Community Leaders Gather for Annual Peace Celebration

West Kelowna will play host to an afternoon focused on personal and collective harmony as the fourth annual Peace Ambassador Community Celebration convenes on Sunday, Sept. 20. The event, which runs from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., takes place in the Orchard Conference Centre at the DoubleTree by Hilton, located at 2569 Dobbin Road.

Presided over by West Kelowna Mayor Gord Milsom, the gathering features a panel discussion designed to highlight how peace functions within the local region. Featured speakers include Chaplain Don Richmond of West Kelowna Fire Rescue and the West Kelowna Warriors Hockey Club, Professor Manik Dhir of Okanagan College, shadow finance MLA Gavin Dew of Kelowna-Mission, Dr. Arvind Ravindran, who serves as Country Coordinator for Heartfulness Institute Canada, and Jen Zielinski, Bureau Chief for Black Press Media’s B.C. Interior Division and Yukon.

Invest in Peace Focuses on Individual Experience

Organizers stated in a press release that the central theme, “Invest in Peace,” emphasizes that peace can be cultivated individually and shared across the community. The initiative provides an inclusive space for participants from diverse backgrounds to connect and foster harmony across the Central Okanagan.

Beyond general discussions, attendees will participate in reflection and meditation techniques. The press release noted: “The program will move beyond conversation to personal experience, introducing participants to the heartfulness approach to inner peace, reflection and meditation, based on the belief that lasting community peace begins with the individual.”

Admission to the celebration is free, and attendees can reserve their seats in advance through Eventbrite.

Waterfront design reveal scheduled for Sept. 20

Residents are invited to gather at the northwest corner of City Park on Sunday, Sept. 20, at 2 p.m. for the unveiling of the design for Kelowna’s future swim venue.

According to a press release, the special gathering will mark a key milestone for the long-planned project, bringing together supporters, community partners, and local residents to view the initial design and learn about upcoming steps for the new waterfront destination.

Part of broader City Park upgrades

The planned swim venue is one component of the broader City Park Improvement Plan. The overall initiative encompasses several enhancements to the area, including upgraded lighting, enhanced water access, a new boardwalk, and a relocated dog beach.

RCMP Conclude Downtown Incident

An investigation into an August incident in downtown Kelowna has been closed after the injured party chose not to press charges. Kelowna RCMP officers have now concluded their file on the matter.

Late-Night Altercation on Water Street

The incident occurred around 2:05 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 9, in the 1600-block of Water Street. Patrolling officers observed a group engaged in a heated argument. Before police could step in, the dispute turned physical when one man struck another, causing him to fall to the ground and sustain serious injuries.

Suspect Arrested and Police Investigation Completed

Paramedics treated the injured man at the scene before transferring him to the hospital for further medical care. Police arrested the suspect on site, subsequently releasing them with conditions and a scheduled court date. Although RCMP gathered video surveillance, witness statements, and documentation to prepare a report for Crown Counsel, the victim ultimately decided against pursuing charges. What caused the initial argument and physical fight remains unknown.