Vernon Chamber Business Excellence Award Finalists

A higher price tag on city operations is drawing attention to how much the City of Kelowna is spending on staff and services.New figures show payroll costs rose roughly eight per cent in 2025, with wages and related expenses reaching about $126 million. That reflects nearly 14 per cent of the city's $908 million budget...

Kelowna soccer fans will have a chance to catch World Cup action on the big screen when a free watch party takes over Waterfront Park on July 2nd as part of the Touchdown Kelowna Festival.Matches will be shown live at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. on two giant LED screens, with music, food trucks, drinks and giveaways adding to th...

The Kalamoir Park Wildfire in West Kelowna earlier this week that forced hundreds of evacuations was likely caused by an escaped camp fire.That's the deduction of an investigation by the BC Wildfire Service, RCMP and West Kelowna Fire Rescue.Camp fires are banned in local and regional parks.The fire was determined to h...

Kalamoir Regional Park remains closed as recovery work continues following the June 16 wildfire, with officials beginning planning for a phased reopening of unaffected areas.West Kelowna Fire Rescue is still on site conducting mop-up and extinguishing hot spots. Smoke and firefighting equipment may still be visible in ...

A months-long investigation has led to multiple search warrants, major seizures and several arrests in Kelowna and West Kelowna, according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.The RCMP's Drugs and Organized Crime Unit, with support from the Southeast District Emergency Response Team, executed coordinated warrants on Ju...

An impaired driver is facing penalties after a head-on crash in Lake Country.Police say it happened on Tuesday and sent one person to hospital. It left two vehicles heavily damaged, according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.Police say officers were called to Glenmore Road at Shanks Road at about 9 p.m. on June 16,...

The City of Kelowna is boosting community safety efforts in Rutland with more bylaw officers, expanded cleanup programs and added support services.The neighbourhood now has four dedicated bylaw officers, double the previous number.City officials say the goal is safer, cleaner public spaces through stronger partnerships...

The District of Lake Country is urging residents to get prepared now as warmer, drier conditions increase the risk of wildfire and other seasonal emergencies across the Central Okanagan.Fire Chief Darren Lee says preparedness begins at home, encouraging residents to develop emergency plans, build grab-and-go kits, and ...

The City of Vernon is moving ahead with its annual road rehabilitation program, aimed at improving safety and driving conditions across several key corridors this construction season.The city says it will invest $1.8 million in 2026 to rehabilitate about 4.4 lane kilometres of roadway as part of ongoing infrastructure ...