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Today in Kelowna

Friday, October 30, 2026

19 stories · Updated 4:25 p.m. PT

Our Instagram post: Smoke soon? It's planned. A small gold log pile with a thin wisp of smoke on a model of forested hills beside a narrow blue lake.
As posted on Instagram

Wildfire prep · Fri., Oct. 30

Smoke soon? It's planned.

The BC Wildfire Service says it will help burn a wood pile at the Gillard Mountain Bike trail network parking lot, about three kilometres southeast of the Mission, as early as Monday, Nov. 2.

When and where

  • It could start as early as Monday, Nov. 2, 2026. The exact timing depends on weather and site conditions.
  • The burn is at the Gillard Mountain Bike trail network parking lot, about 3 km southeast of the Mission area, inside the City of Kelowna.

What you'll see

  • Smoke may be visible from the Mission and surrounding areas of Kelowna.
  • Crews will only burn if conditions let the smoke spread out, but smoke may linger in the following days.

Why burn it

  • Crews plan to burn about one pile of dead wood and brush to clean up the area and reduce wildfire hazards. It's a Recreation Sites and Trails BC project, supported by the BC Wildfire Service.
  • To report a real wildfire or illegal burning, call 1-800-663-5555 or *5555 on a cell.
Read the full story News · CastanetNews · Vernon Matters

Original reporting: BC Wildfire Service

Also today

Our Instagram post: School Gmail is shut off. A small gold padlock on an envelope with a gold fishing hook above it, on a model of dry hills beside a narrow blue lake.
As posted on Instagram

Schools · Fri., Oct. 30

School Gmail is shut off.

Central Okanagan Public Schools (School District 23) has shut off Gmail access for all students and staff after four district accounts were compromised and used to send a phishing email, the district says.

What happened

  • Four district email accounts were compromised.
  • They were used to send a phishing email to other students and staff, with a link to a form asking for information to apply for a job opportunity.

What may be exposed

  • The district says the information that may have been exposed is users' first and last names and their district Gmail addresses.
  • Following its breach procedure, the district notified the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for B.C.

What's next

  • The district's privacy and cybersecurity team is investigating the cause and securing the system before turning email back on. No date has been given yet.
  • Don't click the job-offer link or fill out the form.
  • The district says it will send updates to families and staff directly.
Read the full story News · CastanetDistrict · Central Okanagan Public Schools: privacy

Original reporting: Kelowna Capital News

Our Instagram post: Richter is down a lane. A small gold road roller on a freshly paved street across a model of dry hills beside a narrow blue lake.
As posted on Instagram

Roads · Fri., Oct. 30 to Tue., Nov. 3

Richter is down a lane.

The northbound lane of Richter Street is closed between Sutherland Avenue and Rowcliffe Avenue from Friday, Oct. 30, until Tuesday, Nov. 3, so crews can mill and repave the road, the City of Kelowna says.

What's closed

  • The northbound lane of Richter St., from Sutherland Ave. to Rowcliffe Ave.
  • Starts Friday, Oct. 30, and runs until Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Why

  • Crews are milling (grinding off) the old asphalt and laying fresh pavement.

How to get around

  • The City's suggested detours: Cadder Ave. to Ethel St., or Cadder Ave. to Pandosy St.
  • Drivers, cyclists and people walking are asked to pick another route if they can, and to follow signs, fencing and crew directions in the work zone.
  • Check the City's road report before you head out.
Read the full story News · CastanetNews · Vernon MattersRoads · City of Kelowna road report

Original reporting: City of Kelowna

Our Instagram video: One lightning strike. A paper-cut gold lightning bolt over dark hills and pine trees, under the heading August 2003.
As posted on Instagram

Kelowna history · 2003

The summer the hills burned.

On Aug. 16, 2003, lightning started a fire in Okanagan Mountain Park. Six days later, on Friday night, Aug. 22, it pushed into Kelowna's southern neighbourhoods. More than 27,000 people were evacuated and nearly 240 homes were lost.

What happened

  • Lightning hit Okanagan Mountain Park in the early morning of Aug. 16, 2003, during one of the driest summers on record. Steady winds pushed the fire north for days.
  • On Friday night, Aug. 22, it reached the city's southern neighbourhoods. More than 27,000 people were forced from their homes, and nearly 240 homes were lost.
  • The fire burned more than 250 square kilometres.

What came after

  • It destroyed 12 historic wooden trestles in Myra Canyon. The rebuilt trestles reopened in 2008.
Read the full story History · BC Wildfire Service (major historical wildfires)News · CBC News (20 years later)News · CBC News (trestles reopen, 2008)

Original reporting: City of Kelowna

Our Instagram post: Halloween keeps police busy. A glowing white jack-o’-lantern and a gold flashlight on a small model of dry hills and a narrow blue lake.
As posted on Instagram

Halloween · Sat., Oct. 31

Halloween keeps police busy.

On average, Kelowna RCMP sees about 20% more calls on Halloween night, the City of Kelowna says. With trick-or-treating this Saturday, Oct. 31, police and the City are asking everyone to stay visible, slow down and look out for each other.

Trick-or-treaters

  • Be easy to see: bright or light-coloured costumes, reflective tape, a flashlight or glow sticks.
  • Young kids should go with an adult. Older kids should stay in a group, in areas they know, and agree on a route and a meet-up spot in case anyone gets separated.
  • Use sidewalks, cross at safe spots, and don’t cross between parked cars. Face paint is easier to see through than a mask.

Drivers

  • Expect more people walking in neighbourhoods after dark. Slow down, put the phone away and watch intersections, driveways and parked cars.
  • Never drive impaired. Plan a ride home with a taxi, ride-share or a friend.

At home

  • Use a battery candle in your jack-o’-lantern and keep decorations away from flames.
  • Fireworks and firecrackers aren’t allowed anywhere in Kelowna under the City’s Life and Safety Bylaw, and you could be fined. To report them, call Kelowna Fire at 250-469-8577 or City Bylaw at 250-469-8686.
  • The BC SPCA says fireworks, doorbells and costumes can scare pets, and candy should stay out of reach. Chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats.
Read the full story News · CastanetPolice · Kelowna RCMP (fireworks reminder)

Original reporting: City of Kelowna

Our Instagram post: The market moves inside. A small paper market stall with a gold striped awning and a crate of apples, squash and carrots, with dry hills and a narrow blue lake behind.
As posted on Instagram

Your Weekend · Oct. 31

The market moves inside.

Saturday, Oct. 31 is the last outdoor Kelowna Farmers’ and Crafters’ Market of the year at the Landmark District. After that, the market moves indoors for the winter: Saturdays only, at Parkinson Recreation Centre, starting Nov. 7.

This Saturday, Oct. 31

  • The last outdoor market runs 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Landmark District (the market’s spot near Kirschner Road and Harvey Avenue).
  • For Halloween, the market says it’s turning its small Market Corner building into a haunted house, with trick-or-treating and costume contests.

Starting Nov. 7

  • The winter market is Saturdays only, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., inside Parkinson Recreation Centre (1800 Parkinson Way).
  • Expect about 60 vendors: crafts and handmade goods, plus local winter produce like apples, squash, carrots, beets and potatoes.

Good to know

  • The BC Association of Farmers’ Markets lists the winter market running until March 27, 2027.
  • The market says it’s still looking for a permanent winter home for future years, because Parkinson is being redeveloped.
Read the full story Official · Kelowna Farmers’ and Crafters’ MarketMarket list · BC Association of Farmers’ Markets

Original reporting: Castanet

Our Instagram post: Rates just went up. A small white model house beside a gold arrow pointing up, with a long blue lake between dry hills behind.
As posted on Instagram

Your Money · Oct. 28

Rates just went up.

The Bank of Canada raised its key interest rate by a quarter point, from 2.25% to 2.5%, on Wednesday, Oct. 28. It’s the bank’s first rate hike since July 2023. Canada’s big banks are raising their prime rate to match, which means borrowing costs more for anyone with a variable-rate loan.

Who feels it

  • RBC, TD and CIBC are raising their prime rate from 4.45% to 4.70%, starting Thursday, Oct. 29.
  • Variable-rate mortgages and lines of credit tied to prime get more expensive. Example: $100,000 owing on a line of credit at prime costs about $21 more a month in interest.
  • Fixed-rate mortgage? Your rate stays the same until you renew.

Why

  • High oil prices tied to the war in the Middle East are pushing up costs. The bank wants to stop those costs spreading to the prices of everything else.

What’s next

  • The bank says more hikes could be needed, but it will go carefully, one meeting at a time. Its next decision is Dec. 9.
Read the full story News · CBC NewsNews · Castanet (The Canadian Press)Prime rate · RBC Royal BankPrime rate · TD Canada Trust

Original reporting: Bank of Canada

Our Instagram post: That pipe isn’t a fix. A white radon vent pipe rising from a concrete basement floor in soft light.
As posted on Instagram

Home & Health · Radon

That pipe isn’t a fix.

Since March 8, 2024, every new home in BC has to be built with a radon “rough-in”: a sealed pipe under the floor that’s ready for a fan. But the code doesn’t require the fan, and the pipe alone doesn’t prove your air is safe. Only a test can tell you.

Why it matters here

  • Radon is an invisible, odourless gas that seeps up from the ground.
  • Health Canada says it’s the #1 cause of lung cancer in people who don’t smoke.
  • The Central Okanagan is considered a high-radon area.

What the pipe does

  • It’s ready for a fan. The building code doesn’t require one.
  • Some older homes only got a short capped pipe that vents nothing.

How to test

  • Use a long-term (3-month) test, ideally over fall and winter. BC Lung Foundation kits start at about $63, lab results included.
  • If your result is 200 Bq/m³ or higher, Health Canada says to hire a certified radon mitigation professional.
Read the full story Health · Health CanadaGuideline · Health Canada radon guidelineTest kits · BC Lung FoundationLocal · Interior Health

Original reporting: Province of BC (Building Code bulletin B24-03)

Our Instagram post: A $33K win for kids. A black hockey puck and a gold hockey stick on white ice, with a long narrow lake and dry pine-dotted hills behind at dusk.
As posted on Instagram

Community · Hockey Fest

A $33K win for kids.

The third annual Kelowna Hockey Fest, held Aug. 22 at MNP Place, raised $33,185 for the YMCA of Southern Interior BC. Organizers shared the total this week. All of the money goes to the YMCA’s child and youth programs.

The day

  • Saturday, Aug. 22 at MNP Place. More than 1,000 fans came.
  • A pro game with NHL players including Shea Theodore, Logan Stankoven, Curtis Lazar and Brayden and Luke Schenn, plus a free indoor family festival.

The total

  • $33,185, raised through a 50/50 draw, a silent auction and a jersey and signed-stick raffle.

Where it goes

  • The YMCA’s Child and Youth Development programs, which help local kids get into sports and access childcare, school and family support, and youth mental health services, whatever their family can afford.
Read the full story Coverage · CastanetCoverage · KelownaNowEvent · YMCA of Southern Interior BC

Original reporting: Kelowna Capital News

Our Instagram post: What they promised us. A small white jet on a runway beside a tall stack of gold coins, with a long narrow lake and dry hills behind at dusk.
As posted on Instagram

BC Politics · Oct. 27

What they promised us.

BC’s new Conservative government, led by premier-designate Lorne Doerkson, made several campaign pledges that could reach Kelowna wallets and the airport. They are promises for now: each still needs a budget and a timeline.

Your wallet

  • Raise BC’s basic personal exemption from $13,216 to $32,000. The party says that’s about $1,000 a year off provincial income tax for most workers ($2,000 for a two-earner couple), starting with the 2027 tax year. People who already owe little or no provincial tax would save less.
  • Remove the PST at the till on Canadian beer, wine and spirits for as long as the U.S. trade war lasts.

Here at home

  • Match Ottawa’s up to $22.4 million to service 165 acres of YLW’s East Lands for a planned aerospace hub. The party says it could support close to 3,000 jobs.

The catch

  • None of these has a confirmed start date yet beyond the tax-year target. Watch for them in the new government’s first budget.
Read the full story Promises · CastanetWhat to expect · CBC NewsAirport pledge · Kelowna Capital NewsTax cut details · BC Conservative platform

Original reporting: Castanet

Our Instagram post: Bundle up for Halloween. A glowing jack-o'-lantern on a frosty stone step beside a knitted scarf, with dry hills and a lake behind.
As posted on Instagram

Weather · Sat, Oct. 31

Bundle up for Halloween.

Halloween (Saturday, Oct. 31) looks mostly dry in the Okanagan, but cold. Environment Canada expects a mix of sun and cloud with a high around 7–8°C, and about 0 to 5°C during trick-or-treat hours. Mountain passes could see snow and wind today and Wednesday.

The forecast

  • Saturday: a mix of sun and cloud. High around 7–8°C.
  • Trick-or-treat hours (about 7 to 8 p.m.): roughly 0 to 5°C. Near freezing overnight.

Before you go

  • Plan a warm layer under the costume.
  • Sunset is just after 5:30 p.m. Reflective gear or glow sticks help drivers see kids.

Driving this week?

  • Snow and wind are possible on mountain passes Tuesday and Wednesday.
  • Hwy 97C had slippery sections Tuesday morning. Check DriveBC before you go.
Read the full story Forecast · Environment CanadaCoverage · CastanetRoads · DriveBC

Original reporting: Environment Canada (via Castanet)

Our Instagram post: City Hall closed Monday. A modern white civic building with a gold padlock accent at dusk.
As posted on Instagram

City Hall · Oct. 26–27

City Hall closed Monday.

A brief power outage caused an unforeseen mechanical problem at Kelowna City Hall on Monday, Oct. 26. The building was emptied as a precaution and closed for the day while repairs were underway.

What happened

  • An unforeseen mechanical issue after a short power outage.
  • The building was emptied as a precaution. Firefighters were on scene.

What you can still do

  • Many city services stay online, including payments and service requests.
  • Staff will contact people who had Monday appointments.

What’s next

  • Expected to reopen Tuesday, Oct. 27 — once the fire department clears it.
Read the full story Details · CastanetCoverage · Kelowna Capital News

Original reporting: City of Kelowna (via media)

Our Instagram post: The gang team is staying. Four white shield silhouettes on a gold ring against a dark navy backdrop.
As posted on Instagram

Public Safety · Oct. 26

The gang team is staying.

Kelowna RCMP made its four-person Gang Enforcement Team a permanent unit after a four-month pilot. The move was announced Oct. 26; the unit became permanent on Sept. 15.

The pilot

  • Four months of work. Hundreds of enforcement actions.
  • Seized: over 12 kg of suspected drugs and 215 weapons (10 firearms).

Now permanent

  • Became permanent Sept. 15. Announced Oct. 26.
  • Since then: about 1.8 kg of suspected drugs, 71 weapons, 2 firearms.

What they do

  • Target organized crime, drugs and firearms with partner units.
Read the full story Release · Kelowna RCMPCoverage · CastanetCoverage · Kelowna Capital News

Original reporting: Kelowna RCMP

Our Instagram post: Fire at YLW? It’s a drill. A white training plane with small flames and smoke on a runway at dusk, two fire trucks nearby.
As posted on Instagram

YLW Airport · Tue, Oct. 27

Fire at YLW? It’s a drill.

On Tuesday, Oct. 27, from noon to 4 p.m., Kelowna International Airport is running a full-scale practice for a plane emergency on the south end of its secure airfield.

What you’ll see

  • Smoke and flames from a training plane.
  • Fire trucks and other emergency vehicles with lights and sirens.
  • Volunteers acting as hurt passengers.

Do you need to do anything?

  • No. It’s not a real emergency, so please don’t call 911 about it.
  • Flights keep running as normal, and signs in the terminal will explain the drill.

Why

  • Transport Canada requires regular full-scale emergency drills at certified airports. Kelowna Fire, RCMP, BC Emergency Health Services, Interior Health and others take part.
Read the full story Details · CastanetWho’s involved · Kelowna Capital News

Original reporting: Kelowna International Airport

Our Instagram post: Only 132 votes apart. A white 3D model of the valley and lake with a gold marker on Kelowna Centre.
As posted on Instagram

BC Election · Kelowna Centre

Only 132 votes apart.

Kelowna Centre is picking 1 person to speak for us in BC’s government. Right now, it’s almost a tie.

The count so far

  • Kristina Loewen, Conservative: 10,791
  • Loyal Wooldridge, NDP: 10,659

How tiny is 132?

  • About 22,300 votes counted. If just 67 people switched their vote, it would flip.

What’s next

  • Mail-in ballots get counted Nov. 6–10. Then we’ll know.
  • Could it flip? Yes. In 2024, Loewen’s 148-vote lead shrank to just 40 in the final count.
Read the full story Live results · Elections BC

Original reporting: Kelowna Capital News

Our Instagram post: Snow’s on the passes. A dark highway curving over a white, snowy mountain pass at dusk.
As posted on Instagram

Roads & Weather

Snow’s on the passes.

Winter hit the mountain highways today. Here’s what it means tonight.

The roads

  • Okanagan Connector: open, with slippery sections (DriveBC, 3 p.m. Sunday).
  • Coquihalla: open. Slushy and slippery between north of Merritt and Kamloops (DriveBC, 3:55 p.m.).
  • Tonight up top: 30% chance of flurries, snow level about 1,200 metres. In town: a chance of showers, low of plus 2.

Big White

  • Not open yet. Opening day: Thursday, Nov. 26.
  • It picked up fresh snow today.

What to do

  • Winter tires are required on BC’s mountain highways until April 30.
  • Check DriveBC before you go.
Read the full story Roads · DriveBCForecast · Environment CanadaOpening day · Big White

Original reporting: Castanet

Our Instagram post: Fewer than half of us voted. A tall glass only half filled with paper ballots, one gold ballot on top.
As posted on Instagram

BC Election · Voter turnout

Fewer than half of us voted.

Early numbers show only about 48% of BC’s registered voters cast a ballot.

The numbers

  • BC this year: about 48% (early count, Elections BC).
  • Past: 53.9% in 2020 and 58.4% in 2024.

Why it matters here

  • Kelowna Centre is just 132 votes apart. Every uncounted ballot counts.

What’s next

  • Mail-in and absentee ballots get counted Nov. 6–10, so turnout will rise.
Read the full story Turnout · Elections BCRecord low · Castanet

Original reporting: CBC News

Traffic

Crash slowed Highway 97 at Ellison Lake

A crash on Highway 97 near Ellison Lake in Lake Country slowed traffic to a crawl at about 3:40 p.m. Saturday, with a backup reaching Old Vernon Road. RCMP, with a police dog and a drone, searched the hillside above the crash. DriveBC showed no incident there by Sunday afternoon.

Read the full story

Original reporting: Kelowna Capital News

Public Safety

Small hillside fire put out fast in Mount Royal greenspace

A witness spotted a fire on the slope south of Knox Mountain late Saturday morning and called 911. Firefighters put it out quickly and police arrested a woman. The brush there is still dry after years of drought.

Read the full story

Original reporting: Castanet

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