Steve Arstad
I have been looking for news in the South Okanagan - SImilkameen for 20 years, having turned a part time lifelong interest into a full time profession. After five years publishing a local newsletter, several years working as a correspondent / stringer for several local newspapers and seven years as editor of a Similkameen weekly newspaper, I joined iNFOnews.ca in 2014. My goal in the news industry has always been to deliver accurate and interesting articles about local people and places. My interest in the profession is life long - from my earliest memories of grade school, I have enjoyed writing.
As an airborne geophysical surveyor I travelled extensively around the globe, conducting helicopter borne mineral surveys.
I also spent several years at an Okanagan Falls based lumber mill, producing glued-wood laminated products.
As a member of the Kaleden community, I have been involved in the Kaleden Volunteer Fire Department for 22 years, and also serve as a trustee on the Kaleden Irrigation District board.
I am currently married to my wife Judy, of 26 years. We are empty-nesters who enjoy living in Kaleden with our Welsh Terrier, Angus, and cat, Tibbs.
Our two daughters, Meagan and Hayley, reside in Richmond and Victoria, respectively.
Steve Arstad's Stories
Funding to help with mussel control in South Okanagan
PENTICTON - The Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen is getting some financial help in its fight to prevent quagga and zebra mussels from finding their way into the Okanagan. The RBC Blue Water project recently announced $100,000 in grant funding will be made available to the regional district to bolster their Okanagan Aquatic Invasive Species...
Financial muscle for mussel awareness program
PENTICTON - Waterways in the South Okanagan will receive an extra measure of protection in the fight to prevent the spread of an aquatic invasive species this summer. The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen received a $100,000 grant from the project this week. The grant will be used to educate and inform the public, working in conjunction...
Penticton council scrounges to find additional revenue to offset tax hike
PENTICTON - Penticton City Council began the City Hall equivalent of looking under the living room furniture upholstery for loose change as it took a look at fees charged in the recreation and building departments. Council scrutinized booking and administration fees for recreation and building fees, fines and business licenses during the Jan. 11 council...
Summerland community comes out to discuss possible Trout Creek Elementary closure
SUMMERLAND - It was a packed house of parents, concerned residents, students, and Summerland councillors during a meeting this week to discuss possible school closures in the school district. Yesterday, Jan. 13, a meeting was held at Trout Creek Elementary School to allow the public to express concerns about a recently announced option for school...
Strong finish to 2015 for South Okanagan real estate markets
PENTICTON - The South Okanagan real estate market had a strong 2015 and is already starting the new year off on an optimistic note, according to a local real estate agent. Penticton real estate agent Scott Rowlands says 2015 was a very good market locally, with units sold up 19 per cent over 2014. “Listings...
Penticton looking for federal funding to help with water meter project
PENTICTON - The city has decided which project it hopes to get support from the federal government on, and water meters for irrigation systems were the winner. Penticton City Council prioritized the projects put forward by staff as candidates for funding through the Building Canada Fund Small Communities grant during a council meeting, Jan. 11....
Free parking getting scarce as Penticton moves to more paid lots
PENTICTON - Parking is going to get more expensive in Penticton, with parking pay machines set to be installed at several locations throughout the city and fees to rise at hourly and monthly lots. First implemented in 2012, council agreed to expand to the next phase of the parking strategy for 2016-2017. During the first...
Petition hopes to raise $1B for biking in B.C.
OKANAGAN - The B.C. Cycling Coalition is mounting a campaign to petition the province to provide $1 billion for bike trails in B.C., and a local group working to make an Okanagan Valley-long trail more public is supporting the initiative. “We want the provincial government to help enable everyone in the province to cycle and...
New school closure option presented for Summerland
PENTICTON - The Okanagan Skaha school board is looking at another option as it plans for a possible school closure in Summerland. Board Chair Linda Van Alphen says in an email, feedback from surveys, emails and presentations in Summerland have indicated there may be another publicly acceptable option to closing Giants Head school and moving 350 students...
Trucks being targeted by thieves in the South Okanagan
PENTICTON - Thieves appear to be targeting Ford trucks in the South Okanagan, and RCMP believe this rash of stolen trucks is related to other thefts as well. A man who left his 1995 Chrysler Intrepid to warm up at the Holiday House Motel returned to find it missing at approximately 8 a.m. Wednesday morning,...
Get the facts on how the regional district operates
PENTICTON - The regional district is trying to make it easier for residents to understand exactly what services are offered by the government body. The Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen’s Area 'D' ongoing governance study released the first series of fact sheets last week in an effort to deliver information about services currently provided by...
Break and enters dominate new year for Penticton police
PENTICTON - With break and enters being reported nearly every day over the past week, Penticton RCMP have been kept busy as 2016 gets underway. During a break and enter last Wednesday, Jan. 6, on Apex Mountain Road the front door of a residence was damaged. Video surveillance shows a truck on scene with a...
Sentence for weapons infractions includes restorative justice
PENTICTON - Sentencing passed on an Oliver man who pled guilty to firearms and mischief infractions has left the door open for participation in a restorative justice program following a hearing in Penticton court today, Jan. 11. Judge Meg Shaw left mandatory conditions off orders to the accused not to go near the two victims...
Everyone welcome to citizenship ceremony
PENTICTON - Penticton and area residents have an opportunity to welcome new arrivals to the area when the second annual Canadian Citizenship Ceremony takes place othis week. South Okanagan Immigrant and Community Services will host the event, which is also partnered by Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada and the City of Penticton. Taking part in...
Penticton city council gets update on energy retrofit program
PENTICTON - The City of Penticton’s Energy Retrofit Loan Program has proved to be very successful as it moves into its final year of operation. A status update on the program will be presented to Penticton City Council at tonight’smeeting, Jan. 11, with an alternative option to look at extending the program for another year....