COMMUNITY
Why Are we Being Urged to Rethink Water Use and Waste as Droughts Worsen
Climate change and rising temperatures disrupt the Okanagan water cycle, causing severe drought and threatening aquatic ecosystems and salmon populations.
Changing Climate Alters Regional Water Cycle
Depleted water levels in the Okanagan are threatening aquatic ecosystems and putting additional stress on local salmon populations. Warmer temperatures and changing climate patterns are leading to smaller amounts of snow and rain, earlier snowmelts, and longer, drier summers across the region. Local water systems face severe drought and potential desertification if withdrawals exceed what nature naturally replenishes each year.
Human Activity and Extreme Weather Patterns
Greenhouse gases—including nitrous oxide from synthetic fertilizers, methane from livestock and decomposing garbage, and emissions from burning fossil fuels—continue to trap atmospheric heat. As air molecules warm up, they move faster and more erratically, creating conditions that drive longer, more severe, and more frequent extreme weather events. While heavy downpours cause flooding in certain regions, escalating heat and prolonged dry spells spark massive wildfires locally.
Reframing Waste and Personal Responsibility
Deteriorating natural environments, wetland destruction, deforestation, and pollution further reduce the capacity of long-established ecosystems to adapt to rapid warming. Addressing these challenges requires shifts in societal attitudes regarding affluence, consumption, and waste. Developing nations and wealthier societies often generate the most pollution and trash, whereas other cultures prioritize reusing materials. Local residents are encouraged to reconsider everyday habits, consume less, and spend time outdoors to better connect with nature.
Local Initiatives Offer Educational Resources
Community members seeking practical ways to reduce their environmental footprint can access regional tools. Resources such as Vernon’s Climate Action Plan at Vernon.ca/climate-action outline municipal initiatives and offer guidance for residents. Additionally, okanaganclimate.ca provides detailed information on how global warming directly affects the Okanagan region.
BC STORIES
Why Canadians and Americans Are Gathering at the Border to Remember 9/11 Together
Hundreds gathered at the B.C.-Washington Peace Arch monument for the 25th 9/11 anniversary to honour first responders and showcase cross-border unity.
Cross-Border Gathering Marks 25th Anniversary of 9/11
About 500 people joined a motorcycle procession as part of the annual Northwest 9/11 Memorial ceremony on Friday morning at the Peace Arch monument along the B.C.-Washington state border. Hundreds of attendees from both Canada and the United States assembled to mark the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, putting aside current political and trade friction between the two countries to pay tribute to first responders and those who lost their lives.
Honouring Sacrifices and Shared Bonds
The memorial service, which commemorates the collapse of the World Trade Centre towers in New York City that killed nearly 3,000 people, featured a helicopter flypast, national anthem performances, and a barbeque alongside the procession. Event co-chair Howard Blank emphasized that the spirit of the event surpasses any ongoing disagreements between the nations, stating that they come together as one when necessary.
First Responders Share Memories
Former New York fire department members were among those participating in the event. Retired paramedic Roberto Abril, who arrived at the scene shortly after 9 a.m. ET on Sept. 11, 2001, reflected on the tragic loss of his work partner, Carlos Lillo, who died in the North Tower. Attending the ceremony for his third time, Abril described the two nations as family who will eventually return to their close bond despite temporary disputes. Former firefighter Cody Stamberger, who joined the search efforts later that day, noted that the ceremony highlights the solidarity between both countries during challenging periods and offers an opportunity to honour the sacrifices made.
COMMUNITY
New Agreement to Bring Forestry Jobs and Management to Osoyoos Indian Band
The Osoyoos Indian Band and Gorman Group partner through Similkameen Forest Products Ltd. to manage TFL 59, bringing jobs and local planning to the OIB.
Direct Role in Planning TFL 59
A new partnership between the Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB) and the Gorman Group, signed via Similkameen Forest Products Ltd., ensures the OIB will participate directly in managing Tree Farm Licence 59. Located in the band’s traditional territory east of Oliver, the forest licence area will now involve early-stage planning by Nk’Mip Forestry LLP, the OIB’s forestry company.
Community Benefits and Local Economic Impact
The joint arrangement focuses on keeping local forestry benefits within the community. “This partnership will help create more jobs, specific training opportunities, and longer-term revenue for the Osoyoos Indian Band and our people,” said OIB Chief Clarence Louie. He added that the agreement enables the OIB to build skills and experience for future responsibilities while strengthening its position in the local forest economy.
Balancing Cultural Priorities and Industrial Supply
Nk’Mip will collaborate with Similkameen Forest Products Ltd. to plan proposed harvest sites. Their work will incorporate considerations for wildlife habitat, forest health, water quality, wildfire resilience, and sites of cultural or traditional importance. Norm Druck, South Zone Woodlands Manager for the Gorman Group, emphasized the area’s dual significance, noting that this portion of land represents the cultural heartland of the band—supporting traditional medicines, food, jobs, and spiritual well-being—while also supplying timber for the Gorman Group’s regional manufacturing facilities.
COMMUNITY
The week ahead in Okanagan: Mon 7 — Sun 13 September
30 things to do in Okanagan, Mon 7 — Sun 13 September.
The Okanagan Current · What’s on
The week ahead
Mon 7 — Sun 13 September
Seven days of what’s on, and what to keep an eye on.
The week at a glance Mon 7 — Sun 13 September
Nothing yet
Nothing yet
Nothing yet
8 am Thursday Only PASSPORT District Wine Village, 100 Enterprise Way British Columbia Oliver V0H 1T0 Canada, Oliver 8 am Meat the Need Buy-Low Foods, 5717 Main St, 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 Thursday Live Music Black Hills Estate Winery, 4190 Black Sage Road British Columbia Oliver V0H1T1 Canada, Oliver 5 pm Free Live Music Thursday with Lisa Toon Nostalgia Wines, 4900 Black Sage Road British Columbia Oliver V0H 1T1 Canada, Oliver
8 am Ask Me Anything Bartier Bros. Winery, 4821 Ryegrass Road British Columbia Oliver V0H 1T1 Canada, Oliver 8 am Meat the Need Buy-Low Foods, 5717 Main St, 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 at Rust: Lewis Cardinal Rust Wine, 4444 Golden Mile Bench British Columbia Oliver V0H 1T1 Canada, Oliver 4 pm Summer Series with Same Same but Different Thai Food Truck Gehringer Brother’s Estate Winery, 876 Rd 8, Oliver 4 pm Fender Fridays | Show & Shine Gino’s Coffee House, 8316 Main St, Oosyoos
8 am Sessions Saturday Ride Sessions Outdoor Sports, 8503 78 Ave, Osoyoos 8 am Fantastic Firehall Festival 2026 Firehall Brewery, 6077 Main Street British Columbia Oliver, Oliver 8 am Meat the Need Buy-Low Foods, 5717 Main St, Oliver 9 am 3rd Annual Gino’s Legacy Fundraiser Gino’s Coffee House, 8316 Main St, Oosyoos 9 am Okanagan Science Centre Garage Sale 2704 BC-6 10 am Vernon Volunteer Fair Vernon Recreation Centre, Dogwood Gym, 3310 37th Avenue, Vernon BC 10 am Enderby Lit-Con Splatsin Community Centre, 5767 Old Vernon Road, Rd RR 3, Enderby, BC V0E 1V0 10 am Scrapbook Retreat at Hullcar Hall Armstrong, British Columbia, V4Y 0M6 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 am Memorable Wine Tour Nostalgia Wines, 4900 Black Sage Road British Columbia Oliver V0H 1T1 Canada, Oliver 11 am Legacy Poker Run | Ride for Tiannna Gino’s Coffee House, 8316 Main St, Oosyoos 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 4 pm Welcome Back BBQ Oliver Senior Centre, 5876 Airport Street British Columbia Oliver V0H 1T0 Canada, Oliver 6 pm Silent Disco District Wine Village, 100 Enterprise Way British Columbia Oliver V0H 1T0 Canada, Oliver
What’s on 30 events
Thursday Only PASSPORT
- Time
- 8 am
- Where
- District Wine Village, 100 Enterprise Way British Columbia Oliver V0H 1T0 Canada, Oliver
@ Thursday Event Day | Wine Tasting Passport Available to be used and redeemed on Thursday’s Purchase your Village passport for $10 which includes 10 –…
Meat the Need
- Time
- 8 am
- Where
- Buy-Low Foods, 5717 Main St, Oliver
@ We know times are tough for many families right now. That’s why Valley First and Buy-Low Foods Oliver are coming together to help.
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!
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.
Free Live Music Thursday with Lisa Toon
- Time
- 5 pm
- Where
- Nostalgia Wines, 4900 Black Sage Road British Columbia Oliver V0H 1T1 Canada, Oliver
@ We welcome back our good friend Lisa Toon for tonight live music Thursday. Law of Attraction food truck will be serving up their delicious eats.
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.
Meat the Need
- Time
- 8 am
- Where
- Buy-Low Foods, 5717 Main St, Oliver
@ We know times are tough for many families right now. That’s why Valley First and Buy-Low Foods Oliver are coming together to help.
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 at Rust: Lewis Cardinal
- Time
- 1 pm
- Where
- Rust Wine, 4444 Golden Mile Bench British Columbia Oliver V0H 1T1 Canada, Oliver
@ Rust Wine 250-498-3276
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!
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.
Sessions Saturday Ride
- Time
- 8 am
- Where
- Sessions Outdoor Sports, 8503 78 Ave, Osoyoos
@ Join Sesssions Outdoor Sports on the Saturday Rides.
Fantastic Firehall Festival 2026
- Time
- 8 am
- Where
- Firehall Brewery, 6077 Main Street British Columbia Oliver, Oliver
@ Firehall Brewery, Mo’ Pro Promotions, & Respect Record & Skate Shop are proud to present… the 2026 Fantastic Firehall Festival!
Meat the Need
- Time
- 8 am
- Where
- Buy-Low Foods, 5717 Main St, Oliver
@ We know times are tough for many families right now. That’s why Valley First and Buy-Low Foods Oliver are coming together to help.
3rd Annual Gino’s Legacy Fundraiser
- Time
- 9 am
- Where
- Gino’s Coffee House, 8316 Main St, Oosyoos
Join us on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 9:00 AM–7:00 PM at Gino’s Coffee House in Osoyoos for the 3rd Annual Gino’s Legacy Fundraiser.
Vernon Volunteer Fair
- Time
- 10 am
- Where
- Vernon Recreation Centre, Dogwood Gym, 3310 37th Avenue, Vernon BC
Enderby Lit-Con
- Time
- 10 am
- Where
- Splatsin Community Centre, 5767 Old Vernon Road, Rd RR 3, Enderby, BC V0E 1V0
Scrapbook Retreat at Hullcar Hall
- Time
- 10 am
- Where
- Armstrong, British Columbia, V4Y 0M6
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.
Memorable Wine Tour
- Time
- 11 am
- Where
- Nostalgia Wines, 4900 Black Sage Road British Columbia Oliver V0H 1T1 Canada, Oliver
@ Tour & Tasting Experience Discover the essence of Nostalgia Wines on this captivating 90-minute journey through our vineyard, winery, and cellar.
Legacy Poker Run | Ride for Tiannna
- Time
- 11 am
- Where
- Gino’s Coffee House, 8316 Main St, Oosyoos
@ CALLING ALL RIDERS & DRIVERS! Our first-ever Legacy Poker Run, part of the 3rd Annual Gino’s Legacy Fundraiser, is happening Saturday, September 12th!
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…
Welcome Back BBQ
- Time
- 4 pm
- Where
- Oliver Senior Centre, 5876 Airport Street British Columbia Oliver V0H 1T0 Canada, Oliver
@ Lets get together and kick off a great season! Good food, great friends, live music. Oliver Senior Centre Society 250-498-6142
Silent Disco
- Time
- 6 pm
- Where
- District Wine Village, 100 Enterprise Way British Columbia Oliver V0H 1T0 Canada, Oliver
@ Saturday, September 12 | 7pm – 10pm Join us for a fun night of dancing in the centre plaza with DJ Shakes.
Queen: It’s a Kinda Magic
- Time
- 7:30 pm
- Where
- Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre, 3800 33rd St Vernon, BC V1T 5T6
Also coming up 8 of 53
- Mon, Sep 14 Band Council Meeting
- Tue, Sep 15 Intro to BellyDance with Kesavah
- Wed, Sep 16 September Community Shuttle
- Wed, Sep 16 Raine Maida & Chantal Kreviazuk
- Thu, Sep 17 Unlocked – Real Talk. Music. Mental Health
- Fri, Sep 18 Reconnecting our spirit healing circle
- Fri, Sep 18 Vernon Seniors Fair
- Fri, Sep 18 Sundog Festival of Arts & Culture
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.
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New Agreement to Bring Forestry Jobs and Management to Osoyoos Indian Band
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