News Influencing Thompson Okanagan Business
KELOWNA
Troy Scott and Steve Ross, owners of SignCraft, acquire Commercial Signs in Kelowna.
Tara Armstrong, Okanagan MLA, will move into a local constituency office at 721-11850 Oceola Road in Turtle Bay Crossing.
District of Lake Country celebrated its 30th anniversary on on May 2nd.
The Little Kitchen Academy, which will officially start operations in June at Orchard Plaza, is currently accepting registrations.
The Coast Capri Hotel will host the Tourism Kelowna AGM & Tourism Industry Forum on Wednesday, May 21. The event will provide networking opportunities, industry insights, and a wealth of information regarding the future of Tourism Kelowna.
The Okanagan Angel Summit has announced the names of 12 semifinalists who are competing for $180,000. These companies include eight from the Okanagan: EntheoTech, Worthit, and Zenimate in Kelowna, SkiKrumb in West Kelowna, Trueleaf Petcare and Bookyrslf in Vernon, MyStoria in Penticton, and Simply Sweet Games in Osoyoos.
The Lake Country bike park, located at 8865 Okanagan Centre Road West, had its grand opening last Saturday, which was celebrated by a number of riders.
An exciting new partnership is being formed between the City of Kelowna and Okanagan College on the construction of the Don Folk and Family Recreation and Wellness Centre on campus.
Sun Peaks Centre Stage will be hosting concerts and festivals throughout the summer, and tickets are now on sale for a 20 per cent discount.
A development permit for a 39-unit, three-story townhouse development at 5020 Killdeer Rd, located at the intersection of Frost Rd and Killdeer Rd, has been approved by the council. The proposed townhouse development would necessitate the demolition of a solitary detached home on the property. The proposal was submitted for the public hearing on June 17, 2025.
The Council has decided to consider the need of a City-owned RV sani-dump facility during the 2026 budget talks. Currently, there are no RV sani-dump facilities owned by the City, and only one privately operated option is available in Kelowna.
Council recommended keeping the bylaw and corporate procurement strategy, which sources most purchases from Canada and Kelowna vendors, to promote local and Canadian businesses. Staff advised keeping the policy, which prioritizes taxpayer value, sustainability, and trade agreement compliance. Excepting U.S. suppliers could increase costs, limit access to specialist items, and cause legal complications.
“Thrive in 2025: Empowering Fundraisers, Strengthening Communities”, a one-day mini conference designed to uplift and strengthen the impact of fundraisers, nonprofit professionals, and community builders, is taking place Friday, May 30, 2025, at UBCO in Kelowna.
DeHart Park, a nine-acre community space at 687 DeHart Road, has officially opened its doors to the public.
KAMLOOPS
Pizza Pizza on Tranquille Rd has officially opened its doors.
Lemon Drop Candy Shop will soon open at 253 Tranquille Road in Kamloops.
The Aberdeen Mall branch of the TNRL small library will now be open six days a week instead of four, and its weekly hours will be expanded.
On June 7, the campus radio station of Thompson Rivers University will have its yearly fair at St. Andrew’s Prebysterian Church on 6th Avenue.
The new East Kamloops Business Improvement Association, with headquarters at 162 Oriole Rd., is now serving the Valleyview and Dallas regions.
PENTICTON/OLIVER/OSOYOOS
The Sportsplex in Penticton will be closed for a period of two months, starting on May 1, to facilitate the replacement of its roof and the start of improvements.
Blue Rodeo, an alt-country rock group, will mark their 40th anniversary as a band on July 5 at the South Okanagan Events Centre in Penticton.
The Kaleden Volunteer Fire Department will hold its Annual Yard Sale on Saturday, May 10, to raise money for the fire department and local charities like Penticton Safety Village, Kaleden Community HUB food bank, Seniors Committee, and Kaleden Bursary Fund.
The Mother’s Day Pottery Pop-Up Shop, which is housed in the old Body Shop space at Cherry Lane Shopping Centre in Penticton, has been opened by the Penticton Potters’ Guild and will remain open until May 11.
The Osoyoos Watermark Beach Resort came in at number eleven in TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Awards for 2025.
SALMON ARM
Okanagan Aggregates has been given a $1.5 million contract by the City of Salmon Arm for the city’s yearly paving program.
The long-term care facility Bastion Place, which is operated by Interior Health, has received a donation of over $26,000 in furniture and electronics from the Salmon Arm Rotary Club.
The Shuswap Theatre will host the yearly Ozone or Okanagan Zone Drama Festival from May 19 to 23.
The Nom Shuswap and U Grow Girl are hosting the Sip with Purpose fundraising event from May 1 to June 30 to raise money for a healing retreat for childhood sexual assault survivors.
Springfest will be held on Hudson Avenue in downtown Salmon Arm on May 10.
VERNON
The Vernon Community Dialysis Unit, situated at #400-4400 32nd St. in Vernon Square, started providing patient care as of Monday.
The Crankworx Summer Series biking festival will take place at Vernon’s SilverStar Mountain Resort from August 1 – 4.
Community Futures North Okanagan is organizing the 10th annual Enterprize Challenge, presented by Agile BK. The event is being held to celebrate its tenth anniversary, at the Vernon & District Performing Arts Centre on May 8, 2025.
The snc?cma?qtn Agricultural Park has acquired a brand new Kubota tractor, which was supported by the Rural Economic Development Service.
Armstrong Regional Co-op Fuel Good Day on Sept. 16 will donate 10 cents from every litre of fuel sold at all gas bars to local registered non-profits and charities.
SUMMERLAND
Dr. Kyle Stevens
Dr. Kyle Stevens, a doctor from Summerland, has been awarded the “My Family Doctor 2025” title by the BC College of Family Physicians.
The Summerland Rodeo Grounds and the Freedom’s Gate Equine Rescue organization in Salmon Arm will collaborate on a special charity gymkhana on Saturday, May 24 to raise funds for the organization.
Summerland Waterfront Resort and Spa was recognized as one of the Top 25 Hotels in Canada and gained the Travellers’ Choice Award and Best of the Best Award.
Send your business announcements, news, celebrations or new hires HERE
