Temporary Expanded Service Area (TESA) & Winery Sampling Areas

Wine Growers BC has been working with the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) to mitigate challenges wineries are experiencing making Temporary Expanded Service Areas (TESA) associated with their sampling areas permanent.

Accordingly, Policy Directive 22-01 was announced on Feb. 25 to clarify the options available and advise of recent policy changes which will provide greater flexibility within those options.

Policies that apply to picnic area endorsements have changed to provide additional flexibility in application requirements and their use, while also maintaining the public interest.

Manufacturers seeking to make TESAs associated with outdoor sampling areas permanent may choose one of the following options:

1. Apply for a lounge endorsement with a patio

2. Apply for a picnic area endorsement

The LCRB strongly recommends that manufacturers consider their needs and carefully review the policies below relating to lounge patios and picnic areas before deciding which application to submit.

Questions about the application process for a lounge or picnic area endorsement should be directed via email to LCRB.SLA@gov.bc.ca.

Major Mountain Bike Expansion Set to Open This Summer in Sun Peaks Resort

Sun Peaks Resort announced a $1.5 million combined resort and community investment includes new summer chairlift access and 31km of new trail.

The highlight of this summer’s projects is a second chairlift access for the Bike Park on Sundance Mountain, including six new trails totaling 19km. This all-new construction encompasses a full range of machine-built flow and jump options for novice to expert riders, which complement the overall trail progression and development of recent years on Tod Mountain, accessed by the Sunburst chairlift.

Built by industry-renowned trail builders, countless hours and a $1 million investment will have been poured into the new trails and chairlift retrofit by the early summer opening. This includes a vital $200,000 of funding through the Targeted Regional Tourism Development Initiative (TRTDI), facilitated by the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association on behalf of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture & Sport to help make the overall project a reality.

The Sundance zone of the park will launch with a new black (advanced) signature jump trail designed and built by Landmark Trail Works of Kamloops, a second black trail, two blue (intermediate) trails, and a green (novice) trail built by Lifetime Outdoor Inc., and a top-to-bottom green (novice) trail built by the Sun Peaks trail crew.

Future phases will see further builds including the addition of single-track technical trails. This will solidify and pay homage to the roots and reputation of Sun Peaks as a Bike Park destination known for rugged, raw trails that have attracted both the core bike market and pro athletes for the past two decades.

Cross country and enduro style pedal access trails are the other important component of the overall growth and expansion of mountain biking taking shape in Sun Peaks. Community-based Sun Peaks Recreational Trail Association (SPRTA) is the driving force behind free access trails in the valley and on Mt. Morrisey. In partnership with the resort, their multi-year plan will provide community and destination riders alike with a thorough network of trail options, both now and in the future.  

Funding of $297,875 from the province’s Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure Program (CERIP) and a contribution of $150,000 from Tourism Sun Peaks have made possible the new 12km of machine and hand-built trails opening this summer on Mt. Morrisey. A 6km climb trail (multi-purpose with hikers), 2km viewpoint trail (also multi-purpose with hikers), and 4km downhill trail will open in stages this summer. This will complement the selection of new trails SPRTA has already built in the valley over the last two seasons.

The Sun Peaks Bike Park is scheduled to open on Friday, June 17th and will operate daily all the way through Sunday, September 25th. Extended operating hours until 7:00pm daily will be in effect through Labour Day. Details on specific trails will be released closer to opening day and are weather dependent.

View Press Release →

Measuring Sustainability: The State of the Canadian Tourism Industry | GreenStep Sustainable Tourism

GreenStep shared a report on how the Canadian tourism industry is performing in regards to sustainability based on data from hundreds of tourism businesses across Canada who completed the Sustainability Score assessment.

In 2021, GreenStep launched the Sustainable Tourism 2030 Pledge in partnership with the Tourism Industry Association of Canada, encouraging tourism businesses and destinations across the country to measure their sustainability performance using the free online Sustainability Score assessment based upon the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) criteria, and to make a commitment to improving this performance each year until 2030.

The Sustainable Tourism Dashboard enables anonymous aggregation of the results to help tourism destinations, policy makers, and other industry stakeholders understand how the tourism industry is performing at a local, provincial, national, and eventually international level. 

Learn More & View Report →

---

Accessible Employers Guide to Measure Disability Inclusion in Your Workplace

Organizations measure what they want to improve, so if hiring people with disabilities is a priority for you as an employer, measuring disability is a key place to start.

The Make it Count: Measuring for Disability Inclusion in Your Workplace is a practical guide for employers looking to measure the rate of disability in their workplaces.

Download a free copy of the Make it Count Guide to create a disability measurement initiative that fits the unique context of your organization!

Learn More & Download Guide →

---

BC Hotel Association InnFocus Magazine Spring 2022 Edition

The BC Hotel Association released the first issue of Innfocus Magazine of 2022. Among the wealth of information and content featured in the Spring issue, are articles that include:

• Attracting US Visitors

• The Pandemic's Legacy

• New Practices in Food & Beverage

• Recruiting Programs

• Region Feature: Kootenay Cool

• Leader of the Future: Cat Mackintosh

• Hotelier Feature: Debie Hemich

• GoGreen: GreenStep EcoFund

• Wellbeing and Travel

• Grappling with Ghost Hotels

• How do we Get BC on Bucket Lists of World Travellers?

• What's New?

... and much, MUCH more!

Read InnFocus Magazine →

---

Ruth Williams Receives Order of British Columbia

Thirty-one exceptional people were invested into the Order of British Columbia, the Province's highest honour, during a ceremony at Government House on March 3, 2022. There were two Order of B.C. recipients from the Thompson Okanagan region: Brenda Baptiste of Osoyoos and Ruth Williams from Kamloops.

Congratulations to Ruth Williams and thank you for your work towards improving the health and well-being of Indigenous children and families.

About Ruth Williams

Ruth Williams was born in Big Bar Creek, a remote and isolated community, and raised by a single mother with six other siblings. When she moved to an urban setting, it was a complete culture shock.

She took her hardships and became a determined, visionary, and selfless individual who has striven to do all within her powers and abilities to improve the lives of Indigenous people. Williams may be soft-spoken but she has learned to stand up for what she believes in, has gained the courage and confidence to speak out, and be heard.

Williams’ passion and dedication for improving the health and well-being of Indigenous children and families can be seen through the following:

Involvement in numerous community and government committees for advancing a health care system that supports Indigenous people; supporting families and children in care; promoting early child education for Indigenous children; and developing health programs and services for Indigenous people.

1. Founding member and active board member on the first Urban Native Housing Society, which has 103 affordable and safe housing units in Kamloops and 94 units within the Thompson, Okanagan and Kootenay regions.

2. Advocacy work to increase the number of Indigenous graduates and students pursuing post-secondary education and decrease the number of student dropouts by ensuring supports were in place for them. This included the development of an Urban Native Alternate School to support the re- entry of drop-out Indigenous students and for single parents who needed flexible hours and access to daycare.

3. All Nations Trust Company, an Indigenous-owned shareholders lending institute for Indigenous businesses and entrepreneurs. Since its inception, the company’s shares have increased from $10 to $87. She has also been influential in ensuring First Nations’ connectivity through Pathways to Technology and provision of business service through All Nations Development Corporation.

4. Consulted by all levels of federal and provincial governments to gain knowledge and insight into the issues, challenges and barriers faced by Indigenous people, which has resulted in a change to government policies, processes and structures.

5. Development of a daycare centre designed to promote Indigenous programs and culture for all children age groups.

Her influence is shown by the variety of awards that she has received, including an honorary doctorate of laws from Thompson Rivers University and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Commemorative Medal. She received the Kamloops Rotary Club Paul Harris Award, the City of Kamloops 100 Year Confederation and Distinguished Service Awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award from B.C. Aboriginal Achievement Awards, and numerous business awards.

Williams has a special gift to see the potential in people. Many friends and staff members will tell you that she challenges you to be the best person that you can be. She is supportive, an inspirational mentor and a role model. Not only has she directly impacted so many Indigenous lives but she has worked for majority of her life to improve the systems and policies that negatively impact Indigenous people.

View Press Release →

Brenda Baptiste Receives Order of British Columbia

Thirty-one exceptional people were invested into the Order of British Columbia during a ceremony at Government House on March 3, 2022. There were two Order of B.C. recipients from the Thompson Okanagan region: Brenda Baptiste of Osoyoos and Ruth Williams of Kamloops.

Congratulations to Brenda Baptiste! We thank you for your work supporting Indigenous people and developing Indigenous business opportunities through the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre and Indigenous Tourism BC.

Brenda Baptiste

In the late 1990s the Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB), largely through the efforts of Chief Clarence Louie, established itself as an economic force in the South Okanagan. However, very little was evident from an Indigenous cultural perspective so chief and council embarked on the feasibility for a cultural centre that would not only help preserve Syilx (Okanagan) culture but present this cultural richness to the greater public.

In 2003 Brenda Baptiste was hired to coordinate the planning and operations for the $10-million first phase of the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre (NDCC) that would celebrate Syilx culture and life in the desert context. The OIB had limited financial resources to subsidize the cultural centre and decided to open the NDCC to the public to assist with financial operations and to celebrate Indigenous Sylix culture, truly a precursor for reconciliation. The centre went on to win numerous awards and is now in a phase two expansion for which Brenda is guiding the Indigenous story. The completion of this next phase will further anchor the centre as one of the leading cultural attractions in B.C.

Following the inspirational success with the NDCC, Brenda was elected to the board of the then Aboriginal Tourism BC (AtBC), which was a young financially strapped organization of 12 members and one employee. Now known as Indigenous Tourism BC (ITBC), the organization now has 500 members and 12 employees.

For Brenda, three issues became evident:

1. Indigenous cultural tourism would need to become not only an economic opportunity for B.C.’s Indigenous communities but would provide “pride-of-nation” and a powerful path to reconciliation for Indigenous communities as they chose what cultural elements to protect and what to share and celebrate with visitors, ensuring cultural authenticity.

2. For Indigenous cultural rebirth a clear road map was imperative and as a result she worked in collaboration with a team to develop a blueprint for the growth of Indigenous cultural tourism in B.C., and the first of its kind in Canada. The strategy was the catalyst for incredible growth in Indigenous cultural tourism — 20 per cent each year on average, including revenues of more than $1.2 billion and 7,400 full-time jobs.

3. The vision for a potent Indigenous cultural presence had to include a strong B.C. identity, which would celebrate the rich cultural life of Indigenous people. This collaborative effort would be sustained through meaningful partnerships with the B.C. government and tourism industry partners.

Brenda was also the director of the Aboriginal Business Showcase for the Four Host Nations during the 2010 Olympics. This venue hosted over 500 Indigenous cultural businesses and artisans from across Canada. The vision was to create an opportunity for visitors reflecting dynamic and diverse Indigenous cultures, thereby facilitating the growth of cultural opportunities for all Indigenous Nations in Canada.

Recently, Brenda led the coordination of a holistic cultural program for Indigenous inmates at the Okanagan Correction Centre. She has implemented cultural events for those often in most need to build pride in their essence as a native person. She has implemented Syilx cultural programming, including spiritual counselling, smudging, singing and drumming, sweat house ceremonies, Syilx language, and crafts.

View Press Release →

Worn or Damaged Highway Signs

Many highway signs throughout the province are either old, worn, dirty, out-of-date, or heavily damaged by weather and other factors. Poorly maintained signs don't serve us well as a visitor destination.

TIABC and BC Lodging & Campgrounds Association (BCLCA) are looking to provide the Province with recommendations on how to improve the province-wide service and attraction highway signage program.

During your travels throughout various regions, please take photos of any recent blue and white signs that are in disrepair and send them to info@TIABC.ca at your earliest convenience.

Tourism and Hospitality Focused Summer Courses | Okanagan College

Okanagan College is currently offering low-cost programming to support the Tourism and Hospitality sector throughout the summer months. They are pleased to offer short courses delivered online that will fit both your schedule and provide additional support.

Employers may be reimbursed for 60% of training costs through the BC Employer Training Grant (ETG), a reimbursement program from WorkBC for employers to support workforce training. The Okanagan College training programs falls into the Workforce Training Stream.

Learn More & Register →

---

Air Canada Expanding Services from YVR

As travel measures ease and more people consider their next trip from YVR, Air Canada announced an impressive roster of new flights and the return of familiar favourites across North America and Europe.

Flights include new nonstop service to Austin and Halifax. Air Canada is also restoring service to Anchorage, Boston, Quebec City, Sacramento and Yellowknife, as well as Dublin, Frankfurt and Zurich.

This is great new for international visitors planning a trip to the Thompson Okanagan through YVR Airport.

Learn More →

---

New Biosphere Committed Company, Neuron Mobility

Neuron Mobility

Neuron Mobility is committed to supporting the Okanagan region in meeting its environmental goals. A top focus is on their footprint and they hope to inspire other companies to join the Biosphere Commitment Program and do the same. The Biosphere Commitment Program offers Neuron Mobility a community of like minded business individuals and advisors to help them understand how best to work towards the Sustainable Development Goals.

“We are, at our core, a sustainability company. One of our main objectives is to provide a sustainable alternative to passenger vehicles through innovative micro mobility solutions. With this, sustainability is part of every decision we make as a business. As we have an impact on the communities we operate in, we take a broad view of sustainability and ensure that we are not just creating environmental benefits, but also promoting accessibility, while bolstering the local economy and providing support to social institutions.”

- Olivia Onderdonk, Neuron Mobility

Urban transport is responsible for nearly 25% of global GHC emissions, which needs to be addressed. To ensure the healthy future of communities, Neuron Mobility believes we must see a modal shift in how people move across them. They are proud to provide their riders a green alternative to passenger cars and a complementing service to public transport. Neuron Mobility is committed and proud to be helping drive the change they want to see in communities they operate in.

Neuron Mobilities sustainability achievements include:

• Help get cars off streets: from rider surveys, they know that 46% of rides on Neuron devices in Canada replace rides that would have otherwise been in passenger vehicles. 

• Certified Carbon Neutral: they are certified carbon neutral globally through Carbon Reduction Institute and have committed to reduce their emissions, and offsetting any unavoidable emissions. 

• Publicly committed: They are also prepared to be held accountable, and alongside the Biosphere Commitment Program they have also committed globally to The Climate Pledge, joining the world’s most progressive companies to meet net-zero by 2040. 

• Pioneering technology improves operations: Their devices are built to last, their fully modular scooter, designed in-house, means they can repair and replace parts, rather than replacing the whole scooter. The first micro mobility provider globally to deploy swappable batteries across their entire fleet - now a sustainability prerequisite in the industry. This allows them a very small operational vehicle footprint. 

• Create quality jobs in the cities they operate: They are proud to hire local teams across their operations and to be a Living Wage Employer, certified by Living Wage for Families BC. 

---

Thompson Okanagan & bookeco Join Forces to Connect People with Eco-Friendly Tourism Providers

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) and bookeco have formed a strategic alliance and partnership to promote sustainable tourism products and services in the Thompson Okanagan region of British Columbia, Canada. 

bookeco is an online platform that connects people to eco-friendly places to stay, things to do, and places to eat and drink. Launched in November of 2021 with an initial focus on the Canadian market, bookeco already has over 1,200 sustainability focused businesses listed on its platform and boasts a rapidly growing eco-conscious customer base. As a map-based platform, bookeco also gives the added advantage of highlighting eco-friendly businesses that are local to users.

bookeco is helping to rebuild the tourism industry by implementing a subscription based model to save sustainability focused businesses on high third party booking fees, and giving businesses the option to drive customers directly to their website. bookeco is focused on helping the tourism industry fight climate change through sustainability, which includes planting trees for every booking made.

“The bookeco platform makes it easy for people to find and select eco-conscious travel options in order to minimize the impact of tourism on the planet,“ said Ellen Walker-Matthews, TOTA CEO. “We look forward to sharing the Thompson Okanagan’s sustainable travel providers with people planning a trip.”

The Thompson Okanagan region is nestled in the Southern Interior of British Columbia, Canada. Home to over 120 communities, including 33 Indigenous communities, the landscape is as varied as the tallest peak in the Canadian Rockies to the semi-arid climate of the Okanagan Desert. This diverse area with 9 sub-regions ranges from Christina Lake and the Shuswap to the east, Cache Creek and Princeton to the west, Valemount and Mount Robson in the north, and Osoyoos and Midway in the south near the Canada-US border.

“We are excited to partner with TOTA, an organization which shares a similar sustainability vision to bookeco,” said Liam Duffy, bookeco Co-Founder. “The Thompson Okanagan region being a Biosphere Certified Gold Destination is a testament to TOTA’s sustainability focus. This partnership offers an exciting opportunity to connect bookeco’s eco-conscious customers to the incredible sustainability focused businesses in the Thompson Okanagan region.”

As part of the partnership, bookeco will feature the Thompson Okanagan as a sustainable destination. 

Thompson Okanagan tourism businesses who demonstrate sustainable practices will have the opportunity to be featured on the bookeco website. TOTA Biosphere Committed Companies will receive up to 4 months free when they sign up for the bookeco Advantage Plan.

The partnership agreement will also include a series of projects to promote sustainable tourism and responsible tourism providers through email and social media initiatives.

---

About the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA):

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) is a non-profit society, governed by an elected Board of Directors, which represents business and community tourism interests of the Thompson Okanagan region of British Columbia. TOTA is supported by and representative of Destination British Columbia and the B.C. Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, and Sport.

TOTA is an industry-led organization that represents and supports all business and community tourism interests in the region, while also helping to implement provincial tourism policies.

Learn more at TOTABC.org.

 

About bookeco:

Founded in Canada, bookeco was launched in November 2021 with a goal to help neutralize tourism’s negative impact on the planet. As a map-based platform, bookeco connects people to eco-friendly places to stay, things to do and places to eat and drink. For every booking made, bookeco plants trees.

Learn more at bookeco.com.

---

For more information, contact:

Ellen-Walker Matthews

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA)

E: Ellen@TOTABC.com

For information on the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program:

Kavan Vijayakumar

Industry Relations & Stewardship Specialist

Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA)

E: Kavan@TOTABC.com

Myra Canyon Bicycle Rentals and Tours Welcomes Bamboo Bicycles

Introducing Bamboo Bicycles for Myra Canyon Bicycle Rentals and Tours

Myra Canyon Bicycle Rentals and Tours is one of our Biosphere Committed Companies. The Biosphere Commitment Program aligns with the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and empowers tourism stakeholders to take action within the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability. The SDGs were adopted by the UN in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, reduce inequality and ensure that by 2030, all people enjoy peace and prosperity. The SDGs address global challenges and serve as a blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. Myra Canyon Bicycle Rentals and Tours has their focus on SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production with the introduction of bamboo bicycles.

These bamboo bicycles are being introduced to their fleet to see how they can withstand the elements and weather the beautiful Okanagan has to offer. The bamboo bicycles are created and sold from a small village in Ghana. By purchasing and supporting this small village it allows their village to create jobs and assists in building schools locally.

The hope from Myra Canyon Bicycle Rentals and Tours, is that the bicycles hold up well to the demands and allows the company to buy more bamboo bicycles to add to their fleet. A big draw to adding these bamboo bicycles to their fleet is that these bicycles are a more sustainable option and help provide insight to customers about choosing sustainable products.

The bamboo bicycles will be available through their Half Day Guided Myra Canyon Tours. The tours include transportation pick up in Kelowna or West Kelowna and drop off at guests desired location. Reservations are now open on their website, so test out these sustainable bamboo bicycles!

As tourism stakeholders it is our responsibility to support sustainability and localism in our offerings as businesses. This is important locally but also to help educate our customers and visitors. It takes not only a village but everyone working towards a better future to ensure that we have a better world for generations to come.

To learn more about the Biosphere Commitment Program and how you can join this international, world recognized certification that TOTA holds, talk to our Biosphere Team today.

---

Host a Green Wine Future Virtual Expo Booth on May 23 to 26, 2022 | Apply by March 18, 2022

The Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) has joined with Green Wine Future (GWF) as a corporate sponsors and strategic partners. The event is the most ambitious environmental conference ever organized for the wine community and will launch as a fully online gathering May 23-26, 2022.

Wineries in the Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program are invited to represent the Thompson Okanagan wine regions by hosting a Green Wine Future Virtual Expo Booth.

Hosts will have the opportunity to showcase their wines, products, and services to an international audience interested in sustainable wine. Delegates, speakers, and exhibitors can network virtually with companies through the booths on the days of the event, May 23 to 26, 2022, and starting two weeks prior to the event, May 9.

Availability is limited.

Benefits of hosting a virtual booth include:

• Virtual booth networking opportunities during the conference, beginning 2 weeks prior.

• Share company information including description, video, and website link.

• Operate a Video Chat with ability to share your video with up to 10 people and share a presentation.

• Host live virtual tastings with up to 10 clients.

• Advertise an Event Offer, a special promotion curated especially for attendees, with a Call to action button.

• Receive attendee Registered Interest requests to engage.

---

How to Apply

The cost for the virtual expo booths is $1,000 USD (invoiced in CAD based on the exchange at the time of invoicing + GST). The first ten Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program wineries to apply by March 18 are eligible to receive a $250 USD discount.

Thompson Okanagan Biosphere Commitment Program members or those interested in joining can apply for the virtual expo through TOTA. Email Kavan@TOTABC.com with any questions.

Other wineries can can email Wendy Vallaster, Green Wine Future Canadian Agent and Contact at WendyVallaster@Gmail.com.

---

Key Links

• Green Wine Future Website →

• View Announcement →

New B.C. Ministers Appointed for Land Stewardship, Municipal Affairs

Premier John Horgan appointed Josie Osborne as Minister of Land, Water, and Resource Stewardship and Minister Responsible for Fisheries, and Nathan Cullen as Minister of Municipal Affairs. Premier Horgan has also named MLA Doug Routley as Parliamentary Secretary for Forests to support the work of Minister Katrine Conroy to modernize forestry in British Columbia.

The establishment of the Ministry of Land, Water and Resource Stewardship follows government’s commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, protecting BC's environment and building a strong economic recovery. Minister Osborne will work with First Nations, local communities and industry to build a vision for land and resource management that will embrace shared decision making on the land base and to build certainty and create further opportunity.

As Minister of Municipal Affairs, Cullen will work with local governments to support their communities as they recover and rebuild after COVID-19 and extreme weather. Cullen will support municipalities to address their priorities, from building infrastructure to responding to challenges posed to businesses and neighbourhoods by homelessness.

Learn More →

Government of Canada Support for the Air Transportation Ecosystem in B.C.

On February 22nd, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, announced Regional Air Transportation Initiative (RATI) funding of over $18.8 million in federal support for 11 airports and two air carriers in B.C. In the Thompson Okanagan, Kelowna International Airport received $3,261,330 of RATI funds.

The funding will ensure these airports and carriers can continue essential route maintenance and facility operations, as well as maintain employment and restore growth in the region.

Learn More →

REMINDER | Lightened Border Measures Now in Effect

A reminder that effective Monday, February 28, Canada will be transitioning to a new phase at the border.

All fully vaccinated travellers arriving in Canada may be randomly selected for testing. However, they will no longer be required to quarantine while awaiting their test result.

Children under 12 years old, travelling with fully vaccinated adults, will be exempt from quarantine without any prescribed conditions limiting their activities.

Travellers will now have the option to use a COVID-19 rapid antigen test result or a molecular test result to satisfy pre-entry requirements.

The Government of Canada will adjust its Travel Health Notice from Level 3 to Level 2. This means that government will no longer recommend Canadians avoid travel for non-essential purposes.

International flights carrying passengers will be permitted to land at all Canadian airports that are designated by the Canada Border Services Agency to receive international passenger flights.

Travellers should understand the risks that are still associated with international travel given the high incidence of Omicron, and take necessary precautions.

Learn More →

Funding for Intern Programs | Mitacs

Mitacs designs and delivers research and training programs in Canada, including the Business Strategy Internship and Accelerate Program, which match an organization’s funding towards the project, up to $7,500, which covers a student’s stipend. BSIs are focused on designing and implementing an innovation strategy to tackle a business problem. Accelerate supports research projects that are eligible for peer-review.

Business Strategy Internship

Mitacs is bringing their Business Strategy Internship (BSI) program back for a second year. The BSI connects students from academic institutions with businesses and nonprofits to support innovation. With the guidance of an academic supervisor, these interns provide technical expertise on everything from operations to finance, to marketing, to intellectual property, and beyond to help businesses develop and implement their innovation roadmap—and Mitacs funding will support you to bring these students onboard!

Accelerate Program

The Accelerate Program supports organizations to enlist students to work on research projects. Solve your research challenges with academic expertise, leveraged funding, and one-to-one support from Mitacs. Internships start at four months and can scale up as much as you need — your financial contribution starts at $7,500.

Okanagan Rail Trail to Be Completed by Okanagan Indian Band, District of Lake Country, and City of Kelowna

On February 8, 2022, the Okanagan Indian Band, District of Lake Country and City of Kelowna announced agreement on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will pave the way toward building important health, safety, and infrastructure improvements, including completion of the Okanagan Rail Trail. 

Staff discussions among the three neighbours over many months have resulted in an agreement to move toward resolving infrastructure needs. Some preliminary work is already underway on agreements to overcome historical jurisdictional challenges.

Working within the spirit of the agreement, all parties are committed to meeting the following goals:

OKIB Objectives

• the opportunity for water and sewer services to existing properties and availability of servicing for future developments,

• a road access to a parcel of land on the east side of Duck Lake, and

• an Addition to Reserve for the Okanagan Rail Trail corridor.

Lake Country Objectives:

• to have Commonwealth Road opened as an arterial access to Jim Bailey Road from Highway 97 to address capacity issues on Beaver Lake Road,

• to complete the Okanagan Rail Trail,

• to secure interim sewer servicing from the City of Kelowna,

• dedication of a road right-of-way north from Beaver Lake Road to the Clearwater/Copperhill subdivision, and

• a minor boundary adjustment.

City of Kelowna Objectives:

• to complete the development of the Okanagan Rail Trail,

• to protect the City’s main sewer line within the rail trail right-of-way through the IR#7,

• to obtain full access for the industrial lands via Commonwealth Road, and

• later supply from Lake Country for the entire neighbourhood.

The three jurisdictions agree to work together to upgrade Beaver Lake Road to an arterial standard from Highway 97 to Jim Bailey Road.

OKIB has agreed to provide access to the Okanagan Rail Trail once the Government of Canada adds the lands to Reserve. This connection will provide the final link to this important recreational corridor.

Over the coming months, the parties will formalize legal agreements to address responsibilities and funding for the various works.

OKIB Chief Byron Louis, Kelowna Mayor Colin Basran, and Lake Country Mayor James Baker will take part in a ceremonial signing event in the near future.

View Press Release →

Small Business BC Awards - Vote for Thompson Okanagan Nominees

The Small Business BC Awards are open for nominations and voting until February 28, 2022. This year’s competition consists of two categories, the Business Impact Award and the returning Premier’s People’s Choice Award.

The Thompson Okanagan small business finalists are:

1. Monte Creek Winery

2. Myra Canyon Bicycle Rental and Tours

3. Divine Tours

4. Welton Arms Brewery

5. Kamloops Florist

6. Olive Us Oil and Vinegar Tasting Room

7. Blissful Belly Whole Food Co.

8. Valley Lifestyle

9. Pharmasave Mission Park

Click the profile links to cast your vote and support these outstanding small businesses!

Once a small business is nominated, they must gain as many public votes as possible. The businesses with the most votes in the SBBC Business Impact Award category will be narrowed down to the top twenty, then judged by an internal panel of business experts to select the Top Five finalists. The Top 5 Finalists will be invited to present to a panel of judges.

The winner of the Premier’s People’s Choice award will be selected based on the most votes, after a normalization process to allow for regional populations.

On April 28, 2022, a virtual gala will be hosted by Small Business BC to announce and honour the winners.