
The City of Penticton’s public works team is set to kick off its annual spring water main flushing program on March 16 and will continue at various locations across the community until mid-April.
The Forest, a unique cocktail bar is set to open in downtown Penticton this month, operating under the Black Antler brand.
The 5th Annual Ignite the Arts Festival is set for March 27–29, which will showcase three days filled with music, art, and a vibrant community atmosphere across various venues.
Next month, Penticton’s Many Hats Theatre will host a production of “Love and Luna” at The Cannery, which will feature a great array of local performers from April 10 to May 3.
MapleFest is set to expand to Penticton this year, bringing a celebration of Francophone culture for everyone to enjoy.
OSOYOOS/OLIVER
Osoyoos Coyotes players Chase Kunn and Austin Rampone were both honoured by the Rotary Club of Osoyoos for their excellent contributions and achievements.
The Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre in Osoyoos has received recognition from the Tourism Industry Association of British Columbia for its Whispers of the Trickster theatre experience.
Kismet Estate Winery‘s Manpreet Dhaliwal has secured a spot in the BC Business 30 Under 30 list, gaining recognition for her groundbreaking role as Canada’s first and only South Asian female head winemaker.
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