Category Archives: Castanet

Kelowna bait bike program a success, say RCMP

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BAIT BIKES SNARING CROOKS

The Kelowna RCMP say their bait bike program is working.

Earlier this year, the program was started to help combat the increase in bike thefts in the community, and according to RCMP, the bike has been picked up multiple times by well-known suspects.

“Our officers will continue using bait bikes to go after these individuals in an effort to curb the thefts,” said Sgt. Scott Powrie with the RCMP Community Safety Unit.

Police say it’s important for the public to know that the thefts all occurred in less than 20 minutes of officers placing the bike in position, the quickest being within eight minutes.

This is a common crime that happens fast, so it’s crucial to always lock up your bike.

If your bike is stolen, you should report the following information to the RCMP:

  • Serial number
  • Make and model
  • Colour of the bike
  • Any modifications made
  • Recent pictures of your bike

You should also consider registering your bike, before it is stolen, on Project 529.

BC Sports Hall of Fame to hold summit in Kelowna this fall

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HALL OF FAME IN KELOWNA

For the very first time, the BC Sports Hall of Fame will host its annual summit in Kelowna.

Partnering with the Central Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame, this event will mark the first time in the BC Sports Hall of Fame’s 56-year history that it’ll be held outside of the Greater Vancouver area.

The two-day summit will pay tribute to several defining moments in BC sport history with a luncheon event. There will be a dinner honouring 2022 winners of the Eric Whitehead Inspired Service Awards, a series of community development workshops, a pin ceremony for BC Sports Hall of Famers who are Okanagan-region residents, and the annual general meeting.

The chair of the BC Sports Hall of Fame Tom Mayenknecht says part of the plan is to move the annual summit to a new city around the province each year.

“We’re grateful for the warm welcome and support of Patrick Kennedy and the team at the Central Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame,” said Mayenknecht.

“We will build on this year’s annual summit in Kelowna and previous pilots in New Westminster and Surrey, to make the annual meeting an important coming together of those who advocate for the promotion of sport history, heritage, and culture in British Columbia. We’re keen to make it a valuable opportunity for professional and community development for honoured members and other supporters from throughout the province.”

The BC Sports Hall of Fame Annual Summit will be held at the Rotary Centre for the Arts in downtown Kelowna – and is being co-chaired by Aziz Rajwani and Joan McMaster of the BC Sports Hall of Fame Board of Trustees, along with Patrick Kennedy, manager of the Central Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame.

“Given several postponements due to COVID-19, this is an opportunity that has been three years in the making,” said Kennedy. “We consider it an honour to be co-hosting the BC Sports Hall of Fame Annual Summit, and we are looking forward to welcoming trustees, directors, and other stakeholders, including members of the BC Sports Hall Network. It will be a big weekend for us at the Central Okanagan Sports Hall of Fame.”

The event takes place September 23 and 24. Registration for this event is now open.

 

Annual Penticton Discovery House golf tournament is back

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GOLF THAT GIVES BACK

The annual Discovery House golf tournament, dinner and auction is back again this year at St. Andrew’s by the Lake.

On Saturday, Sept. 10, bust out your golf clubs in support of a community cause, and have a good time while doing so.

The tournament supports the many addiction recovery services that Discovery House in Penticton offers for men throughout the South Okanagan, under the motto “Returning fathers to children and sons to families.”

The tournament will be teams of four in a best ball format with shotgun starts at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. plus dinner, online and live auction, games, and incredible prizes, including:

  • $10,000 Parker’s Chrysler vehicle package
  • $10,000 PCS home renovation package
  • Ok Home Centre hot tub spa package
  • Prestige Resorts: Two night stay and $50 dinning credit

Ways to participate include sponsoring a hole, purchasing a promotional table at a hole, or entering a team of four golfers or a single golfer.

The event is on a first come, first serve basis and traditionally sells out, so anyone interested is encouraged to register now.

Registration is $85 per player and includes dinner and entertainment after the golfing.

All proceeds will go towards long-term, abstinence based recovery in the South Okanagan through the Discovery House Recovery Program.

Call Jerome at 250-462-1388 for registration and sponsorship details.

BEA NOMINATIONS OPENING

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The Penticton Chamber of Commerce and Total Restoration Services launched the 2022 Business Excellence Awards (BEA) on Wednesday.

Members of the board announced the 35th annual BEA and the opening of nominations to members of the media, along with plans for a celebration on Oct. 22.

Jonathan McGraw, president of the Penticton Chamber of Commerce said that this is the time for everyone to get to put an arm around one another as a business community and thank each other.

Nominations opened today at 4 p.m. and close on Wednesday, Aug, 31, which can be found online here.

Total Restoration is the presenting sponsor for the third year in a row.

“We do feel like this is the event of the year in Penticton,” said Tracy Van Raes, marketing and community relations manager for Total Restoration Services.

This year there will be changes in using a fully customizable software online program for the award show process with Awardify.

The chamber is also putting a call out into the community to nominate selection judges for the committee. There will also be three new judges from the chamber board and past winners.

The awards will be held at the Penticton Trade & Convention Centre (PTCC). The theme will be announced in the coming weeks.

Last year’s event was held at the PTCC, as well as virtually on Facebook Live.

McGraw added that those nominated this year should be “upholding the values of the business community.”

Prep your home against wildfires before they return with Penticton’s FireSmart program

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BEFORE THE WILDFIRE IS BACK

Penticton FireSmart wants to see the community step up and have their homes checked by the city’s free program now that the area’s drying trend has returned.

The first wildfire in Penticton’s area sparked on Monday afternoon, just above homes on the West Bench.

“We’re really looking for people to be proactive ahead of the wildfire season, it’s a lot easier to do this mitigation before the wildfire is at your back door,” said Miyoko McKeown, FireSmart Coordinator for the City of Penticton.

“One of the benefits of the program is if you are a fire smart certified, you can actually go to the cooperators and receive up to 10 per cent off your property.”

To become FireSmart certified, the first thing to do is to have a Wildfire Mitigation Specialist complete a home assessment. Once the resident has completed any suggestions given by the team, they can become eligible for that insurance discount.

“We’ll go over your whole property, the vegetation, everything around the home up to 100 meters around the home, including the home itself. So what it’s built out of, the roofing, the siding, windows doors, there’s all these boxes you have to check to be certified,” McKeown said.

The team works to turn over those assessments back to the homeowner within five business days.

“This is definitely the time we really want to be seeing people being proactive with FireSmart. We want people cleaning up around their yards, considering some fuel conversion, and just doing the work to build resiliency into their homes and properties and their neighbourhoods,” said Brittany Seibert, the City of Penticton Emergency Program Coordinator.

“Do that mitigation work around your home if that’s cleaning out your gutters, really cleaning out that non-combustible zone around your house, getting rid of all that leafy debris that’s been left over that’s getting super dry this time of year,” McKeown added.

The effectiveness of the FireSmart program has been proven to have a drastic impact on reducing the risk of wildfire.

“We definitely want people to not be complacent, to not forget that wildfire season is still here, it’s still happening. And it can happen at a moment’s notice,” Siebert said.

Assessment takes approximately anywhere between 30 minutes to an hour depending on the size of the property.

Its recommended for residents to also be prepared with an emergency plan and a grab-and-go bag if evacuation orders come out in their area.

For more information on the program or to set up an assessment, reach out to firesmart@penticton.ca

Residents outside of Penticton in the South Okanagan, visit the RDOS FireSmart website here.

Penticton opens cooling centres as heat wave settles in

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COOLING CENTRES NOW OPEN

Extreme high temperatures are expected this week and the City of Penticton is extending hours at several facilities starting today.

“We want to ensure everyone is safe during this period and providing cooling centres is a way to help residents and visitors beat the heat,” says Anthony Haddad, the director of the City’s Emergency Operations Centre.

“We’re extending the hours at civic facilities to assist people who need a place to cool down.”

The extended hours are at the following facilities:

  • South Okanagan Events Centre (835 Eckhart Avenue) will be open between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m.
  • Penticton Community Centre (325 Power Street) will be open between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m.
  • Penticton Public Library auditorium and lobby (785 Main Street) will be open 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Penticton Seniors’ Drop-in Centre (2965 Main Street) will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Water will be available at those locations as well, and bylaw enforcement and community safety officers will be carrying water for those in need

More community resources and tips on dealing with the heat are available here.

Residents and visitors who may have questions about available resources can call also call 250-490-2400 for assistance finding resources.

The City has activated its Emergency Operations Centre if further response is required.

Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for Interior British Columbia. Temperatures in Penticton are expected to reach 38 C this week.

 

Oliver Fall Festival back after two-year hiatus, featuring famous activities like the Grape Stomp Competition

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STOMP GRAPES AND BE MERRY!

Canada’s Wine Capital is extra thrilled to welcome guests back to the Oliver Fall Festival after two years on pause.

From September 30 to October 2, 2022, the event will bring together breweries, wineries, distilleries, artisans, musicians and eateries together for three days of family-friendly fun.

“Our community could not be more excited to welcome everyone back to the Fall Festival this year,” remarks Danielle Hutton, chairman of the Fall Festival Committee and vice chair of the Oliver Tourism Association.

“This event means so much to our local businesses and we truly cannot wait to celebrate the harvest with locals and visitors alike, and showcase the bounty that our mighty little town has to offer.”

This year’s lineup includes signature festival events Cask & Keg and Festival of the Grape featuring the world-renowned Grape Stomp Competition, as well as exciting new events like the Amazing Oliver Race, Beer Olympics and the Kick-Off Party at District Wine Village featuring award-winning Canadian band The Trews.

“This year marks 25 years since the first Festival of the Grape and it has been amazing to see the festivities continue to grow each year,” says Ian Lobb, executive director of the Oliver Tourism Association.

“Throughout the weekend, guests will get to experience the very best that our region has to offer and also be treated to the musical stylings of award-winning Canadian musicians The Trews and the Randy Bachman Band Cease & Desist. I can’t think of a better way to welcome harvest in the Okanagan.”

Early bird tickets are available online now until August 15 with regular price tickets available until September 29.

Guests can purchase singular event tickets, a package to attend all three days of festivities or an exclusive VIP package to make the most of their festival weekend that includes priority access and seating for all signature events.

To view the full range of events, competitions and ticket options, go to VisitOliver.com and follow them on Facebook and Instagram for the latest event updates.

Get your creative juices flowing at the annual PeachFest sandcastle competition

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NOT YOUR AVERAGE SANDCASTLE

Registration is now open for one of Peach Fest’s most fun and creative activities — the sandcastle competition.

Held at Skaha Lake, teams compete over several hours to create intricate giant sculptures on the beach to be judged by a panel at the end of the evening.

There are options for a corporate/business team, family and friends team, youth team aged 13-16 and a separate competition for kids teams age 12 and under.

The creations are judged on bet use of plot, artistic content, intricacy and some points for judge’s discretion.

All materials included in the final sculpture must be environmentally friendly materials like pebbles and pinecones.

The event is sponsored by Greyback Construction, and all money from registration will go to support the Penticton Rotary’s work in the community.

Tickets range from $10-$50 depending on the type of team.

It all gets started on the beach near the Skaha sundial on Thursday, Aug. 4 at 5:30 p.m. and spectators are welcome! For more information and to register, click here.

Nearly 500 apartment units proposed for hillside in Shannon Lake

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500 HILLSIDE UNITS PROPOSED

A plan to build close to 500 apartment units on the hillside overlooking Constable Neil Bruce Middle School in West Kelowna has been submitted to the city.

The development at 2741 Auburn Road would see a five-building, 490-unit apartment project with structures of up to six storeys with an additional level of underground parking.

The developer is proposing a custom development zone specific to the property with a minimum of 575 parking spaces.

The property is currently vacant and contains informal trails used by the Shannon Lake neighbourhood. It is currently zoned for low-density multiple residential.

The proposal is still in its very early stages and is going before the municipality’s advisory planning committee next week. The committee consisting of city residents provides recommendations to city council in advance of elected officials reviewing the proposal.

A city staff report notes the development’s custom zoning proposal is expected to be modified before the project is brought before city council at a still-to-be-determined date.

Beat the heat and get a slice of local Penticton history

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EXPLORE ‘COOL’ LOCAL HISTORY

“Four seasons of fun” is an ongoing collaboration between Castanet and Visit Penticton showcasing what Penticton has to offer all year round. Watch for it every Monday morning.

Escape the July heat by exploring some ‘cool’ indoor spaces summer, or if you’re looking for a unique outdoor sense of Penticton’s history, some special trees may pull you outside for a bit of an urban adventure.

Together with the Penticton & District Community Arts Council, the Penticton Museum and Archives is celebrating Historic Places Days until July 31, part of larger national event hosted by the National Trust of Canada. The theme is, ‘every place, a story.’

In Penticton, the two organizations are sharing stories about … trees!

“We have trees that are more than 100 years old,” explains Chandra Wong of the Penticton Museum. “They may not be big, but don’t judge a tree by its size.”

Examples? Camperdown trees that are “short, but have a unique structure” that can be found on Windsor Boulevard, first brought here in 1919, also the year Norway Spruce were planted in the Lakeview Cemetery. Or learn about the Coronation Oak sent by the Royal Gardens in London to the local Women’s Institute in Penticton to commemorate the coronation of King George the VI in 1937.

And many years ago, Pentictonites would head from the downtown area to camp on Skaha Lake, surrounded by pine trees.

Explore the city’s historical foliage by downloading a map, taking part in a scavenger hunt, ordownload a colouring book with artwork created by a number of local artists; all available online from the Arts Council.

“Our regular programming is going on, and the Museum is a great place to beat the heat,” adds Chandra.

As is the historic S.S. Sicamous Museum and Heritage Park, once again open after two years on hiatus due to Covid-19.

“We have lots of history to explore, guided tours, and if you’re a ‘ship’ person, me may be able to take you out on the tug boat,” explains Katie Pereira at the S.S. Sicamous.

The Sicamous is generally open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursdays through Mondays (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays), but will be closed on certain days for private events.

While not many events are in the works this summer, a jazz performance on board is planned for Aug. 14. The displays – including the famous Kettle Valley model railroad – have changed a bit, and there are many areas of the ship to see.

“We’d love to see more members join us this year,” adds Katie. Membership info is available online https://ss-sicamous-society.square.site/. And yes, the Sicamous does host weddings and special events, but be sure to check it out and start planning soon, as bookings fill up quickly.

Locals and visitors alike can drop by the Penticton Visitor Centre and grab a cruisin’ the strip guide to plan a historical walking tour of downtown Penticton, or look for these guides while you’re exploring the Downtown Penticton Community Market, held Saturday mornings until autumn.

Learn more at www.visitpenticton.com and on social @visitpenticton.