Kamloops

Brice Fraser has joined William Wright Commercial Kamloops office.

Thompson Rivers University has achieved its first in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, ranking globally for climate action.

Air North is scheduled to begin Whitehorse to Kamloops and Kamloops to Vancouver flights in May 2027.

The culinary services provider of Thompson Rivers University has signed a new $8.3 million agreement which will result in the addition of a campus food truck and the expansion of menu options.

The RIH Foundation has received a $40,000 donation from the Kamloops Street Rod Association to support the pediatric care unit at Royal Inland Hospital. 

Four coronary care beds will be reopened at Royal Inland Hospital early next year, according to Interior Health.

On June 24, 2026, the Kamloops Elks Lodge No. 44 donated a $1,000 cheque to the Kamloops Long Blades.

On June 22, Immigrant Employment Councils of Canada and New Canadians TV presented the City of Kamloops with the first-ever National Inclusion in Action Employer Award.

Telus announced that it will invest $10.2 million in Kamloops this year, including the construction of a local data facility.

The Paramount Theatre is looking to hire a theatre manager to join its team in Kamloops.

 

Salmon Arm 

Carmen Guidos, the deputy fire chief of the Salmon Arm Fire Department, has been appointed as the new fire chief.

The proposed 44-unit apartment complex close to South Broadview School has been approved by the Salmon Arm city council.

A yearly golf event hosted by Thompson Okanagan Tourism is expected to generate $8,000 for the Sicamous Ferry Society, providing a much-needed financial boost to the organization.

Following a new analysis revealing that the city spends $3 million more on serving properties than it collects in taxes, the Salmon Arm city council will push for the establishment of an agricultural municipality.

Dancing with the Shuswap Stars marks its 10-year anniversary with its largest show to date on November 14 at the SASCU Recreation Centre.  The event aims to raise funds for the Shuswap Hospice Society. 

The Shuswap Community Foundation has initiated a fundraising campaign called Preserving Heritage, Building Community, with the goal of restoring the heritage building located at 31 Hudson Ave. NE.

An application for a construction permit is being made to construct a new six-storey apartment complex in Salmon Arm, next to the Piccadilly Mall.

 

Vernon 

Jim Cotter has been inducted into the BC Curling Hall of Fame. 

Judith Jurica, the founder of Vernon’s Gallery Vertigo, commemorates its 25th anniversary with a special exhibit. 

Kintec Footwear & Orthotics in Vernon has reopened on June 9.

Flamez Chicken has opened in Vernon at 3101 BC-6 #104, on June 17.

Jim’s Place‘s owner, Brendan Mace, opened the classic arcade next to the well-known pizzeria at the top of Hospital Hill, at the intersection of 32nd Street (Highway 97) and 16th Avenue.

The Fig Bistro owner and co-founder of Millennium Valley Productions, David Scarlatescu, announced his intention to run for city council in the election scheduled for October 17.

The fifth annual Kal Rotary Charity Golf Tournament raised $47,000, of which $37,000 went to the Kalamalka Starfish Society, $5,000 to KidSport Vernon, and $5,000 to the Lumby Disc Golf Association.

Sip Local, a web application created to monitor happy hours and daily restaurant discounts in the area, was just released by Jim Swan, a Coldstream-based internet marketer.

Crowne Pacific Development Corp is currently in search of a Construction Site Superintendent to supervise the construction of a substantial multi-family residential project in Vernon.

 

Kelowna 

Roberta Fidalgo has been appointed as the new chairwoman of the Kelowna General Hospital Foundation. 

Tim Down, a property tax advisor and real estate dealer in Kelowna, declared his intention to run for city council. 

Les Bellamy has announced his candidacy for Kelowna city council. 

GWL Realty Advisors has officially listed Westbank Hub North, one of the largest open-air retail centres in West Kelowna, for sale. The property is located at 2115-2170 Louie Drive.

Hotel Eldorado is celebrating its 100th anniversary.

A National Bank of Canada affiliate has agreed to buy Truvera Trust Corporation, which has an office in the Landmark District of Kelowna.

Istanbul Cafe & Brunch is now open in downtown Kelowna at 1603 Pandosy St. 

The Habitat will reopen in September 2026 at 1619 Pandosy Street. 

William Wright Commercial lists the 8,226 square foot main floor of the Brooklyn and Ella building, with tenants including OEB Breakfast Co., The Collective, and So Fetch for Ella and ATB Wealth and Blend Bites for Brooklyn.

The Big White Ski Resort is investing over $450,000 in the improvement of ski runs.

The Ellison Field Taphouse Kitchen & Bar at Kelowna International Airport has been awarded the title of Airport Bar or Pub of the Year at a global awards event.

The City of West Kelowna has given the Kelowna Rowing Club a space to set up shop across from Gellatly Bay.

Royal LePage Place Arena, 2760 Cameron Road, has been transformed by the City of West Kelowna into a group housing facility for wildfire victims.

The KFC located at 3620 Gellatly Road in West Kelowna has closed.

The nominations for the excellence awards, to be held on Friday, Nov. 20, at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Grand Okanagan Resort, have been opened by the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce. 

The ninth annual Golf Club Charity Tournament took place on July 20 at The Harvest Golf Club, successfully raising $30,000 for JoeAnna’s House.

 

Summerland 

The Community Foundation of the South Okanagan Similkameen (CFSOS) has granted Summerland Museum & Archives  a $10,000 donation from Cascadia Credit Union, which is part of the Summerland Credit Union Legacy Fund. 

An Evening of Celebration” will be held at Summerland Heritage Cider Company on Aug. 26, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., as a community fundraiser in honour of Recope in Summerland‘s 50th anniversary. 

Lightning Rock Winery in Summerland hosted the 4th Annual Light Up the Camp Fundraising on August 4.  Proceeds from the event will benefit Agur Lake Camp. 

This September, the Ryga Arts Festival will return to Summerland from September 15–20, featuring community events, music, literature, and theatre at various venues throughout the community.

A special event is scheduled for August 23 at the Summerland Ornamental Gardens, featuring the return of Art and Music in the Gardens.

 

Penticton 

Grand Union Cafe has been named in Kal Tire’s list of top Hidden Gems.

Gala tickets for the South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation hosted by local Tim Hortons owners Nicole and Mitch MacMillan, are now available.  The event is scheduled for November 21, 2026.

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen and the City of Penticton are working together to hire an economic development coordinator.  This is part of a new pilot program for regional economic development in the South Okanagan-Similkameen.

The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 40 in Penticton is celebrating its 100 year anniversary.

Hoodoo Adventures has moved to its new location at #84-52 Front Street, Penticton.

 

Osoyoos/Oliver 

Joe McCulloch has been appointed as the new Chief Administrative Officer for the Town of Oliver. 

Dylan Hood has been appointed as the assistant coach and head athletic trainer for the Osoyoos Coyotes for the 2026-27 season.

From August 24 to 28, Oliver and District Recreation will provide a complete schedule of private swimming lessons.

A new daycare centre for babies and toddlers, run by Dharma Kids Centre, will soon open at the Watermark Beach Resort. 

Oliver’s Hester Creek just won the All Canadian Wine Championships’ first-ever 2026 Legacy Award.