Okanagan Biz


Union: Let’s see books
Jon Manchester - Sep 13, 2018 - Okanagan Biz

The union representing striking casino workers in Kelowna, Vernon, Penticton and Kamloops says Gateway Casinos has refused to release company financials. The BCGEU cites lack of transparency as the reason for a breakdown in talks. Monday night, Gateway issued a statement saying mediation talks had failed. “When the union asked us to return to mediation, we had hoped […]

Busiest month at YLW
Alanna Kelly - Sep 13, 2018 - Okanagan Biz

August was the busiest month ever at Kelowna International Airport. YLW had 201,485 passengers pass through its doors during the month. In 2017, August was also the busiest month, with 179,153 passengers, but this year jumped out way ahead. Last year saw a total of 1,893,470 passengers come to the airport, and this year that number […]

Plia just getting started
Kirk Penton - Sep 13, 2018 - Okanagan Biz

He didn’t come home with the victory, but Kelowna filmmaker Stefan Matis was still thrilled with his trip last week to the International Motor Film Awards in London. Matis’ production company, Plia Film Productions, was up for best documentary short at the awards, but two of the other five entries in the category tied for […]

Casino battle continues
Jon Manchester - Sep 13, 2018 - Okanagan Biz

The president of the BCGEU says she shares Gateway Casinos’ disappointment at the failure of mediation talks last week. Gateway Casinos in Kelowna, Kamloops, Penticton and Vernon have been behind picket lines since June 29, when union members walked off the job to strike for better pay. “One thing we share is disappointment that we […]

Biz summit in Penticton
Chelsea Powrie - Sep 13, 2018 - Okanagan Biz

The City of Penticton’s economic development team will be hosting a new business summit, FutureBiz Penticton, aimed at addressing emerging trends for Okanagan businesses to give them the insights they need for future growth. The forum will be held Nov. 8 at the Lakeside Resort, and will give Penticton businesses the opportunity to hear from a […]

Restaurant eyes expansion
Darren Handschuh - Sep 13, 2018 - Okanagan Biz

One of the most popular Vernon restaurants will be sticking around—no matter what. EATology is currently located in the Greyhound bus depot, but as of Oct. 31 the national bus company will cease operations on Western Canada, leaving travellers stranded and EATology in limbo. But restaurant owner Christina Klein said the situation may be a blessing in […]

Former VP sues Flair
Nicholas Johansen - Sep 13, 2018 - Okanagan Biz

The former vice-president of a low-cost airline that was once based in Kelowna is suing his former employer for firing him over what he calls “made up allegations.” Flair Airlines, a discount airliner that offers flights to several cities across Canada, moved its headquarters from Kelowna to Edmonton in June. On Tuesday, Chris Lapointe, Flair’s former vice-president […]

Dyas off chamber board
Okanagan Edge Staff - Sep 12, 2018 - Okanagan Biz

When Tom Dyas announced Wednesday he was running for mayor, it meant he had to immediately step down as a director of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce. Dyas also used to serve as president of the organization, whose policies and bylaws prohibit members who are seeking elected office from being part of the chamber board. […]

Hotel changing hands
Okanagan Edge Staff - Sep 12, 2018 - Okanagan Biz

A Calgary-based hotel and resort management company will soon be taking control of The Royal Private Residences Club in downtown Kelowna. Bellstar Hotels and Resorts will oversee the management of the 70-unit hotel, which is currently being managed by Marriott International’s Delta Hotels brand. The Royal Private Residences Club is located on the waterfront and […]

Kelowna Foundation sets goals
Okanagan Edge Staff - Sep 12, 2018 - Okanagan Biz

The Kelowna Foundation has announced its new leadership team and also revealed what it learned during its year-long journey of discovery. Al Hildebrandt, the founder and former president of QHR Technologies, is the president and director, while Ron Cannan and Tom Mauro will serve as directors. Ginny Becker was added as executive director in June. […]