Photo: Contributed
Okanagan developer Emil Anderson Properties, in partnership with the GP2 Properties limited partnership, recently broke ground at Shorerise, a master-planned, mixed-use community that rests on the hillside of West Kelowna’s landmark Goats Peak Mountain and Gellatly areas.
Designed to complement the naturalized landscape and existing trail connections, with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, orchards, vineyards and Okanagan Lake below, Shorerise promises to be a destination for outdoor and lifestyle enthusiasts alike, where walkability to nearby downtown Westbank and future Shorerise Village combined with an elevated hillside setting come together perfectly.
“Our vision for Shorerise is to work with the existing hillside corridors, trail network and lands affected by previous wildfires,” Emil Anderson Group of companies chair and Shorerise project partner Mike Jacobs. “We were inspired by the view and the terrain, and saw an amazing opportunity to craft a vibrant, master-planned community that all generations will be proud to call ‘home.’”
Photo: Contributed
While the first phase at Shorerise features a series of lakeview home sites ideal for custom-built homes and a collection of semi-detached homes, upcoming phases of the community also incorporate multi-family dwellings inspired by an active Okanagan lifestyle. Longer term, the development group also envisions the development of a walkable, neighbourhood village centre, complete with boutique storefronts, restaurants and provision for a school.
“Shorerise is a community for everyone,” Jacobs says. “With a diverse collection of home styles at a variety of price points, it’s designed to be an inclusive neighbourhood that encourages diversity and multi-generational family connections.”
For lifestyle enthusiasts, Shorerise is well situated off Gellatly Road at the Glenrosa overpass and offers convenient access to Westbank businesses, shopping and schools, with world-class wineries and the wonders of Gellatly Bay, including Willow Beach, Gellatly Off-Leash Dog Beach, West Kelowna Yacht Club and The Cove Resort and Spa only moments away.
For outdoor enthusiasts, a trailhead lookout pergola will soon connect to existing trails within the community and onward to Goats Peak Regional Park and Gellatly Regional Heritage Park, with Gellatly Nut Farm Regional Park and Glen Canyon Regional Park within walking distance. From the front door, additional opportunities to hike, bike, golf, snowshoe, downhill and cross-country ski are all within a short drive.
In preparation for the Shorerise launch in fall 2023, site work and servicing are already underway in the first phase of the community with civil construction partner Emil Anderson Construction. Additional information about progress within the community, upcoming launch events and sales opportunities at Shorerise are available by registering on its website at Shorerise.ca.
Photo: Contributed
Photo: Christian Erfurt, Unsplash
Okanagan Clinical Trials is inviting individuals living with migraines to participate in an ongoing medication research study.
Okanagan Clinical Trials, a medical research company located in Kelowna, is currently conducting a study to determine the effectiveness of an investigational medication for episodic migraines.
“Approximately 15% of the adult population suffer from migraines, many of whom are seeking a more effective treatment,” principal investigator Dr. Colleen Maytham says. “Currently there is research being done for a medication that can successfully reduce migraine attacks by at least half for those who endure more than four migraines a month.”
To be eligible to participate in the study, volunteers must be men or women 19 years and older. Approximately 660 people will participate in the study.
“Okanagan Clinical Trials is excited to offer industry leading study opportunities to the residents of the Okanagan Valley,” Okanagan Clinical Trials president Dr. Kim Christie says. “Please reach out to our clinic if you suffer from migraines and are interested in learning more about this study.”
Investigational treatment will not affect provincial medical coverage, and all study-related costs will be paid for by the sponsor. Participants are free to leave the study at any time.
To learn more about the study or to volunteer, visit www.okanaganclinicaltrials.com or call Okanagan Clinical Trials at 250-862-8141.
Image: Contributed
Whether you’re seeking a one-of-a-kind summer escape, a desirable rental property or a high-end residence in a coveted destination, you’ll want to explore Skywater at Movala.
Situated in Kelowna, the fastest-growing metropolitan area in Canada, Movala is the Okanagan’s best new beachside community featuring landmark architecture, a coveted Lower Mission location, walking distance to every modern convenience and spectacular, panoramic lake views. Here, in this sunny pocket of B.C.’s charming wine country, residents are surrounded by rolling orchards, sprawling vineyards, the sandy beaches of Okanagan Lake and unparalleled four-season recreation.
“Long-time locals and the buyers we’ve had from across Canada at Movala recognize this as the best location to live and vacation in the Okanagan,” says Shane Styles, president at Epic Real Estate Solutions. “Skywater at Movala is one of the most walkable new communities in Kelowna, situated next to Gyro Beach and across the street from vibrant Pandosy Village—providing effortless access to Kelowna’s best boutiques, galleries, markets and restaurants—while being right on the extension of the city’s newest recreational corridor. It ticks all the boxes.”
Buyers eager to enter Kelowna’s desirable real estate market have one last opportunity to own in this unmatched, rarely available community and location. Envisioned by Stober Group, a family-owned development company that has operated in Kelowna since 1962, Movala represents the best elements of modern beachside living. Here, residents enjoy inspiring lake, mountain and city vistas, alongside one of the largest and most impressive resident-exclusive amenity areas in the Okanagan. Designed to maximize every second of Movala’s beachside lifestyle, the development is anchored by the captivating Lakeside Veranda—a resort-style community space whose outdoor pool faces the glittering lake. After a dip under the desert sun, residents can adjourn to the poolside hot tub and fireside lounges, alfresco barbecues and dining areas, or the pristine bocce lawn.
Within Movala, residents will find even more perks created exclusively for their use. One example is The Residence Club, an impressive 1,800-square-foot fitness facility outfitted with weights, state-of-the-art cardio equipment and a yoga studio. There’s also a private guest suite for visitors, temperature-controlled wine cellar with individual lockers—a must for wine country residents—and a private dining room and kitchen, as well as a games room, social lounge and water sports storage.
Boasting a LEED-certified design that hallmarks Stober Group’s focus on sustainability, Movala sets a new standard for real estate in Kelowna. Solid concrete construction tempered by vibrant curves and warm tones seamlessly integrates into the natural landscape and beachside setting. Soft and flowing, the architecture pays homage to the undulating lakeshore and the gradual transition from lake to rolling hills that makes up the Okanagan landscape.
Each of Movala’s architectural elements was curated to enhance year-round comfort, encourage indoor-outdoor living and promote a sense of community among residents. Appealing to the modern buyer, the development features planet-friendly practices such as carbon-reducing heating and cooling systems, energy-efficient lighting fixtures and electric vehicle parking.
Buyers can choose from one-, two- or three-bedroom beachside residences and townhomes, which feature some of the largest terraces in the Okanagan. Light-filled and spacious, the striking interiors are anchored by contemporary colours, quartz countertops, luxury vinyl plank flooring and premium appliances. The bathrooms are equally upscale, boasting stylish large-format tile floors, chrome and white opal glass lighting, and modern fixtures.
Construction on Movala has been progressing nicely and is on schedule for a 2025 completion. The building is starting to take shape, with the parkade poured and the first two levels currently starting to come out of the ground.
Whether you’re searching for a forever home or looking to make a savvy real estate investment, Kelowna should be at the top of your list. Online real estate investment marketplace Fundscraper found that the city is one of the top three emerging real estate markets in Canada, largely due to its high employment rate, and strong construction and health-care sectors. The city is a major hub for the Okanagan’s billion-dollar technology sector, not to mention its steadily growing wine industry, which has barely tapped its potential for export growth with 90% of sales contained within B.C.
While the window is closing to own at Movala, with more than 70% sold to date, the developer is offering special incentives on a select number of homes for a limited time.
Ready to come home to Movala? Learn more, and register for exclusive pricing, at movala.ca or call today at 250-870-8591.
Photo: contributed
Unravel the beauty of Okanagan Rosé through CedarCreek Estate Winery’s new vintage release, reflecting the pale pink promise of the coming of warm weather.
This specialty sip of spring is a true expression of their team coming together to make magic happen, a pinnacle of Okanagan lifestyle and landscape coming together.
“Our carefully timed process from vineyard to cellar has produced an exquisite balance of flavour and colour in this 2022 vintage,” explains winemaker Taylor Whelan. “Watching the colour evolve from purple to pink is as delightful to the eye as fresh flavours are on the palate.”
Farmed from Pinot vines in estate vineyards, inspiration for this refined rosé is drawn from the makers behind the creation, from vineyard to cellar, finishing in the tasting room.
Shop this fresh favourite of the season.
Explore CedarCreek’s Rosé reviews from verified community sippers.
Amrit Heer
@shewearslove
“Getting ready for girls night out and sipping on CedarCreek’s new Rosé vintage is the perfect combination.”
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Judy Dill
@lifeisbetterathome
“With my bottle of 2022 CedarCreek Rosé, I’ve recreated a bistro-inspired table at home, reminiscent of my time in Paris with my husband.”
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Photos: Contributed
If you have to go to work this summer, you might as well do it in one of the Okanagan’s most beautiful locations.
Eldorado Resort is once again looking for summer staff and will be holding its annual career fair on Saturday, April 1, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“We are looking for 150 seasonal staff to join our amazing team so we can continue to create lifelong memories for our guests,” general manager Rudolf Heider says.
“What we love about our seasonal hiring is that we often bring on board the kids of our seasonal staff from many moons ago.”
That is what is great about Eldorado Resort. Not only is it located in a beautiful spot, right on Okanagan Lake, but it has a tradition of being the place to be in Kelowna every summer. It is a beehive of activity and has been that way for years. Working there is busy, but a ton of fun.
The resort has 130 rooms in two hotels and 24 villas with a variety of amenities such as a gym, health and wellness services, three pools and a roof top patio. For that part of the operation the resort is hiring bell persons, guest services agents, housekeepers, room attendants, public area attendants and pool attendants.
It also has two restaurants—Lakeside Dining and Maestro’s Mediterranean—that are in need of an employee influx for the summer rush. The resort is looking for chefs, cooks, stewards, servers, bartenders, hosts and support staff to round out the restaurant staff.
Another option for those seeking employment is the banquets team, which will really put you in the heart of the action. The banquet team is there for corporate conferences, wellness retreats and weddings.
If the water is more your thing, you can do that at Eldorado Resort as well. It is looking for dock or retail attendants who can help out at the Eldorado marina. It offers moorage, boat rentals, fuel, food and a retail store with Eldorado’s line of CREW wear.
It is a great training ground for those who want to work in an industry where happiness and hard work are priorities.
“We are looking for people that love making other people happy,” human resources director Susan van Unen says. “We are looking for people with a positive attitude and great work ethic who are willing to learn. We will make sure they learn the skills for success on the job. With orientation and training we set our seasonal staff up for success.”
Eldorado Resort is located at 3762 Lakeshore Rd. in Kelowna. Learn more about the career fair on its website.
Photo: Contributed
Jonas Nohr last week saw first-hand just how serious the problem of business property damage in Kelowna has become.
The Film Co. Window Films founder was called out to install security film at a business whose front doors had been smashed. He looked 50 metres one way and noticed another business whose windows were covered in boards. He looked across the street and saw another business whose windows had suffered the same fate. The worst part is all three were separate incidents.
There is clearly an epidemic when it comes to business property damage in the Central Okanagan, but the good news is Nohr’s company has the answer. Security film is applied to the window and anchored to the frame, which prevents people from getting through the glass.
Photo: Contributed
“It’s just a clear film,” Nohr says. “You don’t even see it. It holds the glass together in the event something hits it.”
There are many examples of how strong security film can be. Online videos show high-powered rifles destroying an unprotected window in one or two shots. A protected window, meanwhile, does not shatter when rifle bullets pierce it.
Security film is a small investment that will go a long way towards protecting your business. Several national brands with locations in the Okanagan and Shuswap have used his services in the last few months.
It’s not just businesses that can gain from The Film Co. Window Films; there is a long list of benefits that can be gained by putting film on your windows at home.
The most attractive benefit, of course, is cost savings. When the sun cooks your rooms like an oven during the summer, your air conditioning has to go the extra mile to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. Solar or reflective film can keep that energy out of your home and save you money. It’s the same story in the winter, as windows are often the No. 1 way heat escapes your home.
Nohr hears from many satisfied customers on that front.
“They love the savings,” Nohr says. “When there’s heat reduction in the house, the air conditioning’s not working as hard. And on the flip side of that, it’s also an insulator. So it’s keeping heat in during the winter.”
Other reasons to have film applied to your windows include cutting down on TV glare, preventing fading of furniture and artwork and last, but not least, privacy. No one really wants their neighbour watching them as they get out of the shower, do they?
“That’s something I hear every day,” Nohr says with a chuckle.
There are hundreds of film options from which to choose, and Nohr will sit down and discuss the kind that is right for your business or home.
Learn more about The Film Co. Window Films on its website here.
Photo: contributed
John Oliver was a true visionary, always willing to put in the effort to turn his dreams into reality.
Thanks to his tireless dedication, the South Okanagan now boasts irrigation canals that allow us to grow superior fruit in our vineyards.
Photo: contributed
John Oliver
Oliver’s story is one of success won by sheer grit and unshakable determination. Never shy to don his overalls to get things done, Oliver was the engineer of the Okanagan Canals, an advocate for women’s rights and a champion of the working person.
At Road 13 Vineyards, they respect Oliver’s many achievements and draw inspiration from his hard-working spirit to make their wines.
They welcome you to be inspired by Oliver’s example, and remember that with hard work and dedication, we all can create something truly extraordinary.
So, let’s raise a glass to John Oliver, and to the many unsung heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make our dreams a reality.
Sure, they’re winemakers, but they’re farmers at heart. And you get that feeling the minute you walk through Road 13’s doors or open up one of their bottles.
Farmers need perseverance and passion to do what they do and that same thing applies to the winery.
It’s a spirit forged from years of intense effort and commitment. You can tell hard work has gone into the wines Road 13 produces, and they’re not afraid to show it.
There’s real dirt on their hands and real fortitude in their spirit. That’s what drives Road 13 to make such good wine that they know real people love.
Get to know the entire John Oliver wine collection from Road 13 including:
photo: contributed
2020 John Oliver Syrah
Sourced from its reserve vineyard blocks, this Syrah expresses the spice from Golden Mile Bench combined with fruit-forwardness of Black Sage Bench. Fermented and aged separately in French oak barrels (45% new) for 18 months.
Photo: contributed
2020 John Oliver Malbec
Fruit for this exceptional wine comes from the winery’s East Osoyoos vineyard block that captures the sun perfectly for ripening conditions, while retaining its acidity. Hand-harvested and hand-sorted followed by a slow fermentation for 30 days on skins before being gently pressed.
Photo: Contributed
Luis and Diana Santos can hardly believe it when they think about the fact that their company, Canada Safety Equipment, is celebrating its 50th birthday on Wednesday.
It was March 8, 1973, when the original owners, Frans and Rita Frake, opened Canada Safety Equipment out of their home in East Kelowna. Let’s just say safety was not foremost on a lot of minds in the early 1970s.
“If somebody would have told me in 1973 that they wanted to open a safety company, I would’ve said they’re crazy,” Luis says. “Because in 1973 there was almost no safety equipment to speak of. There was some traffic control stuff, some respirator masks for painting and gloves. That was kind of about it. Now it’s a massive animal.”
Photo: Contributed
The Santos couple is the third duo to own Canada Safety Equipment, which moved from the Frake home to Ellis Street shortly after its incorporation. Wayne and Diana Bruce were the second couple to own it, and the business had moved to St. Paul Street by the time the Santos couple purchased it in 2012. In 2017, they moved Canada Safety to its current location 105-171 Commercial Drive.
The latest spot allows Canada Safety Equipment to have a warehouse that holds an impressive amount of stock, making it the go-to business for safety supplies from Salmon Arm to Osoyoos.
“When WorkSafe comes and knocks on your door and advises you need to make modifications or have a certain product our clients need to be able walk in, get their stuff to make sure they are compliant and get their business back up and running for the day,” Luis says.
“If you saw the products that are in our warehouse, you would be shocked by how much is related to safety. … Every year rules and regulations change to make the workplace safer. Products evolve, which in turn means we need to make adjustments and keep up with the changes. That means there are more and more products required every single year.”
You name it, and Canada Safety Equipment has it when it comes to safety supplies. It offers everything from medical supplies to traffic control, construction and manufacturing supplies, fall protection, and every kind of personal protective equipment you can imagine. It also sells, rents and services gas detection equipment. There are nearly 600 pages of products on its website, and the business has more than 6,000 stock keeping units, or SKUs, when all is said and done.
Canada Safety Equipment does not just sell equipment; it also offers training. Employers and their employees take classes such as fall protection, confined space and respiratory in accordance with the guidelines to ensure that everyone gets home safely after a job well done.
“Canada Safety is thrilled to have been a part of the community for so long and would like to thank all our clients and friends for their continued support,” Luis says. “Also to our amazing staff: We could not do it without you. We’ve been around for a long time, but at this rate we’ll be around for another 50.”
Canada Safety is celebrating with the public through giveaways. It will be conducting draws for five $100 gift cards to Midtown Station and Train Station Pub. Check out the contest info on its Facebook or Instagram pages, respectively.
Photo: Contributed
The first Canada Safety Equipment.
Photo: Contributed
Studies show more than two million Canadians are living with osteoporosis and another three million have low bone mass, which often leads to the debilitating disease.
According to a 2015 study, the disease costs the national health-care system an estimated $1.9 billion to treat per year. Research also found an additional $1.3 billion in annual costs due to lost productivity and caregiving for osteoporosis patients.
A new clinic in Kelowna is trying to do what it can to help people get a head start on osteoporosis treatment and other afflictions. Dexacan, which is located in the Jack Nathan Medical Clinic in Kelowna’s Walmart, offers body scans for those who seek a precise picture of their current health.
Dexacan is committed to and focused on preventative screening in an attempt to treat conditions and also prevent others.
A DEXA body composition scan, which stands for dual X-ray absorptiometry, passes a high and low energy X-ray beam through the body. It is the first of its kind in the Interior to offer body composition and aortic calcification scans.
A person needs specific risk factors to qualify for a bone density scan, and with the current wait times it may take as long as a year to have one done. Not only that, but it required a trip to a larger centre like Vancouver if you wanted it done immediately. Given the strict requirements to qualify for a scan, it is often too late. Individuals often receive the terrible news that they have already developed osteoporosis by the time they get their scans. In other words, it is reactive health care.
Dexacan’s scans are assessed by a radiologist who is proficient in bone densitometry, and the clinic offers a service that will include follow-up appointments with physicians who are knowledgeable in DEXA scans and body composition. They will analyze the reports and develop personal management plans for each patient.
It’s no secret the current health-care system is bursting at the seams. Wait times are terrifyingly long, and those who work in the system are overburdened. Dexacan’s mission is to take as much strain off the health-care system as it can and also help patients who are negatively affected by its current status.
Bone density is just one piece of information that can be determined through a body composition scan at Dexacan. Body fat percentage, muscle mass and aortic calcification are other health factors that can be assessed, whether you are an athlete trying to build muscle and lose fat, or someone who is struggling with obesity and weight loss.
“The majority of the people going for those scans are doing it for personal development,” Dr. Marvin Bailey says. “It’s athletes or people who are setting some form of a goal for themselves, be it personal, be it a health journey, whereby they can objectively track things right and then see black and white six months later that they’ve made some hard progress.”
The process of getting the scan is simple. You lie back on a table while the scanner goes back and forth over your body, collecting information as it goes. The amount of radiation emitted is what you would experience over the course of a normal day. The computer then produces a full analysis that includes precise locations of bone, fat and muscle mass.
Once your scan is complete, you will meet with a physician who is knowledgeable on body composition and bone densitometry scans. The clinic is also planning to partner with local providers and eventually get involved with research.
For more information, visit the Dexacan website here.
Photo: Contributed
Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce’s Business After 5 is a popular networking event.
Business growth and sustainability are no accident. Businesses need to find effective ways to build meaningful relationships, promote their products or services, take care of employees, have their finger on the pulse and keep costs in check.
That’s why every good business plan should involve joining the local chamber of commerce.
The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce is a non-profit, membership-based business support organization that has been in existence since 1897, which means it carries plenty of caché when it sits down with every level of government. The chamber has advocated for businesses and non-profit organizations for more than a century, but its benefits go much deeper than that.
Photo: Contributed
“Year after year, our members tell us the main reason that they joined is for the networking opportunities,” GVCC executive director Dan Proulx says. “The opportunities that we create through a number of events throughout the year allow them to build relationships, make connections, grow their referral network, generate sales, get advice from other members or just create friendships within the community.”
It isn’t always business at the chamber, which is neither a service club nor a part of government. The membership has plenty of fun, too. One of its most popular events is Business After 5, a social event that is held on the third Tuesday of every month and is a key contributor to the organization’s vast networking system. It also co-ordinates other annual events like the community expo, golf tournament and Christmas cocktail party.
The granddaddy of them all, however, is the Business Excellence Awards, which honour the best and brightest businesses and non-profits. It’s a chance for the membership to get dressed up and celebrate all the hard work that is done throughout the year. The 38th annual awards gala was just held in November.
While networking and business growth are excellent reasons to join the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce, there are plenty more motivating factors for businesses and non-profits.
One of those is the unique group benefit plan for businesses, non-profits and even individuals are allowed to join once they become a member. Offering benefits can be a costly endeavour for businesses, but the chamber’s group plan pools the premiums with other members to help stabilize costs from year to year.
The chamber also beats the drum for local shopping, which in turn helps everyone in Vernon and surrounding area—chamber member or not.
“We promote supporting local within our community,” Proulx says. “We have a number of support local campaigns throughout the year, where we always want to drive economic development. Part of our mission is ensuring that this community is sustainable and prosperous. So we’re continuing to build opportunities within the community for business and non-profits to succeed.”
One of the more attractive features of joining the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce is you don’t have to jump in with both feet. The chamber offers a value-based membership model that allows businesses and non-profits to join at a cost that fits their needs.
And then there is strength in numbers. The chamber has a growing membership of 640 businesses and non-profits, and it speaks on behalf of those members as a collective voice to influence business friendly policy at all three levels of government. It draws on member feedback and expertise to formulate its position, which makes the chamber the leading voice of business in the North Okanagan.
Members join as a business or non-profit, which means any or all employees can represent that organization and take advantage of the networking or educational opportunities.
Joining the chamber just makes good business sense.
For more information about the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce, visit its website here.
