Kelowna's #1 Source for News, Events & Local Happenings
*Bonus Bookmark:*
All the news from all the sources for Kelowna.
Bylands Garden Centres in West Kelowna and on KLO are planning on opening this weekend for the start of your 2026 Spring gardening season.
The Greenery is set to open Saturday, Feb.28 as well.
→Bylands
→The Greenery
Following the February 10 mass shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary, students are returning to classes in temporary modular classrooms while the community prioritizes mental health, trauma-informed support, and healing. Read the full story at CBC.
OpenAI revealed that the Tumbler Ridge mass shooter, Jesse Van Rootselaar, evaded a June 2025 ban by creating a second ChatGPT account. The company notified the RCMP only after the February 2026 tragedy, raising questions about reporting thresholds. There is going to be a lot more conversation about this, as Premier David Eby will meet with Sam Altman, the CEO of ChatGPT parent OpenAI shortly.
Housing groups say a key affordable housing fund was effectively put on ice in Budget 2026, leaving projects in limbo. If you were planning units around that funding, this is the opposite of “shovel-ready.”
The province is rolling out a new $400 million investment fund aimed at backing private-sector projects. The pitch: help grow B.C. industries and share in the upside if projects succeed.
B.C. is putting new money into expanding access to naloxone, including nasal kits, to help prevent overdose deaths. It is one of those “small item, huge impact” moves.
After the Community Safety Business Forum feedback, the City has started a temporary overnight security patrol. It is framed as a fast, direct response aimed at improving downtown safety and visibility after hours.
The Downtown Kelowna Association says an individual has been filming storefronts and patrons downtown. Businesses are advised not to engage, and to call RCMP if there is an immediate safety concern.
The Weston Family Foundation is putting $8 million toward a UBC Okanagan program to train people in safe prescribed fire. The goal is more capacity, better standards, and smarter prevention before wildfire season turns ugly.
The Hall Family Foundation is donating $10 million to Okanagan College’s business school, marking the largest gift in the college’s history. Big local boost for future entrepreneurs.
Starting Monday, Feb. 23 through April, expect impacts on Doyle Ave between the traffic circle and Ellis St. There will be single-lane alternating traffic at times, occasional closures, and reduced parking as the South Art Walk extension takes shape.
A Kelowna resident in Puerto Vallarta says she was close to the chaos during a serious incident and had to shelter in place. She describes the noise, confusion, and the flood of check-in messages from home.
See the lowest gas prices in Kelowna. You can check this website for the latest gas prices at a station near you.
Kelowna RCMP are warning the public about an uptick in counterfeit $20, $50, and $100 polymer bills.
To check if a Canadian polymer note is fake, look for raised ink on the portrait and shoulders, confirm the metallic multi-coloured holographic portrait in the clear window matches the main portrait, and make sure the small numbers in the window match the bill’s value.
For full official guidelines, visit the Bank of Canada website.
Normals: Max 5°C • Min –4 °C
Early spring in Kelowna looks like it will ease in slowly. Expect a sluggish, volatile start through March and April. Cooler days. Frequent swings. And yes, likely more umbrellas than patio weather.
While some long-range forecasts suggest a 70% chance of above-normal temperatures for the Okanagan from February to April, shorter-term outlooks point to an unsettled pattern with steady precipitation.
In short, spring may wobble before it walks. But if history holds, summer could arrive all at once.
Sunrise 6:47 PST - Sunset 5:35 PST
The weather forecast is often wrong because the atmosphere is chaotic, data is limited or imperfect, and even small errors in initial information can quickly grow into significant inaccuracies in predictions. Best to check the website below for current reports.
📘 2025 City Budget (full doc):
Open on Issuu → In the latest City of Kelowna council meeting held on February 23, 2026, significant discussions focused on military land use and long-term urban planning. Public discussion in recent weeks has remained focused on crime and public safety, particularly in the downtown core. Residents and business owners continue to voice concerns about public disorder and the ongoing drug crisis.
📘 2026 FINANCIAL PLAN Preliminary Budget:
PDF File →
📘 🏫 School District 23: Board Meeting Highlights (Dec. 10):
PDF File →
📘 Read the New B.C. Budget 2026 →
🏛 City Council Update: February 23, 2026
Meeting Highlights (February 23, 2026)
Recent Major Decisions (February 2026)
Ongoing Community Concerns
A Kelowna councillor praised a proposed commercial development, saying it checks the boxes on design, fit, and function. The project blends retail space with modern standards, and council discussion focused on how it supports long-term growth without overloading nearby neighbourhoods.
With council votes ahead, one Kelowna councillor is standing firm on short-term rentals and pushing back against what he calls “slate politics.” The debate continues as the city refines rules around STRs and housing supply.
The east parking lot at the Apple Bowl will close temporarily to allow for site work and improvements. Visitors are advised to plan ahead and use alternate parking during the closure period.
Curbside recycling is getting a major expansion across the RDCO, with more items accepted right at the curb.
Golfers: A few Driving Ranges around the city have opened already. Courses are anticipating an early Spring opening soon.
🏅 Canadian Olympic Medal Tally, Rockets, Canucks, Raptors, and Goldeneyes latest, the Memorial Cup, plus the report from the slopes. (as of Feb. 26).
| Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 7 | 9 | 21 |
On Wednesday, the Kelowna Rockets defeated the Seattle Thunderbirds 4-1 for their fifth straight win. Leslie, Wetsch, and Iginla scored, with goalie Harrison Boettiger stopping 25 shots. Kelowna’s strong defense and early goals secured the victory, extending their winning streak.
The Rockets are in 4th place, one point behind Prince George Cougars in the Western Conference. Kelowna's next game is tomorrow, Friday the 27th, against the Wenatchee Wild, at Prospera.
Vancouver dropped a tight 3–2 decision to the Jets on Feb. 25. It was a one-goal game with playoff intensity, but Winnipeg capitalized on key chances. The Canucks remain in the hunt, but the margin for error is thin.
Toronto came up just short against San Antonio, losing 110–107 in a back-and-forth contest on Feb. 25. A late push made it interesting, but the Spurs closed it out at the line.
The Vancouver Goldeneyes' next game is on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at 1:00 PM PT against the Toronto Sceptres. The game will be played at the Pacific Coliseum in Vancouver, BC. They have a month pause this season to accommodate the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics.
The BC Lions will remain based on campus, with Okanagan College announced as the presenting sponsor for Touchdown Kelowna. The event keeps building momentum as CFL football returns to the valley spotlight.
CFL’s BC Lions Unveil Logo for Season-Opening Series in Kelowna
Kelowna will host the 2026 Memorial Cup from May 21–31, 2026 at Prospera Place, bringing the Kelowna Rockets together with the champions of the WHL, OHL and QMJHL for junior hockey’s biggest prize. The tournament will include fan festivals, community events and a packed 10 days of national TV hockey in downtown Kelowna.
Which ski resorts got the most snow? In addition to the updated 72 - hour snow totals, this snow report also compares ski areas by snow base depth and open trails.
Canadian Elite Basketball coming to Kelowna this summer.
Prospera Place, 1223 Water St, Kelowna, BC V1Y 9V1.
Stuart Park’s outdoor ice rink is closed for this winter.
EVENTS end of Feb, and March Kelowna!
Looking for plans? Tourism Kelowna’s weekend roundup is packed with live music, markets, family fun, food events, and pop-up experiences across the city.
It’s your quick scroll guide to what’s on. Date night, kids’ outing, or just something new. Pick your vibe and go.
From open mics and live music to poetry nights and community gatherings, Inspired Word Café continues to be one of Kelowna’s coziest cultural hubs.
Check their calendar for upcoming performances, workshops, and intimate shows. Great coffee. Local talent. Good energy.
Sunday, March 1 · 10am to 4pm
Kick off spring at Craft Culture’s Spring Market at the Delta Grand Okanagan Resort. Browse a curated mix of handmade goods, artisan décor, jewelry, fashion, art, and local food from talented makers across the Okanagan.
A relaxed, beautifully curated shopping experience right in the heart of downtown Kelowna. Easy to stroll. Hard to leave empty-handed.
Location: Delta Grand Okanagan Resort
Winter isn’t done yet. Local wineries are hosting Fireside Warm-Ups with mulled wine and s’mores. Or head indoors for high-speed laps at Kelowna Karting.
Bundle up, Kelowna. The Coldest Night of the Year is a family-friendly fundraising walk in support of Metro Community, helping people experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness.
Metro’s local team works year-round to meet practical needs, support housing connections, and help bring stability to vulnerable members of our city.
Where: Start/Finish at 1262 St. Paul St, Kelowna
When: Check-in at 4:00 PM · Send-off at 5:00 PM
Walk: 2 km or 5 km routes
Bernie’s Cinema is bringing back its popular Toonie Tuesday series this February, with classic and crowd-pleasing films for just $2.
The RCA calendar is packed with theatre, live music, and gallery shows throughout the week.
From tastings to winemaker dinners, Okanagan wine events continue year-round.
Local bands, touring acts, and pub shows are back after the holidays.
Moxies Kelowna is newly renovated and ready for your next dining night out. It is one of the best neighbourhood restaurants in the city, just minutes from the waterfront buzz.
Expect a premium casual vibe, a stunning outdoor patio, industry night specials, and solid happy hour menus. It is a strong pick for lunch meetings or relaxed dinners. Bonus. Free parking onsite and steps from hotels and shopping.
Located inside the Delta Grand in downtown Kelowna, Oak + Cru pairs waterfront views of Lake Okanagan with modern, globally inspired cuisine.
The kitchen leans farm-to-table with a creative edge. The Wood Stone oven anchors the menu, turning out bold, shareable plates that pair well with Okanagan wines. The setting is polished but still relaxed. Dinner with a view, done right.
Bouchons is an elegant French bistro in the heart of Kelowna’s cultural district. Open since 2004, it sits steps from Prospera Place and the city’s top galleries.
The mission is simple. Traditional, authentic French cuisine served in a casual yet refined setting. Expect classic techniques, rich sauces, and ingredients sourced from local farms and producers. It is the kind of place where you slow down and savour every bite.
Modern Korean–Italian plates at the base of the Innovation Centre, where Chef Sung Ji Park and Luigi Coccaro mash up family dishes and Italian training into shareable comfort food.
250-763-8689
Tell Davinder Kelowna Grapevine sent you!
C-Lovers in Kelowna keeps things simple. Big pieces of fish, great fries, and an all you can eat fish and chips deal that runs every day for seafood fans.
We went digging through Reddit to see what locals say is the best Chinese food in Kelowna. The runaway winner: Mr. Lu's Kitchen on Pandosy.
Known for traditional Szechuan and Hunan dishes with a modern twist, the restaurant is led by an experienced husband-and-wife team with more than 20 years in Chinese cuisine.
If you like bold spice, authentic flavours, and generous portions, this might be your next takeout night sorted.
If you’re stuck in the “where should we eat?” loop, this helps. Tourism Kelowna has rounded up 69 local restaurants across the city.
From lakefront patios and wine bar gems to global flavours and casual comfort spots, it’s a solid master list for both date night and “we forgot to plan dinner.”
Consider this your edible bucket list.
📅 Til March 1, 2026
Location: Big White Village
Where the Okanagan’s most coveted wineries meet mountain après energy. A relaxed, upscale lounge experience right in the heart of the village.
Hours:
Feb. 27 – March 1 • 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Ever wonder how Kelowna became Kelowna?
From early settlement days to major growth spurts, wildfires, booms, and big civic projects, this interactive timeline walks through the key moments that shaped our city.
It is a fast, scrollable look at where we have been.
Kelowna’s Christmas Bird Count was a big success this year, with strong volunteer turnout and plenty of species spotted around Munson Pond.
It’s one of the easiest nature escapes in town. Flat trails. Quiet water. Bring binoculars and a warm drink.
Want to support backyard birds? Free plans are available from NestWatch.
There are 43 nest box designs for different species. Robins, swallows, wrens, chickadees, even ducks. Pick one that fits your yard and build it in an afternoon.
Test your local knowledge. Guess a five-letter Kelowna word in six tries.
Works best on a tablet, laptop, or desktop. Phone works in landscape if you have to.
Fresh air fixes a lot. Browse local parks, beaches, and trail ideas on the Kelowna Grapevine attractions list.
Short walks, big climbs, lake views. Choose your own adventure.
As Kelowna moves into March 2026, the real estate market is characterized by a "slow and steady" awakening from winter. While overall activity is lower than last year, stabilized interest rates have begun to pull cautious buyers back into the market. The current environment is largely balanced, with the sales-to-new-listings ratio hovering between 40–45%, meaning neither sellers nor buyers hold extreme leverage.
In January 2026, we were sitting at 11.3 months of inventory, up from 9.8 months in January 2025. This keeps us in a buyer’s market for now, offering more options for buyers as we continue into the new year!
Want to submit an article? Advertise?
Know somebody that would like to be interviewed?
Want to Unsubscribe? Send an email with Unsubscribe as the title. No hard feelings.
Know someone who would like the Kelowna Grapevine? Forward them the website.
This is your local newsletter, Kelowna. Email paul@kelownagrapevine.ca.
Or you can phone Paul in Kelowna at 403-969-7237.
There has been a lot of discussion about the new Burtch Road Extension beside Munson Pond. A suggestion has been made for neighbouring residents to request a slower speed limit - from 50 to 40 km/h, and to add a few traffic calming humps. If you'd like to help, please call the Kelowna Planning Dept. c/o Jamie K. at 250-470-3183.
Thanks for reading!
Tickets →