Pnoct2115

Meteor shower peaks over the Southern Interior this week

THOMPSON-OKANAGAN - If clouds part enough tonight you may be able to get a glimpse of the Orionid meteor shower as it peaks early Thursday morning. The Orionid meteor shower, which is formed from the debris of Halley’s comet, is known for producing bright and quick meteors. This meteor shower runs throughout October and into...

City seeks to smooth out casino relocation with bylaw amendment

PENTICTON - City Council is smoothing the way for Gateway Casinos to relocate on city-taxed property. A zoning amendment that would include casino operation as a defined use was requested by staff at a council meeting earlier this week. Director of Development Services Jules Hall said staff were alerted through media reports the Penticton Lakeside...

Penticton set to add more snow removal equipment to roster

PENTICTON - City staff are preparing for winter with a pitch to city council for more snow removal equipment. Buiding and Permitting Manager Ken Kunka asked council for an additional $20,000 to purchase more ice and snow clearing equipment. The request was made to facilitate clearing of nearly 10 kilometres of city lanes that will...

Kokanee salmon population explodes in Okanagan Lake with biggest spawn in quarter century

OKANAGAN - It’s a record year for Kokanee salmon spawning on Okanagan Lake. Jason Webster, a Vernon-based fisheries biologist, says more than 300,000 shore spawners were counted during this year’s annual survey — the most in more than 25 years. “It’s turning into a cyclical thing where every four years there’s a great big run,...

City park concession operator seeks public input to improve location

PENTICTON - One of Penticton’s concession contractors wants public input on how his concession might be improved. Gord Ferguson told Penticton City Council this week he is looking for ways to improve Lakawanna Park, including the building and services offered by his food concession. Calling the building 'an absolute eyesore,' Ferguson said the park, with...

Three patients remain in hospital after violent attack near Lillooet

THOMPSON-OKANAGAN - Three of the original 11 people who were admitted to Interior Health hospitals after an attack at the Bridge River Indian Band office near Lillooet remain under medical care. “One patient is in serious but stable condition and two are stable and beginning their recovery,” Tracy Watson of Interior Health says. The patients...

Photo contest awards best in local escapes and landscapes

PENTICTON - Photographers of the South Okanagan got out their cameras in response to the Sep.t 21 launch of a photography contest sponsored by Tourism Penticton. The organization announced the winners of their “Escapes & Landscapes Photography Contest" on Oct. 19, selecting the top three photos from more than 130 entries. Doug Cox took first...

Winter forecast is warm with lots of snow

THOMPSON-OKANAGAN – AccuWeather is forecasting one of the warmest winters on record for much of Canada, thanks to El Nino. Western Canadians can expect above to well-above temperatures as a prevailing westerly flow delivers milder Pacific air across the region, according to a news release. “Compared to last winter, there will be more snow across...

Collision on Main and Industrial closes intersection in Penticton

PENTICTON - A collision at the intersection of Main Street and Industrial Ave slowed traffic for roughly a half hour just before noon today, Oct. 21. Dennis Smith of Penticton Fire Department said two people were taken to hospital by ambulance after a black Honda Civic and a burgundy GMC Sierra collided in the intersection....