News & Resources
The latest Thompson Okanagan tourism industry news from TOTA, tourism businesses, and communities.
New Biosphere Commitment Program Member: Sovereign Lake Nordic Club
Sovereign Lake is inspired by the desire for future generations to experience the wonder and beauty of Vernon's natural landscapes which has led them to a continued lead on environmental sustainability to ensure that the landscape is preserved.
Sovereign Lake Nordic Club is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting active outdoor lifestyles through cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in Silver Star Provincial Park just outside of Vernon, BC.
The sports that Sovereign Lake Nordic Club and its members enjoy are very weather-dependent, and recent warming weather patterns across Canada have created challenges for other Nordic clubs. Due to this, Sovereign Lake has increased its environmentally sustainable operations to the natural setting and ensure that they are doing their part to limit their impact on climate change. Sovereign Lake is also inspired by the desire for future generations to experience the same wonder and beauty. This has led to a continued lead on environmental sustainability to ensure that the landscape is preserved.
Sustainability Initiatives
Sovereign Lake Nordic Club is working towards its sustainability goals and providing transparency by assessing and sharing its organizational resource consumption and emissions. The team at Sovereign Lake has been unable to find similar information about other Nordic clubs, suggesting that they are pioneers in running a Nordic club sustainability. By understanding where the emissions in their organization are highest, they have been able to implement changes, such as switching to battery-operated electric chainsaws to reduce gasoline consumption. Director David Dennier has also found that this sustainability swap came with additional benefits: electric chainsaws are much easier to start in cold, high-altitude conditions prevalent in ski season and are more practical than carrying heavy gasoline supplies when clearing snowshoe trails in the early winter.
When asked about working with TOTA’s Biosphere Commitment Program, David had this to say: “The Biosphere Committed database is quite straightforward to follow and complete. The most compelling aspect is that there are many simple actions that lead towards achieving the overriding goals, and in many cases we found that we had already been doing many of these actions as part of our business anyway. Compound the ease of use with the great support from TOTA, and you have a system that works well to allow organizations to contribute to social and environmental wellbeing. [Other] businesses will probably be surprised by how many things they are already doing that make them Biosphere Committed.”
Biosphere Commitment Program
The Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program is a sustainability program offered by the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association. The focus is to equip tourism businesses in the region with tools and resources to continuously measure, manage, and report sustainability management efforts. The program prepares businesses for a globally recognized certification, to show alignment of business operations with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Destination Certification.
Organizations can create customized sustainability plans through the Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle platform and access dedicated support from industry experts.
Learn more about TOTA’s Biosphere Commitment Program
New Biosphere Commitment Program Member: Lakeside Eco-Sports
Lakeside Eco-Sports is Kelowna’s local gateway to nature. They are partnered with the Prestige Beach House in Downtown Kelowna and provide eco-friendly outdoor experiences through Kelowna’s picturesque landscapes.
Join TOTA in welcoming Lakeside Eco-Sports to the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Program.
Lakeside Eco-Sports is Kelowna’s local gateway to nature. They are partnered with the Prestige Beach House in Downtown Kelowna and provide eco-friendly outdoor experiences through Kelowna’s picturesque landscapes.
Sustainability Initiatives
Lakeside Eco-Sports founder Gareth Brown comes from a background in cruises and other global tourism companies. Previously, Brown was able to achieve Gold Certification in the Sustainable Tourism Eco-Certification Program (STEP) which involved the collection of historical data to meet STEP criteria. When he and his wife started Lakeside Eco-Sports, they knew that sustainable tourism would be a key pillar in their business model, and, from the beginning, they sought out the most eco-friendly options for their new business. Their passion was to operate a business that drives towards and beyond net zero, inspiring them to work towards the next step of Biosphere Certification actively.
Lakeside Eco-Sports Bike Fleet at Meadow Vista Honey Wines
When asked about the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association Biosphere Program, Gareth had this to say: “Don’t hesitate to sign up! The mentoring process is perfect and will help you identify both what you are already doing and what can be done to further improve your business through the SDG goals and activities. It’s a lot of fun to log into the dashboard and see progress metrics and often I find myself spending time looking at other actions and activities that can help push us towards Biosphere Certification, often inspiring us to make more changes and better decisions.”
As the team at Lakeside Eco-Sports continues to work towards Biosphere Certification, keep an eye on their space beside the Prestige Beach House, as their next sustainable action involves the installation of an 8kw solar system that will allow them to utilize solar power and recharge the batteries of the e-bikes completely off the electrical grid.
Biosphere Commitment Program
The Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program is a sustainability program offered by the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association. The focus is to equip tourism businesses in the region with tools and resources to continuously measure, manage, and report sustainability management efforts. The program prepares businesses for a globally recognized certification, to show alignment of business operations with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Destination Certification.
Organizations can create customized sustainability plans through the Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle platform and access dedicated support from industry experts.
Learn more about TOTA’s Biosphere Commitment Program
New Biosphere Commitment Program Member: Caravan Farm Theatre
Despite what the name suggests, Caravan Farm Theatre is not a farm, but, instead, a rural space that is designed for the production of professional theatre, especially large-scale, outdoor productions. They are inspired by the fields, forests, and land that create the stage they perform on to make sustainable choices whenever and wherever they can.
Join TOTA in welcoming Caravan Farm Theatre to the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Program.
Caravan Farm Theatre was established in 1978 in the small, agricultural town of Armstrong, BC. Despite what the name suggests, they are not a farm, but, instead, a rural space that is designed for the production of professional theatre, especially large-scale, outdoor productions.
Sustainable Initiatives
Caravan Farm Theatre uses the land as its venue and the fields and forests as its stage, so the team works diligently to act as stewards of the land they work and perform on. The theatre is operated on 80 acres of land and is located on the unceded, traditional territories of the Secwépemc Nation and the Syilx Okanagan Nation. It is the environment and community of the Northern Okanagan that inspires the team to make sustainable choices, and because the health of the land they operate on is directly linked to the health of their organization, Caravan Farm Theatre chooses to make sustainable choices whenever and wherever they can.
When asked about the experience working with TOTA’s Biosphere Commitment Program, Artistic & Environmental Programs Manager Vicki Stroich had this to say: “Biosphere Committed gives us a clear framework that we can use to understand the impact of choices we make and find inspiration for new actions as we look ahead. It gives us a vocabulary we can all use as we discuss sustainability. It also helps us think of sustainability holistically in a way that includes not only the flora and fauna here on the land or the operational systems like our water, power, and waste management, but also the people we engage with as an arts organization: our staff, volunteers, artists or audiences.”
Recently, Caravan Farm Theatre has partnered with the Okanagan Similkameen Stewardship and Land Conservancy of BC to improve the biodiversity of the land they operate on, including recent work on FireSmarting their property and other properties around their neighbourhood.
Biosphere Commitment Program
The Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program is a sustainability program offered by the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association. The focus is to equip tourism businesses in the region with tools and resources to continuously measure, manage, and report sustainability management efforts. The program prepares businesses for a globally recognized certification, to show alignment of business operations with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Destination Certification.
Organizations can create customized sustainability plans through the Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle platform and access dedicated support from industry experts.
Learn more about TOTA’s Biosphere Commitment Program
New Biosphere Commitment Program Member: Haywire Winery
Haywire Winery is dedicated to the stewardship of the land on which the vineyard and farms reside. This includes investments in habitat restoration, conservation efforts, and implementing innovative environmental practices in their vineyards.
Join TOTA in welcoming Haywire Winery to the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Program.
Haywire Winery’s wine-making facility is located in Summerland, BC, and is home to four other wine labels that live under the umbrella of Okanagan Crush Pad. Haywire Winery has constructed a modern tasting lounge next to the crush pad and cellars, and they invite guests to join them year-round for a taste of their wines or to enjoy the view of Okanagan Lake and Switchback Organic Vineyard.
At Haywire Winery, they use unique concrete tanks to create the wines they serve to guests. These tanks allow for a low-intervention method that gradually and consistently heats and cools the fermenting wine which positively impacts the aromatics and flavour of the finished product. Wine is not the only thing that Haywire Winery puts its care and attention into; Winemaker and Sustainability Officer Katrina D’Costa believes that the team is responsible for the stewardship of the land on which the vineyard and farms reside.
Sustainability Initiatives
The heart of Haywire Winery’s philosophy is a commitment to socially responsible commitments that include investments in habitat restoration, conservation efforts, and implementing innovative environmental practices in their vineyards. The team at Haywire Winery honours the privilege they have living and working in the beautiful Thompson Okanagan region. However, they recognize that it is a temporary privilege to be stewards of the lands their vineyards and wineries exist on.
Haywire is dedicated to developing and implementing industry-leading sustainable initiatives that capitalize on the region's immense potential while, at the same time, reaching their own business goals.
When asked about the Biosphere Commitment Program, Winemaker and Sustainability Officer Katrina D’Costa had this to say: “Biosphere has offered us an exceptional opportunity to explore innovative approaches to sustainability within our company while also strengthening our ties to the community. It has motivated us to increase our efforts in public engagement, aiming to boost awareness and education about sustainability practices. This initiative has not only enhanced our internal sustainability measures, but it has also encouraged us to play a more active role in promoting environmental responsibility among the broader public.”
The next project for Haywire Winery is to focus on Garnet Valley Ranch as a place for team and community members to connect to the local environment. The 320-acre property has been developed with organic and sustainable practices in mind and is now ready to host events that highlight the team's sustainability efforts while cultivating appreciation for the community’s shared surroundings.
Biosphere Commitment Program
The Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program is a sustainability program offered by the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association. The focus is to equip tourism businesses in the region with tools and resources to continuously measure, manage, and report sustainability management efforts. The program prepares businesses for a globally recognized certification, to show alignment of business operations with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Destination Certification.
Organizations can create customized sustainability plans through the Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle platform and access dedicated support from industry experts.
Learn more about TOTA’s Biosphere Commitment Program
New Biosphere Commitment Program Member: Kelowna Yacht Club
The Kelowna Yacht Club is home to the largest freshwater marina in Canada and the largest lakefront dock. They are consistently working towards the sustainability and stewardship of Okanagan Lake.
Join TOTA in welcoming the Kelowna Yacht Club to the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program.
The Kelowna Yacht Club is located in downtown Kelowna, BC, on Okanagan Lake. The Kelowna Yacht Club is home to the largest freshwater marina in Canada and the largest lakefront dock that features stunning views of the mountains, Okanagan Lake, and Stuart Park all year round.
Sustainability Initiatives
With two of their four organizational pillars focusing on sustainability and stewardship of Okanagan Lake, the Kelowna Yacht Club is very conscious of the impact that the marina has on the lake. By utilizing the resources, tools, and assessments from TOTA’s Biosphere Commitment Program, the Kelowna Yacht Club was able to focus its sustainability efforts towards a set of goals that aligned with the complexity of their business while also aligning with other local businesses that have committed to protecting the future of the region.
Over the past three years, the Kelowna Yacht Club’s Environmental Committee Green Team has created and run several initiatives that support their ongoing stewardship of Okanagan Lake. Along with the recycling and composting program they have implemented onsite, the Club holds a “Dock Swap” event, which encourages members to repurpose boat parts and gear. As part of their sustainability program, they host a shore clean-up in April and September each year.
Twice a year the Kelowna Yacht Club hosts and participates in a clean up to clear waste and debris from the shoreline
When asked what other tourism businesses in the region should know about the Biosphere Commitment Program, Brenda Cortés, Environmental and Sustainability Coordinator, had this to say: “The program provides a clear framework for businesses looking to transform operations and perspectives,” Brenda also reported that Biosphere “helps businesses to adapt and start a journey to collaborate with the community, mitigate impacts, and help to gradually restore the land we all live as uninvited guests.”
While working under the Biosphere Commitment Program and collaboratively with other organizations, the Kelowna Yacht Club works more sustainably to protect the lake's ecosystem.
Biosphere Commitment Program
The Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program is a sustainability program offered by the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association. The focus is to equip tourism businesses in the region with tools and resources to continuously measure, manage, and report sustainability management efforts. The program prepares businesses for a globally recognized certification, to show alignment of business operations with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Destination Certification.
Organizations can create customized sustainability plans through the Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle platform and access dedicated support from industry experts.
Learn more about TOTA’s Biosphere Commitment Program
New Biosphere Commitment Program Member: BC Wildlife Park
BC Wildlife Park is an important community partner that works towards conserving species in British Columbia. They are home to nearly 200 animals and 65 different species native to the province. They work under their developed themes of creating positive emotional connections to wildlife, experiencing the interconnectedness of nature, and emphasizing the importance and power of individual responsibility with sustainability programs, like the Biosphere Program, to interpret BC wildlife and promote sustainability to visitors and residents alike.
Join TOTA in welcoming BC Wildlife Park to the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program.
BC Wildlife Park was founded by John Moelaert after he proposed that a wildlife attraction would be beneficial to Kamloops for both visitors and residents. In February of 1966, Molson Breweries donated 106 acres of land that was previously a hops farm for the creation of a wildlife park. In August of the same year, the first exhibits were open to the public. BC Wildlife Park is now an important community partner that works towards the conservation of species in British Columbia. They are home to 65 different species native to the province and nearly 200 animals in total, including bighorn sheep, Kermode bear and western painted turtles. The Park also partners with the Burrowing Owl Conservation Society to prevent the local extinction of burrowing owls; together, they are the largest and most successful breeders of the species in the world. They also partner with the Fawcett Family Wildlife Health Centre as a dedicated wildlife rehabilitation centre that annually accepts over 600 animals from all over BC.
Sustainability Initiatives
BC Wildlife Park works under their developed themes of creating positive emotional connections to wildlife, experiencing the interconnectedness of nature, and emphasizing the importance and power of individual responsibility with sustainability programs, like the Biosphere Program, to interpret BC wildlife and promote sustainability to visitors and residents alike.
Animal Welfare
The Park is committed to the principles of ethical and scientific responsibility by providing the highest animal welfare standards. BC Wildlife Park ensures that the animals within their care have a stable diet, are provided social opportunities, and are treated in a way that avoids mental and physical suffering.
Accessibility for all Visitors
BC Wildlife Park has taken the initiative to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all visitors. All public pathways throughout the park are paved, and the animal habitats are wheelchair accessible. They have also taken steps to create sensory-friendly experiences by offering a visual walkthrough of the park and sensory kits that are available for use during visits. BC Wildlife Park is also working on fundraising a major upgrade to the current playground, to create a more accessible and inclusive play space for kids of all ages and abilities.
Sustainable Measures at the Organization
BC Wildlife Park has made sustainable changes by implementing more reusable options around the park, such as their replacement of single-use paper maps with permanent map stations, adding water refill stations and eliminating the sales of plastic water bottles, and onsite composting which is used to fertilize the gardens around the park.
Biosphere Commitment Program
The Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program is a sustainability program offered by the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association. The focus is to equip tourism businesses in the region with tools and resources to continuously measure, manage, and report sustainability management efforts. The program prepares businesses for a globally recognized certification, to show alignment of business operations with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Destination Certification.
Organizations can create customized sustainability plans through the Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle platform and access dedicated support from industry experts.
Learn more about TOTA’s Biosphere Commitment Program
New Biosphere Commitment Program Member: Prestige Beach House Kelowna
Join TOTA in welcoming the Prestige Beach House Kelowna to the Biosphere Commitment Program. The Biosphere Program ensured that the ecological efforts and the service Prestige Beach House Kelowna provided to their guests aligned with their sustainable actions.
Join TOTA in welcoming Prestige Beach House Kelowna to the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program.
The Prestige Beach House is located in downtown Kelowna, BC, and is the first accommodation you’ll see when entering Kelowna off the W.R. Bennett Bridge. It is located directly across the street from Kelowna’s City Park, offering visitors a prime location to the lake and all the amenities of downtown Kelowna.
Sustainability Initiatives
The Prestige Beach House Kelowna is inspired to make sustainable choices by following the company's Prestige in Balance program. Joining the Biosphere Program ensured that their ecological efforts and the service they provide to their guests aligned with their sustainable actions and with the help of their Biosphere Program Success Advisor, Prestige Beach House discovered the resources for sustainable initiatives available to them as Biosphere Program members. The Prestige Beach House Kelowna is working on sustainability initiatives in all three of the SDG fields, including environment and climate change, society and culture, and governance and economy, as they work towards certification.
Assistant General Manager Tyler Bolen believes that Biosphere is an essential program “for a real serious look into the world of sustainability,” and offers businesses a “platform to see how globally businesses compare to each other globally and how the standards vary from place to place.”
Biosphere Commitment Program
The Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program is a sustainability program offered by the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association. The focus is to equip tourism businesses in the region with tools and resources to continuously measure, manage, and report sustainability management efforts. The program prepares businesses for a globally recognized certification, to show alignment of business operations with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Destination Certification.
Organizations can create customized sustainability plans through the Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle platform and access dedicated support from industry experts.
Learn more about TOTA’s Biosphere Commitment Program
New Biosphere Commitment Program Member: Summerland Waterfront Resort & Spa
Join TOTA in welcoming Summerland Waterfront Resort & Spa to the Biosphere Commitment Program. Summerland Waterfront Resort & Spa is committed to preserving the natural beauty of the Okanagan Valley for generations to come. They believe sustainable practices can benefit the current and future environment while providing eco-conscious guest experiences.
Join TOTA in welcoming Summerland Waterfront Resort & Spa to the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program.
Summerland Waterfront Resort & Spa is tucked in between Penticton and Kelowna in beautiful Summerland, BC. The resort is located on Okanagan Lake and offers countless amenities for visitors to enjoy throughout the year including live music evenings, yoga, painting sessions, Wine Wednesdays, and numerous family activities. Visitors can also enjoy the onsite spa, watercraft rentals, and restaurants as well as nearby wineries, cideries, and breweries.
Sustainability Initiatives
Summerland Waterfront Resort is committed to preserving the natural beauty of the Okanagan Valley for generations to come. They believe sustainable practices can benefit the current and future environment while providing eco-conscious guest experiences.
Summerland Waterfront Resort worked closely with TOTA’s Biosphere Program Success Advisor, Kavan, who helped guide the resort towards being Biosphere Committed. Once they started, the resort was pleasantly surprised at how quickly they could progress through implementing sustainable changes to their current business practices. The guidance and support from the program and platform helped them navigate and understand the steps necessary to achieve the sustainability goals they had made for themselves.
General Manager Lisa Jaager invites others in the tourism industry to use the Biosphere Program to implement sustainable actions into their business practices. “We would encourage other businesses to embrace the challenge and take the first step, as the rewards of participating in the Biosphere program extend far beyond initial hurdles. It has been a transformative experience for us, and we believe it can be for others as well.”
Biosphere Commitment Program
The Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program is a sustainability program offered by the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association. The focus is to equip tourism businesses in the region with tools and resources to continuously measure, manage, and report sustainability management efforts. The program prepares businesses for a globally recognized certification, to show alignment of business operations with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Destination Certification.
Organizations can create customized sustainability plans through the Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle platform and access dedicated support from industry experts.
Learn more about TOTA’s Biosphere Commitment Program
New Biosphere Commitment Program Member: Baldy Mountain Resort
Join TOTA in welcoming Baldy Mountain Resort to the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program. The team at Baldy Mountain Resort understands that even small sustainable actions and initiatives can make a huge difference and become part of the company culture.
Join TOTA in welcoming Baldy Mountain Resort to the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program.
Baldy Mountain Resort was founded in 1968 after a passionate community saw the potential for the outdoor adventures possible on Baldy Mountain in Oliver, BC. Since its early beginnings, the resort has been beloved by residents and visitors alike. Renowned for its light, dry powder it has continued to adjust and adapt with the installation of additional ski lifts and growing activities for all ages and skill levels.
Sustainability Initiatives
Baldy Mountain Resort’s Biosphere lead, Troy Lucas, found learning about the possible sustainability initiatives for businesses to implement both humbling and eye-opening. Troy has long told others in the tourism industry that even small actions and initiatives make an impact and that acting sustainably becomes part of company culture that employees take pride in.
Baldy Mountain Resort is working towards becoming a sustainable, year-round destination. One way they are doing this is their human-made lake at the resort which will act as a fire suppression and water source in the summer and can also be used as a skating surface for guests in the winter.
We look forward to seeing these and other sustainability initiatives at Baldy Mountain Resort.
Biosphere Commitment Program
The Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program is a sustainability program offered by the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association. The focus is to equip tourism businesses in the region with tools and resources to continuously measure, manage, and report sustainability management efforts. The program prepares businesses for a globally recognized certification, to show alignment of business operations with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Destination Certification.
Organizations can create customized sustainability plans through the Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle platform and access dedicated support from industry experts.
Learn more about TOTA’s Biosphere Commitment Program
New Biosphere Commitment Program Member: Destination Osoyoos
Join TOTA in welcoming Destination Osoyoos to the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program. Destination Osoyoos is dedicated to preserving the region so residents and visitors can enjoy Osoyoos for years to come.
Join TOTA in welcoming Destination Osoyoos to the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program.
Destination Osoyoos is committed to providing awareness and destination marketing for Osoyoos, at the southernmost point of the Thompson Okanagan region. Osoyoos is home to a desert environment, some of the warmest average temperatures, and the warmest fresh-water lake in Canada. It is fitting that they offer Canada’s warmest welcome to visitors who can experience wineries, activities, and the rich Indigenous culture of the Syilx Osoyoos Indian Band all year round.
Sustainability Initiatives
Destination Osoyoos is dedicated to preserving the region so residents and visitors can enjoy Osoyoos for years to come. Their efforts in the Biosphere program have provided positive examples of how to travel and enjoy the region in an environmentally friendly way that ensures preservation, supports long-term economic viability, and responds to consumer demands for eco-friendly options.
When they first started working towards the Biosphere Commitment designation, Destination Osoyoos believed that it would involve a lot of resources and a large time commitment. However, they found they were already fulfilling many action items of the UN Sustainable Development Goals in their day-to-day operations. As well, the support from their Program Success Advisor made it easier to ensure they were meeting their goals.
Destination Osoyoos is utilizing the program to create marketing initiatives to help promote sustainable tourism experiences like biodynamic and organic wine and culinary offerings.
The newly launched sustainability landing page showcases their organization's efforts towards sustainability and encourages visitors to choose responsible tourism practices while they visit the community, including leaving no trace, acknowledging the Indigenous Host Nations, reducing consumption, and choosing greener transportation.
Biosphere Commitment Program
The Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program is a sustainability program offered by the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association. The focus is to equip tourism businesses in the region with tools and resources to continuously measure, manage, and report sustainability management efforts. The program prepares businesses for a globally recognized certification, to show alignment of business operations with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Destination Certification.
Organizations can create customized sustainability plans through the Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle platform and access dedicated support from industry experts.
Learn more about TOTA’s Biosphere Commitment Program
Noble Ridge Vineyard & Winery Becomes First Biosphere Certified Winery in the Thompson Okanagan
Noble Ridge Vineyards & Winery has achieved Biosphere Certification, the first winery within the Thompson Okanagan region to demonstrate its commitment to sustainability management by aligning business operations with each United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Noble Ridge Vineyards & Winery has achieved Biosphere Certification, the first winery within the Thompson Okanagan region to demonstrate its commitment to sustainability management by aligning business operations with each United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, using the Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle Platform.
In 2001, Jim and Leslie D’Andrea purchased land in Okanagan Falls, BC that would become their vineyard and began building their vision. Now, in 2024, Noble Ridge Vineyards & Winery is a sustainability leader selling award-winning wines. The company is named after the noble varieties of grapes grown and the ridge that divides the land on which they thrive.
For Benoit Gauthier, Director of Winemaking & Viticulture, implementing sustainable practices is a priority to nurture short-, medium-, and long-term benefits for the vines, winery, and region. Gauthier began switching from conventional farming to sustainable farming practices in 2014, initially focused on improving the soil quality. Benoit reduced the use of synthetic fertilizers, sprays, and irrigation water by increasing the organic matter in the soil with the use of compost and organic fertilizer applications. In 2020, he started the Sustainable Winegrowing BC Program with the BC Wine Grape Council. In 2021, Noble Ridge became one of the first vineyards in British Columbia to achieve the Sustainable Winegrowing BC Certification.
After this accomplishment, the Noble Ridge team decided that the next step was to adopt sustainable practices for the entire business, and the best path was to achieve certification through TOTA’s Biosphere Commitment Program.
Sustainability Initiatives
The Noble Ridge team is excited to share a few of their sustainability initiatives with the community.
First is the smart use of energy: Noble Ridge uses solar panels, geothermal heating and cooling, and high-efficiency heat pumps across the buildings. They have also converted the lights on the property to LED with motion sensors.
Noble Ridge is also working to become a Living Wage Employer to support the hard-working team at Noble Ridge.
About the Biosphere Commitment Program
The Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program is a sustainability program offered by the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association. The focus is to equip tourism businesses in the region with tools and resources to continuously measure, manage, and report sustainability management efforts. The program prepares businesses for a globally recognized certification, to show alignment of business operations with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Destination Certification.
Through the Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle platform, organizations can create customized sustainability plans and access dedicated support from industry experts.
Learn more about TOTA’s Biosphere Commitment Program
New Biosphere Commitment Program Member: Watermark Beach Resort
Join TOTA in welcoming Watermark Beach Resort to the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program. The team at Watermark Beach Resort is implementing sustainable practices to minimize environmental impacts while contributing to the well-being and longevity of the region.
Join TOTA in welcoming Watermark Beach Resort to the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program.
Watermark Beach Resort is located in Osoyoos, BC, and invites visitors to enjoy the South Okanagan lifestyle while lounging on the beach or by the pool. They offer condo-style suites and amenities like the swimming pool that overlooks Okanagan Lake, dining at 15 Park Bistro, as well as proximity to the beach, dining, and other activities in Osoyoos.
15 Park Bistro at Watermark Resort serves food with locally sourced ingredients paired with Okanagan Valley wines.
Sustainability Initiatives
Watermark Beach Resort is committed to making sustainable choices to minimize its environmental impact and contribute to the well-being of its community.
Several factors inspire the team to continue making these sustainable choices:
The team believes that sustainability works best when it is a community practice; setting examples for their guests by implementing sustainable practices can encourage them to adopt their own eco-friendly actions to protect the region they are visiting. Sustainable-conscious guests are increasingly seeking eco-friendly options when they visit the region.
Watermark has also installed low-flow toilets, reduced their plastic consumption by providing filtered water stations for staff and guests of the resort, and is sourcing products from local suppliers and those who prioritize sustainability. By implementing these sustainable practices, they have reduced costs and offer an easy choice for eco-conscious visitors.
One of their latest sustainability initiatives can be found when you pull up to the resort: electric vehicle charging stations, available for both guests and employees, to encourage more sustainable travel choices that will reduce emissions and promote a greener community to live, work, and play in.
Biosphere Commitment Program
The Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program is a sustainability program developed by the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association. The focus is to equip tourism businesses in the region with the necessary tools and resources to continuously measure, manage, and report sustainability management efforts. The program aligns ongoing and future business operations with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Destination Certification to prepare businesses for a globally recognized certification. By accessing the Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle platform, organizations can create customized sustainability plans and utilize dedicated support from industry experts.
Learn more about TOTA’s Biosphere Commitment Program
New Biosphere Commitment Program Member: Sharpe Distillery
Join TOTA in welcoming Sharpe Distillery to the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program. Situated in Cawston, BC, this family-owned distillery crafts locally sourced spirits paying homage to their heritage. Becoming Biosphere Committed marks a significant milestone in their journey towards sustainable business practices.
Join TOTA in welcoming Sharpe Distillery to the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program.
Tracy Sharpe, Amy Jo Sharpe, and CEJ Mussell, the family behind Sharpe Distillery, have always been aware of the well-being of the planet and others, so becoming Biosphere Committed and joining an internationally recognized sustainability management program was a natural next step for them. Sharpe Distillery offers visitors an authentic taste of locally produced spirits. Located in Cawston, BC, Sharpe Distillery combines rich family knowledge with ingredients sourced from their backyard, including water from the Similkameen River, to create craft spirits. These unique products are a tribute to their grandfather, Jack Sharpe, and his impact on their community.
Natural and local ingredients come together to create Sharpe Distilleries signature line of spirits.
Sustainability Initiatives
While working closely with their program success advisor, the team at Sharpe Distillery were pleased to find that many of their ongoing practices already fit into the measurable actions of the program, which gave them a solid footing that could lead to becoming Biosphere Committed.
Along with utilizing local products in their lineup of products and using recycled materials to build tiny homes, the team at Sharpe is continuing to work towards aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. For example, the team recently attended the TOTA-hosted and Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce (CGLCC) run “2SLGBTQI+ Diversity & Inclusion Training: Creating a Welcoming & Accessible Tourism Workplace” and are becoming Rainbow Registered to foster equality and inclusion in their community.
Biosphere Commitment Program
The Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program is a sustainability program developed by the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association. The focus is to equip tourism businesses in the region with the necessary tools and resources to continuously measure, manage, and report sustainability management efforts. The program aligns ongoing and future business operations with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Destination Certification to prepare businesses for a globally recognized certification. By accessing the Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle platform, organizations can create customized sustainability plans and utilize dedicated support from industry experts.
Learn more about TOTA’s Biosphere Commitment Program
Quality Inn and Suites Vernon Becomes First Biosphere Certified Hotel in the Thompson Okanagan
Quality Inn and Suites Vernon has achieved Biosphere Certification, becoming the first hotel within the Thompson Okanagan region to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability management. With the Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle Platform, the certification was completed in six months. TOTA’s Biosphere Commitment Program is available to help organizations.
Quality Inn and Suites Vernon has achieved Biosphere Certification, the first hotel within the Thompson Okanagan region to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability management by fulfilling all 17 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in the Biosphere Sustainable Lifestyle Platform.
For Quality Inn and Suites Vernon and their Biosphere lead, Vinil Sood, the journey towards certification took six months. The hotel joined TOTA’s Biosphere Commitment Program in April 2023, began uploading evidence, and, in October 2023, the hotel was officially Biosphere Certified. The team found this process to be approachable because of the many sustainability initiatives that Quality Inn already had in place.
“At Quality Inn and Suites Vernon, sustainability is more than just a buzzword or a set of practices,” said Vinil. “It's a core belief that shapes everything we do, from our daily operations to our interactions with the local community and environment. We believe that sustainability means adopting responsible and ethical practices that benefit our business in the short term and contribute positively to the broader ecosystem in which we operate.”
While Quality Inn and Suites Vernon has verified sustainable practices in all 17 SDGs, they have shown an outstanding commitment towards SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy. Some actions towards commitment to SDG 7 include:
Awareness campaigns on the use of clean energy
Adopting energy efficient practices in their facilities
Prioritizing the use of more renewable and green energy sources, like the solar-powered lighting used in their courtyard
Quality Inn and Suites Vernon’s solar-powered courtyard
Biosphere Commitment Program
Biosphere Commitment is the first achievement an organization works towards after joining the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program. To achieve Biosphere Committed status, an organization must pick three SDGs to work towards, from each area of sustainable development: Environment and Climate Change; Society and Culture; and Governance and Economy.
After an organization becomes committed, they can continue to work through the 17 SDGs and show continued improvement towards sustainability management. Once an organization has verified sustainable actions towards all 17 Sustainable Development Goals, they become Biosphere Certified.
Learn more about TOTA’s Biosphere Commitment Program.
Book a Biosphere Presentation.
New Biosphere Commitment Member: Song Sparrow Hall
Song Sparrow Hall is a concert hall and event venue located in the historic Newnes Building in downtown Salmon Arm. Operated as a social venture, the team aims to bring people together and inspire them toward a kinder, more inclusive, and regenerative world.
Join TOTA in welcoming Song Sparrow Hall to the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program.
Song Sparrow Hall is a concert hall and event venue located in the historic Newnes Building in downtown Salmon Arm, BC. This beautiful space was redesigned in 2020 with a focus on performing arts, celebration, and the sharing of ideas. The 235-person capacity venue features a state-of-the-art acoustically designed main hall with an advanced sound system and interactive LED lighting.
Song Sparrow Hall welcomes active community involvement by non-profit groups and individuals seeking to collaborate on innovative events.
Sustainability Initiatives
Operated under Lakeshore Village Limited as a social venture that strives to make sustainable facility and programming decisions, the organisation feels it is a natural fit for Song Sparrow Hall to join the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program.
With every event they produce, the team is mindful of the intersections between socio-cultural, environmental, and economic sustainability. They believe in the power of the arts to bring people together and inspire them toward a kinder, more inclusive, and regenerative world.
By working toward aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, they are proud to join a global network of change-making organizations.
New Biosphere Committed Company: Travel Penticton
Travel Penticton has become a member of the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program, joining over 80 other organizations in working towards sustainable and responsible tourism practices.
Read on to learn about Travel Penticton’s role as a destination marketing organization, including their current sustainability initiatives and motivation for joining Biosphere.
Travel Penticton has become a member of the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program, joining over 80 other organizations in working towards sustainable and responsible tourism practices.
Read on to learn about Travel Penticton’s role as a destination marketing organization, including their current sustainability initiatives and motivation for joining Biosphere.
About Travel Penticton
Travel Penticton is the Destination Marketing Organization for Penticton and area, charged with the task of providing destination marketing and awareness to potential travelers on a regional, provincial, national, and international level. Travel Penticton proudly acknowledges that they work on the traditional unceded territory of the Syilx-Okanagan People.
Tourism is the third largest contributor to the economy in Penticton and a robust and sustainable tourism sector will contribute significantly to the City’s long term prosperity. They have always encouraged members and stakeholders to invest in sustainable initiatives and felt it important to lead by example by joining the Biosphere Commitment Program.
For Travel Penticton, sustainability means they can ensure the longevity of the tourism sector by protecting the natural environment, maintaining a healthy and stable workforce, and creating a community that is welcoming and accessible to all.
Travel Penticton has already made concerted efforts to reduce carbon emissions produced by visitors who drive and fly into Penticton annually through the "Fuel Free…Almost" initiative. This program encourages visitors, once they have arrived, to leave their vehicle keys in the hotel safe and explore the region by foot, pedal, or paddle.
Travel Penticton is also working on several other sustainability initiatives relating to health and wellness of both visitors and employees, including:
Became Rainbow Registered, signifying that visitor centres and offices are deemed safe spaces for members of the LGBTQ2+ community.
Held training and workshops for employees and members covering a wide range of environmental, social and economic topics.
Work closely with the City of Penticton and Penticton Indian Band to address and advocate for policies that have a significant impact on the tourism sector such as diversity, equality, accessibility, affordable housing, and community development.
About the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program
Biosphere is a Sustainable Tourism System certified by the Responsible Tourism Institute, an international certification body that maintains a Memorandum of Understanding with UNESCO, is affiliated to the World Tourism Organization, and is a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. The system is aligned with the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris COP21 Accord to Fight Climate Change.
TOTA’s Biosphere Commitment Program allows tourism industry stakeholders within the Thompson Okanagan to become involved. The Commitment Program follows a simple process in order to be recognized as a Biosphere Committed Company.
New Biosphere Member: Little Straw Vineyards
Little Straw Vineyards is the newest member of the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program. Read on for information about Little Straw, including their rich history, new ownership, and motivation for joining Biosphere.
Little Straw Vineyards is the newest member of the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program. Read on for information about Little Straw, including their rich history, new ownership, and motivation for joining Biosphere.
About Little Straw Vineyards
Little Straw Vineyard is a family-owned winery established in 1996. Wines vinted from the hot summer grapes of 1994 made up the first commercial releases. The winery is well known for the remarkably popular white blend “Tapestry” and for producing the only Auxerrois Icewine in Canada.
The majority of grapes come from their own vineyards situated on the lower slopes of Mount Boucherie in West Kelowna, British Columbia. Little Straw offers a wide range of small-lot wines, with something to appeal to almost every palate.
The winery is currently moving towards sustainability and organic.
Reasons for Joining the Biosphere Commitment Program
The ownership changed at the end of 2021 to Karnail Singh Sidhu, who also owns Kalala Organic Estate Winery. Karnail has been always passionate about being organic, sustainable, and eco-friendly. Kalala Organic Estate Winery has been a part of the Biosphere Commitment Program for a while now, and shares the same values as Biosphere.
The central vision of the Little Straw is to be a leader in environmentally sustainable agri-tourism business in BC. Little Straw really values being environmentally sustainable, keeping the environment in mind with every business decision. For instance, the majority of organic waste from the winery is used in the vineyards as nutrient manure.
Little Straw proactively tries to get certified, especially regarding environmental sustainability. For instance, listing certified organic and Biosphere Committed Company logos will stimulate the wine and agriculture industries and consumers.
The new owners have big plans for Little Straw. Joining the Biosphere Commitment Program will be one of the first steps they take for sustainability. The winery is also in the process to become certified organic, which takes approximately three years.
About the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program
Biosphere is a Sustainable Tourism System certified by the Responsible Tourism Institute, an international certification body that maintains a Memorandum of Understanding with UNESCO, is affiliated to the World Tourism Organization, and is a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council. The system is aligned with the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris COP21 Accord to Fight Climate Change.
TOTA’s Biosphere Commitment Program allows tourism industry stakeholders within the Thompson Okanagan to become involved. The Commitment Program follows a simple process in order to be recognized as a Biosphere Committed Company.
Monte Creek Winery Invests 10 Million Dollars
Monte Creek Winery in the Thompson Valley has been making big moves in the BC wine industry. Determined to offer one of the best wine experiences in BC, they recently completed a refinement to their brand packaging, and finished construction on two stunning new buildings. All the enhancements are intended to improve and better reflect the team’s commitment to quality, ongoing innovation, and sustainable practices
On June 15, Monte Creek Winery hosted media to unveil and celebrate the winery’s new commitments to the Thompson Valley.
Monte Creek shared their new state of the art gravity flow production facility with media at the event. The new custom 15,000 square foot facility boasts 52 feet of vertical space, allowing gravity to process fruit gently, instead of pumps. The belief is that this enables the winery to produce more elegant, premium red wines. The new facility allows Monte Creek to have a more delicate handprint on the wines, but it will also triple the number of cases the winery can produce.
“Today is about celebrating the success of wine in the Thompson Valley, and about unveiling Monte Creek Winery’s commitment to this amazing valley with the addition of 10 million dollars in infrastructure,” said Erik Fisher, General Manager of Monte Creek Winery. “The inspiration behind our core values which are quality, sustainability, and innovation transcend from each and every person on this dynamic team.”
Claim Your Sustainable Life App™ Listing
TOTA and Sustainable Life App™ are collaborating to help Thompson Okanagan tourism companies connect with eco-conscious customers online.
Sustainable Life App™ is a downloadable mobile map-based app that connects eco-conscious consumers with sustainable businesses and brands from where they are. People can use the app while planning a trip or while traveling, making it easy to live a life in line with their core values.
To get your listing, there is a one-time setup fee of $10 USD. Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Committed Companies can receive a free listing with the referral code from Biosphere@TOTABC.com.
TOTA and Sustainable Life App™ are collaborating to help Thompson Okanagan tourism companies connect with eco-conscious customers online.
Sustainable Life App™ is a downloadable mobile map-based app that connects eco-conscious consumers with sustainable businesses and brands from where they are. People can use the app while planning a trip or while traveling, making it easy to live a life in line with their core values.
The app is free to download on Android and Apple. With 4,000+ listings, 10,000+ downloads, and 6,000+ users, the app is growing in popularity across Canada and internationally.
Sustainable Life App™ Business Listings
Businesses can register with Sustainable Life App™ to create a listing and get access to sustainable tourism marketing tools, including:
Customizable Listing: Update your listing anytime, including Social Media Profiles, Photos & Videos
Local Deals: Share local & online deals with customers
Industry Accreditations: Showcase your industry accreditations, including Biosphere Commitment, and sustainable brands that you sell
Custom User Profile: Connect with users based on dietary and purchase preferences that are trending on your profile
Printable Window Decal
Website Widget
Option to upgrade to a user data analytics premium features plan at any time.
Get Listed
To get your listing, there is a one-time setup fee of $10 USD.
Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Committed Companies receive a free listing with the referral code from Biosphere@TOTABC.com.
You can also sign up for Premium Features to get user analytics, quarterly planning calls to maximize ROI, $50 of social media ads (annual only), and unlimited deal listings.
South Okanagan Food & Drink Experience Development Program Event: Tasting the Okanagan Through the Ages
Tasting the Okanagan Through the Ages is an event created through the South Okanagan Food & Drink Experience Development Program which occurred between September 2021 - January 2022 in partnership with TOTA, Destination BC, and the Culinary Tourism Alliance.
Join Chef Aman Dosanj of the Paisley Notebook pop-up series for an immersive dining experience on Covert Farm's 650-acre, fourth-generation farm. The event will guide guests through a multi-course food and wine paired sensory journey of our bountiful region.
Chef Aman Dosanj
Food & Drink Experience Development Pilot Program
The Culinary Tourism Alliance (CTA), in collaboration with Destination British Columbia (DBC) and the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA), delivered a Food & Drink Experience Development Pilot Program in the South Okanagan. The pilot program initiated in May 2021 and concluded in February 2022.
Goals of the Experience Development Pilot Program
To support selected businesses with the creation and delivery of a new, market-
ready food & drink experience to offer both locals and visitors to the South
Okanagan
To contribute to the development of new food tourism experiences that will add
to the destination’s overall value proposition, help visitors connect to the region
in a more meaningful way, and encourage repeat visitation and referral
To summarize learnings from the experience development pilot program that
may inform future experience development supports provided by DBC, which
align with the implementation of the Invest in Iconics Strategy across British
Columbia.
The first participant, Covert Farms Family Estate Winery, has now launched their event they created during this pilot program. Their event Tasting the Okanagan Through the Ages is an immersive dining experience with Chef Aman Dosanj of the Paisley Notebook pop-up series.
Tasting the Okanagan Through the Ages
The night will begin with a welcome reception, where guests can take their seat and enjoy free time to play farm games and explore. Next, you will hop aboard their vintage cherry red trucks for an open-air tour of their regenerative farm and vineyards. Here, they will discuss the rich history of the Syilx Okanagan Nation and neighboring Indigenous cultural site nʕaylintn, and then forage for traditional plants, some of which will be featured in the night’s dishes.
Chef Aman will guide guests through each of her incredible dishes along with the ingredients used, including organic fruits and vegetables grown right here on our farm and meats raised at the estate. Each dish will be paired with Covert Farms Estate wines by winemaker and farmer, Gene Covert, all of which are made with regenerative viticulture practices, using minimal intervention and natural fermentation when possible.
