COMMUNITY

August 10th, 17th, 24th and 31st 1pm – 3pm at the Bluebird building Way Members, the OKIB Elders team will be hosting a craft and visit series at the Bluebird…

Details from the organiser

1 Tue

Your Absence is Mineral

Time: 10 am
Where: Vernon Public Art Gallery (confirmed by the desk)

@ Sarah Steeves Caroline Galbraith Gallery & Up-front Gallery September 1 – October 7, 2026 Closing Reception : October 6, 2026, from 6 to 8 pm Publication…

Details from the organiser

1 Tue

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!

Details from the organiser

1 Tue

Free Live Music Tuesday with Lewis Cardinal

Time: 5 pm
Where: Nostalgia Wines, 4900 Black Sage Road British Columbia Oliver V0H 1T1 Canada, Oliver

@ We’re excited to have Lewis Cardinal bringing the soundtrack for the night, delivering live music that’ll keep the energy up and the crowd moving.

Details from the organiser

2 Wed

125th Armstrong IPE & Stampede

Time: 10 am
Where: Armstrong IPE & Stampede, Armstrong Fair grounds

Details from the organiser

2 Wed

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!

Details from the organiser

2 Wed

Wahine Wednesday Women’s Paddle + Social

Time: 6 pm
Where: Kalavida Surf Shop, Kalavida Surf Shop 13908 Kalamalka Road Coldstream, BC, V1B 1Y9

Details from the organiser

2 Wed

OKIB Wildfire Training

Time: 7 pm
Where: Territorial Stewardship Division, 12 Bonneau Rd

An Information Session for the training will be hosted Sept 2nd, 7pm at TSD Office (12 Bonneau Road) OKIB is offering an information session for an upcoming…

Details from the organiser

3 Thu

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!

Details from the organiser

3 Thu

Sexual Health & Reproductive Health Clinic

Time: 1 pm
Where: Oliver Health Centre, 930 Spillway Rd, Oliver

@ Sexual & Reproductive Health Clinic – Oliver Looking for confidential, accessible sexual and reproductive health services?

Details from the organiser

3 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

3 Thu

Live Music with Doug Robb at Farmstrong Cider Co.

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

Details from the organiser

3 Thu

Free Live Music Thursday With Mick James

Time: 5 pm
Where: Nostalgia Wines, 4900 Black Sage Road British Columbia Oliver V0H 1T1 Canada, Oliver

@ t’s going to be an evening full of great connections, high energy, and even better vibes as we continue this tradition together.

Details from the organiser

3 Thu

Live Music Happy Hour ft. Lewis Cardinal

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

3 Thu

Passion Speech Night

Time: 7 pm
Where: Venables Theatre, Oliver

@ About the Event The eleven, 2026 Candidates present their passion speeches, covering topics that are serious, funny and motivational.

Details from the organiser

4 Fri

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!

Details from the organiser

4 Fri

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.

Details from the organiser

4 Fri

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.

Details from the organiser

4 Fri

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!

Details from the organiser

4 Fri

Youth Leadership Council – Shop and Bop Clothing Swap and Sewing workshop

Time: 3 pm
Where: New Horizons

New date: September 4th 3pm to 6pm at the New Horizons Building Open to all OKIB Members Way’ Members, The second Shop and Bop event date has been moved to…

Details from the organiser

4 Fri

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.

Details from the organiser

4 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

4 Fri

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…

Details from the organiser

5 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

5 Sat

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…

Details from the organiser

5 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

5 Sat

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.

Details from the organiser

5 Sat

“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!

Details from the organiser

5 Sat

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!

Details from the organiser

5 Sat

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…

Details from the organiser

5 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

5 Sat

The Fates & The Keys

Time: 2:30 pm
Where: Cheek to Cheek Dance Studio

Details from the organiser

5 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

5 Sat

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.

Details from the organiser

5 Sat

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.

Details from the organiser

6 Sun

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…

Details from the organiser

6 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

6 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

6 Sun

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.

Details from the organiser

6 Sun

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!

Details from the organiser

6 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

6 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

6 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

6 Sun

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.

Details from the organiser

Also coming up 8 of 56

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

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.