OSOYOOS, OLIVER AND OKANAGAN FALLS | BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA SOUTHSOUTH OKANAGANOKANAGAN RELOCATION GUIDE

EXCEPTIONAL FOUR-SEASON LIVING Community Profiles, Area Attractions and Recreation, Community Events, and so much more!

SOUTHOKANAGANRELOCATION.COM | 17TH ANNUAL EDITION | 2019-2020 R Penticton Realty 1-800-652-6246 [email protected] n area of exceptional beauty The area has an ongoing variety of and diverse terrain, the outdoor recreation such as miles of Okanagan Valley is posi- hiking, cycling and horseback riding WELCOME tioned in the South Central trails along with rock climbing, boat- area of BC. Tucked into the ing, parasailing, swimming, fishing Asouthernmost corner of this valley hunting, wildlife watching, skiing and lies Canada’s only true desert. This golfing. The South Okanagan boasts extraordinary habitat referred to as a several championship golf courses, all TO THE shrub-steppe semi-desert is one of the with magnificent settings. rarest, most endangered and fragile The expanse of shimmering blue wa- ecosystems in Canada supporting ter and abundant beaches has helped numerous species that occur nowhere transform this valley into Canada’s SOUTH else on earth. summer playground. The Okanagan Valley was created by The strength of the South Okanagan OKANAGAN the retreat of massive glaciers ap- is built upon the land, climate and its proximately 10,000 years ago which people who have sown the seeds for a left large deposits of gravel, silt, clay strong and diversified economy. The and sand behind on the bottom and area’s agricultural base is varied and sides of the valley floor. A series of represents the roots of the economy. lakes connected by a meandering The wine industry produces interna- bow river amid terraced and arid, tionally recognized wines from local rocky hillsides was the final result of estate wineries. The South Okanagan this creative work of nature’s forces. boasts the greatest concentration of The divergent terrain has created vineyards in Canada. unique microclimates and soil types Businesses and entrepreneurs find in the various pockets, thus enabling a favourable business culture here. agricultural pursuits such as tree Enthusiastic cooperation and support fruits, vineyards, vegetables and cattle from community leaders and the busi- production. Immaculate rows of fruit ness community underline the South trees and grapevines decorate the Okanagan’s community’s commitment terraces and gently rolling hills, and a to growth and economic diversifica- variety of heat-loving vegetables grow tion. on the fertile valley floor. The small The overall quality of life is enhanced communities in the South Okanagan by one of the most attractive climates offer a full spectrum of amenities along in Canada, with low levels of precip- Credit: Darren Robinson - Oliver Tourism Association with cultural choices and recreation itation, high average temperatures, facilities. comfortable humidity & short winters. This Relocation Guide published is by [email protected] |778-439-2321 PO Box 1753, Oliver BC, V0H1T0 Munday Media has &Design made every effort to ensure the information in this guideis accurate and will not Munday Media &Design. www.mundaymedia.com PROFILE BAND INDIAN OSOYOOS history, local attractions and events. health, transportation, housing, recreation, culture, demographics, services, employment, education, Amenities, climate, industry, economy, agriculture, PROFILE COMMUNITY OSOYOOS country to callhome. Find outwhy... The South Okanagan one is of the bestplaces inthe OKANAGAN SOUTH THE TO WELCOME swimming ¶-sailing. of recreational opportunities from fishing, to water skiing, The Lakes inthis area provide anabundance and variety LAKES AREA of the bestwine destinations inthe world. This wine is country. Taste what makes this region one COUNTRY WINE OKANAGAN SOUTH Powder. snowshoeing, tobogganing on beautifulOkanagan Downhill and cross country skiing, snowboarding, ACTIVITIES WINTER AREA seasons in Canada. Learn more aboutourcourses. The South Okanagan boasts one of the longest golf GOLF AREA history, local attractions and events. CONTENTShealth, transportation, housing, recreation, culture, demographics, services, employment, education, Amenities, climate, industry, economy, agriculture, PROFILE COMMUNITY FALLS OKANAGAN history, local attractions and events. health, transportation, housing, recreation, culture, demographics, services, employment, education, Amenities, climate, industry, economy, agriculture, PROFILE COMMUNITY OLIVER Heritage, economy, industry, education and culture. be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Some information inthis guide was usedwith permission of Band, Town of Oliver, and the Regional District of Okanagan the following: The South Okanagan Chamber of Commerce, Town of Osoyoos, Destination Osoyoos, The Osoyoos Indian otherwise. Cover Photo Provided by Destination Osoyoos. Photos owned by Munday Media unless &Design noted reproduced inwhole or part without written consent of Similkameen. No material inthis publication may be Munday Media ©2019 &Design. 25 06-24 03 54 52-53 51 50-51 42-49 26-41 RESOURCES:

Town Of Osoyoos: 8707 Main St. Osoyoos | 250-495-6515 [email protected] www.osoyoos.ca 06-24 Destination Osoyoos: OSOYOOS Osoyoos Visitor Centre - 9912 BC 3, Osoyoos COMMUNITY 250-495-5070 PROFILE [email protected] www.destinationosoyoos.com

Credit: Destination Osoyoos Town of Oliver: 6150 Main St. Oliver | 250-485-6200 [email protected] www.oliver.ca

Oliver Tourism Association: Oliver Visitor Centre - 6431 Station St. Oliver 844-896-3300 [email protected] www.winecapitalofcanada.com

South Okanagan Chamber of Commerce: PO Box 1414 Oliver BC, V0H 1T0 866-498-6321 [email protected] 26-41 www.sochamber.ca OLIVER COMMUNITY South Okanagan General Hospital: PROFILE 911 McKinney Rd. Oliver 250-498-5000

Credit: Asymetriq Productions - Oliver Tourism Association www.interiorhealth.ca

Okanagan Falls Area D Community Services Office: # 1-5350 9th Ave (Hwy 97) Okanagan Falls 778-515-5520 [email protected] [email protected] www.rdos.bc.ca www.okfalls.ca

Okanagan Falls Visitor Centre: Unit 2 5350 9th Ave. Okanagan Falls 250-497-6260 42-49 [email protected] OKANAGAN FALLS www.visitokfalls.com COMMUNITY PROFILE Live. Invest. Work. Grow.

www.EcDevOsoyoos.com @EcDevOsoyoos OSOYOOS COMMUNITY PROFILE

ular weather, abundant fresh fruit, and care facilities range from a regional vegetables provide the solid frame- 24/7 hospital, medical clinics, dental work for building a life and a lifestyle surgeons and optometrists, home care

Credit: Destination Osoyoos in Desert Wine Country’s sweet spot. and day care services. Our learning And now a burgeoning wine industry institutions range from kindergarten to Osoyoos Lake and its beaches are with an international reputation for high school level. And our community a huge draw for the community. Combined with the desert heat the quality has gained centre stage. supports life long learning programs lake has been a draw for summer Your new lifestyle is also supported by throughout the year. vactationers for decades. arts and cultural facilities, that include two art galleries, museum, library and CONSIDER OUR ECONOMY Osoyoos f you are considering a lifestyle community theatre. You’ll also live an is a community with a progressive at- change . . . for a day . . . for a week active, good life with a wide range of titude toward economic development . . . for a season . . . or for a lifetime; recreational facilities including ice founded on growth and diversification. Osoyoos in the southernmost por- skating, curling, equestrian facilities, Our strategic location coupled with tion of the Okanagan Valley. It has several world-class golf courses and business and technology infrastruc- Ithe charm of a beach town but the so- a ski area. For those who are used ture all contribute to Osoyoos’ long phistication of a larger centre and has to multi-tasking, don’t forget that you standing reputation for a stable and been recognized from the beginning can golf and ski on the same day . . . in resilient economy. Advantageously lo- of human occupation as an ideal place February! cated at one of the busiest Canada/US to build a community… and a future. Border crossings and at the junction of CONSIDER OUR AMENITIES The best two major transportation routes—High- CONSIDER OUR LOCATION At the of both worlds is what lies in store for way 97 and the Crowsnest Highway junction of two major highways, adja- you in Osoyoos. Our charming town 3, Osoyoos is naturally poised as an cent to the US border and a scenic 4.5 provides boutique-style shopping economic hub for the South Okanagan hour drive from Vancouver, Osoyoos with unique products and personal region and as a gateway for traffic is a vibrant community with an area service. In addition, our service shops entering Canada or leaving for the population of 6,500. On the shores such as grocery, pharmacy, jewel- United States. of Lake Osoyoos in the fertile Okan- ry, hardware, florists, clothing and Five hours from the port of Vancouver, agan Valley, our location defines our furniture carry a wide selection for less than one hour from the Penticton lifestyle. such a small community, but because airport and two hours from Kelowna we are located close to major centres International Airport, Osoyoos is stra- CONSIDER OUR LIFESTYLE Unique in both B.C. and Washington State, tegically and internationally connect- desert ecology, choices of alpine, Osoyoos is just a short drive to big ed by land, air and sea. lakeside, rural or town living, spectac- box shopping, too. Excellent health-

OSOYOOS COMMUNITY PROFILE 7 soyoos is home to an ac- When combined with our labour than by enjoying them on our sandy tive business community, pool, infrastructure and low overhead beaches. including many independent costs, Osoyoos’ open door business With every new visitor and each new operators who bring a rich support policy makes it quick, easy resident, our community grows not diversity to the local econo- and less expensive to launch a new just in numbers, but in spirit. We hope Omy. Built upon the wealth of our natu- venture. The total cost of establishing you will consider the possibilities. We ral environment and the community’s and operating your business in Osoy- hope you will consider what we can location, opportunities exist in many oos is lower than many comparable offer to you and what you can offer of our traditional industries as well as communities in Canada or the United to us. Source: Destination Osoyoos & emerging ones. States. Investors can expect access Town of Osoyoos; www.osoyoos.ca or These sectors include: value added to low electric utility rates, affordable www.destinationosoyoos.com. wood, agriculture products, and food housing prices, competitive property and beverage processing, tourism tax rates, and low labour costs. INDUSTRY Osoyoos’ ability to retain infrastructure and retail amenities, Although Osoyoos was founded on ag- and attract new industry is unparal- logistics and warehousing, and ad- riculture, diversity has been achieved leled when combined with the labour vanced manufacturing opportunities through developments in tourism, pool, strategic location, infrastructure, such as aerospace and biotechnology. technology and retirement living. and low overhead costs. Located at the In addition, the diversity of the local Osoyoos is a rapidly developing junction of two major transportation economy lends itself well to profes- four-season resort community that routes, and on the US/Canada bor- sionals in a variety of fields. Whether continues to see dramatic changes der, Osoyoos has an edge over many it be healthcare services or financial to its tourism base. Several tourism larger communities. Over the next few expertise, Osoyoos welcomes a wide ventures position the Osoyoos area years, economic development in Osoy- variety of skills and qualifications to as a major resort destination in the oos will be solely focused on diversi- our labour force. Southern Interior of British Columbia. fying the current economic offering to establish multifaceted, year-round CONSIDER OUR CLIMATE Osoy- economy for tourists, entrepreneurs, oos lies in the shadow of the Coastal investors and residents alike. The Mountains at an elevation of 909 ft., main sectors being explored are: creating a hot, sunny, dry climate. Can- When ada’s lowest annual precipitation and TOURISM The South Okanagan Tour- warmest annual temperatures can be ism Area generates about 350,000 combined with found here. visitors and an estimated $59 million our labour pool, Hours of Sunshine: 2039. Avg. January annually in direct visitor expendi- high, -0.1oC; Avg. July high, 35o C; Avg. tures. The area’s tourism products in- infrastructure Rainfall, 267.9 mm; Avg. Snowfall, 49.6 clude wineries, agri-tourism activities, cm; Elevation, 297.2 m. Source: Envi- Indigenous culture, golf, winter and and low overhead ronment Canada summer outdoor activities as well as festivals and events. costs, Osoyoos’ CONSIDER OUR LAND Because of Osoyoos has been designated a resort open door our low rainfall and very sandy soil, community (one of only 14 in Canada) desert plants grow in our region. In in accordance with the Province’s business support this shrub-steppe semi-desert ecosys- Resort Municipality Revenue Sharing tem, you will find prickly pear cactus, Program. This means the community policy makes it antelope brush and sage on land areas will have addi­tional resources availa- quick, easy and that are not regularly irrigated. Osoy- ble to develop tourism infrastructure. oos is surrounded by hills blanketed in New wineries, recreational con- less expensive sage and pine forests; our valley sides dominiums, hotel expansions and and fertile bottom-lands are home to resort developments have created a to launch a new orchards that produce the earliest positive business climate and more venture. fruit in Canada and the greatest wines opportunities for market and product in the world. What better way to relax development for a four-season destina- and enjoy the fruits of their labours tion resort. Osoyoos, Oliver and the

8 OSOYOOS COMMUNITY PROFILE www.destinationosoyoos.com 1.888.OSOYOOS @osoyoosbc With a relaxed vibe, extraordinary natural beauty and almost 300 days of sunshine each year, you’re going to love living in Osoyoos! It might be our warm lake, lush vineyards, award winning wineries or championship golf courses that appeal to you but it’s our quality of life that will move you. Come visit Osoyoos – pop some corks, hit some balls, pick some cherries.. find your home.

Osoyoos Indian Band have collaborat- aggregate value of $22.8 billion. facturers, wholesalers and retailers, ed on a tourism strategy to map out The correctional centre at the Osoyoos and by specialized logistics firms. destination, product, and marketing Indian Band Development Corpora- Osoyoos’ strategic location lends itself initiatives. tion’s Senkulmen Enterprise Park in well to attracting businesses that wish Oliver, hospital expansions from Kam- to locate in an area where distribution RETAIL Osoyoos is home to a strong loops to Penticton, and expansions at infrastructure will provide a competi- specialty retail sector. As a resort Okanagan College are all recent and tive advantage. municipality, Osoyoos experiences ongoing projects. a significant influx of visitors, who In Osoyoos, many housing develop- AEROSPACE The Okanagan Valley frequent the local shops for unique ments continue to move forward, is home to a growing, innovative, products and exceptional custom- including the Residences at Spirit and diversified aerospace industry, er service. Osoyoos has a growing Ridge, Richter Properties, and Lake- serving aviation and defensive mar- population base and a high level of shore Drive Development. In particu- kets around the world. Osoyoos has spending as measured on a per capita lar, the Regional District of Okana- partnered with communities across basis. As a result there is a strong gan-Similkameen has outstripped the Okanagan Valley to pursue oppor- local and regional market for retailers other parts of the region with 130% tunities in this innovative and dynam- and the tourism industry provides a growth in issuance between January ic industry. Recent development at complimentary base to augment sales and August, trumping the healthy the Osoyoos airport has strategically potential. 53% growth logged between 2011 and positioned the Osoyoos area to further 2015. develop aviation manufacturing and CONSTRUCTION Industrial infrastruc- service related business activity. ture and construction projects are LOGISTICS AND WAREHOUSING is energizing the Okanagan outlook. The becoming a key process innovation FILM INDUSTRY The Osoyoos Film province’s major projects inventory in- enabler across all business sectors Industry is a new and exciting sector. dicates that the Thompson Okanagan and a strategic competitive advantage Osoyoos has had the privilege and region hosts 110 major projects—those tool. Logistics activities are done in- pleasure of providing scenic back- worth $15 million or more—with an house by users; including all manu- drops and leading location roles in a surprising number of film and television productions. Along with the Okanagan Film Commission, Osoyoos is seeking opportunities to welcome the film industry to the area as it recognizes the tremendous economic benefits it can bring. For more infor- mation on the filming opportunities in the Osoyoos area visit the Okanagan Film Commission website at www. okanaganfilm.com Source: Town of Osoyoos. www.osoy- oos.ca/content/industry-strengths

OSOYOOS COMMUNITY PROFILE 9 Credit: Destination Osoyoos AGRICULTURE Early agricultural pro- terms of area under production. duction in the Okanagan-Similkameen There has however been a general region was focused primarily on cattle shift away from many types of tree ranching, as the local environment fruits in recent years, largely due was well suited to cattle grazing and to challenges with profitability. The provided beef to expanding commu- early 1980s to 2006 saw a decrease of The nities. 4,500 hectares in tree fruit production. The development of the commercial Sweet cherry production however Osoyoos area with orchard industry began when land increased substantially during this speculators purchased parcels of period. its mild climate ranch land and began subdividing As tree fruit production has been has been able them into orchard plots; the introduc- shrinking, acreage has been shifting tion of irrigation in the 1920s turned into wine grapes. to promote the this semi-arid desert-scape into a Land in grape production has in- premier fruit growing area. creased significantly since the mid- earliest fruit in The Osoyoos area with its mild climate 1980s and there are now over 4,000 Canada, such as has been able to promote the earli- hectares in production. The Okana- est fruit in Canada, such as apples, gan-Similkameen accounted for 54% of apples, pears, pears, plums, sweet and sour cherries, all land in grape ­production in BC and peaches, apricots and grapes. over 14% of the total in Canada. plums, sweet and Apples, grapes and 96% of BC’s soft About 3% of the population in the sour cherries, fruits are grown in the south-central Okanagan-Similkameen is involved in Okanagan. agricultural production. peaches, apricots From 1986 to 2006 apple production There is a viable organic industry in remained the most dominant fruit the region with approximately 100 and grapes. crop in the Okanagan-Similkameen in acres of fruit being grown. Organic

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250.492.6299 | [email protected] | www.soics.ca fruit is sold through independent sales agencies and CENSUS OF AGRICULTURE DATA primarily packed by the cooperative packinghous- Total Farmland Area...... ha 81,438 es. Number of Farms...... # 1,292 The Okanagan as a whole contributes significantly Average Farm Size...... ha 63.0 to the organic production in the province across a range of crops including fruits, vegetables and FARMLAND USE greenhouse products. The Okanagan-Similkameen Crops...... ha 10,071 contains approximately 25% of the province’s organ- Summerfallow...... ha 92 ic farms. Tame or Seeded Pasture...... ha 2,248 Many roadside outlets in the region supply the local Natural Land for Pasture...... ha 63,422 and tourist trade with fresh direct to the custom- All Other Land...... ha 5,604 er sales of fruit and vegetables and many of the packinghouses have stores with seasonal fruit for CROP AREA sale. There is a growing agri-tourism industry with Hay Crops...... ha 4,137 farm tours, markets and restaurants for the summer Field Crops...... ha 131 tourist market. Fruits, Berries & Nuts...... ha 5,484 Although orchards and vineyards are a major fea- Vegetables...... ha 247 ture of the landscape in the Okanagan Similkameen, Nursery Products...... ha 24 vegetables, field crops, greenhouse production and Greenhouse Flower Production...... m2 14,386 livestock farming complete the Agricultural Over- Greenhouse Vegetable Production...... m2 62,111 view of the area. Source: BC Agriculture & Food Climate Action Initia- FARM ANIMALS NUMBER OF FARMS tive, BC Ministry of Agriculture; RDOS, 2016 Census Poultry 203 Sheep & Lambs 40 Cattle & Calves 121 Horses & Ponies 177 VITICULTURE The Okanagan Valley’s unique com- Dairy Cows 4 Goats 20 bination of geography and ­climate make it an ideal Beef Cows 87 Rabbits 5 Pigs 20 Bee Colonies 45 environment for viticulture. It has ­attracted the at- tention of winemakers from France to South Africa Source: Statistics Canada. Census of Agriculture (Regional and we are very proud to call this region home. District of Okanagan-Similkameen 2016), Prepared by Ministry of Compared to many other growing regions around Agriculture, Statistics and Research. Summer 2017. the world, British Columbia is a viticultural paradise. With five individual VQA regions, each with unique climates and soils, viti- cultural practices vary widely in different areas. There are over 60 varie- ties planted in BC. Merlot & Pinot Gris remain the widest planted varietals in the province. Wineries in the Osoyoos, Oliver, and Similkameen Valley employ thousands of workers each year, including growers, pickers, production, and retail— making this one of the largest industries in the South Okanagan area.

Credit: Destination Osoyoos OSOYOOS COMMUNITY PROFILE 11 INDUSTRY (Statistics Canada 2016) Total labour force pop. aged 15 years & over by occupation. 1,730 All industries...... 1,715 Agriculture, forestry, fishing & hunting...... 85 The Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction...... 20 Utilities...... 0 Anarchist Construction...... 170 Manufacturing...... 80 Mountain Wholesale trade...... 60 viewpoint offers Retail trade...... 185 Transportation and warehousing...... 35 one of the best Information and cultural industries...... 30 Finance and insurance...... 60 vantage points Real estate and rental and leasing...... 40 to take in valley Professional, scientific and technical services...... 75 Management of companies and enterprises...... 10 views Admin & support, waste managmnt & remediation...... 65 Educational services...... 50 Health care and social assistance...... 180 Arts, entertainment and recreation...... 60 Accommodations and food services...... 340 Other services (except public administration)...... 115 Public administration...... 60

OCCUPATION (Statistics Canada 2016) Total labour force pop. aged 15 years & over by occupation 1,730 All occupations...... 1,715 Management occupations...... 190 Business, finance & administration occupations...... 175 Natural and applied sciences & related occupations...... 60 Health occupations...... 100 Occupations in education, law/social, community & government services...... 105 Occupations in art, culture, recreation and sport...... 45 Sales and service occupations...... 620 Trades, transport, equip. operators & related...... 270 Natural resources, agric. & related...... 105 Occupations in manufacturing and utilities...... 55

LABOUR FORCE Okanagan Similkameen % of workforce in years: 15-24.....8%; 25-34.....17.4%; 35-44.....24.6%; 45-54.....28.5% 55-64.....19.1%; over 65.....2.1%

Employers in the Okanagan-Similkameen are projecting a high aggressive growth rate of 22% (employment demand) between the years 2014 & 2020.

Unemployment Rate - Osoyoos: 6.6%, Okanagan-Similkameen: 8.4%

Source: Stats Canada-Census Profile Osoyoos 2016

Credit: Destination Osoyoos 12 OSOYOOS COMMUNITY PROFILE he Town of Osoyoos was ministrative Officer. Avenue. Incidents are dispatched incorporated in 1946. By Town of Osoyoos: through a regional 911 system. For highway the town is 46 km PO Box 3010, 8707 Main St., Osoyoos, non-emergencies call the Town Hall at southeast of Keremeos, 52 km B.C.V0H 1V0 (250) 495-6515. south of Penticton and 51 km email: [email protected], Twest of Midway. Rural Osoyoos is in (250) 495-6515, AMBULANCE AND POLICE Osoyoos the Okanagan-Similkameen Regional (888) 495-6515, is served by the British Columbia District. Electoral ‘A’, 101 Martin St. www.osoyoos.ca Ambulance Service, located at 14 Penticton, B.C. V2A 5J9. Tel: (250) 492- Eagle Court. The ambulance ser- 0237. Osoyoos Population - 6,737 FIRE DEPARTMENT The Town of vice provides 24 hour coverage. In Osoyoos and Osoyoos Rural Fire case of an emergency, dial 911. For MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT The Town Protection District is served by a vol- non-emergencies call (250) 495-2147. of Osoyoos is a municipality with a unteer “on call” fire department of 30 The RCMP are located in Osoyoos, at Mayor, four councillors and two water trained members. A full range of fire 16 Eagle Court. For information on councillors elected for four year terms. protection services is provided by the Crime Prevention programs, contact The supervision of all Town functions Department. the RCMP. is the responsibility of the Chief Ad- The Firehall is located at 9901 74th

TRANSPORTATION South Okanagan Tran- Kelowna Orchard Park (Kelowna service is sit: South Okanagan Transit provides door- Monday only. BCTransit.com to-door return service to Kelowna (Monday Air Services: General Aviation Airports in- only), Summerland, Penticton, Okanagan clude Osoyoos Airport and Oliver Municipal Falls, Oliver and Osoyoos for Senior Resi- airport. dents with disabilities. Penticton Regional Airport is a short 45 min. BC Transit offers bus service for the general drive north to ­Penticton. public from Osoyoos to Oliver Hospital, Pen- WestJet and Air Canada offer daily flights to ticton Cherry Lane, Kelowna Airport, and Vancouver and Calgary.

OSOYOOS COMMUNITY PROFILE 13 EDUCATION School District #53 oper- ates Osoyoos, Oliver, OK Falls, Kereme- os Cawston and Hedley schools within their coverage area, and serves (approx) 2500 students. 6161 Okana- gan St., Box 1770, Oliver, B.C. VOH 1TO; (250) 498 3481; www.sd53bc.ca

Osoyoos Elementary: 8507-68th Ave. (250) 495-7248; www.ose.sd53.bc.ca Osoyoos Elementary (K-7) provides a strong educational program with out more information about Osoyoos in a flexible schedule. Over half of the specific focus on Literacy, Numeracy, Elementary School. students are involved in athletics and and Social Emotional Learning. While all of the students have the opportuni- empowering children to build positive Osoyoos Secondary: Osoyoos Second- ty to be involved in fine arts including relationships, to celebrate diversity ary: 5800 –115th St. (250) 485-4433; drama and band as well as leadership, and to take ownership for their learn- www.oss.sd53.bc.ca. OSS is a rural Gr. student parliament, yearbook, golf ing, the staff also nurture the devel- 8-12 school with a three building cam- and hockey skills academy. Osoyoos opment of resiliency, self-regulation, pus overlooking Osoyoos Lake. The Secondary has a dedicated team of and social skills. Some programs and staff takes pride in being able to offer 14 teaching staff, 2 administrators, strategies we use include: the Heart- the students quality academics while 2 clerical support staff, 8 education Mind Well-Being, MindUP, Roots of Em- remaining a close-knit school com- assistants, 2 custodians, 2 counsellors, pathy, and through strong community munity. The school also offers a wide and 1 Indigenous Education Advocate. and Indigenous connections. Please range of elective options including The school community works hard visit the school website to read the automotive, robotics, musical theatre, to create a partnership with parents Student Achievement Plan and to find information technology, and X-Blocks and community members to provide

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The Osoyoos Child Care Dental Implants Centre functions as a nursery 3D Printing school for preschoolers and Technology a daycare centre. Located on 89th Street beside the Elementary School, the OCCC offers 3 programs to meet the tion to Dental Office Reception, Land- needs of childcare and early educa- scape Horticulture, Management Skills tion in the community. for Supervisors. Home Support/Res- idential Care Aide, Adult Academic YouLearn.ca is School District 53’s dis- and Career Preparation, Adult Special tributed learning school. The school Education, Applied Business Technol- offers educational programming from ogy, Bar tending, Basic Accounting, kindergarten to adult for students, Computer Basics for Business, Cus- and families, who desire a self-paced, todial Worker, Education Assistant, flexible educational experience. As Floral Design, Medical Office Assistant, a recognized public school, students Nursing Unit Clerk, Palliative Care, can take all of their education through Practical Nursing, Accounting, Teach- YouLearn to graduate. Students can ing English as Second Language. The access the program at the learning trades include Electrical, Plumbing, centres located in Oliver, Osoyoos and Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, Res- Keremeos or online anytime through idential Construction & Welding. For the website at youlearn.ca. a complete list of programs & courses along with support services, please Okanagan College-Penticton Campus check their website. The Oliver Cam- In the South and the education centres in Sum- pus is located 19 km north of Osoyoos. merland and Oliver have established 9315 350th Ave, Oliver. (250) 498- Okanagan is an a leading reputation for providing 6264; www.okanagan.bc.ca; quality education and training for the Penticton Campus: 1-866-510-8899; extraordinary wine and hospitality industries. email: [email protected] habitat popularly Unique to this region are their Signa- ture Programs, which include: Win- HEALTH SERVICES The South Okan- referred to as ery Assistant Certificate, Viticulture agan General Hospital in Oliver, B.C. Certificate, Wine Sales Certificate, and (20 min.) services the Osoyoos area. Canada’s pocket Career Facilitator. Acute care beds, intermediate care desert. This dry, If oenology (wine making) and viticul- beds, outpatient, surgery, emergency, ture (grape growing) are to your taste x-ray, and physiotherapy services are shrub-grassland you can begin your studies here and all available. Two doctors clinics, two transfer directly to Brock University community care facilities, two dental is one of Canada’s to obtain a degree, or take any of the offices, one eye clinic and the Osoyoos three certificate programs as well as Health Centre also provide the com- most fragile a number of specialized courses that munity’s health needs. There are 14 and endangered serve the needs of the vineyard, win- physicians in Osoyoos. Interior Health ery and hospitality related businesses. Authority: ecosystems. Other certificate programs offered www.interiorhealth.ca Credit: Destination Osoyoos include: Interior Decorating, Introduc-

OSOYOOS COMMUNITY PROFILE 15 NEWSPAPERS: Osoyoos Times……...... Weekly……...... 250-495-7225 Oliver Chronicle…...... Weekly…...... …..250-498-3711 Penticton Herald…...... Daily………...... 250-492-4002 Desert Connection...... …Bi-monthly...... 250-495-7225 Osoyoos Today www.osoyoostoday.ca Oliver Daily News www.oliverdailynews.com

RADIO: CJOR-Osoyoos; CIRO- Osoyoos; 100.7 Country Station; CKOR- Penticton; CJMG- Penticton; CIGV-Penticton; CBC- Sun FM Penticton; EZ Rock

TELEVISION: CHBC- Kelowna; BCTV- Vancouver. Global Okanagan, Global Credit: Destination Osoyoos BC, CTV, CBC. Eastlink and Telus are the local cable suppliers in Osoyoos. TOP EMPLOYERS - OSOYOOS UTILITIES: Top 10 Employers - Full Time. Fortis Inc. supplies electricity and gas in the area. FT PT Total Electricity……………………..866-436-7847 / www.fortisbc.com 1. Mariposa...... 63...... 62...... 125 Gas……………………….....……..888-224-2710 / www.fortisbc.com 2. School District #53...... 61...... 1...... 62 Telus…………………………...... 888-811-2323 / www.telus.com 3. Town of Osoyoos...... 34...... 13...... 47 Eastlink...... 888-345-1111 / www.eastlink.ca 4. Watermark...... 19...... 81...... 100 5. Osoyoos Credit Union...... 19...... 6...... 25 6. Osoyoos Home Hardware..19...... 5...... 24 7. Buy-Low...... 18...... 49...... 67 8. Smitty’s...... 14...... 26...... 40 9. Shoppers...... 13...... 16...... 29 10. Pharmasave...... 12...... 9...... 21 11. AG Foods...... 11...... 23...... 34 12. SIR...... 9...... 6...... 15 13. Walnut Beach Resort...... 7...... 58...... 65 14. Osoyoos Golf Club...... 6...... 54...... 60 15. McDonald’s...... 6...... 18...... 24

Top 10 Employers - Seasonal. FT PT Total 1. Watermark...... 19...... 81...... 100 2. Mariposa...... 63...... 62...... 125 3. Walnut Beach Resort...... 7...... 58...... 65 4. Osoyoos Golf Club...... 6...... 54...... 60 5. Buy-Low...... 18...... 49...... 67 6. Ok. Tree Fruit Co-op...... 10...... 42...... 52 7. Smitty’s...... 14...... 26...... 40 8. Family Foods...... 11...... 23...... 34 9. McDonald’s...... 6...... 18...... 24 10. Shoppers...... 13...... 16...... 29 11. Town of Osoyoos...... 34...... 13...... 47 12. South Ok. Concrete ...... 2...... 11...... 13 13. Pharmasave...... 12...... 9...... 21 14. Osoyoos Credit Union...... 19...... 6...... 25 15. SIR...... 9...... 6...... 15 16. Osoyoos Home Hardware19...... 5...... 24 17. School District #53...... 61...... 1...... 62 Source: Destination Osoyoos 2018

16 OSOYOOS COMMUNITY PROFILE HOUSING Choosing to relocate to Osoyoos was simple, but choosing a home to buy is a little more challenging. The area has so much to offer, from a condo, an apartment or a bungalow in the district close to all amenities or a home on the upper benches with views of the city and lake. Perhaps your dream is a luxuri- ous lakeshore home or one close to the golf course. Several new developments in the Osoyoos area are in the planning stages or nearing completion; whatever you choose you will get your share of all the sunshine and excitement that life offers in Osoyoos.

REAL ESTATE SALES 2018 - OSOYOOS AREA Property Type Sales # of Sales # New Listings Avg Sale Price Days to Sell Residential: Bare Land Strata $3,933,000 10 15 $393,300 95 Duplex $1,966,980 3 8 $655,660 129 2018 Taxes and Charges Mobile w/ land $0 0 0 $0 0 on a representative Triplex/Fourplex $0 0 0 $0 0 house in Osooyoos Single Family $42,325,100 74 183 $571,961 95 Value: $409,677 Condo (apt) $19,395,100 73 156 $265,686 103 Condo (twn-hse) $19,090,900 42 64 $454,545 89 Taxes: $2,160.47 Source: Town of Osoyoos Farms: $10,622,000 11 27 $965,636 190 Acreage $8,085,325 36 84 $224,592 179 Source: South Okanagan Acr (wtrfrnt) Lots $1,860,000 2 8 $930,000 112 Real Estate Board, South Lots $3,214,175 18 40 $178,565 169 Okanagan Real Estate Sales Lots (wtrfrnt) $875,000 1 9 $875,000 85 2018. www.soreb.org

Business/Commercial $8,193,000 10 43 $819,300 280

HOUSEHOLD TOTAL INCOME IN 2016 OF PRIVATE HSHLDS - OSOYOOS 2175 Median household total income ($)...... 50,603 Average household total income ($)...... 61,590 One-person private households...... 805 Median household total income ($)...... 27,952 Average household total income ($)...... 38,929 Two-or-more-persons private households..1,370 Median household total income ($)...... 65,573 Average household total income ($)...... 74,390

Source: Statistics Canada 2016 - New Census Update - 2021

HOUSEHOLD TOTAL INCOME OF PRIVATE HOUSE- HOLDS - OSOYOOS $10,000 - $19,999...... 875 $20,000 - $29,999...... 775 $30,000 - $39,999...... 545 $40,000 - $49,999...... 395 $50,000 - $59,999...... 250 $60,000 - $89,999...... 220 $90,000 and over ...... 170 Source: Statistics Canada 2016 - New Census Update - 2021

OSOYOOS COMMUNITY PROFILE 17 RECREATIONAL FACILITIES & rooms, craft room, dance studio and Skating Club); Youngblades - For the OPPORTUNITIES a commercial kitchen as well as the beginner: Hockeyskate - For the young SUN BOWL ARENA The Sun Bowl Town of Osoyoos’ Community Services hockey player: Canskate - Basic learn- Arena is a full service facility with an Department offices. Open Mon - Fri to-skate program; Groupskate - For 85 ft. by 200 ft. NHL regulation size 8:30am-9pm and Saturday 9am–5pm. those interested in the Test Program ice sheet, four dressing rooms, officials (250) 495-6562. 8505 - 68th Avenue. but in a group setting: CFSA Test room, and full service concession. Program - A program for competition The arena seats approx. 850 people. WEST BENCH COMPLEX A skating. (250) 495-7612. It is home to the Osoyoos Coyote recreation complex located beside Hockey Team, the Sun Bowl Skating ­Osoyoos Secondary School. It features LAWN BOWLING The Osoyoos Lawn Club, South Okanagan Minor Hockey, two baseball diamonds, three hard Bowling Club welcomes guests to their skating and other special events. court tennis courts, three hard court facility. Monday and Friday at 6:30pm. The International Curling Club has pickle ball courts, and an off-leash dog (250) 495-3229 an excellent four sheet ice curling park. (250) 495-6562. arena next to the Sun Bowl Arena SOCCER Pinnacles FC, with a mezzanine connecting the two BASEBALL Softball and regular www.pinnaclesfc.com buildings. (250) 495-6562 baseball are played during the baseball season that begins the last TENNIS/PICKLEBALL Three large DESERT PARK Adult Slo-Pitch League week of April and finishes up the first tennis courts and three pickle ball and Osoyoos Minor Baseball use field week of June. Contact Osoyoos Minor courts are located at West Bench during baseball season: April–June. Baseball Association, Complex beside Osoyoos Secondary Race track and horse stables are www.osoyoosbaseball.com School. Splash Park Located at Jack leased by the Desert Park Exhibition Shaw Gardens. 89th Street and King Society (250) 495-7919. BOWLING Kobau Lanes offers bowling Fisher. Open 10am - 8pm, May - for the whole family. Contact (250) September. THE SONORA COMMUNITY 495-6112 CENTRE The facility currently DOG FRIENDLY PARKS Dogs are contains a large multi-purpose CURLING The International Curling welcome year round in most Osoyoos gymnasium with stage, a full service Club offers many different leagues, Parks provided they’re under control weight room, bleacher seating, and from Juniors, to Men’s and Ladies and on a leash. Osoyoos offers four change rooms. The gymnasium Night, to Mixed leagues during swimming areas along with one off- can ­accommodate 335 people for winter. The Mid-Summer Mixed leash Dog Park. a wine and cheese-style reception, Classic is held in late August. (9301 A 320 seats for a theatre-style event Hummingbird Lane) (250) 495-7733. OFF-LEASH DOG PARK - Located and 340 for a banquet. In addition to at the West Bench Complex next those numbers, 70 additional people ICE SKATING Ice skating at the to Osoyoos Secondary School, the can sit in the bleacher section. The Sunbowl includes several programs off-leash dog park is a fully enclosed centre also contains multi-purpose such as Figure Skating - (Sunbowl former ball diamond where dogs of

18 OSOYOOS COMMUNITY PROFILE For All Your Home Financing Needs ...

Improving lives one INTERIOR activity at a time. all sizes can enjoy running free of a leash. The Off-Leash Dog Park is connected to the Irrigation Canal Trail. Parking is available on-site.

GOODMAN PARK DOG SWIMMING AREA - The Goodman Park dog swimming area is located along Lakeshore Drive at Bayview Crescent and Lake Osoyoos. Benches, picnic tables, and full-service washrooms are located on site. This is the perfect place to stop for a swim when taking your dog for a walk along Lakeshore Walkway!

GYRO PARK DOG SWIMMING AREA - Tucked behind the Osoyoos Museum, you and your dog will love this secluded swimming area in Gyro Park. Please note that dogs are not permitted anywhere else (with the exception of the walkway) in Gyro Park from June through August. Parking and washrooms are available on-site. I Make LEGION BEACH DOG SWIMMING AREA - located on Kingfisher Drive offers a nice sandy beach and is centrally Mortgages Easy located to the down town area. A designated area is provided I take care of everything from shopping for the on the east side of the beach for your dog to cool off. very best rate and terms, to ordering appraisals, LIONS PARK DOG SWIMMING AREA — The north end of doing the paperwork, and scheduling the closing Lions Park features a dog swimming area. Enjoy some shade so that you can continue your daily routine as your dog enjoys a swim. Parking and washrooms are available on-site. Please contain your dog to the north end of without hassle or inconvenience. the park June through August.

SẀIẀS PROVINCIAL PARK (HAYNES POINT) — Haynes Point Provincial Park features a dog swimming area east Maureen of the day-use area. Parking and washrooms are available. CPA CGA www.osoyoos.ca Hayter Mortgage Broker Credit: Destination Osoyoos 250 328 3740 [email protected]

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for investment or pleasure, or your current mortgage is simply up for renewal, it is important that you are making an educated decision with professional unbiased advice. 103-386 Ellis St. Penticton BC, V2A 4L7 OSOYOOS COMMUNITY PROFILE 19 Each Mortgage Centre o ce is independently owned and operated. CULTURAL FACILITIES OSOYOOS HISTORY The name THE OSOYOOS COMMUNITY THEATRE, located at the Osoyoos Secondary Osoyoos is derived from the Syilx School, seats 286 people. The theatre’s location allows the school’s drama (Okanagan Indian) word soo-yoos, club full access providing students with professional facilities. The theatre is referring to the narrows formed also used by the Osoyoos Concert Series which contracts with national and by two land spits across the lake. international performers. osoyoosarts.com Aboriginal people have lived here for thousands of years, as evidenced OSOYOOS DISTRICT ARTS COUNCIL has served the community for about by rock art and an oral tradition 30 years and successfully promotes the artists, musicians and writers of the explaining their history before South Okanagan under its umbrella. Europeans arrived to the valley in The Arts Council works to increase and broaden the opportunities for the 1811. Osoyoos and area residents to enjoy and participate in cultural activities. The first Europeans to Osoyoos were The Arts Council also co-ordinates the work and programs of artists and fur traders working for the Pacific cultural associations by maintaining the Arts Centre. Fur Company. After the Hudson’s Bay Art Gallery Osoyoos and the Osoyoos Concert Series function as committees Company took over the fur trade in of the Art Council. Groups under the Arts Council umbrella include Art Gal- 1821, the Okanagan Valley became lery Osoyoos, The Osoyoos Potters, O’s Own Writers, the Osoyoos Photogra- a major trade route for supplies to phy Club, the Osoyoos Wood Carvers, The Osoyoos Quilters Guild, Osoyoos inland forts of British Columbia. The fi- Concert Series, the South Okanagan Amateur Players, the South Okanagan nal H.B.C. brigade in 1860 was the end Concert Series, Janet Marcotte Music Studio, Osoyoos Music in the Park, and of an era, as gold rushes transformed the economy of the new colony of Brit- ish Columbia. Thousands of miners heading to the goldfields and drovers with large herds of livestock crossed the 49th parallel after 1858. John Car- michael Haynes was the first pioneer settler who obtained land along the Okanagan River north of Osoyoos that had been part of the Joint Indian Reserve Commission Osoyoos Indian Reserve in 1877.

Credit: Destination Osoyoos In 1907 the first commercial orchard in the area was established, growing Artists on Main. cherries, apricots, peaches, plums, The Arts Council organizes events to celebrate BC Arts & Culture week and apples. Osoyoos Orchard Limited during the third week of April every spring. Art Gallery Osoyoos is home to a was formed in 1920 and an irrigation variety of local art exhibits and is open year round, located at 89th and Main project was planned which finally Street. Please call or visit the Arts Council website for more information and a brought water to the west bench via schedule of upcoming events. www.osoyoosarts.com “The Ditch” in 1927. The former shrub- Source: Osoyoos Disrtict & Arts Council steppe environment was transformed into a lush agricultural belt. It was not THE OKANAGAN REGIONAL LIBRARY, Osoyoos branch, provides library until the 1960s that grape-growing service to Osoyoos and area. A state of the art computer network connects became established on a large scale. all 32 branches of the regional library. Located at the Sonora Community Today, vineyards are a major feature Centre. 8505 - 68th Ave. (250) 495-7637 of the landscape. Source: Osoyooos.ca/ history THE OSOYOOS SENIORS CENTRE has a full calendar of activities and Take a peek into our history at the events including line dancing, various card games, carpet bowling, ping Osoyoos Museum which is open daily pong, bingo, exercise classes, wellness seminars, computer classes, concerts July through September. Featured are and dances. The main lounge has a lending library, a main hall with stage pictures detailing local history, a fur- and kitchen, a pool room and an office. Snowbirds are welcome! 17 Park nished pioneer cabin, mining displays, Place, Osoyoos. (250) 495-6921 and Indian artifacts.

20 OSOYOOS COMMUNITY PROFILE WALKING TRAILS AROUND OSOYOOS Pioneer Walkway skirts Osoyoos Lake along Main Street’s motel strip. It is an easy stroll and fully accessible with parking nearby. Lovely gardens, picnic tables and benches add enjoyment to the outing. Be sure to spend some time at Veterans Park where you’ll find an amazing desertscape garden. There is also a 1.3 km hard surface walking trail that connects Gyro Beach with Lions Park along the lakeshore. Cottonwood Park is along the beach on the way to NK’MIP Desert Centre. Beautiful gardens change with the seasons. This is a short stroll with benches, picnic tables and public washrooms. Running parallel to Main Street as well is Lakeshore Drive Pathway. This is a 2.4 km walk or bike route for those visiting Osoyoos and staying in the RV campgrounds or motels along Lakeshore Drive. Haynes Point Wetlands Trail within the Provincial Park is an easy 1.5 km gravel trail designed for bird watchers and other nature lovers. The NK’MIP Desert Cultural Centre provides self guided interpretive gravel trails that wind through 20 ha(50ac) of an endangered antelope brush ecosystem. The centre is conducting research on the endangered western rattlesnake, which may be encountered along the trail. Visitors can relax on benches or under armadas and enjoy the spectacular views of Osoyoos Lake. The Osoyoos Desert Centre just north of Osoyoos offers both guided and self guided tours. Here you will learn how plants and animals adapt and even thrive in the arid desert like conditions. The trail is a 1.5 km boardwalk that protects delicate plants. Credit: Destination Osoyoos

PARKS AND BEACHES are abundant ranging from Japanese, Chinese and in Osoyoos area. Many feature Mexican to Portuguese, Greek, Italian playground equipment, playing fields, and French, Indian and the increas- public washrooms, picnic tables and ingly popular local Native American of course, sandy beaches and a newly Cuisine. built waterfront marina. Peer into Osoyoos’ past at the new mu- Osoyoos Lake provides a focal point seum facility and learn of the Osoyoos for recreational activities and enjoy- early days and how the fruit and wine ment year round: water skiing, wind- industry developed in the area. surfing, swimming, sailing, boating, Tour the Public Art Galleries, private fishing and para-sailing just to name studios and retail shops showcasing a few. the area’s large and talented artisan Beaches and picnic grounds include community. Gyro Beach, Lions Centennial Park, Downtown comes alive during sum- Kinsmen Park, Legion Beach, and mer with the festivals, street dances, Haynes Point picnic ground and live music, and the ­Farmers Market. campsite. Spirited and diverse, the downtown community values all their location DOWNTOWN OSOYOOS Picturesque, has to offer—the amenities, natural set- Credit: Destination Osoyoos charming and lively aptly describes ting, and close proximity to the gem of downtown Osoyoos. Reminiscent of a the South Okanagan-Osoyoos Lake. Mediterranean village are the shops food and financial products and An abundance of natural areas sur- and buildings lining the streets of services. round the town. Take a leisurely stroll downtown. Here you’ll find unique Experience culinary creations at uptown or along the beach pathways and stylish boutiques offering one of a local cafés, bistros, fine dining es- and enjoy the downtown parks and kind clothing, shoes and accessories, tablishments, brew pubs and wine extraordinary waterfront that is syn- innovative gift shops, florists, health bars. Feast on international cuisine onymous with Osoyoos.

OSOYOOS COMMUNITY PROFILE 21 OSOYOOS ATTRACTIONS SẀIẀS PROVINCIAL PARK In 2015 ed interpretive trail are important fea- RATTLESNAKE CANYON A family Haynes Point Provincial Park was tures of the park. The park also has a entertainment park featuring a renamed to reflect the traditional natural amphitheatre, a perfect setting miniature golf course, bumper boats Okanagan Place name for the area. for nature’s programs. and a snack bar. It is also located Sẁiẁs means a place where it is along the beach/hotel/restaurant strip. shallow or narrow in the middle of the ANARCHIST MOUNTAIN LOOKOUT lake. The park is proudly managed by Located east of Osoyoos is a OSOYOOS DESERT MODEL the Osoyoos Indian Band and is locat- spectacular panoramic viewpoint. RAILROAD This impressive 4,000 ed south of Osoyoos. It is surrounded The winding road ascends from 910 square ft. HO gauge train set is one by warm water and sandy beaches feet to 4,045 feet, where its possible to of the most popular attractions for and also features a natural sandbar, view the whole town of Osoyoos, the visitors to Osoyoos. Billed as the known as ‘the spit’ which extends out southern part of the valley and the biggest little European railroad in from the park almost to the other side entire portion of Osoyoos Lake as well Canada, the family-run model started of Osoyoos Lake. The water is report- as part of Washington State. decades ago as a hobby and has ed to be the warmest in Canada, mak- grown into a sprawling miniature ing it excellent for swimming. Lakeside MT KOBAU One of the tallest peaks in world. campsites and privacy make this a this area offers a bird’s eye view of the popular camping area; reservations lake as well as the Similkameen and SPOTTED LAKE is located along Hwy are necessary during the summer Okanagan Valleys. It is also a popular 3 in the South Okanagan Grasslands months. The marsh area and self-guid- spot for stargazing and hiking. Protected Area, a geographical region that is unique to Canada. The lake is sacred to the Okanagan First Nations People and is known as Klikuk meaning ‘sacred medicine lake.’ The peculiar blue, green and yellow spots on the surface of the lake are formed from high concentrations of minerals and salt as the water level evaporates and drops. There is no access to the lake but one can learn more at the NK’MIP Desert Cultural Center.

Credit: Destination Osoyoos

ORCHARDS AND WINERIES Commercial fruit growing started in this area in the early 1900s, and today the South Okanagan is the fruit basket of Canada. The dry, sunny climate and long growing season makes it ideal for such soft fruits as cherries, plums, apricots, peaches and grapes. Osoyoos has the earliest fruit season in the Okanagan Valley. Award winning wines are produced from locally grown grapes in nearby vine- yards. There are over 50 commercial estate and farm wineries with more being added annually.

FRUIT RIPENING TIMES Pears: July 15 - Oct. 15 Apricots: July 15 - Aug 15 Plums: Aug. 15 - Sept. 20 Cherries: June 25 - July 30 Apples: July 15 - Oct. 30 Peaches: July 15 - Aug 15 Grapes: Sept. 5 - Oct. 30

22 OSOYOOS COMMUNITY PROFILE JANUARY: • Peoples Choice Awards - Osoyoos Art Gallery • Osoyoos Concert Series - (Jan. - March) • Coyotes Junior B Hockey - Until April

FEBRUARY & MARCH: • Tobogganing - Credit: Destination Osoyoos Saturdays at Baldy Mountain Resort until end of March JUNE: • Harvest • Slush Cup at Baldy • Cactus Jalopies Show & Shine - Gyro • Halloween Howl - Sonora Community Mountain Resort Park Centre • Horse Racing at Desert Park • Wine Country Drag Racing APRIL: • National Aboriginal Day Celebrations • Easter Extravaganza/ • Market on Main NOVEMBER & DECEMBER: Parade • Wine Country Drag Racing • Winter in Wine Country • Arts & Culture Cele- • Festival Treasures at Art Gallery brations JULY: • Baldy Moutain Resort First Chair • Osoyoos Oyster • Annual Cherry Fiesta Parade - July 1 Festival Festival • Music in the Park • Osoyoos Concert Series (Oct - March) • Wine Country Drag • Canada Day Fireworks - July 1 • Festival of Trees Racing • Art in the Garden - Local arts/garden • Christmas Parade & Lite-up settings • Christmas Craft Fairs MAY: • Market on Main • Okanagan Spring • Osoyoos Street Dances - (July-Au- Wine Festival - gust) Okanagan Valley • Osoyoos Medieval AUGUST: Faire—Desert Park • Mt. Kobau Star Party Exhibition Society • Romancing the Desert - Wine & Food • Market on Main at Desert Centre

OSOYOOS EVENTS (May-Sept) • Music in the Park • Horse Racing at Desert Park • Market on Main

SEPTEMBER: • Wine Country Drag Racing • Sailing Regatta - Osoyoos Lake • Lobster on the Beach Credit: Destination Osoyoos • Coyotes Junior B Hockey (Sept-April) • Market on Main • Skaha Kennel Dog Show For more information about these • Wine Country Drag Racing and other events contact ­Destination Osoyoos Tourism. www.destinationo- OCTOBER: soyoos.com • Okanagan Fall Wine Festival - Events/ Email: [email protected], Wine throughout the Okanagan 250-495-5070

Credit: Destination Osoyoos OSOYOOS COMMUNITY PROFILE 23 OSOYOOS ATTRACTIONS and is 20 Kms long. There are paved NK’MIP DESERT CULTURAL CENTRE sections making the trail wheelchair The NK’MIP Desert Cultural Centre accessible. celebrates the precious cultural heritage of the Osoyoos Indian Band THE GOLDEN MILE HIKING TRAIL and explores their desert landscapes. is an unimproved 6.5 Km gravel trail The site encompasses 50 acres of sage which winds along the foothills of the grasslands and ponderosa pine forest. west side. The trail connects several In the interpretive centre, exhibits, sto- wineries and historic sites and offers ries and interactive displays introduce views of Mt. Baldy & the Valley. the visitor to the history of the Okan- agan People and the Osoyoos Indian THE IRRIGATION CANAL WALKWAY Band. is a 5 Km trail that meanders along Many rare snakes, reptiles, amphib- an abandoned section of the old ians and insects inhabit the Okana- irrigation canal near Osoyoos. The gan Valley and will be on display in Old Kettle Valley Railway Trail near special habitat exhibits throughout the Okanagan Falls follows the western summer. shores of Skaha Lake to Penticton.

Self-guided interpretive trails allow Credit: Destination Osoyoos Shorter but scenic walks include the visitor to explore the area at their Haynes Point Wetlands Boardwalk, own pace. Features include a village endangered ecosystems. Located 1.5 Km trail. The Pioneer Walkway area with a reconstructed pit-house, on a sandy bench north of Osoyoos, provides a paved walk along Osoyoos a tule made teepee and a sweathouse the Desert Centre is an interpretive Lake. Vaseux Lake Boardwalk trail built from traditional materials. education and research facility provides access to a habitat nationally The landscape provides unique offering insight into this sensitive known for its excellent bird watching. plants native to this desert area such ecosystem. as the Mariposa lily and Scarlet Gilia. Interpretive kiosks, a native plant REGIONAL CYCLING/HIKING MAP Interpretive plant signs give the native garden and spadefoot toad pond are The Regional District of Okanagan names and traditional uses of plants featured at the Desert Centre, along Similkameen in cooperation with and animals found on the trail system. with over one and one half kilometers its member municipalities have www.nkmipdesert.com of boardwalk. Bluebird boxes and developed a Regional Trails Master their residents can be viewed from plan. The ultimate goal is to have the shaded deck. The Desert Centre is recreational trails linking all of the BC’s first public venue on the Trans- communities in the region together. continental Bluebird Trail. A Regional Cycling Map is now avail- www.destinationosoyoos.com able and includes information on over 150 existing trails. For more informa- HIKING & CYCLING TRAILS IN THE tion visit www.clickhikebike.com SOUTH OKANAGAN The South Okanagan area offers a number of developed hiking & cycling trails that allows one to explore unique habitat, visit historic sites, photograph & watch wildlife and a variety of birds, take in breath-taking scenery and enjoy the Credit: Destination Osoyoos exhilarating outdoors. The International Bicycling and Hiking OSOYOOS DESERT CENTRE In the Trail is enjoyed by persons from southernmost corner of the Okanagan all over the world. Stretching from Valley lies Canada’s only true desert. McAlpine Bridge just north of Oliver This extraordinary habitat is home to the head of Osoyoos Lake, the trail Credit: Destination Osoyoos to North America’s most fragile and follows the scenic Okanagan River

24 OSOYOOS COMMUNITY PROFILE OSOYOOS INDIAN BAND PROFILE Credit: Asymetriq Productions - Oliver Tourism Association

for its healing powers. Called Kliluk by Area 27, a 277 acre site located on OIB the Okanagan, this highly mineralized Land was leased to the South Okan- lake is located about eight km west of agan Motor Sports Corporation for Chief Clarence Louie Osoyoos. The site is still revered by the a race track which will host 4-5 all the Okanagan Bands, but it is now major motor sports events annually. officially called Spotted Lake. The project includes a club house, and THE NK’MIP AND THEIR HERITAGE teaching centre. The Osoyoos Indian Band, NK’MIP ECONOMY & INDUSTRY The 32,000 The Band manages business with (the name by which the band refers to acres of Osoyoos Band land stretches budgets in excess of $20 million itself in the native Okanagan language) from Gallagher Lake, north of Oliver, dollars and administers its own health, was formed on Nov. 21, 1877, and prior all the way to Hwy. 3 at Osoyoos. The social, educational and municipal to that these proud native people land is mostly east of Hwy. 97 with a services. lived on the desert land stretching small section in the north straddling Vision, sound business practices, and into Washington, U.S.A. As part of the the highway and a larger portion a Chief who works with his Council on Okanagan Nation, these are a strong, in the south claiming most of the economic development are all reasons independent and proud people with a northeast shoreline of Osoyoos Lake. for the prosperity the Band is enjoying rich heritage. Huge vineyards sprawl across these today. Band historian, Virg Baptiste (now lands encompassing 1,200 acres of deceased), said her people were prima vinifera grapes. NK’ MIP Cel- EDUCATION & CULTURE The SenPok- survivalists and had adapted to the lars, Canada’s first aboriginal-owned Chin School teaches kindergarten to rigours of a climate that was stingy winery is part of the Band’s enterprise Grade 7 as well as a day-care facility. with its rainfall, while being overly - NK’ MIP Resort, which also includes The scholastic goal is to increase the generous with its heat. Sonora Dunes Golf Course, Spirit Ridge level of education in the academic, ath- The name NK’MIP (Inkameep) in the Resort and Spa, NK’ MIP R.V. Park and letic, vocational and cultural spheres. Okanagan dialect means “gateway Campsite and NK’ MIP Desert Cultural It is considered a responsibility shared or doorway to the bottom of the lake Centre. The Band’s other enterpris- by the Band, parents and students, system.” es include a construction company, to be motivated by lifelong learning. The Inkameep lived off the land, lakes NK’MIP Convenience Store, Canyon Chief Clarence Louie believes that and rivers. They hunted, fished and Desert Resort a housing development there are fewer than a dozen speakers grew crops and gave thanks to the being constructed adjacent to the of the Okanagan language remaining ‘Great Spirit’ for the elements, the sea- band owned NK’MIP Canyon Desert within the membership of the Osoy- sons and the bounty they shared. The Golf Course, a 350 seat Conference oos Indian Band. Out of a total tribe Osoyoos Indian Band was a trading Centre, and Senkulem Business Park, of 3,000, fewer than 200 speak the nation and had developed substan- an environmentally sustainable fully language. In all of BC, the Okanagan tial trade with bands farther north in serviced business and light industrial mother tongue is spoken by only 800 the Okanagan Valley and the Colville park. Tenant anchors include Arterra people. Band in Washington. One of their sa- Wines and the Okanagan Correctional 1155 Sen Pok Chin Blvd., Oliver, B.C. cred spots was an unusual lake noted Centre at the 135 acre site. 250-498-3444 www.oib.ca.

OSOYOOS INDIAN BAND PROFILE 25 OLIVER COMMUNITY PROFILE

n the heart of one of the most valley with rich deposits of soil, that is views, the terraced vineyards and desirable recreational and retire- capable of growing a large variety of fruit orchards, the sunshine and the ment regions in British Columbia both fruit and vegetables, but without warm and friendly community. For lies the quaint and charming the precious water from the Okanagan additional information on Oliver visit community of Oliver. Residents River which runs through this valley, www.winecapitalofcanada.com or Ienjoy the unique desert-like climate agriculture would not be impossible. www.oliver.ca. with several nearby lakes, golf courses This precious water gives life to and an abundance of other recreation- commercial orchards and vineyards AGRICULTURE & VITICULTURE al areas. in the hillsides. A distinct line is drawn Tree fruit, vegetable and cattle The town abounds with well kept across the landscape with lush green production form an important base homes, businesses and parks. A sound in the irrigated zone on one side and for secondary industry in the area. economic base, excellent educational golden grasslands and desert-like Although primary agricultural-based opportunities, good health care and antelope brush ecosystem on the employment continues a long- high family values makes it a classic other. The rolling high country terrain term decline, it still provides direct Canadian hometown. has dense stands of Ponderosa pine employment for approximately 3,000 The town was named after an early and Douglas fir and is punctuated workers in the South Okanagan labour B.C. pioneer, John Oliver, and has a by small fishing lakes and tall peaks force. The trend today is to dwarf tree, rich history in gold mining, ranching like Mount Baldy. To the west lies high density planting and specialty and agriculture. the Okanagan Range of the Cascade fruits. There are approximately 400 For years tourists have flocked to this Mountains which causes a rain orchards (over two acres in size) in area for the abundant fruit, but Oliver shadow effect, producing the regions the Oliver area. also offers recreational, environmental dry climate. Oliver experiences four Oliver is known as Canada’s Wine and cultural attractions to both visitors distinct seasons. Summers are long Capital and as the centre of the wine and its residents. and hot with average daily highs in industry in the Okanagan with the The community has several public July of 29.3 C/84.7 F. Many days are largest concentration of both vine- recreational facilities, cultural attrac- in the upper 30’s C/90’s F. Humidity yards and commercial wineries in tions, along with numerous wineries is very low. Winters are short and British Columbia. The majority of these and a new state of the art community relatively mild with average January are located along what is known as theatre. Oliver plays an important role highs of -4.7 C/23.5 F and little snow. the Golden Mile of Highway 97, just as a provider of regional services for Precipitation averages 319 mm/12.6 in south of Oliver and the Black Sage the South Okanagan. The town offers annually. The wonderful long growing Bench located on the east side of the a full spectrum of goods and servic- season averages 173 frost free days. valley. Oliver has over 2,600 acres of es including financial, professional, vineyards, including more than 50 li- commercial retail administrative, TOURISM It is estimated that the censed wineries—with more proposed. health, educational and transportation Town of Oliver hosts more than 18,000 New wineries and additional lands facilities. tourists each year. They come to are being put into production in what share what residents treasure: the is expected to be a growth industry for CLIMATE Oliver lies in a north-south exceptional beauty, the astounding the next five to 10 years.

26 OLIVER COMMUNITY PROFILE Welcome to Canada’s Wine Capital

Credit: Leila Kwok - Oliver Osoyoos Winery Association

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Installa n & Sales 24/7 Monitoring Local Support Mayor & Council Alarm Servicing Cellular Access Welcome You to Oliver! Parts & Service

L-R: Water Councillor Sidhu, Concillor Veintimilla, Councillor Mattes, Mayor Johansen, SLEEP SOUNDLY Coucillor Schwartzenberger, Councillor Grice, Water Coucillor Machial KNOWING YOU HAVE AN ALARM SYSTEM YOU CAN COUNT ON

www.StrikeAlarms.ca www.oliver.ca 5998 Sawmill Road, Oliver, BC 250.485.4366 INDUSTRY & BUSINESS Land for ly prove to be a huge economic boost manufacturing and commercial to the entire region is Area 27, a ­Motor development is available at Sports Country Club, the first in Can- competitive market prices. The ada. The 277 acre site is located on Okanagan enjoys a reputation of Osoyoos Indian Band land near Oliver. having some of the most highly The owners are The South Okanagan skilled workers in the country with Motor Sports Corporation. The site one of the lowest turnover rates. The includes a 4.85 km paved race track, combination of these factors makes a club house, teaching centre, and a Oliver an appealing location for all karting track. types of business ventures looking to attract new and skilled workers. EMPLOYMENT There are several It is expected that interest in light major employers in the community. manufacturing, assembly, distribution Some of these are School District and warehousing will grow due to the # 53, The Provincial Government availability of land and the regional (Okanagan Correctional Centre); market. South Okanagan General Hospital; A 73,000 sq.ft. retail centre is located Osooyos Indian Band; K&C at Southwinds Crossing in Oliver. Ten- Silviculture; OSC Growers COOP. ants include Buy-Low Foods, Cana- School District #53 together with SOK dian Tire, Tim Horton’s, Mark’s Work General Hospital employ about 500 Wearhouse and a Liquor Store. A while the Correctional Facility has a new concept in tourism for the South total of 300 employees. Credit: Oliver Tourism Association Okanagan and what will most certain- Oliver’s Riverfront Townhome Community

NOW SELLING PHASE 2

The Key to Living your Dream Starts Here Right size, upsize, downsize or buy as opposed to rent - turnkey three bedroom contemporary townhouses in an awesome location right on river pathway, expansive 210 Co-op Ave, green parks yet walkable to downtown Oliver with all amenities & tremendous views. Oliver BC [email protected] Phase 2 Townhomes starting at $399,000 778.696.2108 Well appointed three bedroom townhouses with expansive terraces allow you to enjoy Canada’s Wine Capital to its fullest.

Prices subject to change without notice. www.Oliverlanding.ca INDUSTRY (Statistics Canada 2016—Oliver) Total labour force pop. aged 15 years & over by occupation...... 2,085 All industries...... 2,080 Agriculture, forestry, fishing & hunting...... 250 Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction...... 20 Utilities...... 0 This is Construction...... 225 Manufacturing...... 160 where ‘freshly Wholesale trade...... 65 Retail trade...... 235 picked’ means Transportation and warehousing...... 75 Information and cultural industries...... 20 knocking the dirt Finance and insurance...... 60 Real estate and rental and leasing...... 55 off a bunch of Professional, scientific and technical services...... 80 Management of companies and enterprises...... 10 carrots from the Admin & support, waste managmnt & remediation services.... 30 farmers’ stand, or Educational services...... 95 Health care and social assistance...... 250 climbing a ladder Arts, entertainment and recreation...... 60 Accommodations and food services...... 205 in the u-pick Other services (except public administration)...... 105 Public administration...... 65 cherry orchard.

OCCUPATION (Statistics Canada 2016­—Oliver) Total labour force pop. aged 15 years & over by occupation...... 2,085 All occupations...... 2,080 Management occupations...... 225 Business, finance & administration occupations...... 300 Natural and applied sciences & related occupations...... 40 Health occupations...... 145 Occupations in education, law/social, community & government services...... 165 Occupations in art, culture, recreation and sport...... 25 Sales and service occupations...... 520 Trades, transport and equip. operators & related occupations 365 Natural resources, agric. & related production occupations...... 200 Occupations in manufacturing and utilities...... 90

Serving the Okanagan since 1973

Credit: Lionel Trudel - Town of Oliver

OLIVER COMMUNITY PROFILE 29 AGRICULTURE - OUR ROOTS RUN DEEP

ith more than 400 farms climbing a ladder in the u-pick cherry and food waste. Founded in the au- cultivating the land to orchard. tumn of 1994, the Okanagan Gleaners grow fresh produce, ag- Springtime brings weeks of blossom- produce dried soup-mix consisting riculture has been at the ing trees, like a fragrant wave flowing of a plethora of produce. Housed in heart of Oliver since town through the valley. Starting in mid- a converted 1920s tobacco-drying Wnamesake Sir John Oliver brought April (cherries) and ending in early barn and now transformed into a food irrigation in the early 1900s. May (apples), Oliver orchards literally processing facility. The Gleaners have You can buy direct from the farmer at burst into life. Summer starts har- shipped and distributed more than one of the many road side fruit stands vest time, beginning late in June and 45 million servings around the globe where you can sample and purchase stretching well into October. since 1996 to those in need – averag- delicious local products like jams, ing 6 million servings annually. honey and a multitude of fresh fruits OKANAGAN GLEANERS A true Surrounded by farms and orchards and vegetables. Few experiences in reflection of our bounty and our volunteers gather produce that doesn’t life are greater than a bite of fresh fruit, community spirit, Oliver is home to an make the grade for store shelves, picked straight off the tree, still warm organization that helps feed the less then work together in a coordinated from the hot summer sun and bursting fortunate around the world. You can production line to sort, chop, and peel, with juices of natural sweetness. participate in this unique experience often outside in the Oliver sunshine From ground crops to fruit trees, that brings together volunteers and is with newfound friends. Some “volun- farmers have tilled these soils for gen- a one-of-a-kind experience. tourists” come each year to help, and erations. This is where ‘freshly picked’ Gleaning is the collection of leftover can sometimes grab a camping spot to means knocking the dirt off a bunch crops after fields have been harvested, be close to the action. of carrots from the farmers’ stand, or with a goal of reducing agricultural www.okanagangleaners.com

30 OLIVER COMMUNITY PROFILE Agriculture has been at the heart of Oliver since town namesake Sir John Oliver brought irrigation in the early 1900s

Credit: Lionel Trudel - Town of Oliver

OLIVER COMMUNITY PROFILE 31 Credit: Town of Oliver

Cultivate a moment in Canada’s Wine capital. We have a vintage for every taste and lifestyle.

ncorporated as a village munici- B.C. are held every four years. (250) HEALTH SERVICES South Okanagan pality in 1945, Oliver was re-incor- 485-6200; www.oliver.ca General Hospital in Oliver, is a Level porated as a town in 1990. Oliver 1 community hospital and part of encompasses a total area of 525.1 OLIVER’S EMERGENCY SERVICES the large health care organization ha and a total trading area of ap- The Oliver Fire Department is located Interior Health Authority serving the Iproximately 9000 ha. By highway, the at 9399-346th Street. communities of Oliver and Osoyoos town is 33 km south of Penticton and The department administration and surrounding rural areas. Services 19 km north of Osoyoos. Oliver is in consists of one fire chief, one deputy provided at this site include: 24- the Okanagan Similkameen Regional chief and four captains. There are hour Emergency Services; General ­District, Electoral area ‘C’. Penticton also 12 officers who care for a variety Medicine; Rehabilitation Services; office. (250) 492-0237. of responsibilities in the department. Occupational Therapy; Physical The department currently consists of Therapy; Pharmacy Services; Xray MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT The 53 firemen and holds practices every Services; Laboratory Services; Town of Oliver is a municipality Thursday. Mental Health Services; Home incorporated under the ­Local The Oliver Detachment of the R.C.M.P. Support Service; Residential Care Government Act. It has an elected is located across from Oliver’s fire Services; Social Work Services; council made up of a mayor, four department. Three provincially Dietitian Services; Diabetes Education; regular council members and two funded police officers are based at the Public Health; Community Care. “water councillors,” elected by rural detachment. Non-emergency number Number of beds: 18 acute; 75 residents served by the town’s water is (250)498-3422. Oliver is served by residential. Approximate number system. Local government elections in the B.C. Ambulance Service. of employees at site: 200. SOGH is a

32 OLIVER COMMUNITY PROFILE unique working environment due service to Kelowna, Summerland, UTILITIES: to the integrated use of technology. Penticton, Okanagan Falls, Oliver and Fortis Inc. supplies electricity and gas Over the past several years, our Osoyoos for Senior Residents with in the area. acute care areas have implemented disabilities. Electricity…………………..866-436-7847 positive patient identification which BC Transit is now offering bus service www.fortisbc.com uses scanners with a bar coded for the general public from Osoyoos Gas……………………….....……..888-224-2710 wrist band to ensure accurate to Oliver Hospital, Penticton Cherry www.fortisbc.com patient identification, a completely Lane, Kelowna Airport, and Kelowna Telus…………………………...... 888-811-2323 electronic documentation system; Orchard Park. www.BCTransit.com www.telus.com bedside medication verification; Air Services: General Aviation Air- Eastlink...... 888-345-1111 Physician Care Management and ports include Osoyoos Airport and www.eastlink.ca Electronic medical summaries from Oliver Municipal Airport Penticton physician offices. All of this combines Regional Airport. LABOUR FORCE: to improve quality patient safety Penticton Regional Airport - 30 Okanagan Similkameen % of work- and care through the reduction of minutes north has daily flights both to force in years: errors. SOGH won the prestigious Vancouver, BC and Calgary, AB. 15-24.....8%; 25-34.....17.4%; Organizational Transformation Health 35-44.....24.6%; 45-54.....28.5% 55-64.....19.1%; over 65.....2.1% Award for successfully implementing NEWSPAPERS: Employers in the Okanagan-Similka- an Advanced Clinical System that Osoyoos Times....Weeky...250-494-7225 meen are projecting a high aggressive supports both quality and patient Oliver Chronicle....Weely...250-498-3711 growth rate of 22% (employment safety. The Government award Penticton Herald....Daly....250-492-4002 demand) between the years 2014 & recognizes leadership, innovations, Osoyoos Today 2020 and excellence in the management www.osoyoostoday.ca Unemployment Rate - Oliver:7%, and use of information technologies Oliver Daily News Okanagan-Similkameen: 8.4% within the public service of British www.oliverdailynews.com Columbia. SOGH is located at 911 Source: Stats Canada-Census Profile McKinney Rd. in Oliver. Additional RADIO: Oliver 2016 health services include medical CJOR-Osoyoos; CIRO- Osoyoos; 100.7 clinics, dentists, chiropractors, Country Station; CKOR- Penticton; optometrists and veterinarians. There CJMG- Penticton; CIGV-Penticton; CBC- are both private and public retirement Sun FM Penticton; EZ Rock facilities operating in Oliver. These facilities offer intermediate care and TELEVISION: apartment style living suites. (250) CHBC- Kelowna; BCTV- Vancouver. 498-5000. www.interiorhealth.ca Global Okanagan, Global BC, CTV, CBC. Eastlink and Telus are the local TRANSPORTATION South Okanagan cable suppliers in Oliver. Credit: Darren Robinson - Oliver Tourism Association Transit provides door-to-door return

5662 Hwy 97, Oliver • www.albertosdecorating.com

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1"*/5 Book an in-home consultation or drop in. We’re right in your neighbourhood. Call 250.498.4215 HOUSING Oliver continues to be a desirable area for retirees and young families. The unique desert-like climate with mild winters, abundance of recreation, golf courses, nearby lakes, along with affordability and low mortgage rates are prime reasons for relocating to this community. Modest family housing is located in the surrounding area of downtown, with a mix of small heritage homes and 60s-80s construction. Medium priced to upper priced homes are found in newer subdi- visions overlooking the lake and orchards. There are several residential projects in Oliver that have been recently devel- oped or are proposed for the near future.

REAL ESTATE SALES 2018 - OLIVER AREA Property Type Sales # of Sales # New Listings Avg Sale Price Days to Sell Residential: Bare Land Strata $3,881,300 11 21 $352,845 79 2018 Taxes and Charges Duplex $0 0 0 $0 0 on a representative Mobile w/land $537,500 2 4 $268,750 74 house in Oliver Triplex/Fourplex $635,000 1 1 $635,000 149 Single Family $48,430,445 110 201 $440,277 130 Value: $359,615 Condo (apt) $5,139,200 27 34 $190,341 80 Taxes: $2,160.75 Condo (twn-hse) $8,355,319 30 36 $278,511 133 Source: Town of Oliver Mobile Homes $ 3,083,051 26 33 $118,579 58 Source: South Okanagan Farms $15,304,900 18 33 $850,272 123 Real Estate Board, South Acreage $1,578,000 4 8 $394,500 298 Okanagan Real Estate Sales Acreage (wtrfrnt) $0 0 0 $0 0 2018. www.soreb.org Lots $1,483,500 8 28 $ 185,438 133 Lots (wtrfrnt) $873,000 3 11 $291,000 74

Business/Commercial $4,675,000 9 30 $519,444 138

HOUSEHOLD TOTAL INCOME IN 2016 OF PRIVATE HSHLDS - OLIVER 2350 Median household total income ($)...... 53,998 Average household total income ($)...... 65,274 One-person private households...... 700 Median household total income ($)...... 27,840 Average household total income ($)...... 34,978 Two-or-more-persons private households...... 1,650 Median household total income ($)...... 67,872 Average household total income ($)...... 79,190 Source: Statistics Canada 2016 - New Census Update - 2021

34 OLIVER COMMUNITY PROFILE SHOPPING & DINING Oliver’s attrac- tion lies in its diverse cultural charm interwoven with a colorful landscape reminiscent of the hills of Tuscany. The town’s main street is lined with small quaint shops housing unique South Okanagan Seconday School clothing, crafts, jewelry, cosmetics, and a variety of other retail and business- es. Several ethnic restaurants feature EDUCATION School District No. 53 1982. The original school was under- Greek, Indian, Chinese, and Italian cui- (Okanagan Similkameen) serves going a $29 million renovation when sine along with gourmet and fast food approximately 2500 students in the fire destroyed about 60 percent of the eateries. The main business areas sunny Okanagan Valley; Box 1770, building in 2011. stretch north and south of town along 6161 Okanagan Street, Oliver, BC, V0H SOSS has a current enrollment of 465 Highway 97. Oliver Place Mall features 1T0 (250) 498-3481. www.sd53.bc.ca students, 23 teachers and 15 sup- No Frills, Shoppers Drug Mart and port staff. SOSS has a long history of several retail stores. The 73,000-sq. Southern Okanagan Secondary successful graduates and dedicated foot retail centre “Southwind Crossing” School: February 6, 2014 marked the staff along with a variety of course located south of town houses Buy-Low official re-opening of Southern Okana- offerings, from university preparation Foods, Canadian Tire, Mark’s Work gan Secondary School in Oliver. to thriving apprenticeships, along with Warehouse, Tim Horton’s and a Bos- The new school was built compliant a careers training department. ley’s Pet Supplies. to B.C.’s Wood First Act and designed 6140 Gala St. Oliver. 250-498-4931 Look for other businesses along High- to LEED Gold standards. Large wood www.soss.sd53.bc.ca way 97 such as day spas, coffee shops beams are visible throughout and and deli’s, several fruit and vegetable complement a spectacular skylight. Oliver Elementary School: 16 teachers, stands and retail beer and wine shops. The building is state-of-the-art with 6 special ed & learning assistants, its high ceilings, enrollment: 308; student/teacher: 16/1 coloured floors 809 School Avenue, Oliver, BC, V0H 250.498.6222 and use of the 1T0 - (250) 498-3468. Southwinds Crossing Shopping Centre latest technology www.oes.sd53.bc.ca #125 - 5717 Main Street, Oliver, BC, V0H 1T9 throughout. Oliver Elementary School is a K-7 Toll Free: 1.888.498.6222 The school boasts school situated in Oliver next to the 7,475 total square high school. The school provides a Working, living and contributing in our community meters (80,460 sq. high level of academic programming ft.) with a capacity complemented by various extra-cur- of 550 students ricular sports and fine arts activities in grades 8 to 12, year round. and includes an auditorium as well Tuc-El-Nuit Elementary School: 16 ANN HAYES OWNER/REALTOR® RON WORTH OWNER BETH GARRISH REALTOR® as a Neighbour- teachers, 11 support staff, enrollment: hood Learning 218, student/teacher ratio: 15/1 Centre. Adjoining 6648 Park Drive, Oliver, BC, V0H 1T0 - the school is a new (250) 498-3415 state-of-the-art www.ten.sd53.bc.ca Frank Venables Tuc-El-Nuit Elementary School is a K-7 Community The- school with a dedicated, hard-work- MARK PANKRATZ REALTOR® JAIME PACHECO REALTOR® HEATHER ANDREWS REALTOR® atre. ing, professional staff with many Southern Okan- educational partners that support Visit us online agan Secondary our learning community. We strive to was originally provide a strong educational program www.royallepageoliver.ca constructed 1948 with specific attention to literacy and with additions in numeracy. 1966, 1977, and

OLIVER COMMUNITY PROFILE 35 OKANAGAN COLLEGE Okanagan College-Penticton Cam- pus and the education centres in Summerland and Oliver have established a leading reputation for providing quality education and training for the wine and hospitality indus- tries. Unique to this region is their Signature Programs, which include: Winery Assistant Certificate, Viticulture Certifi- cate,Wine Sales Certificate, and Career Facilitator. If oenology (wine making) and viticulture (grape growing) Highway to is to your taste you can begin your studies here and transfer directly to Brock University to obtain a degree, or take any of Healing funds Osoyoos, the three certificate programs as well as a number of special- ized courses that serve the needs of the vineyard, winery and Oliver & OK Falls families with hospitality related businesses. children under 19 years old who Other certificate programs offered include: Residential Construction, Home Support/Residential Care Aide, Adult need out of town medical Academic and Career Preparation, Adult Special Education, treatment. Applied Business Technology, Bartending, Basic Accounting, Computer Basics for Business, Custodial Worker, Education Assistant, Floral Design, Medical Office Assistant, Nursing If you can donate, Unit Clerk, Palliative Care, Practical Nursing, Simply Account- require assistance, ing, Teaching English as Second Language. The Oliver Campus is located at 339 Fairview Rd. Oliver or know of a family (250) 498-6264. 1-866-510-8899. www.okanagan.bc.ca.

that does, YOULEARN EDUCATION CENTRE in Oliver is offering dis- please contact us. tance learning courses and continuing education courses for adults who want to improve their academic skills or complete their secondary education. 762 Fairview Rd., Oliver. (250) 498-4597. www.youlearn.ca highwaytohealing.org OLIVER’S LIBRARY is located at 6239 Station Street one 250-498-7811 block off Main Street. The library is open Tuesday through [email protected] Saturday and offers free computer access and is a wireless Registered Charity #83875 0040 hotspot. The Oliver branch of ‘Friends of the Library’ holds their Annual Book Blast Sale on the first Saturday of July each year. (250) 498-2242 or visit www.orl.bc.ca/branches/oliver

Highway to Healing RECREATION FACILITIES THE OLIVER COMMUNITY CENTER This complex also hous- Highway to Healing es major facilities such as the Community Hall, Arena, Public Support Society Pool, Curling Rink and community park. It is the location of Support Society many of the community’s special events as well as recreation programs. The facility is available for private rentals. There are fitness classes, day camps, Festival of the Grape and "To compassionately assist much, much more. Located on the East side of the Okanagan "To compassionately assist River. A community weight room is located in the Oliver families in our community Community Centre. fwahmoi lhieasv ein a o cuhri lcdo mremquuirninitgy who have a child requiring THE OLIVER ARENA is part of the Oliver Community Centre medical care that is not Complex. The arena operates as an ice rink for six months of medaicvaali lcaabrle tlohcaatl lyis." not the year, from late September through to the end of March. available locally." During the off season it is home to several other events. 36 OLIVERhig COMMUNITYhwayt [email protected] [email protected] a hBigoxh 9w05a Oyltiovehr,e BaCl iVn0gH .1oTr0g Box 905 Oliver, BC V0H 1T0 250-498-7811 250-498-7811

@highway2healing @highway2healing Regularly scheduled off-season events lawn bowling courts, walking trails, include vintage car swap meets, roller three tennis/pickleball courts, sand/ hockey, private rentals, dances and beach volleyball courts and basketball the Okanagan Big League Experience hoops. The centre piece is Outdoor Baseball Camp. Oliver Community Stage. New to the The arena hosts a full slate of winter park the the Tykes playground de- programs including recreational hock- signed for children 6 and under. ey for both men and women, minor below freezing Tuc-el-nuit lake can be hockey and figure skating. Learn to OLIVER LIONS PARK is located along- used for ice-skating. Use caution and skate programs and power skating are side Okanagan River and immediately stay close to shore. offered by the South Okanagan Figure north of the old CPR station, which Skating Club. houses the Oliver Tourist Information All facilities and parks information Centre. The park has expansive lawn is available at 250-498- 4985, www. THE OLIVER COMMUNITY POOL is areas popular for family or group oliverrecreation.ca, operated by the an outdoors-aquatic facility complete picnics. Lions Park is also home to a Oliver Parks and Recreation Society. with large whirlpool. It opens mid May 30 by 50 metre facility for skateboard- and remains open until Labour Day ers and in-line skaters. It also includes weekend. The pool has a highly ac- a court surface for sports such as claimed Red Cross swim program that basketball and in-line hockey. The offers all levels for eight continuous new large off-leash dog park can be weeks during July and August. found at the north end of the park with separte small dog area. Centred in the OLIVER PARKS The Oliver Parks park is a childrens play structure and event shelter.

KINSMEN SPRAY PARK is located just west of the Okan- agan River beside the bridge and is completely fenced from traffic and the river, making this a perfect area for children. There are washrooms, picnic tables, splash park and and Recreation Society operates four playground. major park facilities that are listed below. In addition, the Town of Oliver ROTARY BEACH is maintains several local sites: Triangle on the southwest Park, Municipal Office Grounds, and shore of Tuc-el- Kiwanis Park. nuit Lake. There is a sandy beach OLIVER COMMUNITY PARK is the and grassy areas flagship of Oliver’s park system. It is a with picnic tables, sprawling 6-hectare site, professional- and children’s play ly designed for activities such as base- area. No motorized ball and soccer, large or small group boats are allowed picnics, or full community festivals. It on this lake. Dur- includes a soccer field, four softball ing winter when diamonds, a full softball field, and temperatures fall

OLIVER COMMUNITY PROFILE 37 Frank Venables Theatre

CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS A variety OCAC serves approximately 400-500 of cultural groups are active in the active artists and artisans. www.oliver- community of Oliver, and the area is artscouncil.org represented by many talented artists. Member groups include: The Desert There is a concert society, a film club, Sage Spinners and Weavers, The an arts council, an amateur players Double O Quilters, the local chapter group that performs musicals, comedy, of the Federation of Canadian Artists, drama, dinner theatre and musical The Friends of the Library, The reviews. Artists include potters, weav- Oliver Sagebrushers, The Oliver Arts ers, quilters, carvers & other artisans and Crafts Sale, The Sage Valley who display their work in local art Voices Community Choir, The South galleries located throughout the area. Okanagan Amateur Players, The South Okanagan Concert Society, Oliver Other clubs and organizations in District Heritage Society, Women of Credit: Asymetriq Productions Oliver for Women, Oliver Art Gallery, Oliver include: The Heritage Society; Oliver Tourism Association A Multicultural Organization; The Rip Off Artists, Oliver Handbell Desert Information and Preservation Theatre adjoins Southern Okanagan Ringers, and Oliver Community Centre; and a Portuguese Club; Secondary School in Oliver It is a true Garden Society. The Rotary Club of Oliver; Kiwanis; community theatre with construction Oliver Parks and Recreation Society. and operations jointly funded by the THE QUAIL’S NEST ARTS CENTRE is For a complete list of Cultural and community and the school district. located at 5840 Airport Street is home Recreational clubs and organizations The Theatre is operated by the Oliver to the OCAC and many of its programs. please contact the South Okanagan Community Theatre Society with a The various member groups are Chamber of Commerce at www. mandate to promote and facilitate active during fall and winter, holding sochamber.ca or call (250)498-6321 maximum beneficial use by the school, classes and rehearsals, and presenting community performing and concert concerts, plays and exhibits. During FRANK VENABLES THEATRE is a societies, as well as other users, both spring and summer, the Oliver Com- brand new mid size community thea- from inside and outside Oliver. 6100 munity Arts Council has several major tre that opened its doors in 2014. The Gala St. (250)498-1626 www.venables- public events throughout the year. Theatre is fully equipped with state of theatre.ca. the art sound, lighting and video capa- SPRING ARTS FAIRE (early April). bilities and holds an audience of 400 OLIVER COMMUNITY ARTS COUN- The style is a trade show, but its focus in the comfort of high-backed seats set CIL (OCAC) has been a hub of artistic is on the arts. Sales, displays, demon- on a steeply-raked floor. The dimen- activity in Oliver since 1970. It is an strations, and classes. sions of the stage are generous and umbrella group currently represent- BC Arts and Culture Week (3rd week capable of accommodating everything ing eighteen member groups, fifteen of April) A province-wide celebration. from school productions to profession- arts focused businesses and about 80 OCAC signature event, exhibits, open al touring shows. The Frank Venables individual and family members. The houses, workshops, and concerts.

38 OLIVER COMMUNITY PROFILE Arts and Culture are the soul of the community

Featuring local art and artists. Held at various locations around Oliver.

SHOWCASE OF TALENT (May) Performances by Oliver’s tal- ented music students. The young performers receive a share of the proceeds to assist them in their continued studies. Sponsored by Oliver Kiwanis.

MUSIC IN THE PARK (July-August) South Okanagan musical performers entertain with jazz, classical, country, pop, gospel, blues, and rock n roll. Concerts run every Thursday evening during July and August, 6:30-8:00pm. The Evening Market starts at 4:30 –8:30pm. Held at the Oliver Community Stage. Food Vendors, retail and children’s activities.

FALL ART SHOW & SALE (1st weekend in Oct.) Artists from all media exhibit a veritable harvest of color and texture. The art show is held in conjunction with the Festival of the Grape at Oliver’s Community Centre.

COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CONCERT (1st weekend in De- cember) Local performers set the mood for the season with music and dance and storytelling. BUILDING OLIVER SENIOR CENTRE holds social gatherings Monday CENTRE to Friday 9:00am to 4:00pm. Come join us for games, carpet bowling, cards, and social gatherings with coffee and snacks. Dances are held on Saturdays and every other Wednesday at 10:00 am. The South Okanagan Health Unit offers Immuniza- Proudly Canadian tions & Mammography at the Senior Centre. Call (250) 408- 4065. 5876 Airport St. Oliver. www.oliverseniorcentre.com Locally Owned Gardening - Irrigation Pet Supplies Paint - Plumbing Lumber & Plywood

Victor Dias, Owner 250.498.4682 / fax: 250.498.6300 6240 Station Street, Credit: Asymetriq Productions - Oliver Tourism Association Oliver, BC V0H 1T0 ing many of Portuguese and German origin. Source: oliver.ca/history

OLIVER & DISTRICT MUSEUM Come and enjoy a peek into Oliver’s unique past. Find out how the only desert eco-system in Canada produces so much life, what was grown before the grapes, and visit the old Fairview Jail. Oliver Visitor Centre Operated by the Oliver and District Heritage Society, the Museum is HISTORY OF OLIVER Aboriginal which would bring this dry shrub- located at 9728 356th Ave., Oliver. For people occupied the territory in steppe semi-desert region to life. information call 778-439-3100 or visit which Oliver lies when settlement In 1919 the South Okanagan Lands www.oliverheritage.ca. by Europeans began in the 19th Project was born, creating jobs and century. Osoyoos Indian Reserve No. long term opportunities for veterans OLIVER & DISTRICT ARCHIVES offers 1 stretches from Gallagher Lake area returning from World War I. The origi- a variety of services that are essential to Osoyoos and adjoins the Town’s nal town site of Oliver was surveyed in to anyone searching for information eastern boundary. 1921. Completed in 1923, the concrete about the history of Oliver. There The Inkameep people, also known as irrigation canal (locally known as “the are thousands of pictures, maps, the Osoyoos Indian Band, migrated ditch”) soon transformed this desert blueprints, documents, scrapbooks here and settled on the east side of region into lush orchards and farms. and other documentation that will Osoyoos Lake. The tribe’s name comes The first grapes were introduced and bring Oliver’s story to life. Researchers from a phrase which means “gateway planted in the area in the 1970s. are welcome to visit or e-mail us to the bottom of the lake system”—at- In 1923, the Kettle Valley Railway with their questions. Operated by the testing to their residence on low lands (CPR) constructed Oliver Station and Oliver and District Heritage Society, and plateaus. rails to transport fruit north to Pentic- the Archive is located at 430 Fairview The first European activity in the area ton. Oliver Station now houses Oliver’s Rd., Oliver. www.oliverheritage.ca. was gold mining, with the staking of Visitor Centre. the first claim in 1887, and the estab- The airport, built just lishment of the Town of Fairview in prior to the Second 1890 on the benches above Oliver World War, initially to the west. Folklore has it that a one served the entire armed gold prospector named Reid region south of Pen- discovered gold in this area, and the ticton. Town of Fairview (located just outside The BC government what is now known as Oliver) became administered the OLIVER EVENTS home to gold miners, ranchers and area until 1945 when businessmen. Fairview was one of the village was incor- B.C.’s largest towns at the turn of the porated and a coun- century. The gold rush died and sadly, cil elected. In 1991, so did Fairview, with Oliver springing the community’s up in its wake. incorporation was Fairview’s life was short; the post office upgraded to “town,” that was established in 1921 closed in its current status. 1926. One of the few remaining build- Oliver, along with ings from the town, the Fairview Jail, Osoyoos to the south, has been moved to the Oliver museum experienced rapid site. growth after the Sec- Following the First World War, BC’s ond World War, with premier, known as “Honest” John an influx of agricul- Oliver, envisioned an irrigation canal, tural settlers, includ-

40 OLIVER COMMUNITY PROFILE JANUARY • Annual Seniors Mu- sic Jamboree • Adult Snowshoe Tour • Tobogganing Satur- days at Baldy

FEBRUARY • SOSA Sportsmen’s Game Banquet • Family Day Neon Skate Credit: Leila Kwok - Oliver Osoyoos Winery Assiciation • WOW Annual Oliver Trade Show JUNE • Hester Creek Winery Garlic Festival MARCH • Oliver Half Iron & Aquabike • Okanagan Annual Fall Wine Festival • Wine Capital Hockey • Road 13 Vineyards Summer Dinner • South Okanagan Concert Series Tournament Series • Fall Salmon Run • Highway to Healing Ride to Provide APRIL NOVEMBER- DECEMBER • Hester Creek Winery JULY • Winter in Wine Coutry Cooking Class • Canada Day Pancake Breakfast • Dwahli Festival of Lights • Oliver’s 3K & 10K • Annual Artist’s Ripoff Challenge! • Festival of the Trees Race • Tinhorn Creek Winery Summer • Oliver Community Light Up and • Vaishakhi Festival Concert Series fireworks • Oliver Twist Winery Show, shine n’ • Baldy First Chair Festival MAY Wine • Oliver Osoyoos Win- • Thursday night Music in the Park ery Country’s Pig Out • SORCO Annual Open AUGUST House • Oliver Sunshine Festival • Wine Capital Art- • Oliver Roots and Fruits Expo walk • Oliver Airport Public Fly In Breakfast • Showcase of Talent • Perseid Meteor Shower Event @ • Meadowlark Festival Dominion Radio Astrophysical Obser- • Half Corked Mara- vatory thon • Moonlight Outdoor Family Movie OLIVER EVENTS Night • Thursday night Music in the Park

SEPTEMBER • Canadian Alpaca Days @ Sunkeya Farms • Freakin’ Farmer Adventure Race Credit: Leila Kwok • Naturalist Club Fall Scheduled hikes Oliver Osoyoos Winery Assiciation • Take in a show at the Venables Theatre For more information about these and other events contact the Oliver OCTOBER Tourism Association. www.winecapi- • Festival Of The Grape/Fall Art Show talofcanada.com & Sale Email: [email protected] • Oliver Cask & Keg Festival 778-439-2363

Credit: Leila Kwok OLIVE COMMUNITY PROFILE 41 Oliver Osoyoos Winery Assiciation OKANAGAN FALLS COMMUNITY PROFILE

Situated on the sunny shores of Skaha CLIMATE Okanagan Falls enjoys a dry, continen- Lake, amidst tal climate with low levels of precipita- tion and humidity, relatively short and breathtaking mild winters, hot dry summers, and scenery consisting high annual sunshine hours. Situated just 20km south of Penticton, Okana- of rocky gan Falls shares a very similar climate to that of Penticton. Annual hours of outcroppings, sunshine: 2,032 Avg. temperatures: July avg. high: 28C; rolling vineyards, July avg. low: 12C orchards and January avg. high: +1C; January avg. low: -4C ranchland... Average annual rainfall: 250mm; An- nual avg. snowfall: 73mm

42 OKANAGAN FALLS COMMUNITY PROFILE ituated on the sunny shores of innovative and prosperous businesses winter sporting opportunities, wine Skaha Lake, amidst breath- that appreciate the exceptional envi- tasting, festivals and events; whatever taking scenery consisting of ronment in which to live and conduct your lifestyle, this is an area that truly rocky outcroppings, rolling business. Okanagan Falls is continu- has much to offer. vineyards, orchards and ing to invest in its infrastructure and We invite you to “come grow with us” Sranchland lies the quiet rural com- waterfront; in particular The Wetland and discover endless opportunities munity of Okanagan Falls. With an project to be located east of the treat- and an exceptional quality of life. abundance of sunshine and warm ment plant, will remove contaminants Welcome to the town of Okanagan dry weather and one of the mildest of concern prior to discharge from the Falls, the Regional District of Okanagan climates in Canada, residents enjoy a plant into the river channel. Similkameen, and Area “D.” wide variety of easily accessible lakes, An exciting de- beaches and parks. velopment in the For a small town there are a large community is the Welcome to The Regional District variety of community services such Revitalization Plan Okanagan Similkameen as a recreation center, an elementary and the vision school, a library, commercial services of a new “Town Geographically, the Regional District bounded by Manning including retail, financial, professional Centre,” along with Park to the west, Peachland to the north, Anarchist Mountain services, restaurants, and specialty the development to the east and the United States border to the south. The retail outlets. of a 26 unit “Af- Regional District has an area of 10,400 km2, constituting 1.2% A large concentration of both vine- fordable Housing of the province's area. yards and commercial wineries are for Seniors Pro- The Region’s mild climate, scenic environment and wide located in the area. Okanagan Falls is ject.”The communi- variety of recreational opportunities continue to attract many in close proximity to Penticton with its ty’s waterfront and people to the area. facilities, together ‘big city’ shopping and cultural attrac- Many of the South Okanagan and Similkameen communities tions. For those flying to other areas it with its parks and are magni cently clustered around rivers or lakes, award is only a short 12-15 minute drive from trail networks have winning wineries, beautiful beaches, plentiful orchards, world Okanagan Falls to Penticton Airport. been substantially class climbing, ski hills and other hidden gems! Westjet now offers flights to Calgary upgraded. With a large and diverse area, the Regional District Okanagan and Air Canada flies to Vancouver. To the north of Similkameen communities oer lifestyle opportunities for Although the community was founded Okanagan Falls, business, professionals, retirees and families to on agriculture, and continues to have Skaha Bluffs live, work and play! a strong economic and cultural con- Provincial Park is Regional District Okanagan Similkameen nection to ranching, fruit production widely regarded as 101 Martin Street, Penticton and forestry, the local economy has di- one of the top rock Open Monday - Friday versified considerably in recent years climbing locations 8:30 am to 4:30 pm to include manufacturing, tourism and in British Columbia. Closed on Statutory Holidays wine production. Okanagan Falls is be- Hiking and cycling 250.492.0237 coming home to a growing number of trails, summer and www.rdos.bc.ca

OKANAGAN FALLS COMMUNITY PROFILE 43 RGS is to “promote human settlement that is socially, economically and environmentally healthy and that makes efficient use of public facilities and services, land and other resources”. The key elements of the long term commitment of the South Okanagan RGS, are: To promote sustainable economic diversification; to ensure the health of ecosystems; to foster inclusive and accountable governance; to strengthen rural and urban community identity; to maximize the efficient use of infrastructure; to create safe, culturally TOWN CENTRE PLAN STUDY AREA diverse and healthy communities. For amendments and updates to RGS, BUSINESS & ECONOMIC has revitalized its waterfront parks, please visit www.rdos.bc.ca. DEVELOPMENT Okanagan Falls is a facilities and trails, built a new state- community with a growing reputation of-the-art waste water treatment plant OKANAGAN FALLS TOWN CENTRE as a regional economic growth hub. and is currently working on plans to The Regional District of Okanagan It’s an attractive and viable location transform its town center to further Similkameen has completed an for business. It has large expanses of grow and diversify its downtown extensive consultation process. The suitable land - a commodity that is economy. community supports reorienting the becoming increasingly scarce in the ‘Town Centre’ away from Highway 97 Valley. In recent years the community SOUTH OKANAGAN REGIONAL and towards Skaha Lake. Residents GROWTH also indicated that they want to STRATEGY The encourage the development of a South Okanagan pedestrian oriented, vibrant hub Primal Electric Ltd. Regional Growth of mixed-use, commercial and Serving the South Okanagan BC Strategy (RGS) residential. launched in 2004, is a long-term MANUFACTURING The combination Committed to providing quality commitment to of suitable and appropriately zoned workmanship and great service. manage growth land availability, attractive land prices in the South and highly competitive tax rates has Okanagan of the made Okanagan Falls an increasingly 250-497-1938 CALL US NOW Regional District viable option for manufacturing www.primalelectric.com of the Okanagan- companies. These companies We are always on time, and within your budget Similkameen include Structurlam, Avanta Kiosks, (RDOS). The Karoleena Homes (recently aquired Regional Growth by Horizon North Logistics Inc.) and Primal Electric is now serving the South Okanagan! We have been an established electrical company for the past Study area Unit Electrical Engineering (UEE). UEE 12 years in the central interior of BC. Our company has includes the has recently invested approximately served and still serves the Cariboo with pride and with municipalities $7,000,000 in the building of a new quality work. We plan to continue the great service and of Osoyoos, manufacturing plant. workmanship in the South Okanagan. We have the ability Oliver, Penticton, to provide excellent work in every facet of electrical Summerland, and SMALL HOME BASED BUSINESS construction, maintenance and service. Whether you need rural electoral A significant portion of the economy an electrical contractor for commercial, industrial, or areas A, C, D, of Okanagan Falls and surrounding ar- residential, Primal Electric Ltd. is your best choice E and F. The eas consists of small and home-based purpose of the businesses. The establishment and 2040 Government Street, Penticton BC V2A 4W3 44 OKANAGAN FALLS COMMUNITY PROFILE growth of this valuable sector of the are associated business local economy is actively encouraged opportunities galore in and supported. the Okanagan Falls area. Many essential tourist AGRICULTURE Okanagan Falls and services are available the Okanagan Valley as a whole is an within Okanagan Falls. extremely important fruit and wine Okanagan Falls Visitor producing area. We are proud of Centre Unit 2, 9th Ave. the excellent reputation, rave media Okanagan Falls. www. reviews and prestigious awards visitokfalls.com - Open that Okanagan Falls’ vineyards and May - October wineries have earned for themselves fordable transportation that connects in recent years. www.ofwa.ca INFRASTRUCTURE Local business people to work, school, and regional Our region is lush with orchards of owners enjoy the same access to services. www.bctransit.com apricots, cherry, peach, and ap- infrastructure as companies in any ple trees. Throughout the summer major center in the province. Easy ORGANIZATIONS & COMMUNITY months, local shops, farmers markets access to world-class communication, The Parks and Recreation Department and roadside stands abound with electrical, gas, and municipal services of Okanagan Falls creates programs local produce as they come in season. allow local companies to compete on and events that attract participants Significantly, Okanagan Falls has one a global scale. from throughout the valley. of the last remaining cattle auction State-of–the–art communications The Zen and Fitness Centre in Okan- yards in the province. Cattle and facilities and high-speed networks agan Falls provides a pleasant and re- ranching also play a significant part serve the Okanagan Valley. Suppliers laxed workout environment. It is well in the culture and heritage of our of fibre optic networks include: Fortis equipped and caters to all persons community. BC; Skysurfer Communications Corp; and fitness levels. Shaw Communications; Telus Com- The Kaleden Community Hall is a TOURISM Tourism is a vitally munications; ABC Communications. great venue for weddings, meetings, important year round component of High-speed connectivity is available sports and cultural events. (www. the economy of Okanagan Falls, Twin from cable suppliers, DSL services, or kal-rec.ca) Lakes, Apex Mountain Resort, and the wireless connections from local ISPs. Community Organizations in Okana- Okanagan Valley as a whole. There Fortis Inc supplies electricity and gas gan Falls includes the Royal Canadian are still considerable tourism-related in the area. Legion Branch #227, Ladies Auxiliary, investment and business development Okanagan Falls Lions Club, and The opportunities throughout the TRANSPORTATION Airports: Women’s Institute. Okanagan Falls area. Whether Okanagan Falls is within 15 minutes Services include Diners, Furniture and visitors are looking for sandy, fresh from Penticton ­Regional Airport with Antique stores, OK Falls Hotel/Pub, water beaches, hiking and cycling flights daily to Vancouver & Calgary. Interior Savings, Pharmasave, Johnson trails, summer or winter sporting WestJet and Air Canada. BC Transit: Meier Insurance, IGA Foods, Royal opportunities, wine tasting, wildlife Regional and local transit service LePage Real Estate, Okanagan Falls viewing or cultural festivals, there is now available in Okanagan Falls Improvement District and a monthly Route # 20 offers 5 round newspaper - Skaha Matters. trips to Penticton daily Route (www.skahamatters.com) # 21 delivers 5 round trips a Okanagan Falls Senior Centre has an day to popular in-community active and vibrant group of seniors destinations. This regional that support local youth and contrib- transit route offers stops from ute to the improvement of the commu- Osoyoos to Kelowna. The nity through their participation and implementation of this new leadership. transit service has contributed Source: www.rdos.bc.ca; www.okfalls. to the social, economic, and environmental sustainability of the region by providing af-

OKANAGAN FALLS COMMUNITY PROFILE 45 HOUSING Okanagan Falls and Area “D” of the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen has a wide array of homes to choose from. Whether you are in the market for a waterfront luxury home, an estate property, a hobby farm on acreage or a quaint cottage style heritage home, you’re sure to find the right property in this area. Okanagan Falls and the surrounding communities continue to offer some of the most affordable housing in the valley. Local business and residential taxation in Okanagan Falls and other nearby communities is significantly lower than in other communities in the region while access to high quality services are maintained. As an unincorporated area, primarily the Regional District and provincial departments such as the Ministry of High- ways provide core services. One of the main focuses of the Area "D" Community Service Office is to attract residents to support the existing businesses and attract new business. They are looking at possible housing projects for the community in the near future. Source: www.rdos.bc.ca

REAL ESTATE SALES 2018 - KALEDEN AND OKANAGAN FALLS AREA Property Type Sales # of Sales # New Listings Avg Sale Price Days to Sell Residential: Bare Land Strata $11,389,287 21 31 $542,347 121 Duplex $417,500 1 2 $417,500 63 Taxes and Charges Mobile w/land $0 0 2 $0 0 on a representative Triplex/Fourplex $0 0 0 $0 0 house in OK Falls Single Family $35,915,075 59 166 $608,730 71 Value: $313,343 Condo (apt) $1,980,400 8 11 $247,550 48 Taxes: $2,340 Condo (twn-hse) $1,461,500 6 9 $243,583 42 Source: RDOS Mobile Homes $1,017,300 8 12 $127,162 58

Source: South Okanagan Farms $7,114,000 7 31 $1,016,286 76 Real Estate Board, South Acreage $2,360,500 8 13 $295,062 380 Okanagan Real Estate Sales Acreage (wtrfrnt) $285,000 1 3 $285,000 103 2018. www.soreb.org Lots $2,431,300 11 38 $221,027 147 Lots (wtrfrnt) $1,101,000 1 1 $1,101,000 22

Business/Commercial $494,500 1 13 $494,500 119

LABOUR FORCE STATUS, OKANAGAN FALLS 2016 HOUSEHOLD TOTAL INCOME OF PRIVATE HOUSEHOLDS Total labour force pop. aged 15 years & over total...... 995 (1,065) Management occupations...... 95 Median household total income ($)...... 54,554 Business, finance & administration occupations...... 135 Average household total income ($)...... 67,422 Natural and applied sciences & related occupations...... 20 One-person private households...... 410 Health occupations...... 75 Median household total income ($)...... 26,144 Occupations in education, law/social, community & Average household total income ($)...... 33,612 government services...... 75 Two-or-more-persons private households...... 750 Occupations in art, culture, recreation and sport...... 10 Median household total income ($)...... 70,144 Sales and service occupations...... 240 Average household total income ($)...... 85,950 Trades, transport and equip. operators & related ...... 230 Source: Statistics Canada 2016 / Next Census Update - 2021 Natural resources, agric. & related production...... 30 Occupations in manufacturing and utilities...... 55 Unemployment Rate...... 6.1% Source: Statistics Canada 2016 / Next Census Update - 2021

46 OKANAGAN FALLS COMMUNITY PROFILE EMERGENCY & HEALTH SERVICES FEBRUARY The Regional RCMP Provincial Detachment provides • Kaleden Pot Luck/Community Gathering; Kaleden policing in Okanagan Falls. APRIL Okanagan Falls Volunteer Fire Department provides first • Easter Egg Hunt; Pitch in Day response and firefighting services. The Regional Fire MAY Dispatch Centre in Kelowna provides comprehensive • Music in the Park - Mothers Day regional 9-1-1 services including emergency dispatch, au- • Lions Club Dog Walk tomatic alarm monitoring response and municipal/RDOS • SD 67 Fun Run Kaleden after-hour’s response. JUNE Hospitals: Penticton Regional Hospital; 550 Carmi Ave. • Pharmasave Jr. Triathlon Penticton. 250-492-4000 • Music in the Park - Fathers Day South Okanagan General Hospital: 911 McKinney Rd. JULY Oliver. 250-498-5000 • Canada Day Kelowna General Hospital 2268 Pandosy St. Kelowna. • Party in the Park - OK Falls Wine 250-862-4000 Association There are 2 physicians in OK Falls; 2 Urgent Care/walk-in • Prospera Axel Merckx GranfondoSuper Series clinics in Penticton. Triathalon Source: RDOS • Music in the Park AUGUST EDUCATION The Okanagan Falls Elementary: School Shriners Car Show (SD53) continues to peak in the enrollment trend. While • Ultra Swim enrollment in many schools and school districts is de- • Multisport Worlds clining, Okanagan Falls School is growing rapidly as the SEPTEMBER - Music in the Parkn schools principal, Ms. Lisa McCall continues to introduce Source: visitokfalls.net new and innovative teaching resources. Early Learning

(Strongstart and Preschool, K-7 programming) a tech- FALLSOK EVENTS nology focus (Smartboards in every classroom) and a dynamic and nurturing teaching environment. School Programs include; One to One Reading, Learning Assistance Support, Fine Arts, Intramurals, Extra Cur- ricular Sports, Drug Abuse, Resistance Education and Strong Start (a school based early learning program for 3-5 year-olds.) 1141 Cedar Street, Okanagan Falls, BC V0H 1R0. 250-497-5414 www.okf.sd53.bc.ca Middle school students from Ok Falls are bussed are bussed to the Southern Okanagan Secondary School in Oliver.

THE OK FALLS REGIONAL LIBRARY Hours are: Tues.12pm - 8pm; Wed.10am - 4pm; Fri.10am - 4pm; New Bobcat Service in the South Okanagan, Sat.10am - 2pm. # 101- 850 Railway Lane, Okanagan Falls. 250-497-5886 with 25 years experience! House Back- lling Road Work || Landscaping Building Site Preparation

For more information contact Don Whitecotton at 403-704-0492 or [email protected] he Okanagan Falls area with its four distinct seasons, long hot sum- mers and mild winters is without a doubt a recreational paradise. Surrounded by lakes and sandy beaches, miles of hiking trails, world class rock climbing, parks galore, fishing, kayaking, sailing, horse- back riding, golfing, skiing, wildlife viewing, festivals and the list goes CENTENNIAL PARK Central to Ton. The Parks and Recreation Department has a full line-up of year-round Okanagan Falls is Centennial Park. activities for young and old alike. For information call: 250-497-8188 www. Located along Main Street, this okfalls.net peaceful and picturesque park has a large grassy play area that is a SKAHA LAKE Skaha Lake, the fourth in a chain of five major lakes of the great stop for travelers. The park is Okanagan Valley. It is an ideal lake for sailing, water skiing; wake boarding home to a life-sized bronze sculpture and kite surfing. Anglers fish for small and large mouth bass, whitefish, of Okanagan Falls’ very own rodeo kokanee and cutthroat. The south end of the lake forms the lovely and family Champion-Kenny McLean, the only friendly beaches of Okanagan Falls and Kaleden. rodeo cowboy to have received the prestigious Order of Canada. The KENYON PARK Located close to the centre of town, on the south shore of park is also home to a large timber Skaha Lake is a perfect family park. A trail connects to Christie Memorial band shell, which paves the way to Park making one continuous waterfront park complete with splash park, additional community events for playgrounds, picnic areas along with a clean smooth sandy beach. Unique residents in the area. water features and sculptures are recent additions. The shallow shoreline is THE KETTLE VALLEY RAILWAY TRAIL Trails are imbedded in the culture of the Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys and a wide variety of users recreate and commute on the regions trails daily. Local area residents use the trail system for activities including evening strolls along the KVR, commuting to work from one community to another, to active motorized and non-motorized trail based recreation. Highlights of the KVR include stunning vistas, an easy gradient and unique topography. Exceptionally diverse, the trails traverse ranchland, riverbanks, lakes, tunnels, trestles, desert, orchards, and vineyards. The old Kettle Valley safe and well maintained. A pavilion is provided for sheltered picnic areas, Railway Trestle Bridge has been family reunions and other special events. There is also a large grassy area transformed into a walk/bike trail to play or to spread out a blanket and enjoy the views. The Kenyon House is connecting Okanagan Falls to the available to rent for special events. It is equipped with a full kitchen, dining Kettle Valley Railway Trail. The space and washrooms. RDOS is proud to help support the KVR Trail. All of the South Okanagan KEOGAN SPORTS PARK Located at the south end of Cedar Street, this flat communities are working together ten acre park is ideal for a variety of sporting events. The Weyerhaeuser and to improve and update mapping and Centennial baseball diamonds are complete with dugouts and bleachers. trails. The new internet mapping site Centennial Field has a shale in-field designed to accommodate both youth allows users to zoom into any area of and adult leagues. the RDOS,view trails on an areal photo The park is also home to a cricket pitch and a skate park facility. The cricket base, and obtain detailed descriptions pitch is home field to the Okanagan Cricket club. on key sections and access points. www.rdos.bc.ca (Click Hike & Bike).

48 OKANAGAN FALLS COMMUNITY PROFILE SKAHA BLUFFS The Skaha Bluffs located within Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park is one of the most popular rock climbing areas in British Columbia. The climbing routes through the bluffs have been clearly defined in maps and various books and are internationally known as a world-class climbing destination. From the parking area there are clearly marked signs and trails pointing to the various routes that are situated in three parallel canyons. Most of the climbs are generally less than 30 metres high (100ft). Climbers are rewarded with awesome views overlooking Skaha Lake and Penticton.

SX̌ʷƏX̌ʷNITKʷPARK In 2015 Okanagan Falls Provincial Park was renamed ‘Sx̌ʷəx̌ʷnitkʷ Park’ to reflect the traditional Okanagan place name for the area. The Park is located within the territory of the Osoyoos Indian Band and is operated by the Band. It is located on Green Lake Road just north of Okanagan Falls, off Hwy 97. Nestled among the cool deciduous trees above the Okanagan River, this oasis is famous among naturalists for its superb bird watching, wildlife viewing, and variety of bats. The Interior Salish called the series of stepped rapids at the outlet of Skaha Lake Kwak-ne-ta or “little falls”. Historically, the rocky outcrops were spots used for fishing and were one of the most important fishing sites in the Okanagan Nations traditional territory. In 1950 the flood control dam was built where the upper falls once stood. The park is 2 hectares in size and offers 25 vehicle-accessible campsites nestled between the Okan- agan River and the steep foothills of Mt. McLellan. The park is closed to the general public annually during the third weekend of September, in order to host the annual Salmon Feast. This event raises awareness of Okanagan history and culture, as well as the efforts to revitalize and restore sockeye salmon numbers in the Okanagan River.

VASEUX LAKE PROVINCIAL PARK & WILDLIFE it emptied into the Okanagan River. The falls CENTRE The Provincial Park and Wildlife today have been reduced to a series of rapids by Centre is located along Highway 97 at the flood control work and a dam that was built on north end of Vaseux Lake between Oliver and the river in the 1950s to control lake levels south Okanagan Falls. The focus of Vaseux Lake Park of Okanagan Falls. Okanagan Falls Heritage is the preservation of riparian and wetland House & Museum, located within The Basset breeding habitat necessary to support the House gives the visitor a view of earlier days local wildlife. An information kiosk provides and simpler times in Okanagan Falls. information about the area vegetation and Also located in town is the Historic “Blasted wildlife. A 20-min round trip trail leads to the Church” (now The ­United Church of Okanagan marsh and along the boardwalk to the bird Falls) named so as it was literally blasted apart blind. at its former site, relocated and re-assembled in Look for Canada Geese, Trumpeter Swans, Great Okanagan Falls. Keogan Chimney is a certified Horned Owls, and Blue ­Herons. Fish in Vaseux heritage site located ­approximately two kilome- Lake include Small and Largemouth Bass, ters south of Okanagan Falls. The stone and slate Sunfish, Carp, Whitefish, Kokanee, and Cutthroat chimney along with a few scattered logs is all Trout. that remains of Michael Keogan’s cabin. Michael The cliffs around the lake are part of the Vaseux Keogan came to the country at the time of the Bighorn National Wildlife Area and are home Rock Creek gold rush. In 1876 he received a to Canada’s largest herd of California Bighorn crown grant for lot 10. This historic chimney is Sheep. They are often seen grazing high on the a symbol of the tenacity of the early settlers and bluffs on the grassy slopes along the highway. the gold rush era. It is one of the few structures in Okanagan Falls that dates back over one hun- HISTORY OF OKANAGAN FALLS Okanagan dred years. For more information on Okanagan Falls was named after a small twin falls that Falls please contact the Okanagan Falls Visitor was once a part of a scenic natural landscape & Information Centre at 250-497-6260 or go to Credit: Keri Medig - located at the southern end of Skaha Lake where www.visitokfalls.com. Destination BC

OKANAGAN FALLS COMMUNITY PROFILE 49 The South Okanagan challenge and Okanagan Valley scen- list of top courses in Canada. The golf boasts spectacular golf ery. Gold Tees- 6500 yards. club offers an extensive short game courses, and the longest The Osoyoos Country Club has a fully practice facility with putting greens, golf season in the interi- stocked Golf PRO Shop. The Country pitching area, and sand traps. The or of British Columbia. Club has three CPGA Golf Profession- clubhouse is set on a gentle slope The warm and dry cli- als and staff who offer custom club overlooking both the 1st tee and the mate makes it possible fitting and instruction. The facility also 18th green and has a fully equipped to play from early March offers a 14 stall driving range on which pro shop, power carts, licensed to late November. There to warm up before a round. For more dining lounge, patios, barbeque area, are five championship information and tee times Tel: 1-800 banquet facilities, locker rooms and courses within the vi- 481-6665. www.golfosoyoos.com shower and offers club rentals, CPGA cinity of Oliver, Osoyoos, lessons and clinics, and tournament and Okanagan Falls. SONORA DUNES GOLF COURSE, A services. Championship Tees 6574 desert-style 9-hole golf course, Sonora Yards Par 72. 250-498-6050. www. OSOYOOS GOLF CLUB Dunes offers golfers of all abilities a fairviewmountain.com is a 36-hole golf facility, one of a kind natural setting. Nestled bringing together ideal among the rolling desert hills and ST. ANDREWS BY-THE-LAKE desert climate and lush vineyards of Osoyoos, this par-35, Located south of Penticton near the picturesque Okanagan 2,523-yard golf course is surrounded Astrophysical Observatory on White surroundings. Perched by the breathtaking natural beauty Lake Road, this mature mid-length high above the Town of Canada’s only true desert. The nine-hole golf course will appeal to of Osoyoos, vistas of friendly atmosphere, affordable rates golfers of all levels. The signature mountains, lake, desert, and non-membership format offer hole is a 165-yard par three requir- and valley, comprise the golfers a unique opportunity to enjoy ing a tee shot over water to an island two full eighteen hole their round to the fullest. green with its own miniature “Swilken AREA GOLF championship layouts, Please visit www.sonoradunes.com to Bridge.” which offer all golfers a unique golfing book a tee time or explore the course St. Andrews offers guests a memora- ­experience. in detail. ble golfing experience, a clubhouse Park Meadows Course is eighteen with huge deck with a stunning view holes of lush beauty. It is indeed the FAIRVIEW MOUNTAIN GOLF over the golf course and great food in jewel of the valley with its rolling hills, COURSE is nestled in the hills a full service restaurant and bar. fairways, and graceful willow trees. immediately southwest of Oliver 250-497-5648; www.standrewsby- Blue Tees-6208 yards. with sweeping views of vineyards, thelake.com Desert Gold Course is a breathtaking orchards, lakes and the valley. par 71 course measuring from 4924- Fairview Mountain is an 18-hole TWIN LAKES GOLF & RV RESORT 6500 yards on four distinct tee decks course with distinctively different This spectacular & challenging 18- situated on a desert bench overlook- holes and constant elevation changes hole golf course is located 15 min. ing Osoyoos Lake and the vineyards and is widely acclaimed as one of Southwest of Okanagan Falls on 285 and orchards of the South Okanagan. the best golf courses in the country, acres of serene and secluded moun- The desert course layout offers length, rated # 18 by Score magazine on a tain terrain. This unforgettable golf course also features a full service RV Park & Campground. Services: power carts, club rentals, CPGA lessons, prac- tice facilities, pro shop, private tour- naments. Licensed dining, bar & grill, banquet facilities, sun patio, snack shack, beverage cart, full service 60 site RV Park and Campground. 18-hole Championship Tees. 6867 Yards Par 72/74. (250) 497-5359; www.twinlakes- golfresort.com

50 AREA GOLF Credit: Nk’Mip Canyon Desert Golf NK’MIP CANYON DESERT GOLF COURSE, located in Oliver is regarded as one of the finest desert links golf courses in the area. Owned and operated by the Osoyoos Indian Band, Nk’Mip Canyon is recog- nized as a championship calibre 18-hole facility and is a destination for provin- cially sanctioned tourna- Credit: Josee Bergeron - Baldy Moutain Resort. ments. With its natural setting amongst canyons, vineyards, waterways, and MT. BALDY SKI AREA Local and Baldy Mountain Resort rests on a vast natural desert vegetation, visiting snow enthusiasts will tell and rugged landscape of hills and Nk’Mip Canyon is one you, Baldy Mountain Resort is grasslands perfect for hiking, biking

of the most picturesque WINTER extremely well-known for some and wildlife viewing within easy ac- settings in the valley. of the best pow-days/weeks in the cess to the city. Championship yardage playable from interior, and with affordable season Breathtaking views, an amazing com- 6,800 to 7,000 yards; Front tees from passes for the entire family and munity, epic amounts of natural snow 5,100 yards to 5,600 yards; Driving beautiful runs to choose from, you’ll do and exclusive real estate—what more Range with 14 stalls and 5 target more than just dream of pillowy lines could you ask for? greens; Practice area beside the driv- through open bowls and face shots in See you soon! For more information ing range; Separate practice area for perfectly spaced trees—you’ll live it! visit baldyresort.com chipping; Putting greens; Golf Boards Founded in 1968, Baldy is located on available to enhance your golf experi- the south side of Mt. Baldy in the South MCKINNEY NORDIC SKI Club is ence; GPS systems on golf carts; CPGA Okanagan, just north of the Canada-US located 10 km from Mt. Baldy on the instructions and clinics; Fully stocked border. Baldy is an old, inactive volca- McKinney Rd. (27 km from Oliver). pro shop. no and has a base elevation of 5,650 There are 14km of cross-country trails, On site is a fully licensed restaurant feet above sea level, which is 2,000 with a variety of levels of difficulty. that serves a variety of cuisine as well feet below the mountain peak. The trails are groomed and track as stocking many of the area’s best The surrounding towns of Osoyoos set regularly by volunteer groomer wines. Book tee times at 1-800-656- and Oliver embrace and proudly operators with a Bombadier Snow 5755 or local number 250-498-2880 showcase their vintner industry, so- Cat. There is a restroom on site, but our membership packages. www. phisticated resorts, championship golf no lodge. Trail maps are posted at all nkmipcanyon.ca courses, and a wide range of cultural, junctions. ­intellectual and artistic experiences.

AREA WINTER ACTIVITES 51 SOUTH OKANAGAN WINE COUNTRY

o compliment an already varietal styles include both red and feature a restaurant or deli for visitors magnificent area, the South white wine producing grapes, with to relax and savour a meal paired with Okanagan wineries add a significant concentrations of German their favorite wine while enjoying the unique taste to the palate. Al- and French vines. Foremost varieties stunning views of the valley. though vineyards are not new grown include, Merlot, Chardonnay, Grape harvesting takes place be- Tto this area, they have experienced Cabernet, Sauvignon, Pinot Gris tween mid September and the end of unprecedented growth over the past and Syrah. Vintners are continually October. fifteen years. introducing new varieties further Many factors make this area ideal proving the grape growing strength THE OKANAGAN FALLS WINERY for grape production. The unique of this unique climate. This is also the ASSOCIATION’S area of 185 hectares microclimates and soil types and ideal climate for the highly prized ice encompasses 15 wineries and extends availability of irrigation produce wine, with British Columbia being the from the shores of Skaha Lake to the the right elements for growing high largest producer of ice wine in the tip of Vaseux Lake. quality grapes. Most vineyards grow world. Oliver is known as the center Each year Winery Association hosts the highly regarded viniferas. The of the wine industry in the Okanagan fun and innovative events centered with the largest on wine such as: Party in the Park and concentrations of Holiday Cheer. To view more events, both vineyards check out the 2019 Calendar of Events and commercial on the website at www.ofwa.ca wineries in B.C. #9 inin TopTop 1010 WineriesWineries inin BCBC The South Okan- THE OLIVER OSOYOOS WINERY #16 inin ToTo 2525 WineriesWineries inin CanadaCanada agan wineries ASSOCIATION is located in Canada’s range from large prime agricultural area and starts 4 Gold Medals • 1 Silver Medal diversified oper- at McIntyre Bluff north of Oliver, and ations with huge extends to the Canada/US border cellars to smaller south of Osoyoos. The geographical family run winer- boundaries encompass 41 winery ies. Both opera- members. tions continue to The Oliver Osoyoos Winery Associa- win medal after tion hosts three events each year. The medal at world Pig Out, The Half Corked Marathon wine competi- and Winter in Wine Country. Visit tions. www.oliverosoyoos.com to learn more. Wineries offer tours and wine OKANAGAN WINE FESTIVALS The tasting…. a won- Spring Okanagan Wine Festival derful cultural heralds the arrival of spring in the experience which Okanagan during the first two weeks is not only pleas- of May each year. Partake in over ing to the palate, 60 events throughout the Okanagan, EXPERIENCE THE OSOYOOS LIVING DESERT it is also a feast featuring a focus on wine and culinary BORDERTOWNWINERY.COM 1.866.949.4210 to the eyes. Some arts. 9140 92nd Ave., Osoyoos, BC. V0H 1V2 of the wineries The Summer Okanagan Wine Festival

52 SOUTH OKANAGAN WINE COUNTRY is a valley wide festival for guests to be treated to wine education, arts, music, gourmet meals, wine tasting and outdoor recreation is August. The Fall Okanagan Wine Festival takes place at the begining of October during harvest. The Festival features over 165 events throughout the Okanagan Valley, including vineyard tours, lunches, dinners, events and of course the fall grape/wine harvest. Ranked as one of the top 100 events in North America, this cel- ebration runs for ten days leading up to the Canadian Thanksgiving in October each year. Local celebrations include Oliver’s Festival of the Grape where the main focus is on wine. This event also features live entertainment, food, and vendors from local busi- nesses, games and a hilariously entertaining grape stomp. www. oliverfestivalofthegrape.ca Okanagan Wine Festivals Society. www.thewinefestivals.com.

LISTEN | WITNESS | SAVOUR | EMBRACE | TASTE 4078 Black Sage Rd, Oliver, BC 250.498.6664

SOUTH OKANAGAN WINE COUNTRY 53 The Lakes in this area SKAHA LAKE Power provide an abundance boats are permitted and variety of recrea- on this lake and it is tional opportunities from enjoyed by community fishing, to water skiing, residents as well as swimming & parasailing. visitors for all types of Osoyoos Lake Credit: Destination Osoyoos water recreation. The VALLEY LAKES lake has an extensive OSOYOOS LAKE Power beach area especially Lake is located about 10 kilometers boats are permitted at the Okanagan Falls end and the west of Oliver. on Osoyoos Lake Penticton end. All fish native to the that extends through Columbia River Drainage reside in BEAR LAKE OR RIPLEY LAKE, as it is Osoyoos into Washington these waters. also known, is located one kilometer state. Although the north of Madden Lake. While slightly lake is well-known to THE OKANAGAN RIVER Channel smaller, it too is regularly stocked with water skiers and sun meanders for miles connecting Skaha, rainbow trout. bathers, anglers can Vaseux and Osoyoos Lakes. With find a variety of fish in several access areas fishing is allowed MAHONEY LAKE is located on Green its waters. Spring and for part of the year. The fishery is Lake road in the hills northwest of fall are the best times closed between Vaseux and Osoyoos Oliver. Unique in BC and rare in to catch rainbow trout Lakes from Oct.1st to Nov. 15th. Spring the world because of its qualities, and kokanee, and the closures also apply. it is classified as a meromictic lake, bass fishery peaks in the meaning a lake with only partial summer. MOUNTAIN LAKES circulation. It is designated as an Some of the shoreline, SAWMILL LAKE You can troll for ecological reserve and is closed to especially within the trout on Sawmill Lake using single camping and recreational activities. town is privately owned barbless artificial property, but there are flies. There several public boat is also a bait launching areas. Private ban and catch- AREA LAKES campgrounds and and-release resort areas also offer boat ramps and restriction (this is facilities. a no-kill fishery). The lake is TUC-EL-NUIT LAKE is located on in regularly stocked Oliver, with 3 public access areas. It is and some trophy- a spring fed lake and no power boats sized fish hide are allowed . It’s a calm and beautiful in its waters. lake, great for swimming, canoeing Sawmill Lake is and fishing. The Rotary beach access located west of has a sandy beach and grassy area Oliver off White with picnic tables. Lake Road.

VASEUX LAKE is located off Highway MADDEN LAKE 97 and is easily accessible. It is is regularly closed to power boats. The lake with stocked with its beautiful shoreline is popular rainbows and for canoeing and wildlife watching. the B.C. Forest Vaseux Lake is also known for its bass Service has set fishing (largemouth and smallmouth), up a small picnic rainbow trout, whitefish and kokanee. area on the shore. Madden

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