Osoyoos Council Hopeful Urges Improved Communication with Residents
Jenn Demo, a hopeful for the Osoyoos town council, is calling on the council to improve communication with residents.
Fresh local updates, official notices and source-linked reporting from Osoyoos, Oliver, Keremeos, Cawston and Anarchist Mountain.
Jenn Demo, a hopeful for the Osoyoos town council, is calling on the council to improve communication with residents.
The Oliver Fire Department conducted a training session on October 8 to improve their response to house fires.
Oliver mayoral candidate Wayne Anderson is focusing on securing federal and provincial funding to address the town’s significant debt burden associated with its aged irrigation system, which dates back to 1990.
Town of Osoyoos facilities will be closed Monday, October 12, 2026 in observance of Thanksgiving Day with the exception of:
Aimee Grice, an Oliver resident for nearly two decades with children who were born and raised in the community, discusses her background and why she is running for mayor.
Oliver's mayoral candidate, Wayne Anderson, advocates for addressing financial sustainability and economic development to make the town a thriving community.
Osoyoos Councillor Johnny Cheong plans to utilize both existing wells and Osoyoos Lake water for a new water treatment facility, aiming for operation by 2029. The project seeks provincial grants totaling $65 million, with the town also considering creating a municipal development corporation (MDC) to expedite projects like a multi-purpose facility at Desert Park. Cheong's vision includes implementing a paid parking system for tourism revenue generation and addressing community tensions stemming from tax protests.
The Oliver fire chief has highlighted an increase in medical calls, attributing it to overwhelmed health services such as hospital closures and ambulance delays. Despite these challenges, the department is not seeking additional workload changes.
Experience Oliver's autumn charm through immersive winery tours and golfing adventures as Castanet and Visit Oliver collaborate on tourism promotion.
In response to Osoyoos' water management crisis, mayoral candidate Dustin Sikora proposes innovative tax solutions that could alleviate financial strain.
Mayoral candidate Hart Buckendahl says his previous experience in municipal government, including his years as mayor of Oliver, would allow him to step into the job with an understanding of how councils operate and how municipalities work with senior governments.
An Osoyoos News opinion piece
Oliver's Okanagan Hardware and Supply, an independent local retailer with over two decades of experience, has transitioned to become part of the Home Hardware network after expanding its operations in 2014.
The Town of Osoyoos is set to overhaul its affordable housing program, with council voting to repeal an old bylaw and modify the Official Community Plan. A public hearing on these changes will be held on October 13.
A candidate for mayor of Osoyoos, Jim Dinwoodie, emphasizes the need to communicate more with residents about town activities.
The Osoyoos Coyotes kicked off their new BCHC (B.C. Hockey Challenge) campaign with a commanding 7-0 victory over the Summerland Jets at Sun Bowl Arena on September 19th, 2026. The team's refreshed look with navy blue, tan, and white branding was evident from the start of the game.
Ken Davreux says his decision to run for Osoyoos Town Council comes from a deep attachment to the community he has called home since 1997.
The town of Osoyoos has announced the opening of applications for its community grants program, aimed at supporting various initiatives and enhancing tourism.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Oliver's Cask & Keg hosted an engaging festival that featured the Beer Olympics and Stein-Holding Showdown. The event attracted visitors from across the region.
Fire hydrant servicing will begin on Monday, September 21, 2026 and continue for approximately two weeks.
Incumbent councillor proposes a hybrid water-treatment system, paid visitor parking and a surcharge on tourism accommodations
Mayoral candidate Jim Dinwoodie says Osoyoos needs stronger municipal leadership, clearer communication with residents and an administration that handles development approvals more efficiently.
Radon levels in Osoyoos homes have surpassed health Canada standards, prompting Mayor Sue McKortoff to advise residents on reducing radon exposure through ventilation and maintenance.
Council candidate Natasha Stevenson says she wants residents to have a stronger voice in municipal decisions as Osoyoos deals with growth, infrastructure demands and pressure on the community’s finances.
Motorists are advised to expect temporary lane closures and delays along Tucelnuit Drive in Oliver due to ongoing water infrastructure work.
The Canucks Alumni team will take on Osoyoos local legends in a charity hockey game, part of the second annual Canucks Alumni Sun Bowl Classic. The event, scheduled for Sunday at 11:30 AM at the Sun Bowl Arena, supports several local charities including the Sun Bowl Skating Club and South Okanagan Minor Hockey.
It was 1992 when Bryan Adams attracted 30,000 people to a concert at Desert Park and Sunday night in Penticton 5000 attended the sold-out show at the South Okanagan Event Center in Penticton.
An Osoyoos photographer has provided unique insights into the fall migration of sandhill cranes through the South Okanagan region, capturing images that reveal the birds flying lower than usual.
Osoyoos and Oliver have recently updated their municipal purchasing policies, with both towns adopting new thresholds for tendering processes. These updates include a $75,000 threshold for Osoyoos and an additional $200,000 threshold in Oliver.
Osoyoos Local Derek Hesketh seeks a seat in Town Council to see Osoyoos thrive for generations to come.
The Town of Oliver Council has approved irrigation shut-off dates for 2026, maintaining consistent schedules from previous years and aligning with established patterns.
Roots Music Canada describe the Red Dirt Skinners as ‘The Pink Floyd of Folk Music.
Osoyoos residents have several ways to get outside and take part in the community Saturday, with a group bicycle ride, a charity poker run and the Pride Arts Festival all taking place around town.
The nomination period has closed for the 2026 Town of Osoyoos general local election, with six people seeking the mayor’s chair, 13 seeking seats on town council and three seeking the two water councillor positions.
Pat Wycherley says experience, responsible spending and a greater focus on Osoyoos infrastructure will be at the centre of her campaign for a seat on Town Council.
Discover Oliver, British Columbia’s hidden gem that combines golf courses with karting experiences and winter sports activities for all ages.
The Rotary Club of Osoyoos is set to kick off its community project aimed at enhancing accessibility and upgrading equipment at the Kinsmen Park Playground. The initiative, which aims to raise $100,000 towards a total budget of $250,000 over the next year, has already garnered support from the Town of Osoyoos through a Memorandum of Understanding.
The final two games of the warm-up season for the Osoyoos Coyotes takes place this weekend as they host the Summerland Jets, Friday night at 6:50 and then it’s the Princeton Posse riding into town for a 4 oclock Saturday afternoon game.
After-school fitness classes tailored for preteen children aged 10 to 13 are set to commence in Oliver, BC on September 15th as part of the Youth Fit program. These classes will run from Tuesday through Thursday and conclude with a total of eight sessions by October 8th.
The Osoyoos Indian Band has entered into an agreement with Gorman Group to enhance its role in forest management within the TFL 59 area, east of Oliver. This partnership will not only create employment opportunities but also promote economic benefits for local Indigenous people.
Nearly one-quarter of homes tested in Osoyoos, BC exceeded radon levels above Health Canada's safety guideline, prompting immediate action from town staff ahead of winter.
This municipal election explainer examines how proposals move through Osoyoos Town Hall. An idea raised in Osoyoos does not become Town policy simply because it is discussed at a meeting. Here is how proposals move through staff review, public meetings, council votes and implementation.
This municipal election explainer examines how Osoyoos develops its budget, utility rates and property taxes. Property assessments, municipal tax rates and utility charges are connected to the cost of local services, but they are not the same thing. Here is how Osoyoos develops its budget and decides who pays.
The mayor is Osoyoos Town Hall’s most visible elected official, but municipal decisions are made collectively by council and administered by Town staff. Here is how those responsibilities are divided.
Osoyoos council candidate Jenn Demo says safe drinking water, responsible municipal spending, sustainable growth and stronger communication between Town Hall and residents would be central to her work if elected.
Sunbowl Area Saturday night was exciting and full of action.
Bridget Wilson enters Osoyoos council race with focus on accountability and follow-through
A white canine was captured on camera at an undisclosed location in the Osoyoos hills, sparking curiosity and speculation among wildlife enthusiasts.
For over three decades, Beagles, a band formed in Osoyoos during the 1990s, has maintained its presence at Sage Pub for their annual Labor Day show. This year marks the continuation of this tradition as the band prepares to perform classics like 'Sweet Home Alabama' with visual enhancements including music videos behind them.
A sign of fall coming is the start of hockey in Osoyoos this weekend.
A group of fabric artists from South Okanagan have successfully showcased their art within strict size limitations at The Art Gallery Osoyoos (TAGO), demonstrating creativity and adaptability.
Incumbent trustee emphasizes collaboration, community engagement and secure provincial funding for rural schools
Former mayor says Highway 3 traffic places a regional and national burden on infrastructure paid for largely by local residents
Osoyoos residents now have a social network of their own—one built around local conversation rather than corporate advertising, data collection and algorithms deciding what people should see.
The Oliver Fire Department is gearing up for an assessment after responding to a diverse array of calls during a busy wildfire season, including first responder and ambulance services.
Boundary-Similkameen MLA Donegal Wilson has joined an independent group after leaving the BC Conservative caucus over concerns about leadership and financial issues.
With Okanagan Lake at record lows, Oliver town staff have presented revised water conservation measures to council, warning that another year of drought could severely impact the region's water supply.
The town of Osoyoos has officially launched its nomination period for the upcoming municipal election in 2026, setting the stage for candidates to vie for positions.
Water, municipal spending, development, health care and the future use of public property led a wide-ranging discussion Monday evening as four declared candidates took questions directly from Osoyoos residents. Note: This is a longer read, but the meeting covered a great deal of ground. We have reported the discussion in detail so residents who could not attend can see what was asked, and how each candidate responded.
Sikora says Osoyoos needs immediate water protections, greater accountability and a Town Hall that sets deadlines and delivers results.
Osoyoos council candidate Ron Sargeant says he is running because he believes he can turn concerns he has raised from the public gallery into action at the council table.
Osoyoos News extended an open invitation. Neither Chose to Respond. - Updated
As part of the 89th Street Reconstruction Capital Project, watermain tie-ins will be completed in the area on:
Osoyoos council has approved a water conservation plan that includes residential infill development and new domestic water meters, aiming to reduce average daily demand by 50% through efficiency measures.
The Oliver Curling Club is gearing up for its upcoming season by hosting two registration events, welcoming new members and providing essential information on leagues, events, and fundraisers.
South Okanagan General Hospital's emergency department has been temporarily closed overnight, with patients advised to seek care at Penticton Regional Hospital.
Historically significant Osoyoos, British Columbia, has undergone substantial transformation over the past century through both cultural and physical changes, as evidenced by images shared on social media.
The Sinlahekin fire in Washington State continues to emit heavy smoke northward, prompting joint statements from local authorities and monitoring of potential impacts on Canadian communities.
Buckendahl says water, taxes, health care and public accountability would be at the centre of his administration
The Town of Oliver has released its fall and winter recreation guide, detailing a variety of programs for residents to participate in.
The Oliver Starfish Program, established in 2019 to provide groceries for kids over weekends, is now facing significant financial challenges as demand has surged and donations have dwindled.
Ron Sargeant has announced through Facebook that he intends to run for a seat on Osoyoos Town Council in the upcoming municipal election.
Desert Reels has unveiled its fall film lineup for the Oliver Theatre, featuring five acclaimed movies starting in October.
Motorists in downtown Oliver, BC are advised to plan ahead as signal light repairs will cause traffic disruptions on Main Street and Similkameen Avenue from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Town of Oliver is set to host an information session on municipal government roles and responsibilities, aimed at candidates interested in running for office during the upcoming October election.
The Syilx Okanagan Nation has issued a statement to address public misperceptions regarding their land ownership claims, emphasizing that no settled claims affect private land ownership in British Columbia.
Longtime Osoyoos businessman says the town must tackle its infrastructure emergency while protecting taxpayers and keeping more work local
The Town of Osoyoos is on the hunt for a vandal responsible for nightly damage to sprinkler heads, with costs reaching up to $250 per head and water wastage due to ongoing irrigation.
This year's Wine Capital Weekend in Oliver, British Columbia, promises to be a vibrant celebration of wine and craft beverages, attracting thousands of visitors including both locals and international attendees.
The Osoyoos area is experiencing an unprecedented Stage 5 drought, and Osoyoos Lake is at its lowest level in 80 years. Conserving water is a shared responsibility, and every effort to reduce water use makes a difference. To help conserve water during stage 3 water…
In Oliver and Osoyoos, two distinct municipal governance structures are in place with unique roles for Water Councillors dating back to 1990. The nomination period for the upcoming elections is set from September 1 to 11, with campaigns beginning on September 19.
Prospective council candidate says clean drinking water, responsible spending and sustained government advocacy must guide the next council
Effective August 17, 2026, at 7 PM, South Okanagan General Hospital will cease its emergency room services overnight until the morning of August 18, 2026, at 7 AM. Patients requiring urgent medical attention can access emergency care at Penticton Regional Hospital during this closure period.
Frank Zandvliet, former Town of Osoyoos employee, aims to represent town's interests as new councillor.
The two-hour gathering at the Elks Hall gave residents an open microphone—and showed both the value and the difficulty of building campaign policy in a crowded room.
Anderson, a former CAO in Oliver, is running as a candidate for mayor in the upcoming election. His platform focuses on addressing challenges such as low tax base and aging infrastructure through cost containment measures, internal efficiency reviews, and innovative water rate structures.
Dustin Sikora says Osoyoos voters should not have to wait until nominations close before hearing the town’s declared mayoral candidates debate its most pressing problems.
The Town of Oliver has escalated its water conservation efforts in response to a significant increase in domestic and irrigation water usage, reaching 35% over the previous year.
Residents of Osoyoos may experience discoloured water due to ongoing construction work, prompting operational services to provide guidance.
The Sinlahekin wildfire has seen some progress in containment efforts, with evacuation alerts now downgraded for certain areas. Despite ongoing growth on the northwestern edge of the blaze, fire officials are optimistic about the situation.
Sikora announces "Im in" for this years Municipal Election
FOI records reveal nearly $298,000 in salary in lieu of notice and vacation pay, plus more than $21,000 in legal fees—but the Town will not disclose the breakdown
Due to poor air quality caused by wildfires, Music in the Park had to relocate its outdoor event from Gyro Park Bandshell to the Sonora Community Centre in Osoyoos. The Orange Warning issued by Environment Canada urged staying indoors until smoke levels improved.
Discover Oliver, B.C.'s vibrant community through its hidden gems and international celebrations. From hiking trails to cultural events, this article highlights the diverse experiences that make Oliver more than just a wine destination.
The Osoyoos community is urging homeowners to be aware of upcoming changes to provincial grant programs, particularly regarding reduced funding for certain property types.
Oroville residents have been allowed to return home following the downgrade of evacuation notices for Sinlahekin Fire in Osoyoos area. The fire now covers a vast expanse of 41,655 hectares and remains under close monitoring.
Residents of Oliver, BC are being invited to provide feedback on Phase 2 of their Official Community Plan, with a public hearing scheduled for August 10.
The wildfire near Osoyoos has rapidly expanded overnight, covering over 134 square miles and remaining active with low-humidity conditions. Local officials are closely monitoring the situation.
Motorists in Oliver are advised to plan ahead for potential delays and disruptions due to ongoing construction.
The Osoyoos Desert Centre, a popular destination for photographers and nature enthusiasts, unveiled new accessible washrooms on July 31, 2026, as part of ongoing upgrades aimed at improving visitor amenities.
As the Town of Osoyoos prepares to transition to metered water rates on January 1, 2027, residents are encouraged to explore My360, the Consumer Water Portal and become familiar with their household water use.
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The Kismet Winery in Oliver, British Columbia has once again hosted its annual Holi Festival of Colour, marking the third consecutive year since 2019 with a vibrant celebration that brings together diverse attendees for cultural exchange.
The Oliver Town Council has decided to delay implementing new holiday decoration rules, primarily due to concerns over liability and approval process complexities.
A warning has been issued by Environment Canada for severe thunderstorms expected to hit the region.
A new wildfire has broken out on Anarchist Mountain at Raven Hill, near a previous fire site, according to the BC Wildfire Service.
The Town of Oliver has approved its new drought management plan, which updates water conservation guidelines and indicators.