Julie Whittet
SOPA Square building stalled, mired in debt: Sound familiar?
“ECONOMICS BEYOND OUR CONTROL INFLUENCE THESE PROJECTS” As two mega developments worth nearly $300 million are approved for the Mission, a third major development in the area appears to have stalled. And while residents and businesses in the area of SOPA Square are looking for action, the City of Kelowna is taking a wait and...
There’s still time to have your say on City Park
An online forum is generating some clear themes in the public's vision for the future of City Park. New kiosks, a paddling centre, farmers' markets and heightened security are some of the top requests coming in since the city launched the community engagement platform last March. While feedback pours in on the virtual platform, construction...
You too can police drunk driving
Police say keeping an eye on your fellow drivers will help enforce public safety. The Kelowna RCMP is asking all motorists to help identify and report impaired driving in the city as part of a new road safety initiative with the MADD Central Okanagan Chapter. The Road Safety Program launches tomorrow, Tuesday, April 16, at...
Huge swath of parkland donated to Central Okanagan
Over 800 acres of land beside Cedar Mountain will become new park space in the Central Okanagan. The generous land donation was announced yesterday by the Regional District for the Central Okanagan and is said to be the largest donation of its kind for the Okanagan - possibly the province - with an estimated $7.8...
RCMP hit the slopes in search of another kind of powder
In a carefully planned covert operation, West Kelowna and Kelowna RCMP teamed up to crack down on ski-hill drug deals at Big White. Police arrested two people and laid another seven charges last month for illicit drug trafficking at the resort. Undercover police agents were able to intercept a number of powder cocaine deals on...
Council OKs $150 million Mission development
By Julie Whittet The city says the high-density development on Lakeshore Drive will work out in the long run. Despite harsh criticisms and vocal opposition, the site of the Hiawatha RV Park is set to become the next big hotel destination on Lakeshore Drive. Construction of the $150 million dollar, 900-unit tourist-commercial development will be...
Three times lucky for Monaco towers?
UPDATE: 6 p.m. April 8, 2013 Three times may have been the charm for the Monaco tower development before Kelowna city council today. Councillors praised the new highrise designs proposed this afternoon for a third time. After sorting through council's previous complaints, the project was described as just what the city wants. “They're very handsome,...
Vandalism leaves Westcorp office with costly damages
The downtown office of Westcorp Properties Inc. was targeted by vandals over the Easter long weekend. Kelowna RCMP received a report of the damage on March 31 but do not have a description of the suspect. Edmonton-based Westcorp is the developer for Kelowna's new downtown marina, and won City approval yesterday to build a controversial...
Shoppers enjoy music and fresh Okanagan produce at the Kelowna Farmers’ Market
A busker was singing the blues for shoppers at the first weekend farmers' market of the year. Now in its 18th outdoor season, vendors at the Kelowna Farmers' & Crafters' Market set up stands on the corner of Springfield Road and Dilworth Drive last Saturday offering up the first spring crops of the Okanagan Valley. ...
Woman crossing Pandosy Street struck down by bus
Early this morning a woman crossing Pandosy street in downtown Kelowna was knocked to the ground by a large bus making a left turn from Lawrence Avenue. The 69-year-old woman was taken to the hospital with minor injuries and the driver of the charter bus was handed a violation ticket, with a fine of $167....
Sudden increase in turbidity triggers early boil notice
By Julie Whittet An earlier than usual snow melt means some Kelowna residents will find something a little extra in their drinking water. This morning the South East Kelowna Irrigation District issued a boil notice to its residents as a precautionary safety measure. Hydraulic Creek is rising with melt water and is washing debris downstream,...
Nothing happened: police search for gun toting suspect
The Kelowna RCMP received a call from staff at an Electronics Boutique store this afternoon reporting a man who appeared to be armed with a gun. The employees said they recognized the handle of a gun in the suspect's pocket as he was browsing their shop. The man did not draw any weapon or make...
Biohazard team called in after man found urinating in public
Early this morning Kelowna RCMP stumbled upon a half-naked man in the entrance of their detachment. Police say the 26-year-old man was heavily intoxicated and had taken off his pants to relieve himself in the RCMP lobby. The man was taken into custody after being examined by medical staff. Police say they requested a biohazard...
Grow-op network uncovered by RCMP Green Team
By Julie Whittet You might be surprised one of Kelowna's top green initiatives means destroying plants. Exactly 10,064 marijuana plants, to be precise, were seized by Kelowna RCMP in a large-scale bust on grow operations in the valley. Kelowna RCMP were able to land 16 search warrants on residences in February and March this year,...
Kelowna races from Big White to City Park this Sunday
Sports enthusiasts in Kelowna will get to use their skis, bikes, running shoes and canoes all in a row this Sunday. The 33rd annual Ski2Sea Race will kick off at 9:30 a.m. on April 14th as participants race down the mountain to reach the finish line on the shores of Okanagan Lake. Since its launch...