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Introduction .......................... 4 Kelowna will continue to diversify ................................ 4 Collaborative efforts paying off in West Kelowna .................. 6 Family auto business continues to thrive ................................. 8 Agri-tourism operations offer a honey of a business opportunity ................... 10-11 Major development projects contribute to the growth of downtown .......................... 12 Film, animation key growth industries for the Okanagan 16 Council optimistic about long term growth in Lake Country ............................... 18 KGH continues to undergo expansion ........................... 19 District continues to focus on Westbank Centre development....................... 20 Win-win situation for students, UBCO and private industry................................ 20 BC fruit growers at the forefront of new technologies ....................... 22 Local wine industry taps into larger markets ..................... 23 Northside Industries offer excellent products and services......................... 24 60 years and growing.......... 25 Market district concept forming for the north end of Kelowna............................... 26 Dr. Webster helping patients make educated decisions ... 27 Happy and engaged students who love to learn ................ 28 Cadence at The Lakes ......... 29 Habitat for Humanity .......... 30

Publisher Karen Hill Managing Editor Barry Gerding Writers Barry Gerding Kathy Michaels Kevin Parnell Wade Paterson Jennifer Smith Alistair Waters Production Director Tessa Ringness Production Designers Nancy Blow Kiana Haner-Wilk Teresa Huscroft-Brown Advertising Manager Karen Hill Account Executives April Anderson Cindy Draper Ron Harding Antony Hutton Terry Matthews Rick Methot Sheri Jackson Terry Remin Wayne Woollett Your Community Partner

Tuesday, April 29, 2014 Capital News PROGRESS 2014

Kelowna will continue to diversify JIM PATERSON, CONTRIBUTOR

K

elowna’s economy is in transition.

We have a more diversified economy than many believe and we are becoming better positioned to be successful in the future with the “four pillars” of UBCO, Okanagan College, Kelowna General Hospital, and Kelowna International Airport serving as the foundation on which to build.

Canada’s economy is also in transition - it’s 70 per cent services based, 30 per cent goods producing. Kelowna’s (census metropolitan area) is about 80 per cent services based and 20 per cent goods producing.

But you might be surprised to learn that Calgary’s service sector is 74 per cent, Edmonton’s is 77 per cent, and Victoria’s is 88 per cent. Manufacturing as a part of the Canadian economy (GDP) shrank 1.9 per cent from 2007 to 2012. Kelowna’s (CMA) manufacturing sector employs approximately 6.65 per cent of the labour force compared with Calgary’s 6.7 per cent and Edmonton’s eight per cent.

The days of trying to attract large manufacturers such as a Western Star to the Valley are gone. What we know is that we have smaller customer-focused manufacturers successfully supplying the oil, gas and mining sectors of Alberta and northern B.C. We also build recreational boats, supply waterslides, maintain and modify aircraft, as well as supply integrated information display components for the aviation industry.

With regard to our goods producing industries and new Asian markets being opened, we can take advantage of our sterling reputation as Canada’s premier fruit and wine making region, shipping our tree fruits and ice wines to ever-growing markets. Our forestry producers are also taking advantage of robust lumber pricing and should continue to see growth supplying the improving U.S. housing sector as well as the new Asian markets.

While it is true that retail trade (15.9 per cent) of Kelowna’s total employment is high, Kelowna also captures 136 per

cent of the national average sales per capita (FP Markets 2012) by virtue of the fact we are the key shopping destination for the B.C. Southern Interior.

Those retail dollars spent in Kelowna circulate within our economy and also provide spin off expenditures in restaurants and accommodations. Retail employment in Kelowna has become less important as a per cent of Kelowna’s employment base since 2007, and the most recent estimates of 14,800 employees compares with over 16,500 employees in construction and manufacturing (BC Stats).

Accommodation and food services (8.8 per cent of Kelowna’s employment) is also quite high by virtue of the fact that we have a robust tourism industry.

There are approximately 8,200 employees in that sector, which is approximately the same number employed in the professional, scientific and social services a sector that has grown by 183 per cent since 2008 (BC Stats).

Kelowna is the third largest high-tech business center in B.C.; home to Disney Online, Procera Networks Canadian Office, and QHR Technologies among many other international high technology companies. Meanwhile Accelerate Okanagan has been extremely successful supporting the growth and acceleration of local startups in the gaming, animation, mobile, web, life sciences and clean energy sectors.

Getting back to our four pillars, we now have more than 15,000 students and staff in post secondary education and we are quickly developing into a small college town’ UBCO’s and Okanagan College’s estimated annual economic impact is over $2 billion - greatly eclipsing tourism’s impact estimated at $653 million.

We know employment rates, wages, and wealth creation increases in direct relation to educational attainment.

While Okanagan College’s new $30 million trades facility will help to train

B.C.’s increasingly important trades sector, UBCO will be working in partnership with local Industry to provide research, development, rapid prototyping, testing and commercialization of advanced technologies. We envision a future of smaller, agile on-demand manufacturers taking advantage of that partnership.

Health care is also one of the fastest growing sectors of the Canadian economy and Kelowna, with our new clinical academic campus, our integrated critical care Interior Heart and Surgical Centre ($367 million), supplemented by a full range of clinical supports, is well positioned to gain with a host of private services that support our health care system.

Kelowna is a city of small business with approximately 95 per cent employing fewer than 20 employees while 50 per cent of businesses are sole proprietorships.

We are a city that draws entrepreneurs with our expanding tourism wine and culinary industries helping to introduce new investment to Kelowna.

Our rapidly expanding airport serves as our direct connection to the world markets, enabling entrepreneurs to live here, but work or commute virtually anywhere.

While we may not land a large manufacturer, Kelowna will continue to diversify and remain resilient in the face of an aging Canadian demographic and a growing service based economy. We will continue to educate and train a future workforce while attracting entrepreneurs who will invest and create opportunities based on our solid foundation of education and healthcare facilities.

Given the scale of our city in today’s global marketplace, we take a Team Kelowna approach - working collaboratively and strategically with other levels of government and our invaluable tourism and economic development commission partners. Working together, our well-researched strategy is to build on our known economic strengths and continue the transition to a dynamic economy driven by knowledge, opportunity and lifestyle.

Jim Paterson is the executive director of business development for the City of Kelowna.

PROGRESS 2014 Capital News Tuesday, April 29, 2014

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Tuesday, April 29, 2014 Capital News PROGRESS 2014

Collaborative efforts paying off in West Kelowna

T

he evolution of the District of West Kelowna turning itself into a known tourist destination attraction for visitors starts with taking advantage of its existing attributes.

And those attributes, says West Kelowna business development officer John Perrott, are already starting to acquire a tourist-friendly identity.

“It’s exciting for us to see the potential for tourism economic spin-offs and people coming here from out of town,” Perrott said. “What we want to do is provide those tourism experience opportunities for visitors which are unique to our community working together with our local business community.”

Perrott cited the efforts already underway to highlight the Westside Wine Trail, a collaborative effort between the nine existing wineries along the Boucherie Road area to market themselves as a group and the district’s efforts to upgrade the road.

“It represents about four years of work, of getting the wineries together, from the small mom and pop operations to the larger wineries like Mission Hill, and seeing the economic and tourist awareness potential starting to be realized by working in a co-operative way,” Perrott said.

“That awareness has led to now three proposed wineries wanting to be located there now as well.

It’s exciting to start to see things like that happening. “ Perrott said the wineries also started their own

mutual event, Sip With Your Sweetheart, two years ago in February around Valentine’s Day and Family Day long weekend, which this year attracted some 600 visitors.

The same concept is now being applied to pull together a cluster of about a dozen neighbouring farms and agri-tourism operators around the periphery of the downtown Westbank core, which will be called the Westbank Farm Loop.

Perrott said the concept has been done successfully in the Fraser Valley and Lower Mainland, and could play well with the agriculture characteristic of the region.

“That is an experience that people want, to be able to buy fresh fruit or produce right from the farm and we have that here,” Perrott said, noting that like the wineries acting in unison, the farmers can benefit as well by increasing their marketing awareness as a group.

Perrott said Okanagan Lake is still a magnet for tourism in West Kelowna during the summer months, saying that the district’s focus is not so much the summer season but generating events and activities for the months before and after, which tourism marketers refer to as the “shoulder season.”

He said Crystal Mountain’s potential ski hill development can also be a key tourism growth innovator for West Kelowna. Besides downhill skiing, Perrott said telemarking is also a big participant at-

traction near the ski hill as is the annual Mud, Sweat & Tears adventure race.

Perrott said other efforts are underway to seek marketing partnerships with the Westbank First Nation activities and native land businesses along Highway 97, a planned rodeo in June and other trade show opportunities for either Royal LePage Place or the Jim Lind Arena, the annual Westside Daze kick-off to summer event, continuing to expand the Music in the Park series, and the outdoor hiking and mountain biking experiences locally along trails in such places as Smith Creek and Mount Boucherie.

“For me, my excitement for West Kelowna’s potential grows as we recognize more and more exciting things to highlight in our community. There is never a lack of things to try and do here,” he said.

Raising awareness of those activities, he said, involves many local businesses and organizations doing a lot of the marketing heavy lifting, with the district’s role to provide the infrastructure and coordination to see those efforts pay dividends.

“When you see these clusters of wineries or farmers coming together, realizing they can accomplish more together than just working on their own, that’s all very positive,” he said.

“In many cases these people hadn’t even met face to face before, so forming these clusters to market themselves presents an opportunity that hasn’t existed before.”

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Tuesday, April 29, 2014 Capital News PROGRESS 2014

Family automotive business continues to thrive

A

utomotive sales and service has been the family business since Tony Lunelli and his wife Franca moved to Kelowna in 1970.

Lunelli was a car mechanic by trade, and that soon expanded to opening his own service and used car sales business in Westbank in 1981.

He moved his business across the lake in 1988, which evolved into a Suzuki sales franchise in 1993 and then expanded to include Subaru in 1995.

Today, two of Lunelli’s four children continue to manage the business under the name of their father as daughter Christina Bailey is the assistant general manager and her brother Anthony is the sales manager.

Anthony’s Subaru recently moved to a new location on Highway 97, focused entirely now on the Subaru brand since Suzuki opted to to shut down its auto division last year.

And that focus comes at a time when Subaru has seen an annual increase in sales over the last five years across Canada.

“I think the company is marketing its line of vehicles better globally and the company has gone more mainstream in its design. There has always been a buzz about Subaru for the performance and all-wheel drive capability of their line of vehicles, but the newer auto designs of recent years are catching on with people as well.”

On July 15, 1953, Fuji Heavy Industries was formed from the merger of five companies that were previously part of Japan’s first private aircraft manufacturer, Nakajima Aircraft Ltd. FHI developed a wide range of innovative products based on advanced technology in divisions such as automobiles, aerospace, bus manufacturing and house prefabricating, industrial products, and transportation and ecology systems.

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In 1989, the privately owned company was purchased by the Torontobased Subaru Canada, Inc., who, under the guidance of parent company Fuji Heavy Industries, began an expansion process that would eventually

see over 85 Subaru dealers in operation across the country.

Lunelli’s involvement with Subaru involved becoming the licensed dealer not only for Kelowna but also in Penticton, which for years was the official sponsor of the Iron Man Triathlon event.

When organizers recently opted to move the popular event away from Penticton, the For the Lunelli family, being dealership changed its name able to showcase Subaru from Iron Man City Subaru to Subaru of Penticton. in the Okanagan Valley Having recently relocated a couldn’t get any better short distance on Highway 97, Anthony’s Subaru in Kelowna now employs about 20 people and the business continues to thrive offering both a service centre and sales for its customers.

Christina says the reliability reputation behind the Subaru name, reflected in its various models such as Tribeca, Forester, Impreza, Legacy Outback, BRZ and XV Crosstrek, continue to serve the company well.

“The Forester is our smallest SUV and it does really well for sales here in B.C. And the Impreza gets 51 miles to the gallon with its all-wheel drive and four-cylinder engine, “ Christina said. “For Subaru it’s all about providing awesome performance and reliability.”

But with the 2015 models already on the lot for sale, the automaker’s vehicle designers continue to make up ground with changing technology that enhances the driving experience.

And for the Lunelli family, being able to showcase Subaru in the Okanagan Valley couldn’t get any better.

He helped a friend move to Kelowna in 1970, and when he arrived in the Okanagan Valley, he realized this was the place he wanted to live and raise his family.

From its early beginnings on the Westside, what is today Anthony’s Subaru has evolved into one of the signature car dealerships both in Kelowna and Penticton, serving customers on a regional basis across B.C.’s interior as the largest dealer in the Interior.

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Agri-tourism operations offer a honey of a business opportunity

BY JENNIFER SMITH, STAFF REPORTER

W

hen Okanagan Lavender Herb Farm opened its doors in 1999, owner Andrea McFadden had her sights set squarely on chefs.

Up-cycling palettes to grow a moss chair sculpture would have seemed a world away from the needs of her business, focused as she was on lavender jelly and ediblegrade flower buds.

“We only did culinary things.

That’s who I thought my market was,” she said.

Yet the trail she blazed would soon include a product line with linen water, foot soak and an organic fair trade shea nut butter and lavender hand salve aptly targeted at the conscientious consumers who visit her farm. She also added a string of tours to develop a property on the vanguard of Central Okanagan agri-tourism industry.

McFadden had seen lavender farmers the world over launch festivals to secure a sustainable operation capable of weathering the myriad challenges of farming and followed suit. Over a decade later, the area’s economic development commission is now helping others do the same, delving into the possibilities the buy-local movement and foodie frenzy presents for farm on the edge.

“We had been focused on removing obstacles (to economic success) for farmers, but noticed,

for a number of the smaller farms, it seemed agri-tourism was the most viable model,” explained Robert Fine, Central Okanagan Economic Development Commissioner.

Agri-tourism can involve anything from farmer’s markets to corn mazes, U-pick operations to farm weddings, but generally connects those who grow with tourists hungry to understand how food lands on the table.

For farmers, it’s another source, or two, of income and for the tourism industry, an avenue to attract or retain customers.

At the lavender farm, It’s meant expanding into art, a partnership with an organic sculptor, fundraising initiatives and even a butterfly release for charity.

“We don’t even do the farmer’s market anymore. Now that we’re open seven days a week, we can’t,” McFadden said.

Selling at the market was heartbreaking from a business perspective; so much invested, so little return. But this is often the plight of the contemporary farmer. The lower cost of labour internationally, environmental changes and land costs have left many Central Okanagan farmers in a tight spot.

In 2011, as Tracey Fredrickson was building the business case for her agri-tourism mentorship program, the Chartered Accountants of British Columbia reported the sector lost 1400 jobs in the region.

Internationally-driven commodity pricing had forced farms from coast to coast to expand. In the Okanagan, it meant the same 20 year period, from the mid-80s to the early 2000s, which saw land prices explode, saw farmers forced to grow their acreages by an average of 14 per cent to compete.

On the other hand, looking at

Farmers blaze a trail to economic success on tours, tastings, and the chance to get dirty data from the Canadian Tourism Commission, Fredrickson saw the experiential tourist many farmers were experimenting with were hardly in short supply. Some 35 per cent of the global tourism market are described as “learners” by industry analysts, or the type of people who might want to attend McFadden’s Lavender Discovery Days.

The trick was marrying the two.

“In some ways, farming is almost harder than any other sector to make the transition to business,” said Fredrickson.

From accounting basics, to insurance knowledge and even social marketing, the mentoring program she now runs on behalf of the Economic Development

Commission helps those who once survived on their knowledge of bug kill and harvesting techniques to write research-based business plans and form an understanding of Twitter.

She has helped one university graduate with no farming experience start a U-Pick berry operation and is ensuring that Function Junction and Double Cross Cidery’s new tractor-led farm tours are a hit.

“People crave locally grown food and seek a deeper understanding about how it’s produced,” explained Nancy Cameron, executive director of Tourism Kelowna when asked what a farm tour provides. “Kelowna’s agri-tourism businesses create the perfect environment for this to occur as they enrich the tourist experience, leaving with them a lasting impression of Kelowna’s proud agricultural heritage.”

Creating these experiences comes naturally to a few.

Helen Kennedy boasts Alberta ranching roots, worked in commercial real estate, then bought a landscaping operation in Kelowna before developing Arlo’s Honey Farm.

Mid-summer, her bustling honey shop, skincare line and opportunity to don a bee keeping suit are the perfect showcase for Tourism Kelowna.

But Kennedy doesn’t sugarcoat her route to success. >>

PROGRESS 2014 Capital News Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Agri-tourism can include anything from farmer’s markets to corn mazes “The pot of gold for every farmer is when they get old and sell their land, which is really kind of sad—especially with our aging farm population. It’s difficult for young people to be able to step into a farm and make it work,” she said.

Kennedy came into the valley with enough money to buy her first property in the Lower Mission.

Moving to her South Kelowna acreage to start farming, the business acumen and people skills

honey and agri-tourism operation, and 50 per cent food production.

Built around the flowering seasons, she grows everything from radishes to raspberries, garlic to onions and gooseberries.

From a lectern space build of pine beetle-kill wood, she regularly hosts travel writers and familiarization tours for tourism operators who will go out and sell the area with some of the knowledge she imparts.

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Helen Kennedy bought her East Kelowna property and developed a multi-faceted agri-tourism operation in just eight years, which offers honey tasting more varied than wine tastings, its own skin care line and education on the critical role bees play in our eco-system for everyone from Waldorf School students to international medical conferences attendees.

she already possessed were critical in battling the bureaucracy she faced defending her vision and building the connections needed to reap the rewards of one serious risk.

“We layered the business. We started with the bees and the honey and then I wrote a little cookbook to show people how to replace white sugar to be healthier…Then we added skin care…Then we added soap,” she said.

The farm is now 50 per cent a

www.kelownacapnews.com 11

Neck pain?

“I had been suffering with a painful neck and shoulder for almost four years following a car accident, also I was experiencing pain with my hand for a few weeks. Then I went for a few acupuncture treatments and I am happy to report that they have helped me greatly to have me free of pain.” ~ Beatrice, KELOWNA

Back pain?

“I was having severe lower back pain. I saw my medical doctor and was given pain killers. I could only sleep 3 hours at a time, waking up in pain.

I decided to try acupuncture as my father did 40 years ago and the results are way beyond my expectation. My pain is virtually gone and I am again enjoying life to its fullest.” ~ Ron, KELOWNA

Shoulder pain?

“I’ve had a frozen shoulder for 7 months. I’ve

had 9 physiotherapy treatments then decided on acupuncture, which I’ve never had. I’ve had 7 treatments and my pain is gone, and I haven’t needed any more painkillers. Thank you, James.” ~ B.M., KELOWNA

going to make a million dollars. It’s basically a lifestyle,” she said.

This life can see her hosting 300 doctors from India one day and talking shop with the area’s top restaurateurs the next. Her husband now makes beeswax candles and her dog romps beneath the pussy willows. The farm buzzes with activity year-round and Kennedy can relax, a little, knowing she’s less likely to be stung by the volatility of the agricultural industry.

As acupuncture experts, we take the time to hear your concerns and ensure your experience is comfortable and positive. We specialize in first-time acupuncture patients!

WCB, ICBC, DVA, MSP, and Extended Health plans accepted.

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12 www.kelownacapnews.com

Tuesday, April 29, 2014 Capital News PROGRESS 2014

Major development projects contribute to the growth of downtown Kelowna Alistair Waters, Assistant Editor

Club’s new build is well underway on the lakeshore just north of the here’s no denying, the face club’s existing clubhouse across of Kelowna’s downtown has the Kelowna Community Theatre. changed over the last few Completion of the new building years. will, in turn, free up land for the The evidence seems to be city to expand the existing Jim everywhere you look.

Stuart Park, which itself has helped Take a stroll down Bernard transform the city’s downtown Avenue, the city’s main downtown waterfront in recent years, street, and the change is stark— especially in the winter with its free, wider sidewalks, decorative lighting open-air skating rink. and street furniture, even the way Prior to embarking on its motorists park their vehicles is now ambitious new clubhouse different with parallel instead of building—a structure described as angle parking. a future architectural icon for the All in all, the street is more inviting city—the yacht club contributed its for pedestrians, a move the city own change to the city’s downtown wanted to serve as a catalyst for waterfront with a massive expansion the larger makeover of the area of its own marina. With more than considered the heart and soul of the 1,000 slips, the marina is now one city. of the largest private marinas in the “There was a perception that country.

Kelowna’s downtown was a little According to Paterson, the less than it should be,” says Jim city is being both “progressive Paterson, Kelowna’s executive and aggressive” when it comes director of business development. to attracting new development So, the city embarked on an downtown and two potential gameambitious $14.3 million facelift for its changers for the area are planned main street between Richter Street in the form of a new major hotel and and the Sails sculpture at the foot conference centre at the corner of of Bernard.

Mill Street and A project Queensway The city is being both completed in and a new office phases, the tower to bring progressive and aggressive final phase— together all when it comes to attracting between St. the Kelowna Paul Street operations of new development and Pandosy Interior Health Street—is under one roof currently drawing to a close and at Doyle Avenue and Richter Street. should be complete by June.

The hotel, slated for the site of There has been a primary focus the former Willow Inn, will be built by city hall on the downtown, admits

by Edmonton-based Westcorp, Paterson. It has been multi-pronged the same company that built and and is already, in his words, “starting operates the public pier/day-use to bear fruit.” marina and new commercial marina.

In addition to the revitalization of The $65 million development, Bernard, other major development which will include a 24-storey, 206projects—both public and room hotel, as well as conference private—have been announced or space, retail and meeting space completed. directly adjacent to Kerry Park, A $5 million public pier and would see the closure of Mill Street day-use marina, complete with a between Bernard Avenue and new, nearby commercial marina, Queensway and creation of a public is now up and running at the foot walkway between the park and the of Bernard, the Kelowna Yacht hotel development. The hotel would

T

employ about 100 people and pump an anticipated $20 million a year into the local economy, says Westcorp.

The IHA building, expected to be an high-rise office tower, has been touted by city council as a potential game-changer for downtown because of the anticipated 1,000 health authority employees it would bring to the area. Those employees are currently scattered throughout the Central Okanagan at a number of different IHA locations.

Bringing them all together under one roof, says the city, would prompt the proliferation of other businesses downtown, such as restaurants and retail stores.

“It’s buildings like that that put more pedestrians on the streets,” said Paterson.

The building is also prompting the city to spend $15 million to expand its existing library parkade and, to service the new IH tower, build another parkade on what is now a ground-level parking lot beside the Kelowna Museum.

But it is not just the public sector and public amenities that are helping reshape Kelowna’s downtown.

Several private developers have either already built, or are planning to build new developments downtown.

According to Paterson, that has

already prompted a change in the downtown “prospectus” the city prepared in 2012 as part of its sales pitch to attract new businesses and developers to the city.

“We had to update it after just one year,” he said citing of the changes downtown.

He listed developments such as a new building on Leon Avenue that houses the offices of a local law firm, a high-tech office building behind the Streaming Cafe at Bertram Street and Leon Avenue, as well as condominium developments such as Kensington Terrace further along Bertram and the planned twin-tower development, Monaco, on Doyle Avenue that will house condo and a hotel.

Then there is the planned relocation of the existing RCMP detachment from its aging, cramped quarters on Doyle Avenue across from City Hall into a larger new $48-million building the city is planning for Clement Avenue.

Paterson says the pace of change for the downtown has been a little surprising given the economic challenges stemming from the recession four years ago.

But, he adds, it appears to speak to the confidence developers have in Kelowna’s city centre.

PROGRESS 2014 Capital News Tuesday, April 29, 2014

www.kelownacapnews.com 13

Two years straight!

In just its second year of new ownership, Kelowna Hyundai has been awarded with the highly respected Presidents award from Hyundai Canada. This award is only given to the top 10 dealers in Canada that have gone above and beyond their expected forecasts in both sales and service.

Their success has been a combination of many factors, not least the continuing growth of Hyundai as a global leader in automotive technology,

and producing vehicles that people want to own and drive – worldwide! The brand has recently won some major awards. The 2014 Santa Fe won the Top Pick in the SUV/Crossover category from Auto.ca, and the 2014 Elantra was the IIHS’s Top Safety pick. Along with that, the 2014 Elantra, Elantra GT, Santa Fe Sport and the 2014 Sonata won the 5 star Overall Crash Safety Rating from the NHTSA. This Spring has been a busy time for owner, John Kot and General Manager, Guy Lemieux announcing the purchase of Maple Ridge Hyundai. This adds the their other dealership, the Buy Direct Truck Centre,

which features over 100 used trucks at any one time. They have introduced a unique promotion for April, Operation 200, whose goal is to sell 200 vehicles in the month, resulting in a $10,000 donation to the Interior Heart and Surgical Centre for new equipment at KGH. “We are proud to support this foundation in their efforts to provide the highest level of medical care in the Interior”, said Kot. But the commitment doesn’t end once you drive off the lot. Their state-of-the-art service department houses some of the most advanced technologies available. Whether spring maintenance or major mechanical service, their highly trained technicians use only certified genuine parts to keep your vehicle running like brand new all year long.

So maybe your current financial status has been difficult for you at other dealerships, Kelowna Hyundai has so many different options for you. They can APPROVE ANYONE as they can do their own in-house financing, plus they work with many banks to get you the vehicle of your choice at a price you can afford.

Looking for a used vehicle? Well, their huge lots have the most used inventory of any car dealership in the Central Okanagan, with over 230 pre-owned vehicles on the lots at any one time.

Their inventory is priced from a first-time buyer to those looking for a luxury vehicle. They also have a very unique “Buy Direct” program which allows you to bypass costly premiums on brand new vehicles and Kelowna Hyundai purchase an almost new 3260 Highway 97 North vehicle at very substantial Kelowna, BC savings.

Phone: 250-491-9467 So, if a new or used www.kelownahyundai.com vehicle is in your future, please make sure you visit Kelowna Hyundai – proud winners of the 2012 and TRUCK CENTRE 2013 President’s Award – Best Selection Best Prices and see the difference in their exceptional sales and 1638 Cary Road, Kelowna service. The staff at the 778-478-7057 dealership will make sure buydirecttruckcentre.com you will not be disappointed.

BUY DIRECT

14 www.kelownacapnews.com

Tuesday, April 29, 2014 Capital News PROGRESS 2014

Our Kelowna Audi’s 16,000 sq. ft. state of the art facility on Enterprise Way is now open.

GRAND OPENING MAY 2ND AND 3RD

SPORTY – SOPHISTICATED – PROGRESSIVE

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he Audi slogan is “vorsprung durch Technik” which means “Advancement Through Technology.” When Ed Turner purchased Mervyn Motors Volkswagon Audi in 2002, Audi had 20 models. By 2010, that number had grown to 42 and by 2015 Audi will have 60 unique models in production. That is definitely advancement!

The picture is becoming clear, andThatitkindisof growth really meant Audi required their own space, so Ed his team at Turner Motors justand about began the search. In September 2012, Ed purchased the Winn perfect Automotive facility on Enterprise Way Audi and began began showing renovating.

Although front ofR8the building picturesThe of revised some time was removed to make way for an 8 ago, it’s only recently that the whole car showroom. A state of the pictureart is becoming clearer.

Andbuilt it delivery bay was also really isso just about perfect.

The LED Audi owners can take delivery of their newthe carheadlights) indoors. The lightpipes (around advanced service area includes are more angular now, and the grillea drive in service reception. is just different enough to be fresh.

Overall theare size ofsame the building The proportions the as with increased from 12,000 to the soft-top Spyder.

16,000 square feet, and the total The R8 gets the nod as the renovation cost $1.4 million.

Ultimate Tanning Machine. The roof brand pillarsletting are ‘sporty, stows inAudi’s just 19 seconds, in sophisticated and progressive’. all that glorious engine noise. Aside The Audi R8 is a perfect example from the the Spyder ofobvious, this philosophy andalso Turner loses the coupe’s “side blades” Audi is proud to be an R8 dealer.

Diesels are the being brought in that direct air into mid-mounted acrossAnd the line-up.

It a is back already powerplant. instead of available on A3, A6, A7, A8, Q5 window that displays the engine, the and Q7.

SpyderWith has a body-colored Audi’s excitingcover line-up of vehicles the into freshthe ideas with pods that flowand nicely fromOtherwise, Turner Audi’s management seatbacks. the Spyder and staff, the future is bright! is mechanically identical to the Kelowna Audi opens in their coupe, brand whichnew gets a 430-horsepower location on Enterprise 4.2-litreWay V8 as the base engine, with in mid November, and they are planning a grand opening the high-revving 525-horsepower for April 2014.

Lamborghini 5.2-litre V10 available

2014 R8 COUPE

2014 R8 COUPE

Clear. as an The option. Picture is Becoming replaced by a smoother sevenAnd itAudi isreveals Really Just About Perfect.

For 2014, its speed unit. excellent coupe-only V10 Plus Power routes in to Audi’s rearlthough Audi began showing about 60 still kilograms the process. revised R8 some the Quattro most track-focused R8 of the model,pictures which of gets an extra 25 time It’s biased all-wheel-drive ago, it’s only recently that the bunch, thanks to plenty of carbonhorsepower and a little more system. From the optional -- we whole picture is becoming clearer. And fibre bits, including the side blades, torque, dropping about would say necessary -- 465-watt 12it reallyalong is justwith about perfect. The LED front splitter, rear spoiler and diffuser. lightpipes (around headlights) 60 kilograms in thethe process.

It’s are speaker Bang and Olufsen audio a smaller fuel tank, lighter more angular now, and R8 theofgrille the most track-focused the is There’s systemalso to the LED headlights with just different enough to be fresh. The manual seats and -- most importantly -bunch, thanks to plenty of carbontheir clear-glass covers, the R8 proportions are the same and with the carbon-ceramic brake discs that not only fibre bits, including the side is a near blendbut of form, resist fadeperfect spectacularly, are nearly soft-top Spyder. as light as aluxury feather.

A six-speed manual blades, front splitter, rear spoiler function, and, of course, The R8 gets the nod as the Ultimate transmission is standard, but the sixand diffuser. performance. Zero-to-60 mph (96 Tanning Machine. The roof stows in just speed electronically operated sequential also a smaller fuel glorious tank, km-h) is replaced in the 4.5-second range 19There’s seconds, letting in all that has been by a smoother sevenengine manual noise. Aside obvious, speed unit. lighter seatsfrom andthe -- most for the V8, while Audi claims the the Spyder also loses the coupe’s “side V10 can reach that velocity in less importantly -- carbon-ceramic blades” that direct air into the mid- Power still routes to Audi’s rear-biased brake discs that not only than 3.9all-wheel-drive seconds (or four seconds system.

From mounted powerplant.

And resist instead of a Quattro fade but arethe nearly flatoptional in the slightly heavier Spyder).--- we would say necessary back spectacularly, window that displays engine, the speaker Bang and Olufsen the Spyder a body-colored cover with 465-watt as light as has a feather.

A six-speed The Plus12lops another couple pods that flow nicely into the seatbacks. audio system to the LED headlights with manual transmission is standard, tenths of the regular V10’s time, as Otherwise, the Spyder is mechanically their clear-glass covers, the R8 is a near but the six-speed electronically does ordering seven-speed blend of the form, function, luxury identical to the coupe, which gets a perfect of course, performance. Zero-to-60 operated sequential has been gearbox.

430-horsepower 4.2-litre V8 as the and,

A

Sporty, sophisticated, and progressive The Audi slogan is “vorsprung durch Technik” which means “Advancement Through Technology.” When Ed Turner purchased Mervyn Motors Volkswagon Audi in 2002, Audi had 20 models. By 2010, that number had grown to 42 and by 2015 Audi will have 60 unique models in production. That is definitely advancement.

That kind of growth meant Audi required their own space, so Ed and his team at Turner Motors began the search. In September 2012, Ed purchased the Winn Automotive facility on Enterprise Way and began renovating. The front of the building was removed to make way for an eight car show-room. A state of the art delivery bay was also built so Audi owners can take delivery of their new car indoors. The advanced service area includes a drive in service re-ception.

Overall the size of the building increased from 12,000 to 16,000 square feet, and the total renovation cost $1.4 million.

Audi’s brand pillars are ‘sporty, sophisticated and progressive’.

The Audi R8 is a perfect example of this philosophy and Turner Audi is proud to be an R8 dealer. Diesels are being brought in across the line-up. It is already available on A3, A6, A7, A8, Q5 and Q7.

With Audi’s exciting line-up of vehicles and the fresh ideas from Turner Audi’s management and staff, the future is bright!

Kelowna Audi opened in their brand new location on Enterprise Way in December. Join us for our grand opening May 2nd and 3rd, 2014.

PROGRESS 2014 Capital News Tuesday, April 29, 2014

www.kelownacapnews.com 15

Audi Kelowna, Home of quattro ® .

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By distributing power to the wheels that need it most, quattro® all-wheel drive gives you incomparable traction on any surface.

Audi Kelowna is proud to be in our brand new facility located at 2621 Enterprise Way. We invite you to come have a look at Audi’s entire lineup featuring the Audi R8 V10.

Mention this ad in the Progress magazine and receive complimentary Audi Care* with the purchase of your new Audi.

Kelowna

250-448-8277 2621 Enter prise Way, Kelowna • www.turneraudi.com

16 www.kelownacapnews.com

Tuesday, April 29, 2014 Capital News PROGRESS 2014

Film, animation key growth industries for the Okanagan Wade Paterson, Staff Reporter

W

hen George Clooney, Hugh Laurie, Britt Robertson and a filmmaking team set up shop to film Tomorrowland in and around Enderby last summer, the town was buzzing.

The sci-fi flick, which Okanagan Film Commissioner Jon Summerland calls “the coolest movie” to ever shoot in the Okanagan, is expected to release in 2015. Even though the film crew left a long time ago, the region will continue to feel a ripple effect after the movie comes out.

Although the Okanagan won’t be hosting a blockbuster production like Tomorrowland this year, Summerland says 2014 will still be busy for the local film industry.

“It’s looking like a very good year—up from last year, which was up from the year before. We’re growing,” says Summerland.

“And the film industry has a lot of money to offer.”

The Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission lists the film industry as “a key growth industry” in its Okanagan Valley 2013 Economic Profile.

“There’s nothing negative and it’s only growing,” says Summerland.

The biggest challenge the film commissioner faces is finding

qualified labour in both the film Summerland says the film and animation sectors. commission is working with both “Animation is growing steadily the college and the university to and will continue to do so—it’s very get more animation training to fill big. that gap in the workforce.

“It would grow faster if we had Okanagan College regional more people here. So that’s one dean for the Central Okanagan of my biggest challenges: Coming Heather Schneider says the up with a way college is to get the working with animators an advisory Bringing more films to the to relocate committee to Okanagan has gotten easier here.” find ways the For college can offer over time thanks to the Summerland, training positive experiences of those more that pitch and animation who come to work here begins with courses. the focus “We’re on the high certainly actively quality of life that the Okanagan exploring additional programming region offers. in that area for the region,” says According to Summerland, Schneider. if a local crew can’t be hired or “We’ve been talking to local aren’t available, it costs significant industry that have been clear in dollars to bring in workers from telling us that they feel they need Vancouver or elsewhere. Although more in additional local talent to be that is great for local hotels and able to help them continue to do restaurants, potential films may well, but also potentially expand.” choose to shoot somewhere else if Another ongoing goal is to have the costs are too high. a studio built in the region, which In terms of animation, Summerland says would create a

full-time film industry.

A 2007 feasibility study found a studio would be successful in the region. Summerland says a similar study was done again last year with positive results.

One major setback recently took place when a major film, which Summland says would’ve been a $200 million production, was forced to relocate to Louisiana after the planned Okanagan location backed out at the last minute.

“A year of work and the guy who ran the location said, ‘This is just too much, I can’t deal with this.’

“I did not see (that) coming…it’s a shame.”

But overall, Summerland is happy with how 2014 is shaping up.

He says bringing more films to the Okanagan has gotten easier over time thanks to positive reviews.

“Everybody who has ever filmed here has said the same thing: ‘I’d come back,’ and, ‘My production value is so great.’

“So it’s becoming an easier sell.”

PROGRESS 2014 Capital News Tuesday, April 29, 2014

www.kelownacapnews.com 17

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18 www.kelownacapnews.com

Tuesday, April 29, 2014 Capital News PROGRESS 2014

Council optimistic about long term growth in Lake Country Kevin Parnell, Staff Reporter

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he District of Lake Country has had mixed results when it comes to business development over the past year as some long-time local businesses have closed and a nearby industrial area has taken a hit.

But there are still many positive signs moving ahead for the community of 12,000 including a proposal for a large commercial development that, if approved by district council, would be the largest commercial development ever in Lake Country.

“The proponent for this project has proposed upwards of 38,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space, which would make it the largest commercial development the district has ever seen,” said Ryan Roycroft, Lake Country’s economic development manager. “The project has been in the approval process for some stage as the Ministry of Transportation reviewed the file, but is now moving forward.”

The proposal is in the rezoning

process with the next step being a zoning amendment bylaw. public hearing where members of For Roycroft, charged with the public will have a chance to air attracting new business and helping concerns about the project. established companies, it’s a sign of If approved the project would good things to come, amidst a bit of be home to several retail outlets, a rocky year. including three proposed food “We have unfortunately seen service drive-throughs and one bank several longtime local businesses drive-through. Some of the other close, and the nearby industrial 17 principal uses outlined in the area in Kelowna has been hurt by proposal include the closure of the an animal clinic, railway,” he said. government “But increasingly, Lake Country is taking services and a we are seeing a more liquor store. more and more The positive news in pro-active approach to development the community community promotion is at the corner and council is of Highway 97 optimistic about and Oceola long term growth Roads, the main access to the Lakes prospects.” and Carr’s Landing neighborhoods, Roycroft said there are other immediately across the street from good signs for the community as the Tim Hortons in Lake Country. it moves forward. Building permits “Appropriate development will have started to come back strongly enhance this highly visible corner, as the district issued $8.3 million in provide additional commercial/retail permits during the first quarter of opportunities, offsite improvements 2014, up from $2.9 million over the and additional jobs and taxation same period last year. revenue,” district staff wrote in a “Best of all, those permits include

single family, multi-family and new commercial development in relative balance, which is particularly good news,” said Roycroft.

Lake Country is also taking a more pro-active approach to community promotion than it has in the past. The district has sent staff to three major trade shows across B.C. and Alberta to promote the community this year as part of a more active plan to bring business and tourism into the community.

For the first time, the Visitors Information Centre will also be providing mobile services on a trial basis, as well as hosting a brick-andmortar site.

“This summer, the district will be pushing a more active business retention and expansion program through frequent one on one business interviews and direct support where possible,” said Roycroft.

“This should help council develop a deeper understanding of the local business community to best tailor programs and services to meet its needs. “

PROGRESS 2014 Capital News Tuesday, April 29, 2014

www.kelownacapnews.com 19

Kelowna General Hospital continues to undergo expansion here, Kelowna became just the fifth cardiac care centre in B.C., and the first outside of metro Vancouver and Victoria.

Once complete, the centre is expected to provide cardiac services to 1,600 patients per year from throughout

Alistair Waters, Assistant Editor Construction just keeps on rolling at Kelowna General Hospital.

In fact, this year, KGH is celebrating its seventh straight year of continuous construction—and all the building is not done yet. Since 2007, the largest tertiary hospital in the B.C. Interior has undergone tremendous physical expansion, as well as adding new services and staff, with an estimated $1 billion from the province and other levels of government pumped in to fund the new buildings, services and equipment.

First there was completion of the $14-million, 34,000-square-foot clinical academic campus building to house UBC’s new southern Interior medical school. Then there was millions more spent on the first of two parkades.

Then the focus shifted to the largest addition to date, the six-storey, 360,000-square-foot Centennial tower. That building alone cost $218 million.

The Centennial tower, which provided more space for a host of improved services at the hospital, as well new amenities including a rooftop helipad, gave KGH a larger and improved emergency department and several additional state-of-the art operating rooms.

The tower—opened in 2012 by Premier Christy Clark and local MLA— was part of a larger larger project that also included the addition of a new patient care tower at Vernon’s Jubilee Hospital. The entire project carried a price tag of $435 million.

Coinciding with the Centennial Tower opening was completion of the nearby, four-storey Dr. Walter Anderson Building, located across Pandosy Street from the main hospital campus.

The Anderson Building is home to KGH’s larger laboratory, as well as several other departments moved over from the main hospital campus. The building is connected to the Centennial Tower’s third flood by a skybridge over Pandosy.

The 84,480-squarefoot building cost $39

million and was funded as part of the nearly $400 million Interior Heart and Surgical Centre project which is currently under way.

The heart centre building follows on the heels of the introduction of the open-heart surgery program at KGH in 2012 and an angioplasty program introduced in 2009. The building is slated to be complete next year at a cost of $355 million.

Earlier this spring, the province and Interior Health announced the building will also house a new neonatal unit at KGH pushing the cost of the IHSC building up by another $14 million.

The IHSC project will include renovations to the other parts of the existing hospital and the entire project is slated for completion in 2017.

Currently on time and on budget according to Interior Health, the IHSC will be housed in a 139,500-square foot, four-storey building going up on the site of the former Pandosy Building at KGH, one of the hospital’s oldest structures.

With the arrival of the cardiac program

larger specialized operating rooms for the program. Cardiac surgeons at KGH have already successfully operated on hundreds of patients, numbers they expect to increase once the IHSC building is up and running.

the B.C. Interior.

The cardiac program is now operating out of existing KGH facilities, using a specially renovated operating room.

The new building will include several,

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District continues to focus on Westbank Centre development Wade Paterson, Staff Reporter

I

f you travel to Westbank Centre over the next couple months, you will see construction signs.

Elliott Road, between Main Street and Dobbin Road, will be closed until July as construction continues on the district’s downtown RapidBus exchange.

The Brown Road Streetscape Improvement Project has Brown Road closed from Highway 97 to just south of Bering Road until late May. But District of West Kelowna business development officer John Perrott says the short-term detours are part of a larger investment in West Kelowna’s downtown.

“Those are all stepping (stones) to helping create downtown as our community gathering place,” said Perrott.

“And if we can help make that a people place, investment will follow; investment always follows where the people are.”

The district will bring back Music in the Park again this summer, which is coming off another successful season. Perrott said the district is also working on a new event that it hopes to unveil this summer.

Another focus of Perrott’s is on the district’s industrial area.

“We’re doing some work and research trying to help better identify the area through a signage program… we think that’s critically important.”

In the early years following West Kelowna’s amalgamation, there were some complaints from business owners and developers regarding struggles and delays associated with working with the district.

But Perrott said that attitude is changing.

“I certainly hear less and less…that City Hall is a frustrating place to try and do business.”

Through business walks and roundtable events, Perrott said the district has been successful in building positive relationships with local businesses.

“Our staff have made a tremendous commitment over the last two years—really initiated by council and our former CAO—to focus on customer service and (being) business friendly,” said Perrott.

“We need to make City Hall a place that’s very approachable.”

Tuesday, April 29, 2014 Capital News PROGRESS 2014

Win-win situation for students, UBCO and private industry

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artnering with UBC Okanagan can hours in a given project, and they use the open new research and employment expertise of our faculty and our facilities to opportunities for private-sector complete the project,” Taheri said. organizations.

“That is a win-win situation for our The Capstone Design Project (School of students, our university and for private Engineering and Faculty of Management), industry.”

“Engage” research partnerships through Taheri added that both students and faculty National Sciences and Engineering Research are encouraged to pitch ideas to a particular Council of Canada (School of Engineering organization as well as companies have the and departments of science) and co-op opportunity to submit a project proposal. student recruitment (School of Engineering Russ Foster, project manager of the or Faculty of Management) are three ways Wilden residential development in where the university is able to collaborate Glenmore, said he welcomed the input from with organizations.

UBCO students regarding the Rocky Point Dr. Ray Taheri, senior instructor with the subdivision within the development.

UBCO School of Engineering, says it has “It offered us some challenges because been a rewarding experience for him to see Rocky Point is really rugged terrain but it that collaboration grow in awareness since he offers some spectacular potential views,” took over the research initiative six years ago.

Foster said. “I thought it was great we could “Back then, we didn’t have a permanent bring in some fresh young minds who think faculty building or outside the box to offer state of the art faculty some alternatives on how so it was hard to to develop the property.”

Students get a taste of attract these kinds Foster said they worked of projects,” he said. with their consulting what it’s like to apply the “But now we have engineer and confirmed knowledge they have that infrastructure the 82-lot subdivision was in place a the viable to pursue. “Once learned at UBCO to the UBCO campus and the lots are registered, we real business world the credentials of will start construction on the university are the first phase this year in establishing a good what will be a three-phase name for ourselves in the Okanagan and project for us.” across Canada.

He said the students researched how to “Adding more engineering students, now minimize the construction footprint on the up to more than 1,000, and the increasing site, limit the necessary movement of earth number of project opportunities coming our and rock to care out the lots, and provide a way each year reflects how the school has quality product for home buyers. grown over the last few years.”

“It was a great resource for us to take Taheri said the Capstone project advantage of and I would encourage others involves teams of third and fourth year to do the same.” students working on a specific project for Marlene Higgins, director of human an organization. He says the idea is to give resources for Kal Tire’s head office in Vernon, students a taste of what it’s like to apply the said they brought a co-op student on board knowledge they have learned at UBCO to the who worked both in the head office and then real business world, and to get exposure where pitched a Capstone project for Kal Tire’s mining possible to other engineering disciplines they division to enhance operating procedures for might not be specifically studying. servicing customers which was carried out.

“We encourage that kind of cross“Our students’ work for us was just discipline amalgamation for our students, stellar,” Higgins said. “They started working to learn something about other engineering on the mining division project in January fields and become more well-rounded and submitted a report with power point students,” he said. presentation in April. Their report was very In return, organizations that submit insightful. They did some great research for Capstone proposals can, if selected, benefit us, did interviews with our site supervisors and from a more than $20,000 in-kind donation of provided us with some great feedback. It’s a university resources to facilitate the project. great shared approach…I’m quite impressed “With Capstone, the students invest 500 with what UBC Okanagan is doing.”

PROGRESS 2014 Capital News Tuesday, April 29, 2014

www.kelownacapnews.com 21

SUPPORT THINKING THAT CAN CHANGE THE WORLD Cancer prevention.

The facts are hard to live with. Smoking rates and obesity levels — and mortality rates from cancer — are higher in Northern British Columbia than in any other region of BC. Nursing Professor Joan Bottorff is working toward change, developing two innovative cancer prevention projects specifically tailored for Northern BC communities. Nearly $1 million from the Canadian Cancer Society supports the work of her multi-disciplinary team of researchers and health professionals from UBC, Athabasca University, the Canadian Cancer Society – BC and Yukon Division, the BC Cancer Agency, and Northern Health.

Congratulations to Professor Bottorff and her colleagues.

Thank you to the Canadian Cancer Society and the communities of Northern BC for supporting such critical research.

Change the way people think. Change the way the world works.

Donate to UBC’s Okanagan campus.

Prof. Joan Bottorff is Director of the Institute for Healthy Living and Chronic Disease Prevention at UBC’s Okanagan campus.

22 www.kelownacapnews.com

Tuesday, April 29, 2014 Capital News PROGRESS 2014

B.C. fruit growers at the forefront of new technologies

T

he B.C. Fruit Growers’ Association is an industry association that represents B.C. tree fruit growers’ interests through a variety of activities.

From marketing strategies to lobbying governments to seeking to improve risk management programs and services and products for orchardists, the BCFGA is the collective voice for an agricultural industry that historically has defined the Okanagan Valley across the country.

Kelowna fruit grower Fred Steele is the current president of the BCFGA, headquartered on Water Street in downtown Kelowna, who is joined on the executive by Bhupinder Dhaliwal, Ravinder Bains, Sukhdeep Brar, Surjit Nagra, Peter Simonsen, Niel Dendy and Sukhdev Goraya.

All were elected at the recent BCFGA annual general meeting held in Kelowna in February.

While there has been a tumultuous recent history within the BCFGA, with the last elected BCFGA president Kirpal Boparai being turfed from office, these have also been trying times for the fruit growing industry in recent years.

Falling fruit prices, price undercutting competition from Washington growers, hail storms and frost resulting in significant crop damage and per-

ceived lack of fiscal and economic policy support from Victoria and Ottawa have led to a reduction in the number of orchardists operating in the Okanagan Valley.

But Steele says he is committed to changing the public relations uproar at times generated by his industry to one of restoring a sense of calm and to be “clear and concise about what our goals are … and what our priorities are” as determined by the membership.

B.C.’s interior tree fruit industry, centred in the Okanagan Valley, represents about 800 growers operating orchards that generate $130 million in wholesale revenue, contribute $900 million in economic activity and directly employs 1,500 persons a year at the grower, packinghouse and processor levels.

The competitive advantage of the tree fruit industry is an intensive management and lowpest population, due to the Okanagan’s isolation and dry climate.

New varieties of apples and cherries, developed at the federal Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre in Summerland, are creating new planting opportunities.

It’s estimated 80 per cent of the new cherry plantings in the world are derived from Summerland facility developed varieties.

The BCFGA is also an active supporter of the Sterile Insect Release program directed to one of the worst apple and pear pests, the codling moth. While the program is too without its detractors in terms of the costs and benefits generated from it, the research done has prevented the codling moth infestation from becoming epidemic and opened up research avenues for other potential pests believed to be coming our way in the years ahead.

Nutrition and health benefits of locally grown fruit is also an initiative that the BCFGA actively promotes and markets to consumers.

For apples in particular, picking up on the age-old theme of “An apple a day keeps the doctor away…”, research studies have shown apples are packed with healthy nutrients and health benefits.

An apple is 85 per cent water. The remaining portion is made up of phytonutrients and antioxidants along with fibre and Vitamin C. Researchers are still learning more about the health values of antioxidants and other natural compounds of apples, but studies have linked apples and other tree fruits to a long list of potential health benefits such as reduced risk of asthma, Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, cancer, heart disease, diabetes and general strengthening of our immune system.

Fresh Fresh…From Our Family to Yours Fresh BC Fruit Growers’ Association … 1889 - 2014   Across our beautiful Okanagan Valley, tree fruit growers work each day to produce the

Across ourbeautiful beautiful Okanagan Valley, tree fruit growers work eachwork produce Across our daythe tofood produce the Okanagan Valley, tree fruit growers day toeach food enjoy. you and your family is enjoy. you and your family The BCFGA celebrating its 125h Anniversary, which is a testament

oodtoyou and your family the staying power of thisenjoy. sustainable industry!

Locally grown food is better for your health, better for the environment and the right

choice to support BCyour farming families make sustainable living, andright contribute toto the Locally grownfood food is forfor your health, betterbetter for theafor environment and the choice Locally grown isbetter better health, the environment and the right BC economy. support BC farming families make a sustainable living, and contribute to the BC economy.

choice hoice to support BC farming families make a sustainable living, and contribute to the healthy eating will provide enormous savings care budgets in a Promoting healthy eating will provide enormous savings in health care budgets - good nutrition Promoting in health

BC economy.

is linked to improved health. time where childhood obesity is leading to concerns.

eating provide enormous savings carenutrients budgets in a Promoting healthy in health thingwill apples andindustry other tree when fruits are packed with and Support theGood Okanagan apple you visit the good grocery store. health obesity benefits. is Noleading doubt about it, EATING BCBC-GROWN TREE FRUIT IS me where childhood ime to concerns.

HEALTHY!

You’re not just eating a healthy, nutritious apple;

Good thing apples and other fruitsapple areindustry packed with good Support thetree Okanagan when you visit the nutrients grocery storeand – pick BC apples!

You’re supporting family farms and local jobs in the Okanagan!

You’re not just a healthy, nutritious apple; IS health benefits. No doubt about it, EATING BC-GROWN TREE FRUIT BCeating www.bcfga.com

HEALTHY!

You’re supporting family farms and local jobs in the Okanagan!

Search “BC Fruit Growers’ Association” on Facebook Search “BC Fruit Growers’ Association” on Facebook

PROGRESS 2014 Capital News Tuesday, April 29, 2014

www.kelownacapnews.com 23

Where Will You Be This Summer?

Local wine industry taps into larger markets

30 YEAR

WARRANTY

Classic Style

Let in the light, block the heat!

KATHY MICHAELS, STAFF REPORTER

T

hese days the Okanagan’s love of the vine seems inextricably entwined in its culture and economy, but the wine industry doesn’t have the deepest roots.

“The industry is only 20 years old,” said Miles Prodan, president and CEO of the BC Wine Institute, explaining that it started alongside the implementation of the free trade agreement.

And, as is the case with any upstart, there have been highs and lows, successes and failures.

“We’re just hitting our stride now,” he said,.

A winning balance born from a growing number of wineries, and ample supply of VQA quality wine has recently formed the basis for industry expansion.

“Before the last couple of years the supply has met demand,” Prodan said. “Now we’ve recovered from the winter kills we suffered three to four years ago and wine making techniques have gotten better… so we’ve finally got supply to match demand, with room for some export.”

That room for export has allowed the industry in the last year to tap into Hong Kong and the US for new consumers.

“Those are two of the most competitive wine markets in the world,” said Prodan. “If we can do well there .. we can do anywhere in the world.”

Currently only a handful of wines are in those markets, but Prodan said hopes are high that they’ll soon be able to expand BC Wine’s profile.

If nothing else, the fact that local wines have won big on international stages should indicate that it’s possible.

And, at home the buy-in has been tremendous. Now 20 per cent of all wines drank in B.C. are from B.C. Pointing to a report penned in 2011, Prodan said the industry can get credit for a yearly sum of $2.01 billion in provincewide economic activity.

The industry is a financial juggernaut that’s changed the face and character of this valley, he explained.

It only makes sense that those successes spread across the globe.

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24 www.kelownacapnews.com

Tuesday, April 29, 2014 Capital News PROGRESS 2014

Northside Industries offer excellent products and services

N

orthside Industries in West Kelowna has become a shining example in recent years of a manufacturing business surviving and thriving in the Central Okanagan.

While long the dream of economic development planners to see a growth of the manufacturing sector here and the high paying jobs that come with it, those success stories are few and far between, as small business service sector continues to be economic segment with the highest growth rate.

Steve McKay, with Northside Industries, says Northside’s resurgence can be credited to the skilled and semi-skilled tradespeople, the support of their supplier base and the overall strength in the markets Northside services.

He said the company manufactures steel and aluminum fabrications for a number of sectors

including forestry, heavy duty trucks, oil and gas, military, and construction, reaching a customer base that extends across B.C., Alberta and into the U.S. Northside has been in business since 1968 under a number of different owners, and was sold to a large international corporation buyer in 2009.

At that time, McKay bought the fuel tank line assets off of his other partners and carried on the Northside plant, operating on a smaller scale.

“In 2009, when we sold the business, I carried on with about 7 of us in total. Now we’re up to over 65 people working here,” McKay added.

McKay said that business decision, selling the business and carrying on in a smaller production capacity, turned out to be a good move. “We have the right people in the right positions and we’re complimenting those people with leading edge technology,” McKay said.

Last year was significant for Northside and its employees for the recognition it received from its West Kelowna business peers.

The company was the winner of the “Large Business” and “Business of the Year” awards presented by the Westbank and District Chamber of Commerce in September 2013.

The large business award (16+ employees) recognized a business that demonstrated excellence in quality, value and customer service, innovative marketing strategies and is proactive

in changing market trends.

The business of the year selection recognized Northside for offering excellent products and services, and for carrying out customer service which is beyond approach in terms of ethics, quality and service.

“It’s a honour to be presented with these two prestigious awards,” McKay said at the awards banquet last year. “These awards are the result of the incredibly dedicated team we have here at Northside along with ongoing support we receive from the local community and our suppliers.”

Looking forward today, McKay said Northside is well positioned for further growth as we continue to re-invest back into the business with leading edge technology and expand into additional markets that compliment our skill set.

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PROGRESS 2014 Capital News Tuesday, April 29, 2014

www.kelownacapnews.com 25

For 60 years, Bylands has stood for quality, selection, family and community.

Let us inspire

60 Years and Growing

S

one of the first nurseries in North ixty years ago, Adrian and America to recycle its water, comKatie Byland began growing post all waste material, and implea family business on 12 acres ment the new Clean Plants Certifiof land after Adrian left his native cation program.

Holland and Katie fled Germany Bylands’ main focus is growing after the Second World War. cold hardy plants that get shipped The first few years were hard, across Canada. Bylands Nurseries as Adrian worked two jobs. He is probably one of the most diworked night shift in a local sawversified nurseries in the world. mill, came home to sleep for a This pays off, as Bylands provides few hours and then worked in the a one stop shopping for its wholenursery. Most of the crops growsale customers. For these reaing at that time were fruit trees for sons and many others Bylands was the local orchard industry but in awarded the International Growthe early 1970s this changed when er of the Year award in Xi’an, China Bylands started growing plants in in 2011. containers.

Bylands Garden Centre has Bylands Nurseries was one of also gone through many changes the first nurseries in BC to change since its humble beginnings, sellgardening into an almost year ing plants that the round activity in the nursery grew from a Okanagan.

300 square foot reThe 1980s were Bylands’ roots tail space. Today Byyears of change to run deep in the lands Garden CenBylands. The nurstre has a three acre ery had now grown community site that includes a to about 75 acres 10,000 square foot but unfortunately covered area. Bylands not only in 1984 Adrian Byland died at the sells plants, it sells gardening age of 52, after a long battle with products, has a full Floral Departcancer. His 24-year-old son John ment, and an expanded Home took over the management of ByDécor/Gift area that includes lands Nurseries and John’s wife Women’s Fashion.

Maria took over managing the The business has little resemGarden Centre. blance to what it was 60 years ago During the 1990s Bylands conbut with the third generation now tinued to grow, adding more land working in the business , the focus and facilities. of Bylands remains what it has Today the business is combeen since its founding by Adrian prised of wholesale and retail divByland in 1954. isions of which wholesale is 90 per Bylands will continue to grow, cent of the business. be innovative, have great qualBylands Nurseries currently ity products, family values and be produces over three million plants community-minded. on 500 acres. The company was

beauty in your garden.

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26 www.kelownacapnews.com

Tuesday, April 29, 2014 Capital News PROGRESS 2014

Market district concept forming for the north end of Kelowna Kathy Michaels, Staff Reporter One of Kelowna’s industrial sectors may soon shake its dusty image in favour of something a bit more slick.

In the city’s north-end a few projects are just getting underway, and once they’re completed a whole sweep of change is expected to follow suit.

The development currently set as the neighbourhood’s crown jewel is the brainchild of Gary Tebbutt from Compass Real Estate Development Ltd, and it’s dubbed Urban Square.

Tebbutt bought a three-hectare site that stretches the entire length of Clement Avenue between Ethel and Richter streets.

The former BC Tree Fruits property includes an existing building, and an abundance of outdoor space that’s expected to be transformed into a Granville Island-esque market fit with farmfare, a brewery and more.

“We think all the uses we have planned for the property are very

complementary, and that the project will be a great addition to downtown Kelowna,” Tebbutt said when the property changeover was announced.

Pending the necessary city approvals, it’s expected construction on the brewery at the eastern edge of the property could start this month.

Not far from the mega-market

New uses planned for one of Kelowna’s industrial areas will appeal to residents and tourists alike

project, another significant development is widening its footprint to accommodate more foottraffic.

Calona Vineyards is renovating and creating an 8,000 square-

foot space next to its current Richter Street location, where visitors will get a comprehensive Sandhill Wines experience.

Now, customers to the city’s only urban winery will be given the space to explore Sandhill’s signatures tastes while learning more about the winemaking process, starting right at the grape.

“It’s literally a ground-up experience,” said Annika Cashmore, from the Peller Estates brand.

Those two developments combined with two existing distilleries and a couple breweries, will offer a packages of experiences for Kelowna residents and tourists alike to enjoy.

And, the city’s executive director of business development Jim Paterson explained, all the changes signal the emergence of a new economy, which could ramp up the neighbourhood’s appeal.

“We really have this market district concept forming, and as that gains traction there will be more development, and those are the

types of places people will want to be close to,” he said.

Such changes could very well lure this city’s most affluent demographic into the area.

“Eventually us old folks will be falling out of the hillsides and will need to be in the flats,” he said.

Some savvy developers on the residential side of the spectrum have already seen the changes taking root, and have taken action.

“You see a lot of home improvements and densification in terms of carriage houses etc. starting to pop up,” said Paterson.

“You see properties that were for sale for a long time, being sold for multi family use.”

Paterson said the combination of cheaper real estate and accessibility to all the tourist amenities that attract people to this city are going to create a much more bustling atmosphere.

“As that market district concept really gains traction, there will be more development,” he said.

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PROGRESS 2014 Capital News Tuesday, April 29, 2014

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Dr. Webster helping patients make educated decisions

T

he practice of dentistry is evolving in how dentists can maintain and fix our teeth. And it is also becoming increasingly competitive.

But for Dr. Michael Webster, owner of the Kelowna Dental Centre at 1002033 Gordon Dr., embracing those challenges has helped bring new patients through his doors since buying the practice in 2013.

After graduating from university, Webster was working in Fort St. John in northern B.C. for more than two years before deciding to move back to familiar territory, the Okanagan.

Webster, 30, was born and raised in Kelowna and calls himself a proud graduate of Rutland Senior Secondary. He attended UBC Okanagan where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in biology before completing his doctorate in dentistry studies at the UBC campus in Vancouver.

“Being able to work in my hometown has been a terrific thrill for me. I have traveled all over the world, and I can say that this is the best place to live,” Webster said. “It has so much to offer, and I see people I grew up now who are so supportive. I love being here…it’s a dream come true for me.”

Webster said dentistry today has become so multi-faceted and specialized, that dentists tend to focus on specific specialties over and above the routine dental procedures such as fillings, tooth extractions, root canals, and crowns and bridges.

For Webster, he has taken a special interest in oral surgery for wisdom teeth extraction and dental implants, for which he has completed surgical and prosthetic training at the Misch International Implant Institute.

Webster said he is passionate about the benefits of dental implants. “The biggest thing about them is when you lose a single tooth, it starts a chain reaction of events with your remaining teeth that will eventually lead to them being lost. If you can imagine all the force that one tooth absorbs, then it’s gone and the adjacent teeth are forced to absorb that added force,” Webster said.

“What implants do is in replacing that lost tooth, absorb that pressure and in turn that preserves against the loss of jawbone, because that pressure stimulates

bone growth.”

Webster said implants are not necessarily the revolutionary step in dentistry they were when they started being done in the 1970s, but as time has gone on, more and more dentists are now trained to do them.

While a dental bridge can serve the same purpose of filling the space of an extracted or lost tooth, he said perfectly good teeth on other side of the space must be filed down to accommodate the bridge, and those teeth can be hard to clean leading to neighbouring tooth decay.

“I think dentists today have stopped saying that implants will last a lifetime but they last much longer than the typical lifespan for a bridge, which is about 10 years on average. But at the end of the day, what is important for me is for a patient to understand all the options for treatment, and make decisions on what best fits their needs.”

Specializing in implants has led Webster on extensive personal training upgrades, something he both enjoys and says is necessary for dentists today to keep up with modern procedures and equipment technology.

“Generally, dentists are required to have about 90 hours of continuing education courses on dentistry over a three-year period, but I’ve probably done about 500 to 600 hours for that same time period,” Webster explained.

Webster said dentistry in the Central Okanagan market has become increasingly competitive and necessitated dentists to advertise their services more aggressively than dentists from past generations.

“It’s all about how you treat people. The first thing I tell everyone who comes to me is we don’t sell dentistry. Dentistry sells itself. We tell people what they need is to be educated about what they need done and the choices they have.

“I think honesty is something that is very transparent between a dentist and a patient. We want patients to make educated decisions about their treatment options.”

For more information about the Kelowna Dental Centre, see www.kelowna-dental-centre.ca.

Dr. Michael Webster DMD & Associates

…our focus

Changing the way you think about dentistry ■ Dental implants for single and multiple tooth replacement, and denture stability Accepting ■ Family Dentistry New Patients & Families ■ Direct Billing ■ Wisdom Tooth Extraction ■ Implants ■ Sedation Dentistry www.kelowna-dental-centre.ca

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28 www.kelownacapnews.com

Tuesday, April 29, 2014 Capital News PROGRESS 2014

Happy and engaged students who love to learn In 2004, a group of dedicated parents seeking to establish an independent school setting for their children founded the Aberdeen Hall Preparatory School Society.

Now entering its 9th year of existence, the vision those parents had in 2004 has evolved into fruition.

A significant step forward will take come September with the opening of the new 20,000 square-foot building for high school grade students.

This major new addition to the 40-acre school grounds site will include classrooms, sound studio, learning studio, specialty science labs and Apple video screens and interactive Smart whiteboards in every classroom.

Christopher Grieve, the head of Aberdeen Hall, said the new addition is an exciting step in the evolution of the school, which now has 420 students from pre-school to Grade 12, expected to rise to 450 next fall.

The school curriculum is built around academic achievement and personal attention from its teaching staff. “Those are the two pillars we focus on,” Grieve said, citing the school’s motto of “Happy and Engaged Students Who Love to Learn.”

That is showcased by the school’s first graduating class of 15 students this year, all of whom have been accepted into university.

“As an independent school we have to do everything well, to have a strong academic program, good athletic programs, excellent art and music programs and be strong in secondary language,” Grieve said.

That excellence is also coupled with a commitment to accessibility, as scholarship and financial assistance initiatives have been created to assist parents with paying for tuition fees.

“We want to remain an accessible school for everyone, not just a particular group of people.

We want to see all walks of life that make up the city of Kelowna represented at our school. That helps the school to grow and gives a more rounded education experience for all the students.”

Located adjacent to the UBCO campus, Grieve said Aberdeen Hall has also developed a partnership with the university, in particular working closely with the engineering, medical, education and health and sciences faculties.

“We’re able to bring in education students who are interning, faculty professors come to speak to our students,” said Grieve. “And we currently have eight UBCO grads on our staff.”

From when the school was originally conceived, Grieve said the changes that have occurred are very satisfying to see for him, now in his 8th year as head of school, and the staff and parents.

“It’s tremendously satisfying to see our

AHPS Cap News Ad • Size: 3.4” wide x 4.8” high Rev 2 • April 17/14

growth. I have to pinch myself because it’s very exciting,” he said. “When I got here, there wasn’t even a road to the school at that point. It was just a forested hillside. “ The road situation has also evolved with the ongoing construction of Academy Way, which is expected to be pushed through to Sexsmith Road eventually, and creating the John Hindle Drive arterial route to the UBCO campus area from Glenmore Road.

“The John Hindle project might still be a few years away yet, but the sooner the better from a traffic perspective. The Sexsmith extension for Academy Way is confirmed and being worked on right now.”

Aberdeen Hall’s name is derived from the Earl and Countess of Aberdeen, pioneer figures in Kelowna’s history. Pioneers from Scotland, the Aberdeens saw the potential for fruit growing in the Okanagan and established the first large scale planting of suit trees in the area.

They are remembered as visionaries and pioneers of innovation, a tradition that the school named after them seeks to continue in public education.

Aberdeen Hall will host a celebration of education event at the school on Saturday, May 10, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., intended to showcase the school’s programs for area students and parents.

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950 Academy Way, Kelowna, BC V1V 3A4 For more information email: info@aberdeenhall.com • 250.491.1270 • www.aberdeenhall.com

PROGRESS 2014 Capital News Tuesday, April 29, 2014

www.kelownacapnews.com 29

Cadence at The Lakes Adult Community

E

njoying a rural lifestyle in a close-knit neighbourhood and living life at your own pace, in your own natural rhythm, is the essence of the Cadence at The Lakes Adult Community development in Lake Country.

Just 15 minutes from Kelowna, Cadence offers maintenance-free, single-family, fully detached homes for adults aged 45+. It features high quality construction, beautifully landscaped yards, geothermal heating and cooling, and resort style amenities.

Bill Wendt, Sales Manager for the Cadence development, says the bare-land strata neighbourhood offers 10 different floor plans to choose from with customized options available to suit any buyer. The homes range from two to five bedrooms, from a ground level rancher to a rancher with a full basement or a walk out basement.

All basements can be finished or unfinished depending on the buyer’s needs.

The Cadence development was started three years ago and will likely be built out within the next three to four years. The development will eventually have 162 homes along with an outdoor recreation center with a swimming pool, hot tub, changing facilities, outdoor fire pit, barbecue area, and private park.

Wendt said the project currently has 22 homes built, with a half-dozen homes now under construction. Construction of the recreation area is also underway and will be complete this summer.

Wendt cited five key components of the Cadence development which have proven appealing to empty nester buyers: • being an adult 45+ community • maintenance-free living with yard maintenance and snow shoveling taken care of • owning a single family detached home • owning your own lot rather than a having a land lease • a simple, bare land strata which keeps the strata fees at $122/month Lake Country offers a wide appeal to buyers because it is close to, but not part of, the hustle and bustle of Kelowna. The airport is only 15 minutes away and the neighbourhood is nestled around four lakes—Kalamalka, Okanagan, Wood and Duck.

“It’s also situated near many wineries and golf courses and is about an equal distance to either Big White or Silver Star. We have one resident who moved here from Prince George who skied 42 times this past winter,” he said.

Wendt said Cadence also offers buyers an innovative program designed to alleviate some of the stress of trying to sell an existing home and both purchase and start building a new home.

“We have the Make A Move purchase program that is a very simple way for the customer to do business with us. After making a decision to buy a home in our development, a buyer can put $10,000 down on a lot and the selling price is

locked in for the next 18 months, giving the buyer a chance to sell their own house and move,” Wendt said.

Wendt said that within the next couple of weeks Cadence will open a brand new show home featuring the Dolciano floor plan. The plan was designed by taking their customer’s expressed wants and needs into consideration. The interior finishes have been updated and several new design features have been added. “We are really excited to move into our new show home and sales studio. People are going to love it!”

Wendt said the Central Okanagan remains a huge draw for people from across Canada as a place to retire. The weather is better than anywhere else in Canada; Lake Country is a wonderful small community that people just love living in, yet it is close to all the amenities a city like Kelowna has to offer.

“We have people building homes with us from northern B.C., Alberta and Ontario. As a retirement destination, the Okanagan is still number one in people’s minds, even more so than Vancouver Island. The proximity to the airport is key because it allows easy access to travel for people who want the lock and leave lifestyle, and makes it easily accessible for family, friends and relatives who want to come visit.”

For more information about Cadence at The Lakes Adult Community, call 250-766-9077 or visit www.cadencekelowna.com

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Adult Community (45 +) Maintenance-free lock-and-leave lifestyle Resort-style amenities Fully detached homes - many plans to choose from You own the land (not leased) Flexible Make A Move purchase program

Homes from $394,900 - $549,900 New show home open Spring 2014!

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Show Home open Thu-Mon 11-4, Tue-Wed 12-4 13075 Lake Hill Drive, Lake Country (Just turn west at Tim Horton’s, on Oceola Road in Winfield)

1.877.766.9077 • cadencekelowna.com

30 www.kelownacapnews.com

Tuesday, April 29, 2014 Capital News PROGRESS 2014

Habitat for Humanity Kelowna – Building Families Since 1992

H

abitat for Humanity Kelowna believes that home ownership brings security, stability, and many other benefits.

Habitat homes are built by volunteers and donors and sold to qualified families. Habitat holds the mortgage, charges no interest and works with the family to ensure the families pay no more than 25 per cent of their income for housing. If you are a hard-working family who would like to own your own home, the Habitat program may be for you.

Since building their first Habitat home in Glenmore in 1992, Habitat for Humanity Kelowna has been steadily making a difference for families in the Central Okanagan. Building an average of a home a year for over 20 years, HFH Kelowna has provided affordable home ownership for 29 families and bedrooms for over 75 children.

Habitat for Humanity Kelowna has a vision: Safe, Decent and Affordable Home Ownership for all families throughout the Okanagan.

In spring of 2013, HFH Kelowna opened their first ReStore at 1793 Ross Road in West Kelowna. Habitat for Humanity ReStores help keep material out

of the landfill, and the proceeds from the sales help support Habitat’s building program. The HFH Kelowna ReStore’s first year was a definite success, a direct result of the strong community support and hard work of the many volunteers from throughout the Central Okanagan.

This spring HFH Kelowna will continue to pursue their vision of decent, safe and affordable homes for all families with their first build in Peachland.

The build in Peachland is a result of HFH Kelowna teaming up with the District of Peachland and the plan is to build three duplexes which will provide homes for six families. It is anticipated that the project will commence in the summer of 2014 and will require many volunteers to complete.

As an added bonus, the Peachland Food Bank will be provided a new home in a newly renovated building in the downtown area. As with all Okanagan Habitat homes, this build is reliant on the Okanagan communities coming together with volunteers and donations. If you want to help make it happen, contact HFH Kelowna now and get on the list.

For more information, to volunteer or donate to the Peachland build please visit www.HabitatforHumanityKelowna.ca or drop by the HFHK office located in the ReStore building.

Take a walk through the impressive store and chat with volunteers and staff or buy yourself that exciting treasure you have been searching for.

In keeping with our philosophy of providing a “hand up, not a hand out,” we help families who meet the following criteria: 3Families must have children under the age of 18 living at home.

3Their current housing is substandard or unsuitable.

3They must be Canadian citizens.

3The family must have the ability to pay – Families should have an annual income of $32,000 - $48,000.

3Willingness to partner with Habitat. Families must comply with Habitat’s policies including providing 500 sweat equity hours at the ReStore or the HFH Kelowna affiliate.

We are in the business of building families.

778-755-4346 • www.habitatforhumanitykelowna.ca • info@hfhkelowna.ca

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