Category Archives: (Portal – Vernon Matters) Kelowna

Free COVID-19 tests now available for residents 40 and over
The province has lowered the age requirement for accessing rapid COVID-19 antigen tests kits at pharmacies. As of today (March 15), British Columbians aged 40 and over can pick up a kit containing fiv...
Liam Verster Mar 15, 2022

Input sought on park master plan
The Regional District of Central Okanagan is looking for input on the future of Rose Valley Regional Park. The 250-hectare green space currently sees a range of visitors, including hikers and nature e...
Pete McIntyre Mar 15, 2022

Mayor seeking re-election
West Kelowna’s mayor has announced plans to seek a second term in office. In a news release, Gord Milsom said he has delivered on the goals of his 2018 campaign, and is excited about the future ...
Pete McIntyre Mar 15, 2022

COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations decrease, 14 deaths
British Columbia is reporting 689 new COVID-19 cases since Friday, including 198 today. Of the weekend total, 150 were in Interior Health, trailing the 213 in Fraser Health and the 166 infections in V...
Pete McIntyre Mar 14, 2022

Parks open for spring season
Two of Kelowna's most beloved parks are ready for the spring season. Kasugai Gardens is now open after winter hibernation and Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery is set to spring-forward with extended visi...
Pete McIntyre Mar 14, 2022

Province to raise minimum wage to $15.65 this June
British Columbia workers who make minimum wage will be getting a pay raise in a few months. Labour Minister Harry Bains has announced that, effective June 1, 2022, the general minimum wage will increa...
Pete McIntyre Mar 14, 2022

Mental health and substance-use services expanded in Vernon
B.C.’s Minister of Mental Health and Addictions was in Vernon today to announce an expansion of mental health and substance-use services for North Okanagan residents. Sheila Malcomson says Inter...
Liam Verster Mar 14, 2022

Street sweeping ready to begin in West Kelowna
The annual job of cleaning the streets of West Kelowna is ready to begin. Crews will start the street sweeping program Monday, March 21, beginning with the Gellatly Bay/Goats Peak neighbourhood and wo...
Pete McIntyre Mar 14, 2022

Interior Health closes out week with B.C.’s most new COVID-19 cases
Interior Health has again recorded more new COVID-19 cases than any other health authority in the province. Of the 288 new cases confirmed across B.C. Friday, 93 were located in the Interior. Fraser H...
Liam Verster Mar 11, 2022

UPDATE: Cause of Winfield Bakery blaze appears accidental
The investigation of the fire that significantly damaged the Winfield Bakery in Lake Country is ongoing, but preliminary findings seem to show it as being accidental. Lake Country fire chief Steve Win...
Liam Verster Mar 11, 2022