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Steve Arstad
I have been looking for news in the South Okanagan - SImilkameen for 20 years, having turned a part time lifelong interest into a full time profession. After five years publishing a local newsletter, several years working as a correspondent / stringer for several local newspapers and seven years as editor of a Similkameen weekly newspaper, I joined iNFOnews.ca in 2014. My goal in the news industry has always been to deliver accurate and interesting articles about local people and places. My interest in the profession is life long - from my earliest memories of grade school, I have enjoyed writing.
As an airborne geophysical surveyor I travelled extensively around the globe, conducting helicopter borne mineral surveys.
I also spent several years at an Okanagan Falls based lumber mill, producing glued-wood laminated products.
As a member of the Kaleden community, I have been involved in the Kaleden Volunteer Fire Department for 22 years, and also serve as a trustee on the Kaleden Irrigation District board.
I am currently married to my wife Judy, of 26 years. We are empty-nesters who enjoy living in Kaleden with our Welsh Terrier, Angus, and cat, Tibbs.
Our two daughters, Meagan and Hayley, reside in Richmond and Victoria, respectively.
Steve Arstad's Stories
Economic development initiatives at Penticton city hall shift into high gear
PENTICTON - The City of Penticton’s Economic Development Office switched into high gear this week with the hiring of a economic development intern. Kelly Bowman began work Monday, May 11, and will be working with economic development officer Colleen Pennington to attract new business while help existing ones to reach their full potential in the...
Valley wide business meeting combines trade show with networking opportunities
PENTICTON - A once a year opportunity for valley businesses Salmon Arm to Osoyoos to meet and network takes place in Penticton next week. The Penticton and Wine Country Chamber of Commerce will be hosting this year’s Valley Wide Business After Hours at Okanagan Lake Park on May 20 from 4:30 p.m. until 7 p.m....
South Okanagan winery recognized by the SPCA for doggy love
PENTICTON - An Okanagan Falls winery, which has built a theme around its love for man’s best friend, has caught the attention of the B.C. SPCA. See Ya Later Ranch Winery has been named Caring Company of the Year. The winery has provided the SPCA with more than $150,000 since 2006 through contributions and in-kind...
Flames above Riva Ridge a controlled burn
PENTICTON - The Penticton Indian Band is currently monitoring a controlled fire above Riva Ridge Modular Home Park just south of Penticton. Penticton Indian Band chief Barry Phillip said the band has a vehicle at the site and are monitoring the controlled burn. Flames from the pile, which is burning on a barren hillside, were...
Lots to do in and around Penticton this May long weekend
PENTICTON - No shortage of things to do in the South Okanagan this May long weekend. The Penticton Farmers' Market and the Penticton Community Market are back on Main Street for the summer, starting at 8:30 a.m and running until 1 p.m. Check out this recent message from the mayor regarding Penticton’s famous farmers market....
New slogan for Penticton’s 2016 B.C. Winter Games
PENTICTON - No matter what the season, Penticton is passionate about sport. So it’s only fitting that 'Penticton’s Got Game' be the slogan for the 2016 B.C. Winter Games. To celebrate the return of the games to the community, the host society board of directors held a 'Name Our Games' contest for the community. Penticton students...
Former MLA passes away
PENTICTON - Former MLA John Slater has passed away, according to a release from the province. B.C. Premier Christy Clark issued a statement of condolence following his death, noting Slater’s passion for his home and the people of Osoyoos. She pointed to his participation in everything from coaching youth sports and volunteering with the Chamber...
Volunteer fire departments facing news standards, higher costs
PENTICTON - New provincial regulations affecting the province's fire departments was a topic of discussion for the Regional District Okanagan Similkameen’s Emergency Services Supervisor at a recent committee meeting. RDOS supervisor Dale Kronebusch provided directors with a snapshot of changes coming to the region’s fire departments as a result of the recently introduced B.C. Fire...
City will seek developer for hotel development for SOEC property
PENTICTON - The idea of adding a hotel to the South Okanagan Events Centre property garnered little interest at a public hearing this week, but those who did attend voiced a wide array of views. A special council meeting and public hearing looking at the proposed zoning amendment to add 'tourist accommodation' as an allowable...
Business building at Penticton First Nations event
PENTICTON - First Nations business groups from all over Western Canada are in Penticton this week to do business. The Penticton Indian Band is hosting their third Aboriginal Business Match at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre. “This is an opportunity for us to showcase our developments, to show others what we’re doing and inspire...
Independent investigators to probe motorcycle collision with police car
CRUISER DID U-TURN IN MIDDLE OF HIGHWAY PENTICTON - A collision between an RCMP cruiser and a motorcycle in Osoyoos this past weekend is now under investigation by the province’s Independent Investigations Office. Spokesperson Kelly Kilpatrick confirmed today, May 12, two investigators were sent to Osoyoos on Monday to begin an investigation into the crash....
Summerland family refuses to give up on lost pup
PENTICTON - A Summerland family whose dog was lost in late April haven’t given up hope of being reunited. Rob and Jodie Conti of Summerland are heartbroken after losing Grace, their four-month-old puppy, on April 30, but they continue to believe the dog will return to its rightful home. Jodie spends most of her day...
Penticton firefighters kept busy Monday afternoon
PENTICTON - Penticton firefighters were ready for action Monday when dispatch paged them to a structure fire right at a shift change. Fire Chief Wayne Williams says the crew was able to make a quick response to Neighbourhood Auto Body on Rosetown Avenue at 5:43 p.m., yesterday, May 11. An employee at the shop was...
Beach use in Okanagan Falls restricted because of species at risk
PENTICTON - A policy regarding species at risk and restricted beach usage at an Okanagan Falls park is not getting much support from a regional district committee. At an environment committee meeting last week regional directors said they disagreed with the restrictive policy. The committee, including Area ‘D’ Director Tom Siddon, were most upset at...
Correctional Centre taking shape in Oliver desert
PENTICTON - Grey concrete walls are going up on the desert bench at the Senkulmen Business Park north of Oliver for an institution that will be the first of its kind in the South Okanagan. Construction of B.C.’s newest medium security prison, the Okanagan Correctional Centre, has been underway since site preparation began in April...
Showcase project for Penticton Creek
PENTICTON - One of Penticton’s most important waterways is benefitting from the city’s plan to enhance downtown. A Penticton staff report notes a key component arising from the 2012 downtown revitalization objective was recognition of the importance Penticton Creek has to the overall objective. Grant funding was sought by city staff in 2013 for the...
Penticton crime stats on the rise
PENTICTON - Penticton RCMP are fighting more crime, if statistics are any indication. Penticton RCMP Superintendent Kevin Hewco tabled a report at the Regional District Okanagan Similkameen board meeting on May 7, which said the detachment responded to 19 per cent more calls in the first quarter of 2015 compared to last year. The officers...
Lyme Sucks Challenge creating sour faces in South Okanagan
PENTICTON - Penticton has a lot of sour faces lately. Maybe it has something to do with the Lyme Sucks Challenge, which appears to making its way through every political body, service and civil servant group in town. The challenge is to suck on a quarter of a lime and make a video, post the video...
Councillor objects to amended purchasing policy
PENTICTON - One city councillor isn’t happy about amendments made to Penticton’s purchasing policy approved earlier this week. Penticton city staff approached council with a recommendation to approve an amended purchasing policy for the city. The policy describes the method by which quotes are obtained for for different values of purchases, in addition to assigning...
PNE prize home made in Okanagan Falls
PENTICTON - An Okanagan Falls modular home manufacturer will get some serious advertising exposure when the Pacific National Exhibition opens this year in Vancouver. Karoleena has been chosen to build this year’s PNE prize home. The 3,080 square foot, $ 2.1-million modular home was a six month project for the company. It took 30 days...
Anti-graffiti strategy attracting attention beyond Penticton boundaries
PENTICTON – If you’re seeing less graffiti in Penticton’s downtown core these days, you're not…
Penticton RCMP nab prolific Lower Mainland offenders
PENTICTON - Penticton RCMP had a busy but successful night May 6. Police previously responded to a number of break ins of both vehicles and residences in Okanagan Falls and Penticton on May 5, where identification, credit and bank cards, cash, jewellery, garage door remotes, keys and various other items were taken. Investigation revealed a...
Family grieves as timely treatment for mental health issues prove elusive
PENTICTON – As a Penticton family mourns the death of a daughter and sister, they…
Noise issues unite neighbours against Naramata winery
PENTICTON - An application for a winery lounge and special event area beverage license for a Naramata bench winery turned out to be a controversial item on the agenda at Penticton city council's regular meeting this week. Bench 1775 Winery applied for the license to add food and beverage service to the main areas of...