17th Annual Readers’ Choice Awards
This is the 17th consecutive year that our readers have voted for their favourite business heroes in the North, Central and South Okanagan. Happy business people who receive the hottest award in the Valley know that Okanagan Life readers vote by way of official ballot. These quality businesses display the Best of the Okanagan award in their offices and retail stores for all to see. In Okanagan Life’s 23-year life we’ve worked hard to highlight courageous and innovative people... Read More
6th Annual Editors’ Choice Awards
The results of our 6th Annual Best of the Okanagan Editors’ Choice Awards: best excuse for a volunteer to play dress up; best creative youth role models in the North Okanagan; best troupe of multi-talented child stars with “no stars” philosophy; best group activity; best reminder to appreciate our local growers and the bounty they produce; best green construction; best keeper of nest historical stories and stuff for 75 years and counting; best hope for a world... Read More
Okanagan Bookshelf & Soundtrack
We could speculate on what it is about the Okanagan that nurtures such a broad spectrum of creativity among writers, photographers and musicians, but who cares—as long as they keep on creating … Download PDF Download PDF Read More
Gem of a Guy: Chuck Fipke
Long before you spot him among the crowd you might hear Charles (Chuck) Fipke laugh. A delighted kind of a cackle, its an unbridled and boisterous display of pleasure as unique as the man himself. Canada’s most decorated discoverer of diamonds—and one of the most renowned geologists in the world—relishes good friends, good food and wine, good racehorses and of course, good, mineral-rich ground. Once an undaunted scientist living out of his car in the Northwest Territories,... Read More
Gem of a Guy: Chuck Fipke
Long before you spot him among the crowd you might hear Charles (Chuck) Fipke laugh. A delighted kind of a cackle, its an unbridled and boisterous display of pleasure as unique as the man himself. Canada’s most decorated discoverer of diamonds?—?and one of the most renowned geologists in the world?—?relishes good friends, good food and wine, good racehorses and of course, good, mineral-rich ground. Once an undaunted scientist living out of his car in the Northwest Territories,... Read More
Two Chefs, One Philosophy
Credit the surging wine industry for the emergence of winery restaurants committed to local food culture and for attracting young, creative, passionate chefs, some with roots in the Valley. These talented “locals” captain dynamic kitchens, adding depth and commitment to the burgeoning wine country dining scene. “More top chefs are staying here,” says Jeremy Luypen, owner/executive chef at Hester Creek’s newly-minted Terrafina, who also substitute teaches at Okanagan... Read More
Pantomime’s the Thing
I have a lovely family picture hanging on the fridge. In it, my grandmother, with her long black dress and cane, stands demurely to my left. My grandfather, with his pink curls and large breasts, smiles brightly to my right. Each time I pass it I am reminded of how the wonderful world of community theatre has coloured my life. The photo is from Theatre Kelowna’s version of Cinderella, the Christmas pantomime they did circa 1989, when I discovered pink was definitely my colour.... Read More
Money Can Be Funny
Buying local is the best way to fuel the Okanagan economy. Exercising your democratic right to choose will not only help local business people survive and thrive; it will allow you the satisfaction of occupying the brain of a billionaire. Once upon a time, the world was full of business people who were afraid to fail. This was a good thing. The normal, oh-so human emotion of fear guided them to govern their decisions wisely by honouring their staff and management or risk losing... Read More
Seize the Moment: Bruce Kemp
A bit of madness went into the cover of Gifts of the Okanagan, a new photo book by Laurie Carter and Bruce Kemp. With printer deadline looming, the pair were desperately seeking a cover image when Bruce was caught in the mother of all storms driving home after shooting the clay bluffs along Highway 97 (pictured in the book). As he drove north through Summerland, Bruce noticed the storm was moving faster than his car. An experienced photographer, he kept a watchful eye on the... Read More
Family Appeal
Kelowna’s Upper Mission hosts this warmly attractive home in the gated Iron Horse community Eye-popping curb appeal says, “Welcome,” to a dwelling specifically designed as a comfortably functional family home. Natural Pangaea Cambrian stone echoes the earth tones of cedar shakes and sky coloured shingles. Together they provide a textural dimension that highlights the multi-faceted roof and wall lines. Designer Mika Rempel of Chirp Studio wanted some elements of traditional... Read More
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