New course for farm workers
Okanagan College has partnered with the provincial government to expand the skills of farm workers. The Horticulture Upskill Program has completed its first two runs in English and will be doing another one for Spanish-speaking workers beginning in February. Farm workers enrolled in the pilot program receive training in areas like first aid, tractor repair, […]
Lock to lead Stober Group
It did not take long for Lisa Lock to impress the Stober family. The Kelowna real estate development and property management company has named Lock as its new chief executive officer, effective Nov. 1. The appointment came just six months after she joined the business as its chief operating officer. “We are thrilled to have […]
Vernon bar and grill sold
A downtown Vernon landmark is changing hands. Marten Brewing Bar & Grill owners Stefan and Pearl Marten have announced the sale of the business on 30th Avenue. “It is with mixed emotions yet great anticipation that we share some news regarding The Marten Brewing Company,” they said on the Marten Facebook page. The popular watering […]
Fruit stand changing hands
An iconic Summerland roadside business will be changing hands next month, after its current operators cited loss of tourism due to wildfires and rockslides, and a “crisis” in the local hospitality industry. Granny’s Café & Bakery is located on Highway 97 near the main turnoffs into Summerland. Granny’s was founded in 1992 by Don Cameron, […]
Stewart pleads for winery help
Kelowna-West MLA Ben Stewart called for support for the wine industry in the B.C. Legislature on Monday. Stewart, who co-founded Quails’ Gate Winery with his father in 1989, highlighted a recent report commissioned by Wine Growers British Columbia indicating a 54% crop loss, a $133 million decrease in total revenues, and potential job losses for […]
Learn to save while saving
If you really want to make saving money your New Year’s resolution, Launch Okanagan’s Matched Saving program might be just want you need. The program consists of 10 90-minute financial education classes, and each month participants save $25 to $50 toward their year-end goal. The bonus is Launch Okanagan will match what you save by […]
Ashley gives to fire families
Ashley has stepped up in the wake of the Okanagan wildfires to support the local chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada. The furniture and mattress company, which has locations in Kelowna, Penticton, Vernon, Kamloops and Salmon Arm, has donated 68 beds and comfort kits through its Hope to Dream program as part of […]
City already tough on rentals
New legislation coming from the B.C. government will regulate short-term rentals in cities across the province, but City of Kamloops zoning bylaws already restrict such property use to an even greater degree. Last month, the province introduced legislation which would limit short-term rentals to within a host’s primary residence, or a basement suite or laneway home on […]
Where are the workers?
One of the biggest challenges facing downtown Vernon businesses is finding employees. The City of Vernon Business Walks report will be presented to city council at its regular meeting Monday, and among the findings was 29% of businesses were having a hard time recruiting employees. On Oct. 26, administration, in co-ordination with community economic development […]
Lumby tries to attract bank
Ahead of the Lumby Scotiabank closure next year, residents are being asked what their banking needs are in an effort to attract a new financial institution to the North Okanagan community. The Lumby & District Chamber of Commerce has launched an online survey to gain input from residents and businesses. The chamber said it is “dedicated to […]
