Top Stories – Aug 24 – The Ponds Approval

Kelowna city council was unanimous in approving the first phase of a development at The Ponds in the Upper Mission. The commercial plan including a grocery store, would be made up of over 7,700 square metres of space on Frost Road. The development will give area residents easier access to commercial services and would hopefully alleviate some traffic on Gordon and Lakeshore.

A former captain and running back of the Okanagan Sun is trying for a council seat in Coldstream. Jeremy Levy majored in political science at SFU after earning a full-paid athletic scholarship through the Sun. He says playing football in Kelowna provided him with opportunities he otherwise never would have had.

The conservative leadership race is nearing its end with party members casting their ballots next month. Pierre Poilieve and Jean Charest are now considered the front runners. According to College of New Caledonia political science instructor Chris Beach, Poilieve has a big advantage in the race due to the support he’s received, including the endorsement of former Prime Minister Steven Harper.

Kelowna RCMP are warning the public about prolific offender who has once again been released into the community. 45 year old Justin Wayne Collins has generated over 421 police files with 64 total charges against him since 2016. These include violent assaults, robbery, theft, mischief and indecent acts. You can find pictures of him and the full RCMP release clicking here

The Kelowna Springs Golf course by Reid’s Corner, could still be turned into industrial land. City Council did not support amending the Official Community Plan to change the future land use designation of to the Private Recreational designation from Industrial. The property is still zoned as Parks and Open Space.

The Parkinson Recreation Centre aquatics centre and gymnasium are closing for annual maintenance and cleaning. The swimming pools and aquatic area will be closed from next Monday until Sept. 18. The gym will be shut down from Sept. 7 to 18th and there will be no drop-in basketball or volleyball.

On Sunday, two members of the Kelowna RCMP Community Safety Unit were in the 1700 block of Gordon when they saw a guy who appeared to be working on a bike. One constable remembered a similar bike was stolen last Halloween. The man wasn’t able to provide proof of ownership and when police checked the serial number, they confirmed it was stolen. It will be returned to its owner

RCMP are warning Merritt residents about an uptick in phone scams over the past few weeks. Police say scammers have been texting and calling random victims and accusing them of attempting to hire prostitutes and demanding large sums of money from them. The scammers, who did not know any names, have been threatening that the cartel will kill the victims if they do not comply.

Chances are that you didn’t know there is a World Butcher’s Challenge. Well there is, and Ronnie Keely from Cherry Creek, near Kamloops, will be representing Canada in the young butchers event for those under 35. Keely will be heading to Sacramento to show off his skills, techniques, presentation and cleanliness.

Sports

A BC Lion was named a CFL Player of the Week, but for once it wasn’t the now-injured quarterback Nathan Rourke. Linebacker Obum Gwacham set new single game highs in tackles and sacks in the Lions’ 28-10 win over Saskatchewan.

The Carolina Hurricanes signed veteran center Paul Stastny to a one-year, 1.5-million dollar contract after he spent the last two seasons with the Jets. He’s also had stops with Vegas, St. Louis and Colorado throughout his 16-year career.

Following a rain delay, an 8-run third inning, helped the Toronto Blue Jays to a big 9-3 win against the Red Sox in Boston. They’ll play their second of three games later today.

NBA superstar Kevin Durant isn’t going anywhere after the Brooklyn Nets player and his agent met with the club’s brass. After the club didn’t trade him, as requested, he reportedly issued an ultimatum to the Nets, demanding a trade or the firing of head coach Steve Nash.

The CP Women’s Open makes a much-anticipated return to the LPGA Tour’s schedule for the first time since 2019 after being canceled due to the pandemic. Brooke Henderson’s homecoming as a recently crowned, two-time major champion led to a waitlist for volunteers and created hospitality sell-outs throughout the Ottawa Hunt and Golf Club.

Nick Arbuckle will make his first start for the Ottawa Redblacks on Saturday against his old team, the Edmonton Elks. Redblacks acquired Arbuckle from the Elks in July in exchange for a fourth-round pick in the 2023 Draft.