COMMUNITY
Why Okanagan Residents Are 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.
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.
COMMUNITY
Lake Country Resident Priscila Brunetto Steps Forward as First Candidate for Mayor
Priscila Brunetto, 39, becomes the first candidate to announce a bid for mayor in the District of Lake Country ahead of the 2026 General Local Elections.
First Candidate Enters Mayoral Race
With the 2026 General Local Elections slightly more than a month away, the District of Lake Country has its first official contender for mayor. Priscila Brunetto, 39, declared her intent to campaign for the municipality’s top public role this coming fall.
Background and Professional Experience
A resident of Lake Country for nine years, Brunetto is a mother of three and married to a police officer, according to her biography on the district’s elections page. Professionally, she serves as a senior manager of process improvement and manufacturing, a role focused on team leadership, operational optimization, and enhancing production-floor efficiency.
“My professional background has taught me how to look at problems practically, find realistic solutions, move things forward. That’s the approach I want to bring – focused, constructive, and grounded in the everyday experience of raising a family here,” Brunetto stated.
Platform and Key Priorities
Outline priorities for her campaign center on public infrastructure, housing affordability, and local economic development. In addressing infrastructure, she emphasized creating “safer roads, improved sidewalks and more practical transportation options.”
“I’m running because I love Lake Country and want to help keep it a wonderful place to live for the next generation,” she said. “I would be honoured to earn your support and work together to make our community even better.”
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.
Abbotsford-Mission candidates clash on spending, taxes and trust ahead of byelection
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