THOMPSON OKANAGAN MOVERS & SHAKERS MARCH 6, 2025

News Influencing Thompson Okanagan Business

KELOWNA

Kyla Magee, MNP‘s Partner in the Kelowna office, has received the Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia‘s Early Achievement Award.

WenCy Aitken has been appointed as President at Kelowna Women’s Shed Society.

Nicolle Gomez de Sousa has been promoted to the position of Director of Business Development at Tourism Kelowna.

Judge C. Richard Hewson of Vancouver’s Provincial Court has been appointed to Kelowna’s Supreme Court of British Columbia, succeeding Justice G. Weatherill (Kelowna), who became a supernumerary judge on October 1, 2023.

Tonya Wagenaar is starting a new position as Regional HR Consultant – Okanagan at AgSafeBC.

Dr. Nancy Friessen, an optometrist and educator, has recently opened her practice, Visionology Optometry, at #114-2365 Gordon Drive in the Guisachan Village Centre.

The Coast Capri Hotel has achieved Biosphere Certification from the Responsible Tourism Institute – the first in Kelowna.

Laurel Douglas, ICD.D has received the prestigious Lifetime Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Leader Award.

PizzaForno has launched a new 24/7 automated pizzeria in Kelowna, located at Okanagan College.

The Hilton Hampton Inn and Suites Kelowna Airport, owned and operated by Argus Properties Ltd., is celebrating its 5th anniversary this year.

The 7th Okanagan Angel Summit is now accepting applications. Startups and investors get together to network, expand, and influence the future of BC tech at this yearly investment event, which is supported by Accelerate Okanagan.

FortisBC has received approval from the BC Utilities Commission (BCUC) for the Okanagan Capacity Mitigation Project. This project will involve the construction of a small liquified natural gas (LNG) storage and send-out facility on Spall Road.

The next Bridge Youth and Family Services Society at 212 Valley Rd. N. can now go forward to the building permit stage, thanks to a development permission that was authorized by the Kelowna council.

Jonathan Morrow, P.Eng, will begin a new role as the BC Interior Sales Manager at MENARD Canada Inc. in Kelowna, effective April 14.

The Council has approved updates to the Zoning Bylaw to ensure that short-term rental regulations are in line with provincial laws, which include mandatory licensing, registration, and a requirement for principal residency. Significant updates involve lifting restrictions on secondary suites and carriage houses, along with the removal of limits on bedrooms and units per parcel, set to be implemented in April 2025.

The Kelowna Council has requested additional details from staff regarding the Tenant Relocation Plan and its implementation, focusing on strategies to reduce tenant displacement, including relocation assistance and financial compensation.

A new bylaw was approved by the council to control the sale of bear spray and prevent its abuse. The law mandates that sellers record all purchases for a period of three years. Sales are limited to ID-holding adults. The increase of 80 per cent in deterrent spray incidences, particularly among teenagers, is addressed by this measure.

Kimberly Corea, CPA has been appointed as the new CEO of Ecora Engineering & Environmental, effective February 14th

The Council received an update from staff regarding preparations for potential U.S. tariffs that may affect City contracts and purchases. Plans feature a response team, strategies for managing currency risks, and a focus on prioritizing Canadian suppliers when possible.

 

KAMLOOPS

Santosh Bhamidipalli has been appointed as Sr. Business Analyst at the City of Kamloops.

Shubham Vaghelanis starting a new position as Multi-Sport & Physical Literacy Coach at the City of Kamloops.

Sherri Ann Donegan was promoted to the Court of Appeal for B.C. in August 2024, and on Monday, March 3, Arif Virani, the federal Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, appointed Lorianna Bennett to the Supreme Court of B.C. in Kamloops.

The Tournament Capital Centre is set to host several events from March 6 to March 23, including the BC Indoor Track and Field Championships, the Interior Artistic Fun Meet, the Thompson Valley RC Racers Mid-Winter Challenger, the Kamloops Gymnastics Trampoline Centre Invitational, the Gathering our Voices conference, and the Interior Highland Dance Spring Competition.

The 29th edition of the Kamloops Film Festival, organized by the Kamloops Film Society, will begin on March 6 at the Paramount Theatre.

Directors of the Thompson-Nicola Regional District have approved a 2.6 per cent raise for 2025, marking a notable decrease compared to last year’s annual increase.

A Way Home Kamloops, BC Housing, and the City of Kamloops celebrated the official opening of Katherine’s Place, a supportive housing development specifically designed for youth. The development is located at 560 Tranquille Rd.

Kamloops residents can now nominate exceptional community members for the 2025 Exemplary Service Awards. A ceremony is scheduled for April 16, 2025, to celebrate the award recipients. Nominations will be open until 4:30 pm on March 14, 2025, and will be categorized into two groups: Young Adult (under 30) and Adult (30 and over).

Kamloops City Council adopted Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 55-69 to permit a future multi-unit residential development at the corner off Fortune Drive and Leigh Road in the North Kamloops neighbourhood. BC Housing is proposing a four-storey, 54-unit development for the site that will provide homes for people who have experienced homelessness and need 24/7 support to maintain their housing. The next step for the project is for BC Housing to secure a housing operator, which will determine the model of care to be provided on site.

Council also adopted Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 55-81 to permit a future multi-unit residential development at 1920 Copperhead Drive. The proposed development would include a 60-unit apartment building and 120 townhouse units.

 

PENTICTON/OLIVER/OSOYOOS

Kyle Doiron has been honoured as the Team Member of the Month at Ecora Engineering & Environmental Ltd.

The Penticton & Wine Country Chamber of Commerce is hosting an upcoming All Candidates Forum for those running in the municipal byelection to replace MLA Amelia Boultbee’s Council seat after being elected into the Legislative Assembly. Date: Thursday, March 13^th. Doors open at 5:30pm featuring a 30-minute networking opportunity with candidates. Forum begins at 6:30pm and ends at 8:30pm at the The Cleland Theatre.

Cheryl Hardisty is taking on the role of Intergovernmental Relations Manager for the City of Penticton.

CBC‘s Laura Lynch will be the featured speaker at the Meadowlark Nature Festival in Penticton on May 17 at the Venables Theatre.

Robert Nield, treasurer and longtime board volunteer, and Katie Pereira, general manager of the S.S. Sicamous, are spearheading a significant fundraiser to raise $80,000 to upgrade the ship’s wheel cover.

The south end of Penticton’s Iyara Thai Restaurant, located on Skaha Lake Road, has announced its permanent closure.

 

SALMON ARM

The Business Scale-Up and Productivity Program in Ottawa has granted $2.5 million to 4AG Robotics in Salmon Arm to increase its harvesting technology through manufacturing expansion, employee recruiting, and international sales growth.

On March 11, School District 83 will host a career fair at the SASCU Recreation Centre in Salmon Arm in collaboration with WorkBC.

The application for an ALC is on its way to the city council as DeMille’s Farm Market prepares to move to uptown Salmon Arm.

 

VERNON

Buckerfield’s has announced the acquisition of its 10th store in Vernon, which is set to celebrate its grand opening in April. This marks a significant milestone in the brand’s 105-year history.

Shari McDowell has been appointed as the FireSmart co-ordinator for Armstrong.

BlueForce Energy announced a strategic partnership with Petawatts Auto Marine RV Ltd. in Vernon, to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles across the province.

The City of Vernon has partnered with Bird to bring shared e-scooters and e-bikes to the community.

KingFisher Boats, in collaboration with the Angling4Autism Society, will organize the Angling4Autism Boat & Grill in Vernon on April 5, 2025.

Tolko, a forestry company headquartered in Vernon, has announced that it will be reducing its consulting positions. The company attributed this decision to the regulatory burden and policy in BC.

Yankee Flats Meat Shop, owned by Stuart McKnight is celebrating its 1 year anniversary.

The Okanagan Indian Band‘s chief and council will be elected by its members at the Head of the Lake Hall on March 31st.

 

SUMMERLAND

Andrew Warburton, the founder of Peak Beverage Co. in Summerland, has been named one of BC Business’ 30 Under 30 recipients for 2025.

Summerland council has approved the Summerland Chamber of Commerce‘s request for a new bylaw allowing year-round open alcohol consumption at Peach Orchard Beach, Rotary Beach, and Powell Beach.

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