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Okanagan

Rail Trail Construction Update
New section of Rail Trail open
People who like to spend time outdoors have more trails to walk or ride.A new 14 kilometre section of the Splatsin te Secwépemc / Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail from Grindrod to Rosemond Lake Bridge has opened to the public, giving people a total of 34 kilometres of new trail between Armstrong and Sicamous to...
3h ago
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partnership
OC trades students make special space at local school
A patch of unused school ground at North Glenmore Elementary School has been turned into a vibrant outdoor learning garden.Teacher Erin Burton secured funding through the BC Parks Foundation's Learning by Nature Program and turned to the Trades and Apprenticeship Department at Okanagan College (OC) to make it happen.Mo...
15h ago
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Housing Market
Housing prices, sales increasing in the North Okanagan
The housing market was more in favour of the seller in the North Okanagan last month.The Association of Interior Realtors (AoIR) said the benchmark average prices for single family homes and for townhouses in the North Okanagan rose in June, though apartment and condominium prices declined.Single Family Homes - $784,50...
17h ago
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Big Win
Penticton Couple to Travel the World After Scoring $75 Million
A Penticton couple is planning a life of travel and giving after discovering they had won a $75-million Lotto Max jackpot.Maureen and Darrell S. were at home when they noticed news that a winning ticket for the April 7, 2026 draw had been sold in Penticton. After checking their own ticket online, the couple realized th...
18h ago
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Big Wins
Okanagan wineries dominate at All-Canadian Wine Championships
The Okanagan Valley is once again being recognized as one of Canada's premier wine regions after four local wineries captured top honours at the 2026 All-Canadian Wine Championships.Out of nearly 1,100 entries from across the country, B.C. wineries collected the bulk of national awards - including 24 double gold medals...
19h ago
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Significant Boost
Touchdown Kelowna brings $60M boost as downtown businesses see big benefit
The Okanagan's hospitality and tourism sector is reporting a major lift after a 10-day sports and entertainment stretch that brought the B.C. Lions to Kelowna and filled hotels, restaurants and the downtown core with thousands of visitors.The provincial government estimates the "Touchdown Kelowna" initiative,...
22h ago
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One in Custody
Arrest made after Sneena Road grass fire
A 29-year-old man has been arrested following a grass fire near Highway 97 and Sneena Road that briefly sparked concern in West Kelowna over the weekend.West Kelowna RCMP said officers and fire crews responded to reports of a grass fire at about 5:18 p.m. on Saturday, July 4. West Kelowna Fire Rescue was able to quickl...
23h ago
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Park Upgrades
Work to enhance Rutland Recreation Park begins Monday
Work on the next phase of improvements at Rutland Recreation Park begins next week and will take several months to complete.Starting Monday, July 6, crews will be working to upgrade the park with an addition of a new artificial turf field, walking pathways, event space, irrigation and lighting upgrades, and servicing f...
Jul 05, 2026
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Two Fires Thursday
West Kelowna Fire Rescue extinguish two grass fires, RCMP investigating one
West Kelowna firefighters responded to two grass fires Thursday, one of which is being investigated by police.At around 1 p.m. on July 2, West Kelowna Fire Rescue (WKFR) were dispatched to the 2300 block of Dominion Road.Firefighters arrived on the scene and discovered an approximately 30 by 30 foot grass fire that loc...
Jul 03, 2026
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Dangerous Riding
West Kelowna RCMP searching for highway stunter
West Kelowna RCMP have put out a call for public assistance to help identify the driver of a motorcycle who was riding dangerously.Mounties were travelling south on Highway 97 near Grizzly Road at around 5 p.m. Thursday when they observed a sport motorcycle doing dangerous stunts, including riding on one wheel, or 'cat...
Jul 03, 2026
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Some Areas Safe for Public Use
Kalamoir Park partially reopening
A park in West Kelowna burned in a wildfire in June will partially reopen Friday.Starting at noon July 3, the portions of the park will reopen including the Collens Hill Road entrance, Sunnyside Trail, and the dog designated Bowser Beach.The portions reopening to the public had undergone hazard tree and geotechnical as...
Jul 03, 2026
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E-coli Counts Back to Normal
Swim Advisory lifted for Tugboat Bay
People can once again take a dip at Tugboat Bay.The swim advisory issued for Rotary Beach at Waterfront Park was lifted Thursday after the City of Kelowna and Interior Health tested the water and found the quality requirements had been met.The advisory was issued after a higher than acceptable E-coli count was recorded...
Jul 02, 2026
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Preventative Care
BC SPCA vaccine clinic helps protect dogs amid parvovirus concerns
The BC SPCA says a recent pop up vaccination clinic in the South Okanagan helped protect more than 30 vulnerable dogs amid ongoing concerns about canine parvovirus in the region.The clinic, held June 26 at the BC SPCA's Penticton Veterinary Hospital, provided free preventative care for pet owners, with 31 dogs and pupp...
Jul 02, 2026
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Canada Day Fire
Grass fire in West Kelowna quickly contained
Fire crews in West Kelowna had a busy Canada Day.West Kelowna Fire Rescue (WKFR) were called out to a report of a grass fire in the 2000 block of Bartley Road around 4 p.m. Wednesday.Firefighters arrived on the scene and found an approximately 100 by 100 foot grass fire that was being actioned by a local construction c...
Jul 02, 2026
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Critic Roles
Okanagan MLAs named to the Conservative Party of B.C. Shadow Cabinet
The Conservative Party of B.C. has released its Shadow Cabinet, featuring the names of some local representatives.The party said Gavin Dew, MLA for Kelowna Mission, would serve as the Critic for Economic Development, while Kristina Loewen, MLA for Kelowna Centre, was tapped as the new Critic for Prosperity and Social D...
Jun 30, 2026
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Youth Mental Health Supports
Swimmer to traverse Okanagan Lake in support of Foundry projects
An open water swimmer will try to tackle Okanagan Lake in support of local mental health programs.From July 10 to 12, Jessie Harewicz will attempt to swim the 106 kilometres of Okanagan Lake from Vernon to Penticton as a fundraiser in support of Foundry projects in Vernon, Kelowna and Summerland.The attempt will see Ha...
Jun 30, 2026
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Busy Bars
B.C. Opposition calls for early bar service during World Cup games
The B.C. opposition is urging the province to temporarily loosen liquor service rules during the World Cup, arguing bars and restaurants should be allowed to open earlier so fans can watch Team Canada games.Outgoing interim Opposition Leader Trevor Halford says the change would allow businesses to apply for temporary l...
Jun 30, 2026
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Weather alerts
Thunderstorm Watch issued for the Okanagan
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch was issued for the North and Central Okanagan Tuesday.Environment Canada said "conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain."The agency urged people to seek shelter "when the...
Jun 30, 2026
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July 1st celebrations
Busy Canada Day in Kelowna with fireworks, large crowds, and closures
The city is preparing for one of its busiest days of the year as Canada Day celebrations return to downtown Kelowna, bringing live entertainment, cultural events, fireworks and significant traffic impacts.The 27th annual Celebrate Canada Day Festival runs July 1 from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. across Waterfront Park, the Cu...
Jun 30, 2026
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West Kelowna Fire
Kalamoir Park wildfire officially out
The wildfire near Kalamoir Regional Park that prompted evacuation orders earlier this month has now been declared out, according to West Kelowna Fire Rescue.Fire Chief Jason Brolund said the decision was made in consultation with the BC Wildfire Service and regional partners after no smoke or fire activity was detected...
Jun 30, 2026
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Netting Results
Kelowna RCMP expanding Community Liaison Officer program to downtown
The City of Kelowna and Kelowna RCMP are expanding their Community Liaison Officer program into the downtown core, following what officials say is strong uptake and positive results in Rutland.The move is aimed at increasing police visibility, improving response connections and strengthening relationships between offic...
Jun 29, 2026
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New Charging Ports
EV charging stations expanded on the Coquihalla
Electric vehicle owners have more opportunities to keep their batteries charged while travelling between the Interior and the coast.BC Hydro expanded its charging station at the Britton Creek rest area on the Coquihalla Highway.The utility installed two new 400-kilowatt chargers and two new 350-kilowatt chargers, each ...
Jun 29, 2026
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Leadership Team
Area MLAs named to B.C. Conservative Caucus
The Conservative Party of B.C. has released its new caucus, featuring some local names.Under Kerry-Lynne Findlay, the new leadership team also includes Macklin McCall, MLA for West-Kelowna Peachland, as the Official Opposition Whip, as well as David Williams, MLA for Salmon Arm-Shuswap, as the Okanagan and Interior Lie...
Jun 29, 2026
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Park Upgrades
Kelowna advances major park, waterfront and recreation upgrades across city
The City of Kelowna is highlighting a series of major park, waterfront and recreation projects moving ahead across the city, including new sports facilities, shoreline upgrades and public art installations tied to long-term growth plans.At Glenmore Recreation Park, phases four and five are taking shape, with a new gras...
Jun 29, 2026
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Increased police Presence
Kelowna RCMP stepping up presence ahead of Canada Day week
Kelowna RCMP will have an increased presence across the city this Canada Day week as officials prepare for large crowds, busy events and heightened activity downtown and around the waterfront.Police said the city is expecting an influx of visitors for Touchdown Kelowna programming and Canada Day celebrations, with offi...
Jun 29, 2026
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Road Safety At Work
Drivers urged to be cautious around road workers with summer travel
With summer weather here, a road safety advocate group is urging people to be safe and cautious of workers when travelling through the Okanagan.The group Road Safety at Work said the hustle and bustle of summer vacation often means travellers have to juggle schedules, ferry reservations, campsite check-ins and fuel sto...
Jun 26, 2026
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New Sign
Kelowna unveils new waterfront Signature Sign in Stuart Park
Kelowna officially unveiled its new waterfront Signature Sign Friday morning in Stuart Park, marking the launch of a new landmark designed to celebrate the city's identity and bring people together along the shoreline.The unveiling, led by Mayor and council, took place from 10 to 11 a.m. near the Kelowna Yacht Club, wh...
Jun 26, 2026
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Festival Returns
Denim on the Diamond returns to Kelowna with strongest lineup yet
Denim on the Diamond is set to return to City Park this September with its strongest lineup yet, marking a comeback year for the three-day festival after a one-year hiatus.The Kelowna-based event runs Sept. 11 to 13 and will feature headliners Portugal. The Man, Nate Smith and Ian Asher, alongside artists including Gol...
Jun 26, 2026
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