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
Hot drink sales at downtown Penticton store donated to Soupateria
PENTICTON - As the days get cooler and nights get longer, the need for a food becomes a higher priority for people in need in Penticton. SmartShopper Value Variety Convenience store owner Leigh Follestad is helping the Penticton Soupateria out today, Oct. 23, by donating 100 per cent of money he makes through the sale...
Community Foundation initiative aims to strengthen neighbourly relations
PENTICTON - The City of Penticton is giving the Community Foundation of the South Okanagan-Similkameen $5,000 toward a fund to help residents pay for neighbourhood events like block parties. The Foundation's executive director Aaron McRann approached city council with a request to match funds with the organization in order to leverage equal funding from the...
Penticton to play host to 2017 Western Canada Cup
PENTICTON - The road to the 2017 National Junior A hockey championship, the RBC Cup, will pass through Penticton in two years. The Penticton Vees will host the Crescent Point Energy Western Canada Cup between April 29 and May 7, 2017. The Vees will participate in a five team tournament that will also include the...
Action packed afternoon on Sunday at Penticton Speedway
PENTICTON - It’s the final weekend for racing events at Penticton Speedway and the track is going out with a bang — literally. Penticton Speedway owner John Aantjes says the Halloween Destruction stock car races on Sunday will include a hit-to-pass event involving race cars towing boats and travel trailers. “It’s great family entertainment, I...
Police act quickly after young Penticton girl subjected to offensive sexual remarks
PENTICTON - Inappropriate comments made to a school girl by a 40 year old intoxicated man resulted in quick police action by Penticton RCMP on Tuesday, Oct.20. Penticton RCMP Staff Sgt. Kurt Lozinski said today, Oct. 22, RCMP responded to an incident at Carmi School just before 3 p.m Tuesday. It involved a man who...
City seeks to smooth out casino relocation with bylaw amendment
PENTICTON - City Council is smoothing the way for Gateway Casinos to relocate on city-taxed property. A zoning amendment that would include casino operation as a defined use was requested by staff at a council meeting earlier this week. Director of Development Services Jules Hall said staff were alerted through media reports the Penticton Lakeside...
Penticton set to add more snow removal equipment to roster
PENTICTON - City staff are preparing for winter with a pitch to city council for more snow removal equipment. Buiding and Permitting Manager Ken Kunka asked council for an additional $20,000 to purchase more ice and snow clearing equipment. The request was made to facilitate clearing of nearly 10 kilometres of city lanes that will...
City park concession operator seeks public input to improve location
PENTICTON - One of Penticton’s concession contractors wants public input on how his concession might be improved. Gord Ferguson told Penticton City Council this week he is looking for ways to improve Lakawanna Park, including the building and services offered by his food concession. Calling the building 'an absolute eyesore,' Ferguson said the park, with...
Photo contest awards best in local escapes and landscapes
PENTICTON - Photographers of the South Okanagan got out their cameras in response to the Sep.t 21 launch of a photography contest sponsored by Tourism Penticton. The organization announced the winners of their “Escapes & Landscapes Photography Contest" on Oct. 19, selecting the top three photos from more than 130 entries. Doug Cox took first...
ELECTION 2015: Cannings ‘very happy’ with local results, but NDP defeat on national stage a surprise
PENTICTON - It was a night of surprises, both at the national level and for local constituents in the newly formed riding of South Okanagan-West Kootenay . While the Liberal party took a majority win overall, locally NDP candidate Richard Cannings was elected as the new member of Parliament. “I have no idea. I will...
ELECTION 2015: UPDATE: NDP’s Cannings wins in South Okanagan-West Kootenay
PENTICTON - Like his campaign slogan said, “It’s Cannings time.” The NDP's Richard Cannings, 61, is heading to Ottawa after winning in the new riding of South Okanagan-West Kootenay. Cannings admitted early in the race he expected it to be a tight battle between himself and Conservative candidate Marshall Neufeld, noting many people were looking...
Co-accused in beating appears in court for break and enter
PENTICTON - A man alleged to have taken part in the kidnapping and beating of a Penticton man in May pleaded guilty today, Oct. 19, to several charges stemming from a prior incident at Nickel Plate Nordic Ski Centre on April 30, 2015. Sentencing for Albert Edgar Fontaine, who appeared by video today, was delayed. Fontaine...
Revived air quality program in South Okanagan-Similkameen up for discussion
PENTICTON - A Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen program that was axed in 2010 could come before the board of directors for discussion once again. Between 2006-2010, the regional district had an inter-regional committee that was meeting regularly between the RDOS, the Central Okanagan Regional District and the North Okanagan Regional District. The RDOS also...
Local filmmaker captures the brilliance of Summerland
PENTICTON - The latest video offered by Okanagan filmmaker Steve Cogbill highlights his hometown. Cogbill’s Three minutes in Summerland captures the diversity and beauty of Cogbill’s home. “It’s such a beautiful place, I wanted to make a video to capture some of its brilliance,” Cogbill says. Cogbill's film captures the natural beauty surrounding the community as...
Wanted: Extras for TV movie shoot in South Okanagan
PENTICTON - South Okanagan residents have a unique opportunity to take part in the movie business. Odyssey Media and Reel One Pictures are looking for extras for the TV movie Hand in Love being filmed in Osoyoos. It will air on The Movie Network in Canada. Laurie Pavon-Solis is in charge of background casting for the...