Financial worries persist in BC
The latest MNP Consumer Debt Index report found that Canadians are feeling better about their economic situations due to easing interest rate concerns. However, that was not the case in B.C., where residents continue to grapple with debt anxiety compared to the rest of the nation. “Despite improved financial sentiment across most provinces, British Columbians […]
Gatherings key for Penticton
Penticton this week is celebrating its continued growth as a hub for business gatherings with Global Meetings Industry Day. The city between two lakes has a well-established reputation as a destination for consumer travel and vacation activities, but as Karen Davy, Meet in Penticton Convention Bureau business liaison manager said, it is also a hub […]
Women in Trades defunded
After 16 years of hosting Women in Trades classes, Okanagan College is shutting down the program after the provincial government pulled its funding. Previously, women interested in trades were given a 12-week opportunity to test their skills in a variety of trades completely for free, allowing them to try new things before making any big […]
New chamber bosses sworn in
The new chairwoman and vice-chairman for the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce have been sworn in to their new roles. City councillor Maxine DeHart swore in new chairwoman Maryse Harvey and vice-chairman Derek Gratz during the chamber’s annual general meeting on Thursday at Kelowna’s Coast Capri Hotel. “I look forward to working alongside our new board […]
Jobless rate drops slightly
After jumping more than 3% in just four months, Metro Kelowna’s unemployment rate continues to trickle down. According to the Statistics Canada report released Friday, the Central Okanagan’s jobless rate shaved a tenth of a percentage point in March to 5.4%. That marks the second straight month it has dropped a tenth of a percentage […]
JYSK finds new location
JYSK will be returning to Kelowna soon. The previous Kelowna location of the home decor store closed down last year to make room for a massive development in the Dilworth Shopping Centre area, which will include 490 rental units and about 15,000 square feet of commercial space. But recently a sign went up at the Orchard […]
Cat cafe business purring
Catelowna Cat Cafe owner Ashley Karnes says despite some naysayers, the Okanagan’s first cat cafe is thriving nearly one year after opening. “I am hearing from quite a few people, including my neighbours, that they thought I was crazy, especially for opening a cafe on the second floor,” she said. The cafe is located on the […]
Project planned at base of Knox
Owners of nearly 10 acres of property along the newly completed Cara Glen Way are proposing a large compact mixed neighbourhood for the area at the base of Knox Mountain. Lamont Land is seeking to rezone a portion of the property to a comprehensive development zone containing three sub zones. About 60% of the property—5.64 […]
Spring break cools markets
Association of Interior Realtors is pointing the finger at spring break and Easter as reasons why the real estate market cooled in March. There were 977 sales across the entire AIR region last month, which was down 22% compared to March 2023. Benchmark prices also dropped in most Okanagan dwelling types, but they were up […]
Local baker on reality show
Salmon Arm’s own Katelyn Boutilier is baking up a storm on the Food Network’s Spring Baking Championships. Boutilier owns and operates Flake Pastry and Chocolate in Centenoka Mall. The shop focuses on delivering classic French pastries such as macarons and croissants as well as special order cakes and chocolates. She spent 10 years working in […]
