🗂 →️Emergency Evacuation Checklist
🙏 →Donations Needed
The Summerland wildfire, closed roads and a huge community relief effort lead this week’s Grapevine. Also making news: damaged crops, Kelowna’s jobless rate and a much bigger word list for our local word game.
As of Thursday, Aug. 13, the Bald Range wildfire remained out of control at about 18,450 hectares. Evacuation orders and alerts were still in effect, and many Summerland residents were waiting to learn when they could return home.
Crews reported lower fire behaviour in some areas and continued building control lines. More temporary access permits were being arranged for urgent needs, but officials warned that the fire remains active and conditions can change quickly.
Highway 97 is now open for through traffic between Penticton, B.C., and Kelowna after being closed due to wildfires burning in the area.
The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) said the highway will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day and speed limits have been reduced to 70 km/h. Check DriveBC before travelling and do not follow navigation apps onto forest service roads.
Live view across Okanagan Lake from the downtown sails. Click image to refresh. The image updates at the source ~ Castanet
Quick size check: Wildfires are often measured in hectares. One hectare is a square measuring 100 metres by 100 metres. Orchard Park Shopping Centre is about 8 hectares and Kelowna City Park is about 15 hectares. At 18,450 hectares, this fire covers an area larger than 1,200 of those City Parks.
B.C. wildfire update →
Latest Bald Range update →
Official emergency information →
Road closures and conditions →
Coping with the smoke →
Myra-Bellevue Provincial Park is one of Kelowna’s natural treasures. It is where people hike, bike, explore and escape the noise of the city. But one important piece of land inside the park is still privately owned.
The BC Parks Foundation has an opportunity to purchase this 80-acre forested property and add it to the park permanently. The land is surrounded by protected parkland, making it one of the last privately owned pieces within Myra-Bellevue.
Priest Creek runs through the property, creating an important crossing point for wildlife. Deer, elk, moose, black bears, cougars, lynx and the endangered American badger all use this landscape.
The property also escaped the devastating 2003 Okanagan Mountain Park wildfire. Its mature forest remains an intact refuge in an area that is still recovering more than 20 years later.
The goal is to raise $800,000 by August 14. The Wilson 5 Foundation has promised to match every donation, dollar for dollar.
A $25 donation becomes $50.
A $100 donation becomes $200.
A $500 donation protects the land like a $1,000 gift.
We do not often get a chance to protect land forever. Once this property becomes part of the park, it can remain a home for wildlife, a safeguard for Priest Creek and a natural legacy for future generations.
Big gifts will help, but this campaign does not depend on a few wealthy donors. It depends on many people giving what they can. If Myra-Bellevue matters to you, this is the moment to help protect another piece of it.
Donate today and double your impact →
photo: B.C. Parks
Local groups and businesses are collecting money, food, clothing and household supplies for people displaced by the Bald Range, Bradley Creek and Quilpituk Creek wildfires.
Wildfire orders and alerts are keeping some growers away during peach harvest. The province says 269 registered agricultural properties have been affected, including 123 under evacuation order.
Metro Kelowna had Canada’s highest unemployment rate for a third straight month. The region added 3,300 jobs in July, but 3,600 more people entered or returned to the labour force.
The Aug. 14–16 festival at City Park has been cancelled because of wildfire conditions, smoke and pressure on emergency resources. Do not rely on older event calendars that still show it running.
A deep shelter was found dug into an embankment near Enterprise Way and Commerce Avenue. A volunteer who cleans Mill Creek says the site appears active and includes a cooking area.
The daily local word game now accepts more than 3,000 five-letter guesses. That should mean fewer perfectly good words getting the cold shoulder.
Canada’s daily national average is currently 167.9/L. Kelowna drivers can compare that with local pump prices to see whether we are paying more, less, or just enjoying the usual Okanagan “scenic surcharge.”
Kelowna gas prices →
Canadian average gas prices →
*Bonus Bookmark:*
All the news from all the sources for Kelowna.
Normals: High +27°C, low +12°C. | Sunrise 5:45 a.m. Sunset 8:20 p.m.
Friday should reach +26°C with haze, wind and a 40% chance of afternoon showers or thunderstorms. Saturday looks sunny near +29°C. Sunday brings a mix of sun and cloud near +28°C. Overnight lows range from +14°C to +16°C.
Environment Canada forecast →
Daily Forecast Canada videos →
The Central Okanagan AQHI (Air Quality Health Index) was forecast to reach moderate risk Friday, high risk in smoke and possibly very high risk Friday night. Smoke can change by the hour, so check the live reading before outdoor work or exercise.
City of Kelowna and Glenmore-Ellison water customers remain under Stage 2 rules. Watering days and limits depend on the property and customer type.
FireMap.live → uses satellite hotspots and agency data for an easy global view. It is useful for general information, not safety decisions.
EmergencyInfoBC → has verified B.C. emergency notices.
DriveBC → has current road closures and detours.
B.C. Air Quality → shows current AQHI data and health guidance.
📘 City Payrolls... →
📘 2026 FINANCIAL PLAN Preliminary Budget: PDF File →
📘 Read the New B.C. Budget 2026 →
📘 Kelowna’s 2026 Citizen Survey →
There was no regular council meeting this week. Council returns Monday, Aug. 17, with several development and parking files waiting.
Stober Group wants to replace the old Phoenix Building at 1896 Dayton Street with ground-floor commercial space and three levels designed for medical services.
The plan includes 30 underground parking stalls, with another 30 in the nearby Dickson parkade. Staff recommend approval.
The developer of a 240-unit apartment project wants to cut visitor stalls from 34 to 24 and assign those spaces to residents. City staff recommend council reject the change.
The City’s development map lists active residential, commercial, industrial and institutional applications, with plans and status details for each property.
The running list for mayor and council is growing as nomination season approaches. Mayor Tom Dyas has said he will seek re-election.
Prospective mayor and council candidates can learn about the job at City Hall sessions on Aug. 12 and 19 at 6 p.m., with online access available.
A former Rocket is moving into pro hockey, while the Okanagan Sun head into another Saturday night at the Apple Bowl.
Smith, 21, has signed an AHL contract with the Henderson Silver Knights, the top farm club of the Vegas Golden Knights. Kelowna acquired the forward from Lethbridge during last season.
Saturday, August 8, 2026
The Sun beat the Valley Huskers 78-11 at the Apple Bowl. Marcus Christos threw three touchdown passes and ran for two more in the first half.
Next game: Prince George Kodiaks visit the Apple Bowl Saturday, Aug. 15 at 7 p.m. PT.
Prospera Place, 1223 Water St, Kelowna, BC V1Y 9V1.
Sep 2: “Weird Al” Yankovic – Bigger & Weirder 2026 Tour
Friday, August 14, 2026
Johnny Elvis brings classic rock ’n’ roll to Memorial Park in West Kelowna from 6:30 to 9 p.m. The Friday Market on the Plaza runs from 3 to 8 p.m. Weather and air quality permitting.
Friday and Saturday, August 14–15, 2026
Free live music is scheduled at Kerry Park from 7 to 10:30 p.m. both nights. Check for a smoke-related cancellation before heading downtown.
Saturday, August 15, 2026
Local farmers, food vendors and makers gather at 1700 Dickson Avenue from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The regular season continues Wednesdays and Saturdays through Oct. 31.
Saturday, August 15, 2026
Derrick’s at 1560 Water Street will serve a pay-what-you-can burger and fries lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Evacuees eat free, and proceeds support the Mamas for Mamas wildfire relief program.
August 19 and 26, 2026
Reel Okanagan brings two more evenings of independent films, documentaries, local productions and filmmaker talks to the Mary Irwin Theatre.
July 30–September 27, 2026
Kelowna Art Gallery presents oversized handmade versions of familiar objects by Inuk artist Tarralik Duffy. The exhibit opens this long weekend and runs through September.
The Kelowna Folk Roots Music Society brings Canadian folk, roots and acoustic performers to local stages. Visit its website to see upcoming concerts and buy tickets.
Ongoing event listings
The Box Office is a handy local hub for Kelowna shows, concerts, comedy, dance, theatre, sports, and festivals. Worth checking before saying, “There’s nothing going on.”
Available anytime
This free browser game lets you roam across a 3D version of British Columbia as Sasquatch. Explore 30 historic towns, mountain ranges, roadside stops and hidden landmarks.
Bernie’s Cinema’s popular Toonie Tuesday series, with classic and crowd-pleasing films for just $2.
Upcoming Movie lineup: Hotel, Sideways, Love Actually, It’s Complicated, About a Boy, Blue Heron, Fool’s Gold, The Devil Wears Prada, Bohemian Rhapsody
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.
Browse events → Wine Festivals
Local bands, touring acts, and pub shows are heating up this month.
What’s playing → Live Music Kelowna
South Okanagan Events Centre
853 Eckhardt Ave. West
Penticton, BC V2A 9C4
Saturday, September 12, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.
Four-time Grammy winner Lyle Lovett brings his Small Large Band to Penticton for an evening of music and storytelling. The Hello Darlins will open the show.
Sunday, September 13, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.
Canadian rocker Bryan Adams brings four decades of classic hits to the SOEC. The Roll with the Punches Tour also features special guest Lights.
Friday, October 23, 2026 at 7:30 p.m.
Brit Floyd returns with a full-scale tribute to Pink Floyd. The show features music from The Dark Side of the Moon, The Wall and other classic albums.
The Grapevine guide rounds up favourite ice cream and frozen treats from around Kelowna. →
The brewery at 760 Vaughan Avenue serves its own craft beer, food, weekend brunch and coffee. The taproom is first come, first served, so there is no reservation dance required.
The casual counter inside BNA’s tasting room at 1254 Ellis Street serves smash burgers, fried chicken, fries, soft serve and BNA beer daily from 11 a.m.
False Bay Savoury Pies has opened at 2640 Pandosy Street, serving South African-inspired pies after its owners returned to Kelowna.
Main Street Brewing and Seabus Memes paired a lemon pilsner with a citrus sour to create a playful summer beer blend.
The U.S. sandwich chain opened Wednesday at 1575 Banks Road. It is the company’s 35th Canadian location and its first in British Columbia.
Tastings, winery dinners and summer vineyard events continue across the valley. One calendar saves a lot of hunting.
If you’re stuck in the “where should we eat?” loop, this helps. Tourism Kelowna has rounded up 74 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 a great dining out experience.
Browse the full list → Tourism Kelowna
A new video tour looks at the districts, restaurants, transit work and thousands of homes changing Kelowna this year. It is a quick way to see how many large projects are moving at once.
A proposed 13-unit project on Park Road is no longer considered viable. The owner now plans to add one three-bedroom home above the existing commercial building.
B.C. recorded 6,561 home sales in July, down 6.7% from last year. Interior markets were more stable, while weaker Lower Mainland activity pulled down the provincial total.
July’s benchmark was $1,072,400 for a single-family home, $709,500 for a townhome and $490,700 for a condo. Detached prices rose from last year, while townhome and condo benchmarks slipped.
Buyers still have plenty of choice, while sellers need to price for today’s market rather than the market they remember. The lemons in the listing photos can only do so much.
James Roffel’s videos offer quick local updates on listings, sales, price cuts and what buyers are doing right now.
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