Author: Harpreet Bains

Kelowna is facing a growing crisis as 63 people have died from toxic drugs so far in 2025. Interior Health’s Dr. Fatemeh Sabet shared the figure during a gathering in Kelowna on August 31, which marked International Overdose Awareness Day. Dozens of residents joined a sacred circle at Kerry Park at 11 a.m. to remember those who lost their lives to toxic drugs. The event served as a moment of reflection for families, friends, and community members affected by the ongoing overdose crisis. Helen Jennens, a prominent voice in the Okanagan advocating for awareness of toxic drugs, attended the event.…

Former BC Green Party leader Sonia Furstenau will join a panel discussion on the environmental effects of clear-cut logging in British Columbia. Furstenau, who stepped down as Green leader after losing her seat in the last provincial election, will speak at an event co-hosted by the Interior Watershed Task Force (IWTF) and Joe Rich Forestry Trails and Watershed Committee. The evening will also feature a screening of the documentary Trouble In The Headwaters, which examines the 2018 Grand Forks flood and links industrial clear-cutting to environmental risks in the Kettle River Basin. Filmmaker Daniel Pierce will attend to discuss his…

Kelowna’s popular bakery, Cupcasions, has been targeted in an alleged personal attack, with red graffiti sprayed across its storefront. The bakery shared a photo on social media showing the damage. The vandalism covered the windows and door, including a poster for an upcoming memorial event. Cupcasions said the attack appeared personal. The bakery noted that the graffiti was sprayed directly over its poster for the event, “A Walk in Bailey’s Shoes,” and included words aimed at their family. The event honors Bailey McCourt, a Kelowna resident who was tragically attacked and killed. Her ex-husband, James Plover, has been charged in…

B.C. crime news this week shows how routine traffic stops can lead to major police discoveries. From drug and cash seizures in Burnaby and Chilliwack to suspected fireworks sparking Kelowna wildfires, officers across the province faced busy days. On June 20, a simple distracted driving stop in Burnaby led to the removal of a large amount of cocaine from the streets. The Burnaby RCMP Gang Enforcement Team stopped a 38-year-old man after noticing him using his phone while driving. A search of his vehicle revealed seven kilograms of cocaine, more than $60,000 in cash, and other items. Police also seized…

The Daves Creek wildfire near Kelowna is now under control, officials confirm. The fire grew to 2.53 hectares before being contained after quick firefighting efforts. Currently, 12 firefighters remain on site to mop up and monitor hot spots. Residents can expect some lingering smoke and ongoing tree removal work by the wildfire service. Firefighting equipment will continue moving through the area for safety and cleanup. Central Okanagan Emergency Operations has lifted the evacuation alert for three addresses on Goudie Road in the Joe Rich area: 5609, 5615, and 5619 Goudie Road. About 25 other homes that were evacuated earlier have…

Kelowna’s famous Rock House, the second-most valuable home in B.C.’s Southern Interior, is now on the market. This iconic waterfront mansion at 4358 Hobson Road is listed for just under $17.9 million. Built in 1974, the 8,600-square-foot estate was B.C. Interior’s most valuable home for many years. In 2023, it was overtaken by a Lake Country property but remains a top contender. The Rock House sits on 1.76 acres with 172 feet of prime shoreline on Okanagan Lake. The spacious land allows room for additions like a 20-car garage or other structures, the listing notes. According to the property listing,…

Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to arrive in Kelowna, British Columbia, on Tuesday for a visit to a local lumber facility. His stop in the Okanagan follows a weekend of public and military events across the province. Carney began the week with a tour of a Canadian Forces test site near Nanoose Bay, located just outside Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. He visited the Canadian Forces Maritime Experimental and Test Ranges, where he was shown naval operations and equipment. During the visit, Carney boarded the Royal Canadian Navy vessel Sikanni. He was joined by Navy Commander Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee and…

The Kelowna Central Okanagan Minor Baseball U18 AAA team is raising funds to support their travel across British Columbia and Calgary this season. A raffle and a 50/50 draw are underway to help cover expenses for the dedicated team. Players aged 15 to 18 have been training hard since January. They practice five days a week, including Friday nights, to get ready for their busy season ahead. The fundraising efforts aim to ease the financial burden of travel costs as the young athletes compete in various tournaments throughout the province and beyond. Three exciting raffle prizes are available to win.…

Central Okanagan Search and Rescue (COSAR) raced into the woods north of Kelowna Thursday night after two hikers dialed 911. They reported hearing cries for help near the Boulderfields, a well-known climbing area off the old Kettle Valley Railway line. COSAR search manager Duane Tresnich said the call arrived just as the team was on its regular training night. Since Thursday is their standard practice evening, COSAR assembled its full team. Two RCMP officers joined the search, along with the drone unit. By 8:30 p.m., searchers were fanning out on foot along the trails. Other members patrolled the nearby forest…

Emergency teams in British Columbia are responding to a fast-moving wildfire that broke out between Peachland and West Kelowna. The fire, now known as the Drought Hill wildfire, has already triggered tactical evacuations for about 400 properties and led to road closures in the area. The Central Okanagan Regional District issued evacuation orders for residents living east of Trepanier Bench Road, south of Highway 97C, and north of Highway 97. Officials warn that people in these areas should be prepared to leave for an extended time. Authorities are urging residents to take important items like medications and personal documents, and…