Since starting with the City of Kelowna in 2004, long-time director of the development services department Mo Bayat has received an esteemed and prestigious award.
Mo has been recognized by the local chapter of the Canadian Home Builders Association Okanagan with a Lifetime Achievement Award. It is rare for a municipal chief building official to receive this type of recognition, and it speaks volumes about Mo91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™s dedication, integrity, service and impact on our community. The city development services department establishes, monitors and maintains operational policies, processes and activities related to monitoring of work for compliance with council policies governing subdivision development, construction of roads, utilities and the construction of buildings. Mo has cultivated relationships with industries across Kelowna and Canada like no-one else. Mo91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™s legacy includes achieving accreditation by the International Accreditation Service, making Kelowna the only accredited building department in Canada. He has also been instrumental in unique customer service initiatives, such as the builder support kiosk at Rona and the introduction of property information reports. Personally, it has been nothing but an absolute pleasure working with Mo since I joined city council in 2011.
Visionology Optometry has opened at 114-2365 Gordon Dr. in Kelowna's Guisachan Village Centre. Owned and operated by optometrist and teacher Dr. Nancy Friessen, who immigrated to Canada from Mexico in 1995, Visionology is more than a place for eye care. It91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™s a reflection of a personal journey rooted in passion, learning and community. Dr. Friessen completed her studies at the University of Waterloo91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™s optometry program and then moved to Kelowna. Her clinic offers comprehensive eye care, a carefully curated collection of selected stylish eye wear and the latest imaging technology included at no additional charge. Dr. Friessen supports local charities with a portion of sales from the business and at this time, donations are being forwarded to the Central Okanagan Food Bank. Scheduling an appointment is easy with booking available at or call 778-784-2020.
Congratulations to MNP LLP Kelowna Partner Kyla Magee on being the recipient of the Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™s Early Achievement Award. Kyla is being honoured for her commitment to making a difference in both her profession and her community. Jennifer Hollis is the regional managing partner of MNP LLP.
Nicolle Gomez de Sousa, with Tourism Kelowna, has been promoted to director of business development. Nicolle has been a member of the Tourism Kelowna team since 2013, initially hired as a business development consultant and most recently serving as interim department head of business development. In her new role, Nicolle will focus on ensuring the business development team91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™s priorities align with the organization91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™s strategic objectives. She will also prioritize communication with a special focus on the accommodation partners. In addition, Nicolle will directly manage sales within the Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and California markets, while leading Tourism Kelowna91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™s participation in the OKGo campaign.
Brett & Buddies Moving & Junk Removal Service is a 10-year-plus business, owned and operated by young entrepreneur Brent Waldherr. The business has added new team members and a five-ton truck to enhance its moving business. Brett & Buddies are a full-service moving company. They refer to themselves as the home transition specialists and move both commercial and residential jobs, and also do junk removal. The company also repurpose anything reusable and work closely with the Canadian Mental Health Association and S.H.A.R.E.
The Kelowna Chamber of Commerce is bringing together industry leaders to discuss tariff issues on Wednesday March 5, from 2 to 3:30 p.m., at UBCO. Confirmed panelists so far include Nick Arkle, CEO Gorman Group Lumber/Wood Products; Grant Stevens, CCO, KF Aerospace; Heather Weber, CPA, CGA, MNP LLP, Leader Indirect Tax Group; and Ross Hickey, Ph. D, Economics, UBCO, Chris Walker from CBC Radio will be the moderator. Register to attend at .
ThriveLine, a Kelowna-based web design and online marketing company that help businesses show up on Google, is owned and operated by Marie-Line Villers. Marie-Line makes the proves simple and stress-free for business owners offering custom websites, Google maps and search optimization and review management. She also offers StarterSites, a soon to come, a unique and budget-friendly website solution for small businesses that need a professional online presence without the high cost.
It91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™s the time of year that we are all excited to see spring come and get gardening. The non-profit Okanagan Master Gardeners have organized an upcoming Seedy Sunday on March 9, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Parkinson Recreation Centre. The event brings together local organic farmers, gardening organizations, and garden-related seed and plant-based businesses to encourage the preservation of endangered seeds and promote seed diversity. There will be numerous exhibitors and vendors, and the master gardeners will be on hand to provide advice and free workshops for both adults and children. There will be a seed swap table, which everyone is invited to, whether you have seeds to trade or not. Food trucks will be on site. Admission $2 for adults while children under 12 get in for free.
Congratulations to the winners of the 24th annual Community Sport Hero award recipients supported by Pacific Sport Okanagan and The City of Kelowna: Karen Hatch, Okanagan Athletics Club; Tamlyn Bohm, Kelowna Paddle Centre; Warren Brock, Kelowna Minor Heat Fastball; Cindy Rhodes, Interior Running Association; Travis Miller, Okanagan Sun Football; Terry Welsh, Kelowna Bocce Club; Martin Weilmeier, Kelowna Badminton Club; 2024 USPORT Cross Country Championships; Megan Rempel, curling; Jacob Bond, football; Abigail Taneda, soccer; Mackenzie Adams, skeleton; William McCreight, wheelchair rugby; Elizabeth Henne, basketball; and Brendan Christian, rugby. The awards also took some time to recognize the Okanagan athletes who represented the region at the 2024 Summer Paralympics and Olympics in Paris: Jerome Blake, Malinda Elmore, Fynn McCarthy and Rob Shaw.
The Hilton Hampton Inn and Suites Kelowna Airport celebrates its 5th anniversary this month, owned and operated by Argus Properties Ltd. Just weeks after its opening, their journey was met with an early and unprecedented challenge with the COVID-19 pandemic and then reopened in July 2020. The hotel played a vital role in housing displaced local residents during the 2023 wildfires. Their partnerships include a $20,000 donation from Hilton Global to the Central Okanagan Food Bank. Ahmad Taher-Saleh is the general manager.
Mark your calendar: Thursday, March 6, is the Uptown Rutland Business Association annual general meeting at Valleyview Funeral Home, 165 Valleyview Rd. Doors open at 5 p.m. with the meeting starting at 5:30 p.m. For more details visit .
The 8th annual B Mack & Karly Cold Weather Clothing Drive is nearing its finale on Feb. 28. In partnership with the Ki-Low-Na Friendship Society, B Mack & Karly plan to wrap up the campaign with a special broadcast in the lobby of the Virgin Radio Headquarters on Bernard Avenue, from 6 to 10 a.m. The campaign has already collected 3,500 items and they are asking you again to drop by with items of winter clothing and gear, including jackets, pants, sweaters, gloves, toques, hand and foot warmers, and blankets. You can also donate monetarily. Visit the Cold Weather Clothing Drive webpage.
In celebration of Women of Aviation Week, March 3-9, the KF Centre for Excellence will host the Women in Aviation Fireside Chat & Networking event on Tuesday, March 4, 5:30 to 8 p.m., at the KF Centre for Excellence. The special evening will bring together seven female aviation powerhouses in the industry, including KF Aerospace president and CEO Tracy Medve. Tickets $10 at Eventbrite: Women of Aviation Event.
The Okanagan Winter Wine Festival is back. One event that you may want to attend is Winter SIPS North 91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ“ An Okanagan Take on Burgundy: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay at the Eldorado Resort on March 1. This exclusive afternoon promises an elegant exploration of the Okanagan91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™s take on burgundy91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™s most iconic varietals: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Includes wine tasting and bites prepared by Edorado Resort Chefs.
Birthdays of the week: Mandeep Baidwan (Feb. 26); Jason Sekhon (Feb. 26); Jeff Hudson (Feb. 26); Maribeth Friesen (Feb. 26); Kirsten Moxness (Feb. 27); Eva Simon (Feb. 27); Norm LeCavalier (Feb. 27); Kenny Tai (Feb. 27); Chris Dowden (Feb. 27); Ken Laloge (Feb. 28); Kristine Kunzli (Feb. 28); Sushmita Rathour (Feb. 29); Ken Salvail (Feb. 29); Brad Sieben (Mar. 1); Jock Craddock (Mar. 2); Debbie Shepherd (Mar. 2); Todd Graham (Mar. 2); Faye Willms (Mar. 2); Josh Perreault (Mar. 3); Bruce Murray (Mar. 3); Derek Gratz (Mar. 4); Nancy Wise (Mar. 4); Jack Klassen (Mar. 4).
The Specialty Bakery Birthday Cake Winner of the Week is Nancy Wise. Nancy, please pick up your birthday cake from any one of the four Specialty Bakery locations by noon on Tuesday, March 4
Maxine DeHart is a Kelowna city councillor and local hotelier. Phone her at 250-979-4546 or 250-862-7662, email max@maxinedehart.ca.
