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
Challenge Penticton adapting to new triathlon realities
PENTICTON - The world of triathlon racing has been changing in recent years, and the management team with the Valley First Challenge Penticton wants to lead the pack in participant satisfaction. Building the brand and providing race participants what they want are two keys to success, says Kevin Cutjar, who co-owns the race with Michael...
More construction on Channel Parkway
PENTICTON - A new construction zone on the Channel Parkway is challenging Penticton drivers. A construction crew has removed the traffic islands from the intersection of Channel Parkway and Warren Avenue to increase the length of the left turn lane, said B.C. Ministry of Highways district operations Manager Jeff Wiseman. The increased capacity of the...
Public invited to dual opening ceremonies at Penticton Regional Hospital
PENTICTON - Donors and the public are invited to a pair of opening ceremonies at Penticton Regional Hospital this Friday from 2-4 p.m. The South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation raised $1.5 million in 2013 to update the Digital Imaging (X-ray) department at PRH. State-of-the-art digital radiography equipment was purchased to replace the outdated cassette equipment...
Resident wants drawbows removed from firearms bylaw
PENTICTON - A request from a resident to allow manual bow and arrow usage within city limits may get a serious look as the city prepares to host the B.C. Winter Games, which includes archery sports. Penticton resident Rick Hamilton wants to see a change made to the City of Penticton’s bylaw that regulates or...
Council continues to explore options for Ecole Entre-Lacs
PENTICTON - The city would like to help French language school Ecole Entre-Lacs offset its costs for use of city recreational facilities, but it will not be through an arrangement similar to that offered to School District 67. The decision followed a lengthy discussion about a request to have a contractual agreement for guaranteed usage...
Penticton French school wants deal on use of city recreation facilities
PENTICTON - A school in Penticton may be able to offer French immersion programming, but it doesn't have a proper gym or playground and needs help offering recreational activities to students. Up until about four years ago the city considered Ecole Entre-Lacs to be part of School District 67 and the school was able to...
Specialized water rescue tool will help Penticton Search and Rescue crews
PENTICTON - Here is one tool local rescue units may find handy during spring freshet. Penticton Search and Rescue has a new line gun. The gun is used to shoot a small line across a river, and is used to aid victims in river rescue. Member Kelvin Hall says a small line such as a...
Penticton firefighters extinguish balcony blaze
PENTICTON - No one was injured and there was no major damage after a balcony fire at 86 Lakeshore Dr. East in Penticton this afternoon. Penticton firefighters got a call of visible flames on the balcony of one unit at approximately 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 21. Capt. Tom Smith says a planter on a resident’s...
On-site hotel could boost business at Penticton Convention Centre
PENTICTON - A premium hotel would help pull in more bookings for the underultilized 60,000-square-foot Penticton Trade and Convention Centre, according to city staff. In a report to council Monday, April 20, staff recommended council move forward on a zoning amendment that would add 'tourist accommodation' as a site-specific use to the city owned property...
Man killed near Keremeos remains unidentified
PENTICTON - A man who was struck and killed while crossing the highway near Keremeos Friday night remains unidentified. At 11:03 p.m. on April 17, a blue Dodge pickup truck travelling east on Highway 3, just south of the intersection with Highway 3A in Keremeos, and collided with a man crossing the highway. The driver...
Citizens challenge plan to moor motorboats near SS Sicamous
PENTICTON - A group of Penticton residents staged a rally in front of Penticton City Hall to voice their objection to an element of the SS Sicamous Area Master Plan. Gerry Gilligan fronted the rally, attended by approximately 30 citizens. They were objecting to a part of the plan that would see five to seven...
Annual Day of Mourning in Penticton
PENTICTON - The City of Penticton will acknowledge the Annual Day of Mourning on Tuesday, April 28, at 11 a.m., with a public gathering at the memorial tree in front of McLaren Park Arena. Mayor Andrew Jakubeit will read the city’s proclamation and any members of the public wishing to come forward will have an...
Aquatic species ‘musselling’ in on Three Mile Beach
PENTICTON - Three Mile Beach is back on city councillor's minds, but not because of clothing optional issues. The beach also happens to be home to an aquatic species in need of help. Not to be confused with invasive zebra and quagga mussels, which governments are trying to keep out of the lake, the province will...
South Okanagan Transit Future Plan moves into new phase with board approval
PENTICTON - The region’s long term transit plan took a step forward wiht the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen board’s approval of the Transit Future Plan. The document describes a vision for the South Okanagan’s transit network over the next 25 years. Regional Transit manager Daniel Pizarro told the board the next steps are not...
RDOS board seeking further information on capital funding reallocation request
PENTICTON - A request by Interior Health to redirect hospital funding has regional district directors asking questions. Interior Health wants the regional district to redirect $37,000 budgeted toward a pediatric patient room at Penticton Regional Hospital in order to provide a personal safety system for the hospital’s Inpatient Psychiatry Unit. A staff report tabled at...