COMMUNITY

August Sun Valley Ranch Food Share Way’ Members, the Food Security Team has released their upcoming Sun Valley Ranch Food Share dates: August 6th 12pm at the…

Details from the organiser

13 Thu

Thursday Live Music

Time: 4 pm
Where: Black Hills Estate Winery, 4190 Black Sage Road British Columbia Oliver V0H1T1 Canada, Oliver

@ Join us on select Thursdays from June 18 to September 24 and enjoy oysters from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm, with live music continuing until 6:30 pm.

Details from the organiser

13 Thu

Live Music with Colin Easthope at Farmstrong Cider Co.

Time: 4 pm
Where: Farmstrong Cider Comapny, 4300 Maw Road, Armstrong, British Columbia, V4Y 0M2

Details from the organiser

13 Thu

Garden Market at Sparrowgrass Field & Flower

Time: 4 pm
Where: Sparrowgrass Field & Flower, 5050 Knob Hill Road, Armstrong, British Columbia, V4Y 0M3

Details from the organiser

13 Thu

Music in the Park

Time: 4:30 pm
Where: Oliver Community Park, 6359 Park Drive British Columbia Oliver V0H 1T0 Canada, Oliver

@ Come and enjoy outdoor concerts in Oliver, B. C.

Details from the organiser

13 Thu

Live Music Happy Hour ft. Brooklyn Rae

Time: 5 pm
Where: Vasanti Estate Winery, 7222 BC Hwy 97, Oliver

@ Join us for live-music Thursdays during our Happy Hour! Reserve your tickets to guarantee you have a seat.

Details from the organiser

13 Thu

Exploring the Desert After Dark

Time: 8 pm
Where: Osoyoos Desert Centre, 14580 146 Avenue British Columbia Osoyoos V0H 1V0 Canada, Osoyoos

@ Our popular evening tours are back! Join us for an exhilarating night as we wander the boardwalk from dusk to dark.

Details from the organiser

14 Fri

OKIB Family Waterslide Day

Time: 10 am
Where: Splashdown Water Park, 17921 Greenhow Road, Vernon

August 14th 10:00am to 6:00pm at Splashdown Water Park (17921 Greenhow Road, Vernon) Tickets will be covered.

Details from the organiser

14 Fri

Live at Rust: Mick James

Time: 1 pm
Where: Rust Wine, 4444 Golden Mile Bench British Columbia Oliver V0H 1T1 Canada, Oliver

@ Rust Wine 250-498-3276

Details from the organiser

14 Fri

Youth Leadership Council – Shop and Bop Clothing Swap

Time: 2 pm
Where: New Horizons

July 17th and August 14th 2pm to 6pm at the New Horizons Building Open to all OKIB Members If you would like to donate clothing but cannot attend please…

Details from the organiser

14 Fri

Patio Piano Lounge

Time: 3 pm
Where: Phantom Creek Estates, 4315 Black Sage Road British Columbia Oliver Canada, Oliver

@ We are delighted to introduce a new feature at the winery, our Friday Piano Lounge.

Details from the organiser

14 Fri

Summer Series with Same Same but Different Thai Food Truck

Time: 4 pm
Where: Gehringer Brother’s Estate Winery, 876 Rd 8, Oliver

@ Gehringer Brother’s Celebrates 40 years!

Details from the organiser

14 Fri

Friday Night POP ROCK MUSIC BINGO

Time: 6 pm
Where: District Wine Village, 100 Enterprise Way British Columbia Oliver V0H 1T0 Canada, Oliver

@ EVERY FRIDAY THIS SUMMER No

Details from the organiser

14 Fri

Music Bingo at the Armstrong Legion

Time: 6 pm
Where: Armstrong Legion, 2526 Pleasant Valley Boulevard, Armstrong, British Columbia, V0E 1B0

Details from the organiser

14 Fri

Music in the Park featuring ‘Rollin’ Coal Trio’ Presented by Armstrong Vet Clinic

Time: 7 pm
Where: Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce, 3285 Pleasant Valley Road, Armstrong, British Columbia, V4Y 0J4

Details from the organiser

15 Sat

Sessions Saturday Ride

Time: 8 am
Where: Sessions Outdoor Sports, 8503 78 Ave, Osoyoos

@ Join Sesssions Outdoor Sports on the Saturday Rides.

Details from the organiser

15 Sat

Wings & Wheels Breakfast

Time: 8 am
Where: Oliver Municipal Airport, 5811 Airport Street British Columbia Oliver V0H 1T0 Canada, Oliver

@ Start your morning with engines, excitement, and a stack of pancakes at the Wings & Wheels Breakfast!

Details from the organiser

15 Sat

Rods & Rails Classic Car Show & Shine

Time: 9 am
Where: Cam Jammers, IPE Fairgrounds

Details from the organiser

15 Sat

2026 Nature Talks

Time: 10:30 am
Where: Osoyoos Desert Centre, 14580 146 Avenue British Columbia Osoyoos V0H 1V0 Canada, Osoyoos

@ Saturday, July 4 Becoming Snake Smart Learn how to safely share our landscape with one of the South Okanagan’s most misunderstood residents.

Details from the organiser

15 Sat

Live Music & Food Truck Saturdays

Time: 11 am
Where: River Stone Estate Winery, 143 Buchanan Drive British Columbia Oliver V0H 1T2 Canada, Oliver

@ Join us at River Stone Estate Winery from mid-June through mid-September for laid-back afternoons filled with great wine, live tunes, and tasty bites.

Details from the organiser

15 Sat

Live Music On The Patio

Time: 1 pm
Where: Hester Creek Estate Winery, 877 Road 8 · Box 1605 British Columbia Oliver V0H 1T0 Canada, Oliver

@ Every weekend in the summer we host local musicians live on the patio at the Wine Shop from May to October and celebrate the incredible talent coming out of…

Details from the organiser

15 Sat

Oyster Hour

Time: 3 pm
Where: Sonora Room Restaurant, 500 Burrowing Owl Pl, Oliver

@ Every Saturday & Sunday, 3:00 – 4:30 pm It is the perfect piece of a summer weekend to relax in the sun while enjoying the briny deliciousness of fresh…

Details from the organiser

15 Sat

Silent Disco

Time: 6 pm
Where: District Wine Village, 100 Enterprise Way British Columbia Oliver V0H 1T0 Canada, Oliver

@ Saturday, August 15 | 7pm – 10pm Join us for a fun night of dancing in the centre plaza with DJ Shakes.

Details from the organiser

15 Sat

COMEDY TOUR

Time: 6 pm
Where: Roster Sports Bar and Grill, Roster Sports Bar and Grill 2319 53 Ave, Vernon, BC V1T 8K1 6pm

Details from the organiser

15 Sat

Dear Rouge | Sunset Concert Series

Time: 7 pm
Where: Tinhorn Creek Vineyards, 537 Tinhorn Creek Rd. British Columbia Oliver V0H 1T1 Canada, Oliver

@ Dear Rouge Juno Award winning indie rock band Dear Rouge headlines our biggest night of the summer, closing the series with bold sound and unmistakable…

Details from the organiser

15 Sat

RCMP Musical Ride

Time: 7 pm
Where: Armstrong-Spallumcheen Fair Grounds, 3375 Pleasant Valley Road, Armstrong, BC

Details from the organiser

16 Sun

Station Street Market

Time: 9 am
Where: Oliver Lions Park, Station St. British Columbia Oliver V0H 1T0 Canada, Oliver

@ The Station Street Market is located in between the Visitor Information Centre and the Coast Hotel in the beautiful grass area just off Station Street.

Details from the organiser

16 Sun

Sculpt & Sip Sundays

Time: 9 am
Where: District Wine Village, 100 Enterprise Way British Columbia Oliver V0H 1T0 Canada, Oliver

Strong bodies. Sunny vibes. Sunday tradition.

Details from the organiser

16 Sun

Live Music On The Patio

Time: 1 pm
Where: Hester Creek Estate Winery, 877 Road 8 · Box 1605 British Columbia Oliver V0H 1T0 Canada, Oliver

@ Every weekend in the summer we host local musicians live on the patio at the Wine Shop from May to October and celebrate the incredible talent coming out of…

Details from the organiser

16 Sun

Luke Whittall and Yanti

Time: 1 pm
Where: Phantom Creek Estates, 4315 Black Sage Road British Columbia Oliver Canada, Oliver

@ For two decades, Yanti has performed locally in many different combos and venues.

Details from the organiser

16 Sun

Sunday Service | Live Music

Time: 2 pm
Where: Blasted Church, 378 Parsons Rd, Okanagan Fallas

@ Live Music on the Patio all season Confess your love for great wine and live music by coming to Blasted Church on Sunday!

Details from the organiser

16 Sun

Oyster Hour

Time: 3 pm
Where: Sonora Room Restaurant, 500 Burrowing Owl Pl, Oliver

@ Every Saturday & Sunday, 3:00 – 4:30 pm It is the perfect piece of a summer weekend to relax in the sun while enjoying the briny deliciousness of fresh…

Details from the organiser

16 Sun

Patio Sessions

Time: 3 pm
Where: Firehall Brewery, 6077 Main Street British Columbia Oliver, Oliver

@ Firehall Brewery is about to kick off a month long musical series on Sunday August 2.

Details from the organiser

16 Sun

RCMP Musical Ride

Time: 3 pm
Where: Armstrong-Spallumcheen Fair Grounds, 3375 Pleasant Valley Road, Armstrong, BC

Details from the organiser

16 Sun

Classic Car Cruise-In

Time: 4 pm
Where: Nostalgia Wines, 4900 Black Sage Road British Columbia Oliver V0H 1T1 Canada, Oliver

@ Every Sunday from 4pm-7pm May 17th-Sept 27th we invite the hot rod, classic car, supercar and show car community to swing on by our lounge to show off your…

Details from the organiser

16 Sun

RCMP Musical Ride (Sunday 2nd Show)

Time: 7 pm
Where: Armstrong-Spallumcheen Fair Grounds, 3375 Pleasant Valley Road, Armstrong, BC

Details from the organiser

Also coming up 8 of 63

Mon, Aug 17 Regular Council Meeting – 6:00 p.m.
Mon, Aug 17 Band Council Meeting
Mon, Aug 17 Blind Tastings
Mon, Aug 17 Elder and Youth Craft & Visit Day
Tue, Aug 18 Exploring the Desert After Dark
Wed, Aug 19 Back to School BBQ Lunch
Wed, Aug 19 Sun Valley Ranch Food Share at Komasket Park
Wed, Aug 19 Wahine Wednesday Women’s Paddle + Social

Dates and names only — we confirm the details with each organiser in the edition that runs them.

Running something? Get it in front of your neighbours.

The Okanagan Current publishes this every week for readers looking for something to do. Listing is free, and what you send us is what runs — so check the details before you send them. Or post it to your municipal calendar and we will find it.

COMMUNITY

Middle-Income Renters to Benefit From 129 New Apartments in Rutland

Troika breaks ground on a 129-unit apartment building in Kelowna’s Rutland, featuring 51 middle-income units, an on-site daycare, and transit perks.

Published

2 days ago

September 18, 2026

Current Editor

New Multi-Family Development Underway on Dougall Road

Construction has officially commenced on a six-storey rental development in Kelowna’s Rutland neighborhood. Developer Troika held a small ceremony alongside partners and staff on Sept. 17, using gold shovels to mark the start of work at 155 Dougall Rd. North.

Affordable Rents and Family Amenities

The project is being constructed in partnership with the City of Kelowna via its Middle Income Housing Partnership. According to Troika CEO Renee Merrifield, 51 of the planned 129 units are “reserved for income qualified middle income households.” The complex will offer studio apartments as well as one, two, and three-bedroom floor plans.

Families living in the complex will have access to an internal 3,902-square-foot daycare featuring an outdoor play area. Additional facilities include a fitness centre and a rooftop amenity space.

Transit Integration and Eco-Friendly Features

Located adjacent to the Rutland Transit Exchange, the location was selected with local transportation in mind, explained Troika Vice President of Construction Kerry McDowell. To encourage sustainable travel, 17 parking stalls will be EV ready. Every household will also be provided with a complimentary Modo car share membership along with a $100 usage credit for first-time members.

Furthermore, residents will have access to a prepaid eco pass transit fund totaling nearly $200,000 to cover transit fares. Addressing the long-term vision for the property, Merrifield stated, “We will be here carefully managing the building, caring for it and supporting the people and community that grows within it.”

BC STORIES

Why B.C. Farms Are Struggling: New Study Explains the $457 Million Sector Loss

A UFV report reveals that while B.C. farms suffered a $457M loss in 2024, commercial sites earned $770M as rising debt and costs strain mid-sized operations.

Published

4 days ago

September 16, 2026

Current Editor

Commercial Farms Retain Profitability Despite Heavy Sector Losses

A recent study by the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) offers a fresh look at British Columbia’s agricultural landscape, clarifying that a reported $456.9 million aggregate loss for 2024 was largely driven by small-scale, sub-commercial operations. Commissioned by the BC Agriculture Council and BC Dairy, the report revealed that 74.4 per cent of the province’s farms generated under $100,000 in annual operating revenue, with over 40 per cent earning less than $10,000.

Study author and UFV assistant professor of agriculture Chris Bodnar highlighted that while these sub-commercial sites account for most of the net financial deficit, B.C.’s 4,100 commercial farms—representing 25.6 per cent of all agricultural properties—remained profitable. Commercial operations generated approximately $770 million in net operating income in 2024, achieving a 13.2 per cent profit margin. Overall output remains concentrated among top earners: less than four per cent of farms generate over $2 million in gross sales, yet they produce 68 per cent of B.C.’s total farm revenue.

Mid-Sized Operations Face Growing Financial Pressure

Despite commercial profitability, the UFV report warns that mid-sized farms generating between $500,000 and $1.99 million in revenue are rapidly shrinking. B.C. currently counts 1,150 mid-sized farms, but the segment has seen steady declines since 2015, dropping by five per cent in the $500,000 to $1 million category. By contrast, while Canada saw a two per cent decline in similar mid-sized operations nationwide, the country experienced a 39 per cent increase in farms making between $1 million and $2 million.

Bodnar noted that mid-sized farms serve as key indicators of broader industry health because they lack the outside income often supporting sub-commercial farms and cannot absorb shocks as easily as large corporate entities. Rapidly escalating expenses are compounding these pressures. Between 2022 and 2024, vegetable and beef producers saw labor costs increase by 4.9 per cent and 4.6 per cent, respectively. B.C. commercial farms also pay higher rent than the national average across nearly all sectors, with tree fruit and nut growers paying more than twice the Canadian average. Additionally, local poultry and dairy operations face feed costs six to seven per cent higher than national levels.

Surging Farmland Values and Debt Escalation

Soaring land values and expanding debt loads are further incentivizing mid-sized farmers to exit the industry. Farmland valuations in B.C. climbed 67 per cent between 2015 and 2023, while provincial farm debt has ballooned by 286 per cent since 2004—growing faster than in any other province. Bodnar pointed out that B.C. remains the only major agricultural province in Canada lacking a dedicated agricultural lending institution.

Danielle Synotte, executive director of the BC Agriculture Council, noted that the report provides factual validation for long-standing concerns regarding B.C.’s unique cost pressures. BC Dairy general manager Jeremy Dunn emphasized that clear data is vital for supporting future sector investment, noting that stability on the farm yields widespread economic and food security benefits across the province. Detailed findings are accessible via the UFV study portal at farmingattheedge.ca.

BC STORIES

How Kelowna Is Positioning Itself as a Future Hub for AI Wildfire Drones

Kelowna partners with FireSwarm Solutions, YLW, and Okanagan College to launch an AI drone and aerospace innovation hub focused on wildfire suppression.

Published

5 days ago

September 15, 2026

Current Editor

Partnerships Aim to Establish B.C. Aerospace Hub

New agreements have been signed to transform Kelowna into a centre for artificial intelligence-enabled drone and aerospace development in British Columbia. The initiatives connect the City of Kelowna, Kelowna International Airport (YLW), Okanagan College, and FireSwarm Solutions, a Canadian aerospace and defence startup that specializes in autonomous drone swarms for wildfire suppression and emergency response.

Two separate Memorandums of Understanding were established: one between FireSwarm and the municipal government, and another between the startup and Okanagan College. The goal is to demonstrate how technology created for emergency situations can be applied across civilian, dual-use, and sovereign sectors.

Building Wildfire Tech and Local Training Programs

The collaboration builds on an initial 2025 field test at Knox Mountain, where the Kelowna Fire Department integrated FireSwarm’s automated drone technology to evaluate its effectiveness in wildfire fighting. That exercise was monitored by Transport Canada, the BC Wildfire Service, and additional agencies.

To support the growing industry, work is already underway at YLW on a new dedicated training hangar funded through Okanagan College and the BPL Legacy Association. Okanagan College plans to launch specialized programs focused on aircraft maintenance engineering for uncrewed systems, avionics, drone structures, and advanced manufacturing. Leaders from the city, college, and FireSwarm emphasized that building a skilled workforce alongside technological advancements will strengthen economic growth and bolster regional wildfire resilience.