Police watchdog called in
Mayor calls 'BS' on list
U.S. authorities find bodies
Premier stands by pick
Canada's most-wanted list
Sask. will still get rebates
Santos ends comeback bid
Douglas C-54 plane crashes
Trump's 'eyes and ears'
US TikTok ban sent to Biden
Phish fans enter the Sphere
CN Rail profits fall 
Warriors snakebitten in loss
Iginla off to Europe
Rockets ink prospect
Alleged Tupac killer in court
Lawsuit accuses Megan
Bam Margera’s tour axed
Kelowna and West Kelowna News‹ Jun 28 to Jul 4, 2020 ›
Easter Seals' virtual summer camp funded with grants
Easter Seals British Columbia and Yukon has been granted $24,497 in support by the Government of Canada’s Emergency Community Support Fund and the Central...
One person taken by ambulance from West Kelowna incident
There are reports a cyclist was struck by a vehicle in West Kelowna. Castanet was told the incident happened at 12:25 p.m. Saturday at Pritchard and Newport...
Lake Country youth punched multiple times by enraged driver
A case of road rage that culminated in a vicious assault has terrified a Lake Country teen to the point he is afraid to drive his car. The incident happened...
David Anthony Jenken was last seen on or around June 28
Lake Country RCMP are hoping the public can help locate a missing Lake Country man. David Anthony Jenken was last seen on or around June 28 in the Lake Country...
The Okanagan Beach Club opens doors, welcomes locals & tourists
The Okanagan Beach Club, formerly known as Okanagan Lake Resort, is officially open offering guests a variety of revamped activities and amenities with the help...
Former RCMP officer shows up to press conference, calls for more transparency
A former Kelowna RCMP officer discharged over what he says were mental health challenges showed up at Thursday’s press conference on the Mona Wang...
Richter Street bridge rehabilitation to start
The $380,000 replenishment project of the Richter Street Bridge between Elliot Avenue and Burne Avenue over Mill Creek will begin on Monday. Work is expected to...
West Kelowna Estates water notice now an advisory
The City of West Kelowna has downgraded a boil water notice for the West Kelowna Estates water system. The notice has been lowered to a boil water advisory as...
Vehicle smashes through front of Canada's Dollar Store
Shoppers at Canada's Dollar Superstore in the Dilworth Shopping Centre got more than they bargained for after a door crasher special Friday afternoon. A...
'Justice for Mona' protests planned for Kelowna, Lower Mainland
A series of protests are planned for next week, including in Kelowna, in support of the UBCO student caught on camera being dragged down a hallway and having...
Okanagan Shuswap's June data shows resilient housing market
Benchmark home prices were up across the board in the Okanagan Mainline Real Estate Board region in June. Single-family home prices were up 3.1% in Central...
A collision near the Kelowna International Airport is causing delays
UPDATE 2:07 p.m. Traffic has returned to normal on Highway 97 near the Kelowna International Airport following a collision that caused both lanes to be shut...
Defence argues Tejwant Danjou could not form intent to murder
One way or another, Tejwant Danjou will be convicted of killing his former partner. Defence and Crown made closing arguments in the second-degree murder trial...
Where is the haze in the Thompson-Okanagan coming from?
If you've noticed a haze hanging over the B.C. Southern Interior the last few days, you are not alone. Castanet has received numerous calls inquiring about...
Canadian Mental Health Association Run for Women goes virtual
The Canadian Mental Health Association Kelowna's Run for Women has gone virtual this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Run for Women raises proceeds...
Over 20,000 pounds of discarded metal removed from Bull Mtn.
Don Journeay has been busy the past few years trying to return Bull Mountain (formerly Crystal Mountain) to its former place as a winter and summer playground....
High rainfall during June has detrimental impact on cherries
It's been a tough season for cherry growers in the Okanagan, after a higher-than-average rainfall during June that followed severe winter events and other...
Residents share photo showing turtle pond running dry again
Just five weeks after Regional District of Central Okanagan staff filled up a popular children's fishing and turtle pond to sufficient water levels,...
Driver of crashed McLaren says hydroplaning caused the crash
The victim of a car crash that took place Wednesday on the Coquihalla is sharing his side of the story. Brent Marshall was returning to Kelowna from Vancouver...
Kelowna man says he was told to go home if he doesn't like it here
A Kelowna man says he reached his limit Thursday morning after a passing comment at a 7-11 in Summerland sparked a racist remark. Simon Theoret tells Castanet...
Commanding officer of Southeast District RCMP offers apology to UBCO student, calls for expansion of mental health teams
UPDATE 9:05 p.m. Interior Health has no plans to expand the region's Police and Crisis Team, despite a request from the commanding officer of B.C.'s...
Kelowna hosts annual civic awards show on line
The platform and delivery was different, but the contributions made by some of Kelowna's finest citizens, corporations and athletes were not diminished. Due...
Construction underway on 38-unit supportive housing
Ground was broken Thursday on what will be a new 38-unit supportive housing complex on Ellis Street. The shelter, on land next to the former OK Builders site,...
Okanagan Regional Library is set to open many branches to the public
The Okanagan Regional Library will be opening many of its branches and will allow browsing and borrowing access. Users will be able to go into the library,...
Kelowna's YMCA, H2O Centre now partially open amid COVID-19
Kelowna's Family YMCA and H2O Adventure Fitness Centre and the downtown YMCA have officially reopened amid the COVID-19 pandemic. YMCA's Phase 1 of...
Woman rescued near Rose Valley Reservoir after fainting
UPDATE 4:18 p.m. The woman that fainted in Rose Valley Reservoir has been rescued by emergency crews. ORIGINAL 3:03 p.m. The West Kelowna Fire Department is...
Lake Country man arrested after striking pedestrian
A 20-year-old Lake Country man faces potential charges following a hit-and-run involving a pedestrian early Thursday morning. RCMP spokesperson Cpl.Jocelyn...
Tense moments for semi driver on Okanagan Connector
The driver of a semi was apparently uninjured after being forced to use a runaway lane on the Okanagan Connector Thursday afternoon. The incident happened...
Mayor Basran comments on news conference held by RCMP
Kelowna Mayor Colin Basran has reacted to a news conference held today by RCMP responding to the treatment of a UBCO student during a wellness check earlier...
Unsettled June weather will stretch into July
No records of note were broken, but if you thought June was cooler, and wetter than normal across the Okanagan, you're correct. While rainfall data for the...
Lake Country council asked to support lakeshore land purchase
The District of Lake Country may become the latest jurisdiction to get behind a push to turn 234-acres of property along Okanagan Lake into a provincial park....
Premier non-committal on RCMP request for expansion of mental health teams
Premier John Horgan was non-committal when asked about the Southeast District RCMP’s goal to have a mental health nurse respond to every mental health...
Kelowna International Airport visitors, travellers must wear masks
Starting Friday, July 3, all visitors and travellers at Kelowna International Airport will be required to wear masks or face coverings at all times while in the...
Second complaint against Kelowna Mountie
Turns out this isn't the first time a beleaguered Kelowna RCMP officer has faced a complaint inquiry. CTV News is reporting that Const. Siggy Pietrzak was...
Kelowna librarians honoured for Drag Queen Storytime initiative
Two librarians from the downtown Kelowna branch of the Okanagan Regional Library have won a prestigious award for their work in the Drag Queen Story Time...
Classic movies on the big screen at local theatres starting Friday
For those who may be too young to have caught classics like Ghostbusters, Grease or Jaws in theatres back when they were released, you're in luck. After...
Banding Together Concert Series raises funds for food bank
A second virtual livestream concert on Thursday will raise funds for the Central Okanagan Food Bank. The Banding Together Livestreaming Concert Series'...
Interior Savings announces recipients of Community Relief Fund
Twenty non-profit organizations in the Central Okanagan received a financial hand up this week, as Interior Savings announced the recipients of its Community...
First ride-hailing company launched in Kelowna Wednesday
It's been a long wait, but ride hailing has finally made its way to the Okanagan. On Wednesday, the first ride-share company launched in Kelowna, with Mayor...
Two men were rescued from Okanagan Lake Wednesday
Two men were rescued from Okanagan Lake Wednesday afternoon after their small sailboat capsized. The Kelowna Fire Department's Marine Rescue boat was...
Plans unveiled for 32 more housing units at Kuipers Peak
Dilworth Homes is looking to build out 32 more homes on Kuipers Peak in the Upper Mission. The company submitted a development permit application earlier this...
ALC denies bid to remove property on Webber Road from ALR
The province's Agricultural Land Commission has said no to a request to have 1.4 hectares of land on Webber Road removed from the Agricultural Land Reserve....
340K sign petition calling for Kelowna Mountie to be fired, charged
A petition calling for the termination of a Kelowna RCMP officer caught on camera dragging a UBCO student down the hall and pushing her head down with a boot...
Popular Kelowna orchard invites families this Canada Day
If you're looking for something fun to do with the kids this Canada Day, Don-O-Ray's petting zoo is open and ready to entertain. The Kelowna zoo has...
Several local homicide trials have been delayed due to pandemic
It will be many months before two Central Okanagan homicides cases make it to trial, due to COVID-19 delays. Kevin Costin is accused of the second-degree murder...
Rope rescue needed after car crashes down embankment
The West Kelowna Fire Department conducted a rope rescue Tuesday evening on Bear Creek Road. Emergency crews were called to the 1500 block of Bear Creek Road...
Kelowna selects first ever Artist in Residence
The City of Kelowna has announced they have chosen its first-ever Artist in Residence. Local artist Melany Nugent-Noble will be sharing her project When it is...
Child Advocacy Centre gets $25,000 from Rotary Club of Kelowna
The Rotary Club of Kelowna has donated $25,000 to the Child Advocacy Centre to help bring important capital investments into the new centre. The Child Advocacy...
Castanet hit the street to find out your Canada Day celebrations
Canada Day celebrations will look a little different this year, not only due to COVID-19 cancelling most festivities across the nation, but also the gloomy...
Local resident escapes wolf or large coyote while hiking
A local resident is warning hikers and dog owners of an aggressive wolf or large coyote on the Black Mountain trail after an encounter she describes as the most...
Osprey being blamed for large power outage in West Kelowna
UDPATE 4:05 p.m. BC Hydro says the power outage Tuesday afternoon in West Kelowna was caused by an osprey dropping wet sticks onto electrical lines and poles. ...
Paint pottery for Canada Day and proceeds will go to the SPCA
Work of Art Pottery Studio Ltd. in Kelowna is hosting a Canada Day fundraiser for the BC SPCA tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cheryl Gawley, owner and operator...
The Great Okanagan Beer Festival is postponed until 2021
This year's Great Okanagan Beer Festival has officially been postponed until 2021 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. When the COVID-19 pandemic initially...
Cineplex unveils first eight B.C. theatres to reopen this week
Canada’s largest theatre chain is slowly raising the curtains across B.C. Cineplex Inc. (TSX:CGX) announced Tuesday (June 30) it was reopening eight of...
The Okanagan's Wibit water parks have reopened
The Okanagan's popular Wibit water parks have reopened with new safety protocols in place amid the COVID-19 pandemic. "In regards to our opening dates,...
Kelowna service facility will add to Rogers' all-Canadian workforce
When Rogers Communications hires 350 people for its customer service facility in Kelowna this summer, all of its representatives will be based in Canada. The...
Three bighorn sheep create a scene crossing Hwy 97
UPDATE 12:56 p.m. West Kelowna RCMP had to get involved after numerous reports of a traffic disturbance near Butt Road Tuesday morning. A news release from Cpl....
Meteorologist calls ominous looking cloud a 'rain shaft'
Castanet reader, Sherry Kossakowski shared an interesting weather photo that she took from the East Kelowna area on Monday. The photo captures what looks like a...
Police hunting arsonist after bush fire in West Kelowna
Police are searching for a suspected arsonist after a fire was lit in a wooded area of West Kelowna on Monday. RCMP were called by the West Kelowna Fire...
Boater facing potential charges of criminal impaired charges
As we head into Canada Day Wednesday, RCMP tell Castanet that a boater is facing potential charges of criminal impaired operation of a vessel, after his...
UBC Okanagan uncorks new Wine Research Centre headquarters
The University of British Columbia is shifting its Wine Research Centre headquarters from its Vancouver campus to Kelowna campus, along with a new research hub....
45th annual Civic & Community Awards night going virtual
Kelowna’s 45th annual Civic & Community Awards are going virtual, allowing for the community to celebrate the finalists and winners through an online...
16 raised garden beds at the new Kinnear Neighbourhood Garden
Something new has blossomed in the Kelowna's Bethel Church parking; 16 raised garden beds have been built for residents to grow their own food. Community...
Dancing in the Park, Park & Play cancelled this summer
The City of Kelowna has announced Dancing in the Park and Park & Play have been cancelled this summer due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “We’re...
City removing diseased trees at Willow Beach on June 30
The City of West Kelowna will be removing a pair of diseased trees at Willow Beach tomorrow. To accommodate the removal process, crews will close sections of...
New program seeks to help women entrepreneurs in Okanagan
A new three-month pilot program called W Venture has kicked off in Victoria and the Okanagan, specifically for women looking to accelerate their business....
Kelowna Fire Department assist RCMP operation on water
RCMP officers requested the assistance of the Kelowna Fire Department Monday evening to deal with an incident on the water near the Kelowna Yacht Club....
Alert issued in Lake Country after bears spotted on Rail Trail
The District of Lake Country has issued a warning to residents after a momma bear and her three cubs were spotted on the Okanagan Rail Trail. The district says...
Construction complete on state-of-the-art cherry packing plant
A new state-of-the-art cherry packing facility across from Duck Lake will come to life this weekend. Jealous Fruits announced Monday it has completed...
Bernard Avenue patio extension program starts today
The two-month closure to vehicle traffic on Bernard Avenue begins today with the start of the city's patio extension program. Workers have been busy setting...
Kelowna's Bellamy Homes captures a pair of Georgie Awards
Kelowna’s Bellamy Homes won a pair of trophies last week when the Canadian Home Builders’ Association B.C. chapter held its annual Georgie Awards....
Developer reveals updated plans for 320-unit project near Gyro
The developer behind a large mixed-use development near Kelowna’s Gyro Beach is presenting new plans to the public in the form of a virtual open house. A...
RCMP arrest man for inappropriately touching himself in the park
RCMP are investigating after a 63-year-old man was discovered inappropriately touching himself in Beasley Park in Lake Country last week. RCMP tell Castanet...
Canada Day hours of operation at civic properties in Kelowna
Canada Day is coming up and the City of Kelowna has a few closures and changes in hours of operation at civic properties. City Hall will be closed on Wednesday...
Late night two-vehicle collision results in minor injuries
Emergency crews responded to a collision near Dobbin Rd. late Sunday evening. The collision happened at 10:45 p.m. at Highway 97 and Hebert Rd. Rescue 31 and...
More than 1,600 residents sign petition to install skate park
More than 1,600 people have signed a petition calling for the construction of a skate park in the Lower Mission area. Petition organizer Evan Strang says he...
Castanet asks residents what Pride means to them at 'Drag Brunch'
With pride celebrations being cancelled globally due to the pandemic, including Kelowna Pride, members and allies of the LGBTQ+ community have found creative...
Emergency services rescue injured cyclist at Myra Canyon
UPDATED: 4:25 p.m. The woman rescued from Myra Canyon Park on Sunday afternoon was injured while out cycling. The Kelowna Fire Department dispatch centre...
A wrap up of Castanet's top stories from this past week
Castanet's week in review with Nich Johansen.
West Kelowna family looking to reunite lost drone with owner
A West Kelowna family made an odd discovery in their Smith Creek driveway earlier in June. "I just looked out our window and it was sitting in our...
