Celebrating 30 Years

Writing well means never having to say, ‘I guess you had to be there.’”

Jef Mallet

The great part about anniversaries is taking time to reflect. Delving into our magazine archives, we once again came face to face with the passionate people who strengthen our communities and the creative artists who fill the Valley with art, song and laughter. As we flipped through the pages, funky retro ads popped out and the colourful fabric of Okanagan life warmed us, captured in vivid photography and heartfelt words. Printed on the pages were couples saying “I do,” athletes capturing Olympic gold and volunteers opening their hearts. We also stirred up some murders, ghosts and lake monsters. Yes, Ogopogo has made his appearances many times over. Our writers tackled many issues that parents, students and seniors have faced over these 30 years—some still challenging us today. Thanks to all who have been a part of our journey; you’ll find the full archives online. Read, reflect and revel in the Okanagan life. —Editors

Kelowna’s landscape changing forever

Kelowna’s landscape changing forever

“The landscape of Kelowna will forever change in 2018 as homeowners flock to the new downtown towers,” says local realtor and homebuilder A. J. Hazzi, author of The Vantage Report.  “We’ll see a vitality on our streets and in the shops and restaurants as the...

Time to level the playing field

Time to level the playing field

Imagine for a moment you have a new competitor. They sneak into the Okanagan and gobble up 95 per cent of gross revenue in your industry. What if your government did nothing and this monopoly continued ‘competing’ with you. To add insult to injury, you find out they...

Okanagan money matters

Okanagan money matters

Vancouver, Calgary and Toronto may make the top 10 list of the most liveable cities in the world, but for Okanaganites, our scenic valley with its natural beauty and mid-sized-city vibe make this a home like no other. Despite the beauty around...

Time to level the playing field

Time to level the playing field

Imagine for a moment you have a new competitor. They sneak into the Okanagan and gobble up 95 per cent of gross revenue in your industry. What if your government did nothing and this monopoly continued ‘competing’ with you. To add insult to injury, you find out they...

Okanagan money matters

Okanagan money matters

Vancouver, Calgary and Toronto may make the top 10 list of the most liveable cities in the world, but for Okanaganites, our scenic valley with its natural beauty and mid-sized-city vibe make this a home like no other. Despite the beauty around...

Shelter Me: Leaving an abusive partner

Shelter Me: Leaving an abusive partner

When women make the hard choice to leave their abusive partners, they need a safe place to escape. In the Okanagan, heroes like the Kelowna Women’s Shelter volunteers work to provide them with stable new beginnings.

100 Mile Diet is no piece of cake

100 Mile Diet is no piece of cake

A simple, grassroots idea is rippling around the world. As it spreads, it is meeting head-on such issues as food security, fossil fuel use, international trade pressures, insufficient government support and urban-rural land conflict.

Help Wanted in the Okanagan

Help Wanted in the Okanagan

With help wanted signs sprouting like roadside weeds, it’s not surprising that Okanagan employers are struggling to cope. But just when you’d expect job seekers to be sitting in the driver’s seat, many wannabe workers are getting a bumpy ride.