Kelowna Grapevine

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📰 Kelowna News - 04_03_26

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All the news from all the sources for Kelowna.

Local grocery store makes amazing displays

The latest display at the Orchard Plaza Save-on-Foods celebrates 50 years of the Toronto Blue Jays. The Save-on-Foods at Kelowna's Orchard Plaza has another incredible box display from employee Eric Falkenberg.

Read more

Federal minimum wage set to rise

The federal minimum wage is increasing again, tied to inflation, impacting workers in federally regulated sectors like banking and transportation.

Site C worker camp gets second life

A former Site C worker camp is being reused for a major transmission line project on B.C.’s north coast.

Less waste, faster project setup. Big infrastructure pieces are getting reused instead of scrapped.

City selling trees for $50 this spring

Kelowna is offering eight tree varieties for just $50 as part of its urban canopy program.

Cheap trees, better shade, cooler neighbourhoods. First come, first planted.

Two local staples announce closures in Kelowna

Mid-Town Station will close after six years in the Landmark District, while Calowna Costumes is shutting down after 45 years serving the community.

A tough week for local business. One newer spot, one longtime icon. Both leave a gap that’s hard to replace.

⛽ Kelowna gas prices, right now

Rapidly-rising gas prices can’t be ignored. Here are the lowest gas prices in Kelowna.

Current prices →

☀️ Weather at Kelowna Centre

Normals: Max 13°C • Min 1°C

Sunrise 6:33 PDT - Sunset 7:31 PDT

Full forecast → Environment Canada

☀️ Records in March

March was warmer than normal across the Okanagan, with several cities setting new daily temperature records and Penticton reaching a peak of 22 C. This unusual warmth, paired with an atmospheric river, led to significant early snowpack melt at lower elevations while leaving much of the region drier than average.

Read more

🌱 Spring outlook: slow warm-up, classic Okanagan mix

Kelowna is easing into spring with a typical pattern. Cool nights still dip below freezing, while daytime highs climb into the low-to-mid teens. Expect a mix of cloud, sun, and the odd shower into early April.

Closer to patio season.

🏙️ City Business

📘 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 Meeting — This Week

Kelowna Council tackles policing costs, transit planning, and zoning updates

Kelowna City Council’s March 30 meeting leaned hard into long-range planning, with public safety costs and future infrastructure doing most of the heavy lifting.

  • Police service model review: Council reviewed an independent report comparing the current RCMP model with a possible municipal police force. No switch was approved, but staff were directed to explore a tiered policing approach using more technology and civilian staff for lower-risk calls as costs climb from $34.8 million in 2020 to about $63 million in 2026.
  • Richter corridor protection: Council moved ahead with plans to protect the Richter Street corridor for future rapid transit by securing the right-of-way and aligning long-term timing.
  • Short-term rental zoning: Amendments were considered to add the str short-term rental subzone to three properties as the city continues lining up local rules with provincial housing changes.
  • Strategic land acquisition: Council approved entering a liability agreement with the Municipal Finance Authority to help fund the purchase of 289 Queensway and 1440–1460 Pandosy Street.
  • Climate resiliency: Updates to Zoning Bylaw No. 12862 were adopted to add new climate resiliency rules for future development.

Other items included approval of the Revenue Anticipation Bylaw, a youth engagement presentation from UBC Okanagan, and the reveal of finalists for the 51st Annual Civic & Community Awards.

Learn more

Council rejects rental townhouse project

Kelowna council overwhelmingly turned down a proposed rental townhouse development, citing concerns over fit, density, and neighbourhood impact.

Purpose-built rental is still a priority, but projects need to better match location and community expectations to move forward.

Bus Rapid Transit line in Richter Street's future

Kelowna city officials are proposing a Bus Rapid Transit line along Richter Street that would feature dedicated center lanes and five new stations to connect downtown with the South Pandosy neighborhood.

While the full system has a long-term horizon of over 20 years, the city aims to begin protecting the corridor now by acquiring necessary land through urban planning and property rezonings.

Downtown street closure begins for three weeks

A key downtown Kelowna street is closing for three weeks starting Monday as crews carry out infrastructure work.

Expect detours and slower traffic downtown. Short-term pain, long-term upgrades.

FireSmart chipping program returns this spring

Kelowna’s FireSmart chipping program is back, helping residents dispose of yard waste and reduce wildfire risk around homes.

A simple way to clean up yards and lower fire danger heading into the dry season.

🏒 Sports

Latest Scores as of April 2

Rockets sweep Blazers, punch ticket to Round 2

The Kelowna Rockets rolled past the Kamloops Blazers 6–2 on April 1, completing a clean 4–0 series sweep and becoming the first WHL team into Round 2.

  • Vojtech Cihar: Two goals in the clincher, finishing the series with a dominant 10 points in four games.
  • Harrison Boettiger: Steady in net, stopping 31 of 33 shots to stay perfect in the series.
  • Depth scoring: Goals from Paupanekis, Gerwing, Poletin, and captain Wetsch sealed it.

What’s next: The Rockets wait. As the first team through, they’ll face the winner of another Western Conference series. Matchup and schedule should be set within a week.

🏀 Toronto Raptors (NBA)

Apr 1 — Kings 123, Raptors 115
Toronto fell to Sacramento on the road, dropping a 123–115 decision. The Raptors now sit at 42–34.

Next: Apr 3 vs. Memphis Grizzlies

🏒 Vancouver Canucks (NHL)

Apr 1 — Canucks 8, Avalanche 6
The Vancouver Canucks showed resilience in knocking off the NHL’s league-leading Colorado Avalanche 8-6 at Ball Arena.

Next: Apr 2 vs. Minnesota Wild

🏒 Vancouver Goldeneyes (PWHL)

Apr 1 — Victoire 3, Goldeneyes 0
Vancouver was shut out in Montréal, as the Victoire clinched a playoff spot behind a strong performance from Ann-Renée Desbiens.

Next: Apr 4 @ Minnesota Frost

⚾ Vancouver Canadians (MiLB)

Season Start:
The Vancouver Canadians are set to kick off their 2026 season, returning to Nat Bailey Stadium for another summer of minor league baseball.

What to watch: A mix of rising prospects, fan-favourite promotions, and one of the best ballpark atmospheres in Canada.

🎿 Another Okanagan ski hill ends season early

Warm weather and rough conditions have forced another Okanagan ski hill to shut down early for the 2025–26 season. It’s been a tough year for lower-elevation snowpacks.

Read more

🏒 Memorial Cup Festival takes over downtown Kelowna

The 2026 Memorial Cup is going beyond the rink, with a full lineup of fan events, live entertainment, and interactive experiences planned across downtown.

Expect a lively city vibe as Kelowna hosts visitors and fans from across the country. View full schedule

🏈 Touchdown Kelowna Festival set for summer kickoff

The BC Lions and City of Kelowna are bringing a major football festival to town from June 26 to July 4, centered around Waterfront Park and downtown.

Two Lions games plus a full week of events make this one of the biggest summer draws. View full schedule

🏔️ Ski season update

Finishing up the year with some Spring Skiing. In addition to the updated 72 - hour snow totals, this snow report also compares ski areas by snow base depth and open trails.

ski hill report

More Details → From On The Snow

🎉 Events

🎵 2026 Concerts at Prospera Place

Prospera Place, 1223 Water St, Kelowna, BC V1Y 9V1.

  • Apr 11: Lee Brice – Sunriser Tour
  • Apr 21: Three Days Grace – Alienation Tour
  • May 4: Old Dominion – How Good Is That World Tour
  • May 10: Stars on Ice
  • Jun 11: Bailey Zimmerman
  • Jun 19: Bonnie Raitt – Live 2026
  • Sep 2: “Weird Al” Yankovic – Bigger & Weirder 2026 Tour

Full events calendar →

EVENTS for April

🎉 Happening This Weekend in 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.

Browse weekend events →

🍁 Kelowna MapleFest

April 25–26
A sweet spring favourite returns, celebrating all things maple with tastings, vendors, and family-friendly fun.

Event details

🥕 Kelowna Farmers’ & Crafters’ Market Opening

Saturday, April 4
The market kicks off its season at the Landmark District, bringing fresh produce, local goods, and weekend energy back to the city.

Event details

🎭 April Shows at the Rotary Centre for the Arts

The Rotary Centre for the Arts has a busy lineup this month, with theatre, comedy, music, and storytelling filling the stage:

Barney Bentall

APR 9 - An intimate evening of songs and stories from one of Canada’s most celebrated singer-songwriters, joined by Cindy Fairbank and Kirby Barber for a stripped-down, personal performance.

EVENT →

DerRic Starlight and Dallas Arcand

APR 17 - A unique blend of comedy, puppetry, and Indigenous performance art, featuring award-winning puppeteer DerRic Starlight and world champion hoop dancer Dallas Arcand.

EVENT →

Flux

APR 30 - A meditative mix of violin, dance, and storytelling. Indian classical, jazz, and contemporary movement come together in a rich, immersive performance.

EVENT →

Ché Aimee Dorval

MAY 30 - Dreamy, cinematic soundscapes blending trip-hop, indie, and electronica. A late-night vibe show with smooth, atmospheric energy.

EVENT →

Cordâme

JUN 10 - A chamber music tribute to poets across the centuries. Jazz, classical, and lyrical storytelling come together in a refined, expressive performance.

EVENT →

☕ Inspired Word Café Events

Thursday, April 9, 2026 -

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.

See upcoming events →

🎶 River of Voices exhibit opens at the Alternator Centre

Until June 21, 2026

The “River of Voices” exhibition is opening at the Alternator Centre for Contemporary Art, exploring themes of community, storytelling, and shared cultural experience through visual and multimedia work.

The exhibition invites visitors to reflect on how voices and stories flow through communities much like a river, connecting people across generations and cultures.

Learn more →

🎥 Toonie Tuesday movies at Bernie’s

Bernie’s Cinema is bringing back its popular Toonie Tuesday series, with classic and crowd-pleasing films for just $2.

Movie lineup: O Brother, Where Art Thou? · Easy A Burn After Reading · Twister · Dumb and Dumber · Finding Nemo · Little Miss Sunshine · Nacho Libre

Full schedule →

🥗 Restaurants & Local Sips

🍇 April is B.C. Wine Month

All Month – April
B.C. Wine Month is on, and it’s the perfect excuse to explore local wineries, tasting rooms, and hidden gems across the province.

The B.C. Wine Passport adds extra value, with access to deals at 145 locations including wineries, breweries, cideries, and more.

What to expect: Big savings on tastings, exclusive perks, and a fun way to explore the Okanagan and beyond—one glass at a time.

🍷 Quails’ Gate Family Wins Top Canadian Wine Honour

West Kelowna

The Stewart Family of Quails’ Gate Winery has received the 2026 Canadian Wine Industry Award of Distinction, the top peer honour in the country’s wine business.

The fourth-generation farming family was recognized at an awards ceremony in Penticton, where Wine Growers Canada and Wine Growers British Columbia celebrated leaders in winemaking, marketing, advocacy, and hospitality.

Read more

🍖 Montana’s BBQ & Bar

Montana’s is getting some local love online, with Reddit users calling it one of the best spots for wings - especially on Mondays.

Deals to know:
• Monday: Half-price wings with any beverage
• Wednesday: All-you-can-eat ribs (dine-in only)

What to expect: Slow smoked, hickory fired ribs, classic BBQ sides, and the kind of meal where napkins are not optional.

🌮 Kelowna’s Favourite Mexican Restaurant? Reddit Says It’s This One.

We went digging through Reddit to see what locals say is the best Mexican food in Kelowna. The runaway winner: Fiesta del Sol

Reviewers frequently describe the food as authentic and delicious, with highlights including tamales, fish tacos, and pork burritos. A great spot for both meat-eaters and those looking for vegan/vegetarian choices, some of the best prices in Kelowna, providing great value.

Check open times, and location →

🇮🇹 Kelowna’s Favourite Italian Restaurant? Reddit Says It’s This One.

We also dug through Reddit to see what locals say is the best Italian food in Kelowna. The runaway winner: Roma Nord Bistrò

Roma Nord Bistro in Kelowna is highly regarded for its authentic Roman cuisine and intimate, hospitable atmosphere. Located within the Rotary Centre for the Arts, the restaurant is frequently praised for its personal touch, with owner Danilo often seen greeting and checking on guests.

Check open times, and location →

🥡 Kelowna’s Favourite Chinese Spot? Reddit Says It’s This One.

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.

See menu → Mr. Lu’s Kitchen

🍽 72 Local Restaurants to Explore

If you’re stuck in the “where should we eat?” loop, this helps. Tourism Kelowna has rounded up 72 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.

Browse the full list → Tourism Kelowna

🌺 Feature

Kelowna Trivia, Magnolias in Kelowna.

Magnolias are an ancient type of flowering plant that existed during the dinosaur age, over 95 million years ago, which is long before bees appeared. This is why they depend on beetles for pollination, and to survive the chewing insects, their tough, large petals developed as a protective measure.

Even today, modern magnolias still attract clumsy, crawling beetles with their strong, fruity scent and continue to use this prehistoric partnership to spread their pollen.

Magnolias in Kelowna

🏘️ Real Estate

houses

Real Estate Insights: More supply is coming, but risks are rising too. Kelowna’s housing story right now is progress on affordability, mixed with a reminder to stay sharp in the market.

Affordable housing project moves closer

Kelowna’s partnership with Troika to build affordable housing is gaining traction, with the project moving toward the next phase.

What it means: More units are on the way. It won’t fix supply overnight, but it’s a step in the right direction.

Fraud blamed for failed Big White condo deal

A condo sale at Big White collapsed after fraudsters allegedly posed as the seller, highlighting growing risks in real estate transactions.

What it means: Due diligence matters more than ever. Verify everything, especially in high-value deals.

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