Steve Arstad

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

  • Joined: January 01, 2023
  • Articles: 6731

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...

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...

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...

Retiring RCMP sergeant transitioning into Crime Stoppers role

PENTICTON - The police officer who helped get Crime Stoppers off the ground in Penticton following a riot in 1991 is now going to head the South Okanagan chapter of the organization. Sgt. Rick Dellebuur announced his pending retirement from 38 years as an RCMP officer to members of the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen board...

Townhouse development for idle lots on Power Street

PENTICTON - Three lots on Power Street could soon be home to a 15-unit townhouse strata complex after City councillors approved it Monday. Developer Nick Bevanda put together a design for the complex on three lots located at 152, 168 and 184 Power Street that will leave a central, private courtyard for the residents and...

Penticton’s oxbows an important but neglected water resource

PENTICTON - A Penticton group concerned about the health of the Okanagan River oxbows says more can be done to restore and rejuvenate the remaining river channels in Penticton. Rick McKelvey updated Penticton City Council earlier this week on progress his group, “Friends of the Oxbows” was making with respect to restoring the wetland habitat....

Locomotive pulls out of Lakawanna Park

PENTICTON -The Lakawanna Park locomotive has left the station for good. The wooden replica of a train locomotive has been a familiar sight at the small Lakeshore Drive park for years. As part of the children’s playground, it was often used by children for climbing and playing on. City of Penticton spokesperson Simone Blais said...