The City of Kelowna is advising drivers that part of Abbott Street will be closed for three weeks starting Monday.
Abbott Street will be closed between Osprey and West Avenues between the hours of 7 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, starting April 25. Crews will be working on utility improvements for an estimated three weeks, pending weather and ground conditions.
“This work is happening ahead of Abbott Active Transportation Corridor (ATC) installation, including advance paving on the street. As a result, there will be no through traffic on Abbott within the construction zone and access to West Ave. will be temporarily blocked in a staged manner,” said senior project manager, Dylan Wilson.
The sidewalk will remain open on the east side of Abbott, while the west Abbott Street sidewalk will be closed for the duration of the project. Drivers are asked to follow the signage posted around the site that will be seen on the north and south sides of the construction zone.
Flaggers will be on site for residents in need of detours through access lanes that will be provided. Crews will work with residents on the west side of Abbott Street who are being impacted by the work zone for access.
UBC Faculty of Medicine and partners celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Southern Medical Program at UBC Okanagan together with Anne Kang, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Training, Harwinder Sandhu, MLA for Vernon-Monashee, and Susan Brown, President and CEO of Interior Health.
The University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Southern Medical Program at the Okanagan campus in Kelowna.
UBC’s distributed medical program was one of the first of its kind in the world and is now one of the largest medical programs in North America. The program started at UBCO back in 2011, and has seen more than 215 doctors graduate.
Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Training Anne Kang noted that Kelowna is one of four places in B.C. where the school is training future doctors — the others being Victoria, Vancouver and Prince George.
“Regional education opportunities are important because we know students are more likely to stay and practice in the communities they study in. This is a remarkable outcome,” she said.
Overall, more than 90 per cent of students who complete their undergraduate and postgraduate medical education training at UBC stay in B.C. to practice. Each year, UBC accepts 288 first-year medical students and 362 first-year resident doctors.
UBC’s program in Kelowna welcomes 32 new medical students annually, of which up to 10 seats are designated for applicants with rural and remote backgrounds. At any given time, approximately 130 medical students and more than 90 resident doctors are training at hospitals, primary care and health care clinical settings across the Interior Health region.
“Eighteen years ago, UBC embarked on an ambitious plan to remap medical education to better serve the province,” said Dermot Kelleher, dean, faculty of medicine and vice-president of health, UBC.
“Today, the university is a global leader in distributed medical education and together with our partners in the SMP, we’re training world-class doctors that are passionate about building a health-care system that is more equitable, diverse and inclusive for patients and communities.”
In addition to training future doctors, the program at UBCO is a hub for world-leading medical research with a particular focus on the health needs of people living in the Interior. It is home to the new Centre for Chronic Disease Prevention and Management, which is accelerating new treatments and preventions for chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, diabetes and neurologic conditions.
“UBC Okanagan has firmly established itself as a leading medical education and research-focused university serving the needs of the Interior,” said Dr. Lesley Cormack, deputy vice-chancellor and principal, UBC Okanagan.
“We’re proud to be home to the SMP and delivering world-class medical education and research that is improving the lives of British Columbians.”
Photo: Jon Manchester/file
Kelowna taxpayers are being asked to dig a little deeper into their pocket to meet expenditures within the 2022 budget.
The final budget, which council will be asked to adopt Monday, will include an increase of 3.94 per cent over 2021.
That number is 0.3 per cent higher than the 3.64 per cent preliminary budget set in December and nearly a half of a percentage point higher than the 3.49 per cent originally proposed by staff.
Staff indicate the extra 0.3 per cent is due mainly to final, as opposed to preliminary RCMP contract rates and pressures being put on the city through inflation.
“The 2022 financial plan prioritizes investments today as a foundation towards building a strong future for our rapidly growing community,” said finance manager Kevin Hughes.
“Managing inflationary and supply chain challenges that are being felt by the community at large, as well as operationally by the city, will also be a key focus over the coming year.”
The overall tax demand this year is $167.1 million, approximately one-quarter of the overall operational revenues.
One of the largest budget increases in 2022 surrounded public safety with an additional 17 positions approved including 11 new police officers.
“As we look towards post-pandemic recovery, we remain fiscally responsible to ensure Kelowna continues to be well positioned for a strong and sustainable future,” said city manager Doug Gilchrist.
The 3.94 per cent increase translates to an additional $86.47 for the average residential taxpayer.
Madison Erhardt
The Kelowna International Airpot celebrated its 75th birthday Thursday in the short-term parking lot of YLW.
In the fall of 1947, the first plane took off from Ellison Field.
Fast forward to 2022 and the airport stands on Ellison Field and the grass runway has transformed to an 8,900-foot asphalt tarmac.
Kelowna airport director Sam Samaddar says the difficulties brought on by COVID-19 make this birthday even sweeter.
“It has been difficult when we were on such a high trajectory and continuing to growm, to then end up having to lay off people and all those other things that go along with it, but to see the recovery back and having the 75th-anniversary celebration this year I think will give people a lot of hope and bring a lot of positivity back to our industry and our community.”
Samaddar says having an international airport in the city, not only benefits people, but trade.
“Being able to accept whether it is on the passenger-carrying side, the cargo side or whether it is with one of our partners with KF Aerospace we can bring aircraft around the world here without any concerns.”
YLW has a 2045 master plan that includes areas of investment and growth of the airport.
“There will be continued investments in runway operations. One of the big things that we don’t talk enough about is the environment. We are on a trajectory to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions because we want to be a place that people want to come to,” Samaddar added.
Photo: Adam Jones / Flickr
The City of Kelowna is seeking feedback on the future of Knox Mountain.
The city is in the process of creating a new management plan for the peak, which will help guide investment priorities and operational strategies planned over the next decade.
“The current Knox Mountain Park Management Plan was developed in 2011 and while key elements remain the same, including the vision and strategic goals. However, timely issues such as wildfire hazards, off-leash dog considerations, biking impacts, and volume of users have been addressed through the revision,” said Melanie Steppuhn, parks and landscape planner for the City of Kelowna.
“Park users can look forward to increased safety and enjoyment, access and trail improvements, enhanced signage and more through the decade.”
Improvements will be primarily focused on the addition of a permanent washroom, parking layout and mobility improvements after last year’s decision for a two-year multimodal strategy for use of vehicle accessibility on Knox Mountain Drive. Parking and staging area improvements are also a priority for Knox Mountain East.
According to the City of Kelowna, visitor numbers to Knox Mountain Park have doubled during peak times during the pandemic, with no signs of slowing down.
“Residents are encouraged to read the updated plan and get involved. Knox Mountain truly is a place for nature, people, and stewardship,” said Steppuhn.
Residents of Kelowna are invited to participate in poll questions and forum discussions on the management plan draft before May 15 at getinvolved.kelowna.ca.
The Kelowna General Hospital Foundation’s annual Day of Giving fundraiser is taking place Thursday.
Following past Day of Giving events that have raised over seven figures, this year’s campaign is aimed at raising over $1 million by the end of the day for mental health illness and wellness.
KGH Foundation CEO Allison Ramchuk believes mental health is a top priority that needs to be addressed.
“I think mental health affects all of us coming out of the pandemic, but even before that. Mental health is as important as our physical health, and so mental health is healthcare. When talking with the community and our healthcare providers, it’s the number one thing right now that is affecting everyone,” says Ramchuk.
For people who are interested in making a donation, a drive-thru location has been set up directly across from the Kelowna General Hospital between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. If you’re unable to make it by car, walk up donations are encouraged or you can donate online until midnight.
“The biggest thing is, if you can find it in your heart to make a gift, every dollar counts. We had a gentleman walk up and give 40 cents out of his pocket. We had another family that just stopped by and gave $50,000 dollars. Every dollar does make a difference.”
Ramchuk is blown away by the support these fundraisers have seen in the past, and can’t believe how generous locals can be when it matters most. According to Ramchuk, three families will be privately matching all donations that come in by the end of the day.
“One thing about this campaign is it’s getting people talking. The biggest thing is to just ask someone how they are doing and let them tell you. Be okay with not being okay, because half of it is what we can do for each other, but all of us can stand by those who are having a difficult time and need some support.”
Through the first five years of the KGH Foundation’s Day of Giving, Ramchuk says the fundraiser has raised over $4 million for COVID-19, Joanna’s House, electrophysiology, the perinatal unit, Stroke Services and Foundry Mental Health.
If you can’t make the drive-thru today, more options are available:
As of 3 p.m., the fundraiser has already raised $510,000.
Photo: Nicholas Johansen
The 2016 death of a Lake Country woman is being reinvestigated by the BC Coroners Service.
Earlier this week, B.C.’s Chief Coroner Lisa LaPointe directed the investigation into the death of Arlene Westervelt be reopened.
“The chief coroner has determined that it is in the public interest for another coroner to undertake a new investigation to include any new or additional information that may assist the public’s understanding of the circumstances of Arlene Westervelt’s death,” said Ryan Panton, spokesperson for the BC Coroners Service.
But then in July 2020, the BC Prosecution Service dropped the charge, only saying they had received “new information.”
Arlene’s family and friends have been demanding an independent review of the investigation into her death ever since the charge was dropped, and they filed a civil suit against both Bert and an RCMP officer who they claim interfered with the investigation.
Arlene’s sister Debbie Hennig said the recently announced Coroners’ review of the death is not the independent review they’ve been seeking.
“While I appreciate Chief Coroner LaPointe’s willingness to allow a review, I’m afraid an internal review is meaningless as it cannot independently address questions surrounding various acts and omissions by the BC Coroner’s Service,” said Debbie Hennig.
“Given all the concerns that surround this case, the only way to ensure a meaningful independent review is for this to be done by an anatomical forensic pathologist outside of British Columbia, and not a member of Lisa LaPointe’s own team behind closed doors. An external expert pathologist can provide objective opinion that includes an honest assessment of the BC Coroner’s work and findings. Only then will justice be seen to be done.”
But Panton says the BC Coroner’s investigation is “independent, impartial and objective.”
“The coroner does not have a vested interest in the outcome of an investigation but will endeavour to ensure that all relevant information is gathered and considered,” Panton said.
“The coroner’s investigation is focused on the facts surrounding the death; specifically, the identity of the deceased, and when, where, how and by what means death occurred. Coroners have no authority to assign blame or determine fault but are focused on establishing facts as supported by evidence.”
In a press release, Hennig alleges several issues with the investigation into her sister’s death, including:
the RCMP’s failure to treat the death as suspicious, despite calls from her friends and family that Bert may have been responsible
Arlene’s body was embalmed before an autopsy could be performed
a Kelowna lawyer had contacted police after her death to tell them Arlene had met with him to discuss separating from Bert
RCMP Superintendent Brian Gateley, a friend of Bert may have interfered with the investigation
At a protest outside the Kelowna courthouse last summer, Dennig’s lawyer Anthony Oliver said the initial investigation into Arlene’s death was poorly done.
“Those failures begin with a shoddy investigation by a local coroner who was not medically trained and who refused to direct an autopsy in circumstances that clearly warranted it,” Oliver said.
“Those failures continued with a generalist rather than a certified general pathologist conducting the autopsy on Arlene’s body, which was already heavily damaged by the accused’s actions. I’m referring to his decision to embalm the body, rather than accede to my client’s request for an autopsy.”
The cause of Arlene’s death was never determined.
Chief Coroner LaPointe’s letter to Arlene Westervelt’s sister acknowledged the frustration the family has had in obtaining information about her autopsy.
“An autopsy report contains highly personal and confidential information and privacy laws permit the coroner to share this report only with designated individuals. As your sister was married, her spouse is designated as nearest relative for information-sharing purposes as per the legislation,” LaPointe said.
“I realize that you and your other family members are frustrated by your inability to obtain the detailed information available to the nearest relative. The coroner did her best to include as much information as possible in her report, in order to satisfy your acknowledged desire for information.”
Madison Erhardt
UPDATE 1:55 p.m.
Kelowna RCMP have confirmed a man in his 70s was found deceased in Okanagan Lake Thursday morning.
Police say they were called after the man was reported missing from his home shortly after 7:30 this morning.
He was believed to have gone out for a walk which was highly out of character.
General duty members, dog services, the RCMP helicopter and Central Okanagan Search and Rescue all took part in the search.
His body was discovered in the lake near Strathcona Park.
Cst. Mike Della-Paolera says family members have been notified.
“Foul play is not suspected and the BC Coroners Service along with the Kelowna RCMP general duty are leading the investigation,” says Della-Paolera.
“The RCMP are saddened by this tragic outcome and our thoughts are with the family during this difficult time.”
ORIGINAL 1 p.m.
Kelowna RCMP has confirmed they have discovered a body at Strathcona Beach located behind Kelowna General Hospital.
The entrance to the beach has been blocked off with yellow police caution tape and a privacy screen has been erected close to the waterline.
Central Okanagan Search and Rescue also responded to the scene.
Castanet has learned that the body is that of an elderly male who has been reported missing and his body was found in the water.
This is a developing story and Castanet will provide more information as it becomes available.
Photo: Contributed
UPDATE: April 21, 11 a.m.
The Derek Edwards comedy show that was scheduled to hit Vernon and Kelowna in a few days has been postponed until the fall.
The show, titled In Praise of the Ostrich, was supposed to be held on Sunday night in Vernon and on Monday night in Kelowna. The Vernon show will now be held on Thursday, Sept. 8, while the new Kelowna date is Friday, Sept. 9.
The shows were postponed due to illness.
Ticket holders can retain their tickets, which will be honoured for the new dates. If you are unable to attend, a full refund will be offered at the point of sale.
ORIGINAL: April 7, 7 p.m.
Just For Laughs veteran Derek Edwards will be bringing his comedy show to the Okanagan later this month.
Edwards is bringing his show, In Praise of the Ostrich, to Vernon Vernon & District Performing Arts Centre on Sunday, April 24, and to Kelowna Community Theatre on Monday, April 25.
The 90-minute show will cover a variety of topics, including the influx of pot stores, self-driving cars, gambling tips, the challenge of staying youthful and dressing warm.
Edwards is a four-time nominee and winner of Best Standup Comic from the Canadian Comedy Awards, and he is a multiple Gemini Award nominee for best performance in a comedy.
Tickets are $55, including tax. Vernon tickets are available for sale at the venue, while Kelowna tickets can be found at all Select Your Tickets outlets.
Photo: Elevation Outdoors
After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Elevation Outdoor’s annual lawn-bowling fundraiser is returning this summer.
The sixth-annual On the Lawn event will kick off in July at the lawn-bowling fields in Kelowna’s City Park. Twenty teams of four will compete over four weeks in July and August, while raising thousands of dollars for Elevation Outdoors.
“We cannot wait to see everyone back On the Lawn again this summer,” said Mike Greet, executive director of Elevation Outdoors.
“We have missed getting together and having a great time all for a great cause, and this year’s event is lining up to be the best one yet.”
Elevation Outdoors provides underprivileged youth in the community the opportunity to learn a number of new sports, like snowboarding, rock-climbing, sailing and mountain biking. Without Elevation Outdoors, many of the youth wouldn’t have the opportunity to try these sports, due to the financial barriers they carry.
“The money raised helps us provide access to mentorship and recreation programs at no cost to so many deserving youth in our community that may otherwise never have a chance to gain the valuable life experiences our programs provide,” Greer said.
Over the past five previous On the Lawn events, more than $100,000 has been raised for the non-profit organization. This year’s fundraiser will help fund 85 full scholarships for youth to access programs.
Team registration for the On the Lawn opens April 21 at 9 a.m. Registration for teams looking to participate in two weeks of play costs $250 while four weeks costs $450.
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