COMMUNITY
BC Residents Urged to Check Surveillance Footage as Police Probe Suspicious Park and Roadside Fires
B.C. RCMP launch arson investigations into suspicious fires in Kelowna, the Shuswap region, and near Coquitlam. Police request dashcam and security video.
Multiple Fire Investigations Underway Across B.C.
Police departments in British Columbia have opened arson inquiries after several suspicious blazes were reported in various parts of the province.
In the Columbia Shuswap Regional District, Mounties are looking into three roadside ditch fires along Squilax Anglemont Road. The blazes, reported around 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, were spaced approximately 100 metres apart. Emergency crews responding to the scene faced additional calls as two more fires emerged in the Anglemont Estates area. While firefighters brought the flames under control with no damage reported, the incident led to two homes being placed under an evacuation order and another 35 under an evacuation alert.
Police Request Video Footage in Anmore and Belcarra Areas
Coquitlam RCMP are searching for video evidence to assist an ongoing investigation into a fire cause. Investigators are focusing on footage gathered between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Aug. 5, asking anyone with dashcam, mobile phone, or residential security video from areas in and around Anmore and Belcarra to step forward.
“Anmore and Belcarra are strong beautiful communities that take a great pride in maintaining their regional park,” said Const. Ashleigh Daniels, media relations officer for the Coquitlam RCMP, in a release. “We are asking anyone who was in the area, witnessed anything suspicious, or may have video footage or information related to this investigation to contact police.” Members of the public can reach Coquitlam RCMP at 604-945-1550 using file number 2026-20259.
Kelowna Park Fires Extinguished by Alert Locals
In Kelowna, Mounties are probing a series of fires at Gopher Creek Linear Park that appear to have been intentionally started around 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 5. Quick action by nearby residents and park visitors helped extinguish the small fires before the local fire department was contacted, according to police.
Kelowna RCMP are asking anyone who noticed unusual activity near the park, Gallagher Road, or Lynrick Road on the afternoon of Aug. 5 to come forward. Drivers in those areas between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. who may have dashcam footage are requested to call Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300 and reference file number 2026-50091.
BC STORIES
Discover the Hidden Beauty of New Brunswick’s Waterfalls Through Drone and On-the-Ground Video
CBC videographer Roger Cosman explores New Brunswick’s hidden waterfalls using drone and ground footage, with tours including Walton Glen Gorge Falls.
Exploring Provincial Waterfalls
CBC videographer Roger Cosman is traveling across New Brunswick this summer to document the province’s hundreds of natural cascades. His journey relies on drone footage and on-the-ground exploration to capture these often-secluded scenic spots.
Featured Locations and Next Destinations
Cosman’s tour has covered multiple sites, including Pabineau Falls, Sand Brook Falls, Tetagouche Falls, Lepreau Falls, Wallace Falls, Welsford Falls, Little Sheephouse Brook Falls, and Fall Brook Falls. His latest footage highlights Walton Glen Gorge Falls along the Fundy coast, with Fuller Falls scheduled as the next stop on the itinerary.
COMMUNITY
This weekend in Okanagan: Fri 4 — Sun 6 September
29 things to do in Okanagan, Fri 4 — Sun 6 September.
The Okanagan Current · What’s on
This weekend
Fri 4 — Sun 6 September
What’s on between now and Sunday night.
The week at a glance Fri 4 — Sun 6 September
All day First Friday Art Trail Artist Studios, Vernon and Coldstream 8 am Paragliding Fly-In Baldy Mountain Resort, 2680 Mount Baldy Rd British Columbia Oliver, BC V0H 1T0 Canada, Oliver, BC 8 am Ask Me Anything Bartier Bros. Winery, 4821 Ryegrass Road British Columbia Oliver V0H 1T1 Canada, Oliver 11 am The Bread Project Bartier Bros. Winery, 4821 Ryegrass Road British Columbia Oliver V0H 1T1 Canada, Oliver 11:30 am Delicous Oysters Miradoro Restaurant, 537 Tinhorn Creek Rd. British Columbia Oliver V0H 1T1 Canada, Oliver 4 pm Fender Fridays | Show & Shine Gino’s Coffee House, 8316 Main St, Oosyoos 6 pm Friday Night POP ROCK MUSIC BINGO District Wine Village, 100 Enterprise Way British Columbia Oliver V0H 1T0 Canada, Oliver 6:30 pm Cooking Class Dinners Hester Creek Estate Winery, 877 Road 8 · Box 1605 British Columbia Oliver V0H 1T0 Canada, Oliver
8 am Sessions Saturday Ride Sessions Outdoor Sports, 8503 78 Ave, Osoyoos 8 am Pine & Peak Summer Markets Baldy Mountain Resort, 2680 Mount Baldy Rd British Columbia Oliver, BC V0H 1T0 Canada, Oliver, BC 11 am Live Music & Food Truck Saturdays River Stone Estate Winery, 143 Buchanan Drive British Columbia Oliver V0H 1T2 Canada, Oliver 11 am The Bread Project Bartier Bros. Winery, 4821 Ryegrass Road British Columbia Oliver V0H 1T1 Canada, Oliver 11:30 am “Haute” Dog Days Of Summer Blasted Church, 378 Parsons Rd, Okanagan Fallas 11:30 am Delicous Oysters Miradoro Restaurant, 537 Tinhorn Creek Rd. British Columbia Oliver V0H 1T1 Canada, Oliver 12 pm Country Crush Festival Nostalgia Wines, 4900 Black Sage Road British Columbia Oliver V0H 1T1 Canada, Oliver 1 pm Live Music On The Patio Hester Creek Estate Winery, 877 Road 8 · Box 1605 British Columbia Oliver V0H 1T0 Canada, Oliver 2:30 pm The Fates & The Keys Cheek to Cheek Dance Studio 3 pm Oyster Hour Sonora Room Restaurant, 500 Burrowing Owl Pl, Oliver 6 pm Gamay Grooves Domaine Artema Winery, 4078 Black Sage Rd, Oliver 9 pm Evening Treasures Osoyoos Desert Centre, 14580 146 Avenue British Columbia Osoyoos V0H 1V0 Canada, Osoyoos
8 am Pine & Peak Summer Markets Baldy Mountain Resort, 2680 Mount Baldy Rd British Columbia Oliver, BC V0H 1T0 Canada, Oliver, BC 9 am Station Street Market Oliver Lions Park, Station St. British Columbia Oliver V0H 1T0 Canada, Oliver 9 am Sculpt & Sip Sundays District Wine Village, 100 Enterprise Way British Columbia Oliver V0H 1T0 Canada, Oliver 11 am The Bread Project Bartier Bros. Winery, 4821 Ryegrass Road British Columbia Oliver V0H 1T1 Canada, Oliver 11:30 am Delicous Oysters Miradoro Restaurant, 537 Tinhorn Creek Rd. British Columbia Oliver V0H 1T1 Canada, Oliver 1 pm Live Music On The Patio Hester Creek Estate Winery, 877 Road 8 · Box 1605 British Columbia Oliver V0H 1T0 Canada, Oliver 2 pm Sunday Service | Live Music Blasted Church, 378 Parsons Rd, Okanagan Fallas 4 pm Classic Car Cruise-In Nostalgia Wines, 4900 Black Sage Road British Columbia Oliver V0H 1T1 Canada, Oliver 4 pm A Celebration of Harvest Evans Ave, 1243 Evans Ave, Penticton
What’s on 29 events
First Friday Art Trail
- Time
- All day
- Where
- Artist Studios, Vernon and Coldstream
Paragliding Fly-In
- Time
- 8 am
- Where
- Baldy Mountain Resort, 2680 Mount Baldy Rd British Columbia Oliver, BC V0H 1T0 Canada, Oliver, BC
@ Baldy Fly-in Paragliding Event Labour Day weekend is set to be a fun one at Baldy!
Ask Me Anything
- Time
- 8 am
- Where
- Bartier Bros. Winery, 4821 Ryegrass Road British Columbia Oliver V0H 1T1 Canada, Oliver
@ Every Friday, 3–5 PM Join us on the Bartier Bros.
The Bread Project
- Time
- 11 am
- Where
- Bartier Bros. Winery, 4821 Ryegrass Road British Columbia Oliver V0H 1T1 Canada, Oliver
Until May 24, 2026 purchase The Pairing Project Passport for only $99.
Delicous Oysters
- Time
- 11:30 am
- Where
- Miradoro Restaurant, 537 Tinhorn Creek Rd. British Columbia Oliver V0H 1T1 Canada, Oliver
@ September Oysters & Bubbles @ Miradoro $3. 25 oysters! Daily, any amount, until sold out. Lightning Rock sparkling wine feature!
Fender Fridays | Show & Shine
- Time
- 4 pm
- Where
- Gino’s Coffee House, 8316 Main St, Oosyoos
@ EVERY FRIDAY OPEN UNTIL 6pm Love classic cars? Come show yours off! Or just come take a look.
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
Cooking Class Dinners
- Time
- 6:30 pm
- Where
- Hester Creek Estate Winery, 877 Road 8 · Box 1605 British Columbia Oliver V0H 1T0 Canada, Oliver
@ Join one of only 14 guests seated in our state of the art demonstration kitchen for a locally sourced, seasonally inspired menu skillfully paired with our…
Sessions Saturday Ride
- Time
- 8 am
- Where
- Sessions Outdoor Sports, 8503 78 Ave, Osoyoos
@ Join Sesssions Outdoor Sports on the Saturday Rides.
Pine & Peak Summer Markets
- Time
- 8 am
- Where
- Baldy Mountain Resort, 2680 Mount Baldy Rd British Columbia Oliver, BC V0H 1T0 Canada, Oliver, BC
@ Pine and Peak Summer Artisan Markets (Looking for Vendors) Dates: June 27th, August 1st, September 5th & 6th, October 3rd Introducing the Pine and Peak…
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.
The Bread Project
- Time
- 11 am
- Where
- Bartier Bros. Winery, 4821 Ryegrass Road British Columbia Oliver V0H 1T1 Canada, Oliver
Until May 24, 2026 purchase The Pairing Project Passport for only $99.
“Haute” Dog Days Of Summer
- Time
- 11:30 am
- Where
- Blasted Church, 378 Parsons Rd, Okanagan Fallas
@ Chef John Burke is ready to grill! No need to confess: we know you dream of Chef’s Haute Dogs all year long!
Delicous Oysters
- Time
- 11:30 am
- Where
- Miradoro Restaurant, 537 Tinhorn Creek Rd. British Columbia Oliver V0H 1T1 Canada, Oliver
@ September Oysters & Bubbles @ Miradoro $3. 25 oysters! Daily, any amount, until sold out. Lightning Rock sparkling wine feature!
Country Crush Festival
- Time
- 12 pm
- Where
- Nostalgia Wines, 4900 Black Sage Road British Columbia Oliver V0H 1T1 Canada, Oliver
@ 9th Annual Country Crush Festival Saturday, September 5th Winery open: 10am–7pm | Event: 12pm–5pm Nostalgia Wines, 4900 Black Sage Road, Oliver, BC Boots…
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…
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…
Gamay Grooves
- Time
- 6 pm
- Where
- Domaine Artema Winery, 4078 Black Sage Rd, Oliver
@ Get ready to turn up the summer vibes at Gamay Grooves , a lively outdoor music series at Domaine Artema Winery.
Evening Treasures
- Time
- 9 pm
- Where
- Osoyoos Desert Centre, 14580 146 Avenue British Columbia Osoyoos V0H 1V0 Canada, Osoyoos
@ Cacthy the ringed ebauty Saturn along with various clusters and nebulae through John’s 8-Inch mirrir reflecting telescope.
Pine & Peak Summer Markets
- Time
- 8 am
- Where
- Baldy Mountain Resort, 2680 Mount Baldy Rd British Columbia Oliver, BC V0H 1T0 Canada, Oliver, BC
@ Pine and Peak Summer Artisan Markets (Looking for Vendors) Dates: June 27th, August 1st, September 5th & 6th, October 3rd Introducing the Pine and Peak…
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.
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.
The Bread Project
- Time
- 11 am
- Where
- Bartier Bros. Winery, 4821 Ryegrass Road British Columbia Oliver V0H 1T1 Canada, Oliver
Until May 24, 2026 purchase The Pairing Project Passport for only $99.
Delicous Oysters
- Time
- 11:30 am
- Where
- Miradoro Restaurant, 537 Tinhorn Creek Rd. British Columbia Oliver V0H 1T1 Canada, Oliver
@ September Oysters & Bubbles @ Miradoro $3. 25 oysters! Daily, any amount, until sold out. Lightning Rock sparkling wine feature!
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…
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!
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…
A Celebration of Harvest
- Time
- 4 pm
- Where
- Evans Ave, 1243 Evans Ave, Penticton
@ Sip, chat, and celebrate our single vineyard series wines in a beautiful vineyard setting with canapés, live music and Gneiss wines.
Also coming up 8 of 66
- Mon, Sep 7 The Bread Project
- Mon, Sep 7 Delicous Oysters
- Mon, Sep 7 Blind Tastings
- Mon, Sep 7 Randy’s Cheeseburger Picnic Comedy Tour
- Tue, Sep 8 Regular Council Meeting – 6:00 p.m.
- Tue, Sep 8 Band Council Meeting
- Tue, Sep 8 Root & Ritual
- Tue, Sep 8 The Bread Project
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
Why Nanaimo Residents May See a Future RCMP Police Dog Around Town
Four-month-old German shepherd puppy Basko has arrived in Nanaimo to begin one to two years of RCMP police dog training following a proud family lineage.
A New Generation of Police Dog Begins Training
Nanaimo residents may notice a four-month-old German shepherd named Basko exploring local sights as he takes his first steps toward a potential career with the RCMP. Born at the RCMP Police Dog Service Training Centre in Innisfail, Alberta, the young puppy recently arrived in the community to start a rigorous development process lasting one to two years.
Supervised by RCMP Const. Jordan Braid, Basko will live with a specially chosen imprinter — an officer dedicated to raising and socializing future police dogs from puppyhood. While residing as part of the imprinter’s household, Basko’s daily routine will focus on socialization, building confidence, and exposure to various environments, people, noises, and animals. Evaluators will assess his progress every three to four months to determine if he meets the force’s strict operational standards.
A Lineage of Service and Sacrifice
Basko carries strong service credentials in his lineage. His father, Neon, serves in Nanaimo alongside Braid, while his grandfather, Jago, died in the line of duty in 2021 during a manhunt near High Prairie, Alberta. Jago was shot while protecting his handler and fellow officers, prompting High Prairie officials to lower flags to half-mast in his honor. Coverage from outlets including the Kelowna Capital News, Penticton Western News, Tofino-Ucluelet Westerly News, and Vernon Morning Star also highlighted that Jago was killed while on duty in Alberta.
Braid noted that while Basko comes from a strong lineage, his ultimate placement remains uncertain. There is no guarantee he will complete the full program in Nanaimo or join the local detachment alongside Neon, as final assignments depend on successful graduation and operational needs across the country.
Why the RCMP Only Uses German Shepherds
Unlike some police services that train various breeds, the RCMP relies exclusively on German shepherds. The national police force maintains its own breeding program, which Braid explained helps control expenses while selectively breeding out health issues and unwanted traits.
Braid added that the breed is exceptionally loyal, highly intelligent, and hard-working. German shepherds are capable of signaling handlers when injured or fatigued, and their versatile coats allow them to adapt easily to diverse climates across Canada.
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