(File photo/Pattison Media)

By Pete McIntyre

West Kelowna

Arson suspect arrested and facing charge

Jul 22, 2021 | 3:27 PM

WEST KELOWNA, B.C. — Police in the Central Okanagan believe they have found a fire bug.

A man is facing charges of arson after an incident in West Kelowna earlier this month.

On July 10 just after 8:30 p.m., RCMP were called to the 3000-block of Webber Road where neighbours had just put out a fire on the hillside.

RCMP completed their investigation and submitted the disclosure package to the BC Prosecution Service who have now approved a charge of arson.

“A warrant of arrest was issued, and 36-year-old Stephen Leader was taken into custody this morning,” Cpl. Jocelyn Noseworthy said.

Stage 2

Water restrictions tightening for Enderby properties

1h ago

Election 2026

Victor Cumming seeking third term as Mayor of Vernon

1h ago

Downtown Armstrong Facade Improvement Program

Outside funds to help improve vibrancy, appeal of downtown Armstrong businesses

6h ago

The suspect, who is from West Kelowna, will appear in provincial court today.

by Pete McIntyre

View Comments

Stage 2

Water restrictions tightening for Enderby properties

Enderby will increase its water restrictions ahead of the weekend.Starting Friday, July 24, all properties connected to Enderby's drinking water system will be under Stage 2 water restrictions.Stage 2 means people with odd-numbered addresses will only be able to water their lawns and gardens using sprinklers or irrigat...

1h ago

Election 2026

Victor Cumming seeking third term as Mayor of Vernon

The Mayor of Vernon will throw his hat back in the ring and look to win a third term in his seat.Victor Cumming announced he would run for mayor again in the fall election.In a release, the Cumming said a lot had been accomplished over the past eight years under his leadership, including "delivering on the communi...

1h ago

Breaking Barriers

B.C. wine industry pushes for internal trade changes as premiers meet with Carney

As Canada's premiers meet with Prime Minister Mark Carney in Charlottetown, B.C.'s wine industry is pushing for changes to internal trade rules it says are making it harder for Canadian businesses to compete.Ron Kubek, owner of Lightning Rock Winery in Summerland, says the recent 50 per cent tariff imposed by the Unite...

1h ago

Hot wave

Kelowna opens cooling options as Central Okanagan heat alert continues

The City of Kelowna is reminding residents and visitors to take precautions as a Yellow heat alert remains in effect for the Central Okanagan.The city said people looking to escape the heat can use public facilities during regular operating hours, including recreation and activity centres, as well as local libraries.Ou...

1h ago

Downtown Armstrong Facade Improvement Program

Outside funds to help improve vibrancy, appeal of downtown Armstrong businesses

Armstrong's downtown core will be getting a makeover.The Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce was successful in an application for a $25,000 grant in support of its Downtown Armstrong Facade Improvement Program.The program will provide eligible business and property owners with financial aid to improve and enhanc...

6h ago

Supportive Housing Opinions

Local MP rails against supportive housing in Vernon, Mayor and Councillor disagree

The Member of Parliament for Vernon-Monashee has come out strongly in opposition of supportive housing in the community.Speaking to Vernon City Council, Conservative Party MP Scott Anderson said the city had been used as a "testing site" for supportive housing and that it had been a failed experiment."Th...

18h ago

Extensive investigation

Arrest one year after fatal incident at cycle race

A man has been arrested a year after a fatal incident at the Okanagan Granfondo cycling event in Penticton in July 2025.One cyclist died, and two others were seriously injured when they were struck by a motor vehicle during the event.Following an extensive investigation by Penticton RCMP, Jonathan Crant was arrested Mo...

20h ago

rising temperatures

Heat warning in effect

Another heat warning is in effect for our region, with daytime temperatures expected to reach the mid- to high 30s and overnight lows remaining in the high teens to around 20 C.Environment Canada says the warning remains in effect until Thursday, after which a welcome cooling trend is expected.The forecast calls for a ...

21h ago

1.8 Hectare Fire

Wildfire near Cherryville under control

A wildfire in the North Okanagan has been contained.The B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS) officially deemed the Fairbrother Creek fire as being under control at 12:26 p.m. Monday, July 20.The designation indicated the fire was not expected to spread beyond its current boundary.The fire north of Cherryville sparked Friday an...

Jul 20, 2026

Arson suspect arrested and facing charge

Other Matters

What Matters