Author: Sebastian Lewis

It was a productive and promising week for the District of Coldstream at the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) conference in Victoria. The event, held from September 21 to 26, brought together civic leaders from across British Columbia to discuss issues and policies shaping local communities. Coldstream Mayor Ruth Hoyte described the meetings as successful, noting that several important concerns for the North Okanagan region were brought forward. She said discussions covered environmental protection, wildfire readiness, and community infrastructure improvements. Council members from Coldstream met with the provincial Ministers of Forests and Environment and Parks to advocate for the district’s…

Coldstream police are asking the public for help identifying two persons of interest in the unsolved double homicide of Camilo Alonso and Jacob Rommann. The incident occurred on January 17, 2023, at a home in the 8500-block of Clerke Road, south of Vernon. Officers responded to reports of an assault with a weapon early that morning. Upon arrival, they found two people dead and a third suffering life-threatening injuries. Authorities have renewed their appeal for information on the second anniversary of the killings. Staff Sgt. Jason Smart emphasized that there may be individuals with knowledge of the incident who have…

Residents of Lavington and nearby Coldstream can finally return to their homes after days of uncertainty. The evacuation order caused by the wildfire in the Noble Canyon area has now been lifted. Officials announced on Sunday afternoon that the order has been downgraded to an evacuation alert. This means people are allowed back but must remain prepared to leave again if conditions worsen. The Coldstream Lavington wildfire first sparked on September 5 and quickly drew concern across the region. Firefighters and emergency crews moved in to battle the flames as residents on Highway 6 and Noble Canyon Road were told…

Police in Coldstream are seeking public help to identify two persons of interest connected to a double homicide that remains unsolved. On the morning of January 17, 2023, authorities received reports of an assault with a weapon at a home in the 8500-block of Clerke Road, south of Vernon. When officers arrived, they found two people dead inside the house and a third with life-threatening injuries. The deceased were later identified as Camilo Alonso and Jacob Rommann. Staff Sgt. Jason Smart emphasized the importance of public assistance. He said, “There are people with knowledge of the deaths of Camilo Alonso…

A Highway 97 car crash in Coldstream sent three people to hospital on Tuesday afternoon, with one in serious but stable condition. The collision happened at the intersection of Highway 97 and Bailey Road, an area many residents have long described as dangerous. Emergency crews were called to the scene at 2:11 p.m. Paramedics treated several people at the crash site. According to BC Emergency Health Services, one patient was transported to hospital in serious but stable condition, while two others were taken to hospital in stable condition. Two additional people were assessed at the scene but did not require…

The North Okanagan is now home to the largest solar panel installation in British Columbia, following the completion of a massive rooftop project at a Coldstream industrial park. The development marks a major step in the region’s shift toward renewable energy and sustainable growth. The new installation was introduced by Restoration Lands Inc., a company led by CEO and founder Michael Molnar. Just over a year ago, Molnar had shared plans to transform the rooftop of his facility into a solar farm. That vision has now become reality with a system that spans the size of two football fields. The…

B.C. has unveiled its largest commercial-industrial rooftop solar project, shining a new light on clean energy in Coldstream. The installation, launched on Aug. 6, demonstrates how sustainable industrial growth and renewable power can work together. Despite a steady drizzle in Lavington, the excitement of presenters and attendees was high as family-owned Restoration Lands Inc. (RLI), supported by BC Hydro, introduced the 148,000-square-foot solar array at the Okanagan Eco Industrial Park. The site, once home to the Lavington Glass Plant, now hosts a cutting-edge renewable energy system. “This is about more than generating electricity,” said Vernon-Lumby MLA Harwinder Sandhu, representing B.C.…

Coldstream has received $40,000 to improve its emergency preparedness as wildfire season intensifies in the Okanagan region. This funding will help the district update and strengthen its emergency response plan to better handle both small and large-scale emergencies. The district is currently revising its emergency plan to create a modern system that ensures clear communication and efficient evacuation procedures. These updates are vital for protecting residents during emergencies like wildfires and other natural hazards. To support these important improvements, Coldstream applied for funding through the Union of BC Municipalities’ Community Emergency Preparedness Fund. The successful application means the district can…

The District of Coldstream is exploring the potential use of temporary rubber speed bumps as a traffic calming measure. The topic will be discussed during the upcoming committee of the whole meeting, where officials aim to learn more about the costs, durability, and practical uses of these devices. A staff report submitted before the meeting shows that the council had requested an assessment of temporary speed bumps to determine if they could be useful in slowing vehicles in key areas of the community. These speed bumps are made of rubber and are available in standard lengths of four or six…