News Influencing Thompson Okanagan Business
KAMLOOPS
Thompson Rivers University‘s President and Vice Chancellor, Dr. Airini, will be speaking at the Delta Hotels Kamloops on May 7 to discuss the university’s goals, achievements, and future plans.
The Kamloops & District Chamber of Commerce announced that nominations are now open for the 40th Annual Business Excellence Awards
Canadian Truck Outlook – Traction Express celebrated their grand opening in Kamloops, April 29–30.
A phasing idea for the multiplex was presented to the Build Kamloops Council Select Committee on April 13, 2026, by the Capital Projects and Finance teams. Planning for the fourth rink to be built after 2030 is part of this, and there will be chances to carefully include some Memorial Arena materials into its future design.
BDC’s Economic Update 2026 will be held on May 12 at 225 Lorne St, Sandman Signature Kamloops Hotel.
A new Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between TRU and the First Nations Health Authority to promote First Nations wellness in British Columbia via community participation, education, and research.
Keep in Touch Thai Massage and Spa celebrates its 2nd year anniversary.
Construction of a new sustainable AI data centre at the Thompson Rivers University campus has been started by Bell.
The City of Kamloops has been awarded the BC Recreation and Parks Association Events and Festivals Excellence Award for its inaugural Christmas Market.
SALMON ARM
Chase Council decided to award Landmark Solutions a $226,000 contract to rebuild the Mill Park Boat Launch, so the project will proceed this year.
SASCU has introduced a new term deposit named the Community Impact Term Deposit. This 3-year non-redeemable fixed rate term deposit will be available until October 1, coinciding with the celebration of its 80th anniversary.
Don’t miss out on the chance to tee off with Salmon Arm Tourism and TOTA at the Shuswap National Golf Course on June 9, 2026.
Salmon Arm Chamber welcomes news members: Farrow Built, Little Foot Shoe Co., Agile Bookkeeping, Shuswap Food Action Society and Peace Mediation Services.
VERNON
The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the return of the annual GVC Cup Presented by Vernon Home Hardware Building Centre, taking place Friday, May 29th, at the scenic Spallumcheen Golf & Country Club.
Kal Lake Business Centre, located at 1015 Kalamalka Lake Rd, was recently acquired by Vedderbrook Properties. The property comprises two industrial/retail structures, with a combined area of 26,578 square feet.
The Royal Garden restaurant at 5280 Anderson Way in Vernon is back in business, now showcasing two new AI-powered chefs from Botinkit, a global leader in AI food service.
A $50,000 grant has been awarded to Vernon’s WeWereMonkeys creative studio by the provincial government for their debut video game.
The Village of Lumby has announced the development of the Lumby Industrial Park, a 16-acre project aimed at attracting new businesses and manufacturing to the North Okanagan.
A $500,000 investment in the Canadian Mental Health Association Vernon & District branch has been announced by the Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation to support the capital campaign for Foundry North Okanagan, a new centre for youth.
Davison Orchards in Vernon has officially opened its doors for the season as of May 1.
The Lumby Industrial Park, a 16-acre development near Highway 6, will soon be formally launched by the Village of Lumby. The park is intended to entice new companies and manufacturing to the North Okanagan.
KELOWNA
Cassandra Zerebeski
Cassandra Zerebeski has been appointed President and CEO of Tourism Kelowna.
Tom Dyas, mayor of Kelowna, has been voted chair of the Municipal Finance Authority.
The Big White Ski Resort has been included in the top 10% of the world’s most popular attractions on Tripadvisor.
Kot Auto Group announced the acquisition of Duncan Hyundai, marking its12th dealership and 4th Hyundai location in British Columbia, effective June 1, 2026.
Gurleen Gang has been honoured as Canada’s 2026 Young Professional of the Year, receiving national recognition from the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies.
Roper Greyell LLP has announced that Adam Garvin, the Chief Executive Officer, is now part of the firm’s partnership. Adam has officially been admitted to the partnership after a formal application and review by the Law Society. This approval highlights his professional qualifications and the significant leadership role he has developed at Roper Greyell since becoming Chief Operating Officer in 2022 and later Chief Executive Officer in 2024.
Ryan Mayne, a REALTOR® from Kelowna, has been elected as the new President of the Association of Interior REALTORS®.
Patagonia is set to open its doors at 510 Bernard Avenue, previously occupied by the Lakehouse Home Store.
Crwn.ai, Nova, and Skyward Wildfire Technologies are the three BC-based wildfire tech businesses that have been awarded over $2.2 million by NorthX Climate Tech in the form of follow-on investments.
SUMMERLAND
Robert Dirk has been named as the inaugural head coach of the Summerland Jets by the Summerland Junior Jets Hockey Society.
Mike Fetterer, an employee of the District of Summerland, has been honoured with the Dave Dauphinee Exceptional Service Award.
Summerland’s Rotary Club is hosting a 50/50 draw on May 21 to raise funds for the Summerland Museum & Archives Society’s new children’s learning centre.
The British Columbia Hotel Association is proud to announce the winners of the 2026 BCHA Awards of Excellence:
- Accommodation of the Year: The Parkside Hotel & Spa
- Housekeeping Excellence: Summerland Waterfront Resort Hotel
- Hotelier of the Year: David MacKenzie, Owner & Managing Director, Pemberton Valley Lodge
- Sustainability Champion: The Parkside Hotel & Spa
- Leader of the Future: Savannah Cannatella, Director of Rooms, Magnolia Hotel & Spa
- Guest Service Excellence: Guest Experience Team, Nimmo Bay Resort
- Culinary Excellence: Danai Hongwanishkul, Executive Chef, Kingfisher Pacific Resort & Spa
PENTICTON
A long-standing RV park and campground in the Similkameen Valley, the Eagle R.V. Park & Campground, has been listed for sale at $2,900,000.
Laughing Stock Vineyards has been named the recipient of the Wine of the Year award for their 2023 Syrah at the annual Okanagan Spring Wine Festival in Kelowna.
Penticton’s Business Gives Back is set to return on November 27, aiming to support various local organizations throughout the South Okanagan.
The Penticton Trade and Convention Centre will host a city council open house on May 6th, giving Penticton residents a chance to meet and chat with elected representatives.
OSOYOOS/OLIVER
Rod Rising, who had been the chief administrative officer of the town of Osoyoos for almost four years, has formally retired.
The Osoyoos Museum will host a free event on May 6th hosted by SkyFire Energy, where attendees will learn more about solar power for homes and small businesses.
The Town of Osoyoos has initiated a number of enhancements and expansions to Lakeview Cemetery in response to Lees and Associates‘ 25-year property outlook.
The Southern Interior Business Advisor Initiative, delivered by ETSI-BC and Community Futures BC, which provided assistance to entrepreneurs in the South Okanagan, will remain open until March 31, 2027.
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