progress 2015

1 PROGRESS 2013 okanaganlife.com

2015 edition

OKANAGAN BUSINESS STORIES

OKANAGAN BUSINESS PEOPLE

PR

OG

RE

SS

2

015

3.9

5 PM40028474

Experts call the trends

BIZ BUZZ:What’s new

in the Valleyfor 2015

SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL ISSUE

Real Outlook

Estate

We are expanding Okanagan College’s Trades Training Complex to meet tomorrow’s skilled job needs

www.okanagan.bc.ca/campaign • (250) 862-5630Find out how you can help

Donate today and help us reach our $7-million goal

BRIGHT HORIZONSBUILDING FOR SKILLS

Designed to meet LEED Platinum & Living

Building Challenge standards

• $33 million investment• 2,600 trades students• 10,000 sq. metre expansion

& renovation

OC

RTP

2837

5

We are expanding Okanagan College’s Trades Training Complex to meet tomorrow’s skilled job needs

www.okanagan.bc.ca/campaign • (250) 862-5630Find out how you can help

Donate today and help us reach our $7-million goal

BRIGHT HORIZONSBUILDING FOR SKILLS

Designed to meet LEED Platinum & Living

Building Challenge standards

• $33 million investment• 2,600 trades students• 10,000 sq. metre expansion

& renovation

OC

RTP

2837

5

Keep Looking Your Best…at any age

BOTOX® | FACIAL FILLERS | VEIN TREATMENTS | LASER TREATMENTS | SKIN CARE | COOLSCULPTING®

DermMedica 1626 Richter St., Suite 200 Kelowna, BC | Local: 250.868.3070 | Toll Free 866-861-3070

At DermMedica we know people love to feel their best. We offer skin care solutions such as Botox Cosmetic, Facial Fillers, CoolSculpting Fat Remov-al, Laser Hair Removal, Laser Peels, Laser Tattoo Removal, Varicose Vein Treatments and so much more in a relaxing, no-pressure environment.

dermmedica.ca

Results and patient experience may vary. Ask us if the CoolSculpting procedure is right for you. The CoolSculpting procedure for non-invasive fat reduction is cleared for the flank (love handles) and abdomen. CoolSculpting, the CoolSculpting logo and the Snowflake design are registered trademarks and Fear No Mirror is a trademark of ZELTIQ Aesthetics, Inc. © 2014. All rights reserved. IC1662-A

When it comes to your reflection, you can be your own toughest critic. Even that favorite outfit can feel off-limits because of stubborn fat that resists diet and exercise. But the CoolSculpting procedure shapes what you see without surgery or downtime, so you’ll look great from every angle. With over 1 million CoolSculpting procedures worldwide, people everywhere are getting a better view of themselves thanks to individual treatment plans tailored specifically to their bodies.

ELIMINATE STUBBORN FAT WITHOUT SURGERY OR DOWNTIME & FEEL GREAT FROM EVERY ANGLE.

Call us today at ( ) to schedule your consultation.

Clothes fit better, feel better, look better.

Before

Before

16 Weeks After Session

16 Weeks After Session

Procedure by John B. Fasano, MD | (No weight change)

FDA-cleared, safe and effective.

Insert Practice Logo(PDF format only)

Practice name here123 Anystreet Avenue, Suite 456

Anytown, ST 12345

Phone

Microsite or Website

000 000-0000

K e l o w n a Ve i n & S k i n S o l u t i o n s

®

The Soft Lift with Botox Cosmetic

& Juvederm filler injectables

before

4 PROGRESS 2015 Okanagan Life Magazine

Local Experience, International Reach

Since 1985, Jane Hoffman Group continues to lead. With a newly re-designed website and launch of the GALLERY magazine, Jane Hoffman is committed

to reaching clients in Kelowna, across Canada and around the globe.

Jane Hoffman GroupColdwell Banker Horizon Realty #14-1470 Harvey Avenue • Kelowna, BC • V1Y 9K8250-860-7500 • [email protected] • www.janehoffman.com

Okanagan Life is published by Byrne Publishing Group Inc.

To subscribe, call 250.861.5399; email [email protected]; or online

okanaganlife.com/subscriptionsTo advertise, call 250.861.5399Email [email protected]

Write to: 814 Lawrence Avenue,Kelowna, BC, V1Y 6L9

Okanagan Life is available at Mosaic Books in Kelownaor at our offi ce: 814 Lawrence Ave., Kelowna.

© 2015, All rights reserved. Opinions and perspectives expressed in the magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the ownership

or management. Reproduction in whole or in part without the publisher’s consent is strictly prohibited.

PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40028474RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO

BYRNE PUBLISHING GROUP INC.814 LAWRENCE AVENUEKELOWNA, BC V1Y 6L9

email: [email protected]

ISSN 08405492 (Okanagan Life) / ISSN 11803975 (Okanagan Business). Okanagan Life magazine is a

member of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce, City and Regional Magazine Association (CRMA) and

Circulation Verification Council (CVC).

Publisher/editor J. Paul Byrne

Senior editor Laurie Carter

Creative director Robert Biron

Administration Wendy Letwinetz

Graphic design Champagne Choquer

Contributing writers

Natalie Appleton, Bruce Kemp, Laurie Carter,

Patti Shales Lefkos, Yvonne Turgeon

Contributing photographers

M. Byskov, Digital Dean, Michael Hintringer,

Darren Hull, Lipsett Photography Group

okanaganlife.com & social media

Yvonne Turgeon

CIRCULATION

C O U N C I LVERIFICATION

For interactive content,download

the Junaio app and scan to access

Okanagan Life’s channel.

okanaganlife.com PROGRESS 2015 5

38 Lakeside Financial Planning

23 Lakestone Estates

34 MNP LLP

25 Okanagan College

42 Peacock Sheridan

40 Pinnacles Suite Hotel

30 Royal Anne Hotel

36 Shuswap Lake Estates

41 SkyTrek Adventure Park/ The Enchanted Forest

41 Swan Lake Nurseryland 28 The View Winery

26 TomTar Roofi ng & Sheet Metal

24 Trestle Ridge: The Edge

29 Westwood Fine Cabinetry

CONTENTS

30 Bohemian Café & Catering

32 Boyd Autobody & Glass

30 Country RV

30 Crowe MacKay

44 DermMedica

38 Harmony Homes

30 Harvest Golf Club, The

36 Herbal-Health Centre, The

32 Hillside Winery • Bistro

37 Hunter Douglas

28 Jane Hoffman Group Coldwell Banker Horizon Realty

35 Kekuli Bay Cabinetry 41 Kelowna Actors Studio

38 Kelowna Cycle

32 Knifewear

8 REAL ESTATE Local experts and national stats help us crystal ball the regional market for 2015. What’s hot and what’s not when it comes to that fi nal buying decision

Feature

6 PAUL’S VOICE Keeping score: who’s winning today’s capitalist game

46 REARVIEW It’s in the bag: a weight watcher’s airline rant

Plus

On the cover: Tommie Award-winning West Harbour development. Cover photo contributed; top photo by Lipsett Photography Group; bottom photo contributed.

in their own words


Keeping scoreWe’ve extended our � eld of play. No, we haven’t moved the goals posts, just added a few more readers to our roster.

� e magazine you are reading is now serving the stunning � ompson region of our province—again! Since 1988, Okanagan Life has been engaging read-ers’ from Osoyoos to Salmon Arm with local pro� les and community stories. We’re now returning to Kamloops, not as � ompson Life (published 2006–2010) but as Okanagan Life. I guess you could say, “read us again, for the � rst time.”

With Kamloops now in our league, do we need to worry about the famed Kelowna-Kamloops rivalry? People do love to talk about the di� erences that exist between these two great cities. For this coach, I believe we share far more similarities than dif-ferences. In fact, you’ll � nd a lot of similar stripes on these two team uni-forms (and home � eld advantages).

Home to Western Hockey League teams, both Kelowna and Kamloops hold impressive records (not to mention dedicated fans). While the Kamloops Blazers boast three Memorial Cups

PAUL’S VOICE

since 1981 to the Kelowna Rockets’ one (since 1995), all eyes are on the southern team this year. Ranked as one of the top teams in Canada, the Rockets have posted “Ws” for all eight head-to-head meetings against the Blazers (at time of writing.) A quick look at the scores shows some healthy competition on the ice.

Scores: 6-1, 6-4, 4-2, 6-4, 2-1, 5-3, 5-2, 11-4

But what happens when competi-tion becomes humiliating, unfair or degrading? Let me take you south to California to a recent girls’ high school basketball game. Quite justi� ably, the coach was suspended a� er his team oblit-erated and belittled their rival school.

Score: 161-2

Fair-minded people cringe at the ridiculousness of lopsided games and the humiliation the losing players, parents and schoolmates experience. Unfor-tunately, there are people among us who revel in running up the score.

Personal pangs of guiltAs a teenager some 40 years ago in Leth-bridge, my lacrosse team outmatched our Calgary opponents so badly, that with � ve minutes le� in the game, we found ourselves leading 43-0. Everyone in the rink seemed dejected, confused or bewildered. We called a timeout to discuss running out the clock to put an end to their misery and embar-rassment, then one of our players did the math and blurted out, “If we could score 17 more goals, we could aver-age a goal a minute.” How quickly the kindness plan was usurped in favour of an enticing, yet uncharitable one.

� e same players who were just lamenting a disingenuous game were now hoarding the lacrosse ball, further running up the score and in so doing pouring salt in the wounds of a dejected squad. A meaningless metric aided by testosterone, turned sweating adoles-

cents into cruel and vindictive fools. Today, the embarrassment is mine.

Score: Lethbridge 61 vs. Calgary-0

While young hockey, basketball and lacrosse players might be forgiven for running up the score because they are still maturing and learning, what should we do about the adult players in the game of commerce? What would happen if we kept score in politics like we do in sports? Let’s have a go at it, shall we?

Oil night in CanadaRecent articles tell of a nirvana-like economy up north where every citizen in Norway has become a millionaire. � is is due to their ability to negotiate with cash-rich oil companies. By contrast we head to Alberta, where, shockingly, its citizens are on the hook for $7.7 billion of debt. � at’s right, Norway, a “socialist state,” is running a surplus of almost a trillion dollars from oil revenue while the Harper government’s market negotiators have failed Canadians in the most miser-able of ways. In 2012, Alberta collected a mere $4.04 per barrel of oil in royalties while the Norwegian taxpayer raked in $46.29 per barrel on their petroleum production—more than 10 times as much. It’s like we traded away a thou-sand Gretzkys for a javelin thrower with a Victoriaville Straight and one skate.

Score: Norway $1 trillion vs. Canada −$7.7 billion

Canadian small businesses and citizens have been sold out to the oil conglomerates and huge multinational corporations thanks to extreme right wing ideology operating in our nation’s capital. I’d like to ask Mr. Harper how Norway’s elected o� cials managed to gain 10 times more cash for their citi-zens than his negotiators did for ours. Perhaps it is the same reason that by 1:11 p.m. on January 2 of every year, the aver-age Canadian CEO has made as much

In 2012, Alberta

collected a mere $4.04

per barrel of oil royalties;

the Norwegian taxpayer raked in $46.29.


money as the average Canadian worker will make in the entire year. Incompe-tence, or are we still testing that Reagan-omics-trickle-down theory in Ottawa?

Score: Canadian CEO $7.96 million vs. Canadian worker $46.6 thousand

� e shell game here is that studies by leading neuroscientists and cogni-tive psychologists are telling us that the average CEO is just that—average. � eir brilliance has been in their ability to bamboozle the rest of us into believing they are geniuses and, therefore, deserv-ing. Important to understand that we all see ourselves as more intelligent than we are, but CEOs have just ramped up and doubled-down so many times because of their narcissistic behaviours; the result: o� ensive overcompensa-tion. Where are those referees?

How bad has income inequality become? In 2012, the top 0.1 per cent in the US held 23.5 per cent of all of America’s wealth. Today, the richest 85 people in the world have more wealth than the world’s poorest 3.5 billion.

Score: 85 richest vs. 3.5 billion poorest

� e mighty rich even have their own farm team: o� shore bankers stashing yet more of their cash.

Score: $32 trillion o� shore vs. $0 tax collected

Sea squirt economicsLet’s now travel to the ocean where we � nd the lowly sea squirt, a creature as interesting as it is extreme. A� er wiggling around the ocean for most of its life, the sea squirt a� xes itself head� rst to a rock and then it does something amazing—it eats its own brain. � ere is a theory that this same phenomenon happens at the Chi-cago School of Economics when a new faculty member joins its ranks.

John Paul Byrnepublisher/[email protected]

At � rst pass, the monetary theory of one of their most famous, Milton Friedman, seemed like a good idea; at least that’s how I bought in back in 1980 when I began life as a businessman with Lethbridge Magazine. Reaganomics was a new economy with few rules and no referees to slow down pro� ts. Fried-man directed Reagan and � atcher and Mulroney to � re all the referees, incinerate the rule book, empower oli-garchic corporations, minimize small business values and cut taxes for the wealthy; they ingested their own brains.

Friedman’s notions about money, economics and politics have caused near irreparable damage to the earth’s climate, the public sector, regional economies, small business and the people this simple idea promised to empower. Trickling down never hap-pened. Friedman’s notion of a wide-open, no rules, free market system that advocates privatization of everything is really nothing more than the simplest … and stupidest idea ever conceived.

By contrast, money is probably the most powerful, complex tool the world has ever known, so money cannot be understood, managed or organized by such a naive, one-size-� ts all, Chi-cago School theory. And while Fried-man’s economic theory might also be the worst idea of all time; many of us embraced it, myself included. Mil-ton Friedman was a one-goal wonder whose only idea was celebrated—not for its innovation, but for its simplic-ity. How did societies bene� t with 35 years of no referees, rules or order?

Score: By 2016 the 1% will own more that the 99% combined.

Who is looking out for Canadian small business?Nobody! If you are a small business person, let me know how you feel? What is your gut telling you? Do we need our elected o� cials to get in the game, realign the goal posts and stand up to

unsavory, unsportsmanlike behavior by monopolies, multinational corpo-rations, Wall Street-funded websites and billionaires? Milton Friedman’s single laissez-faire idea empowered corporations to become the tyran-nical monsters they are today. � e middle class is dying, folks, because our government pays the wealthy—to get richer. Norway didn’t. Instead, the Harper regime ridicules the public sector and handcu� s small business.

We can get out of this mess with critical thinking, empathy and the basic understanding that most human behaviour is driven by the subcon-scious, emotional brain regions that are just out of reach from our con-scious awareness. Understand that the complexity of money is no match for the human brain, if we use it. � ere are about 100 billion neurons in the adult human brain and each neuron can connect to 1,000 to 10,000 other neurons. Doing the math, the number of permutations and combinations of brain activity exceeds the number of elementary particles in the Universe.

Score: All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.

Edmund Burke

� ink critically, spiritually, sub-consciously and emotionally about the world’s biggest and most abhor-rent problem: income inequality. Deep down everybody knows it is wrong.

When a sports team loses most of its games, they � re the coach. Hmm, when was that fall election again?

I’d like to ask Mr. Harper how Norway’s offi cials gained 10 times more cash for their

citizens than his negotiators did for ours.


By Bruce Kemp

Real Estate Outlook

Bright Future

okanaganlife.com PROGRESS 2015 9Photo by Bruce Kemp.

Immigration and land availability are just two factors poised to impact our regional real estate market

Mill Creek development by Argus Properties.


Real Estate Outlook

Depending on how you read the statis-tics, the glass is either half empty or half full when it comes to

forecasting real estate in our region. Traditional construction is no longer the norm, with prices hitting the high end of the tolerance scale for single-family dwellings, but a growth spurt in multifamily units, like town-houses, is looming on the horizon.

According to a recent Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) forecast for all of BC, and comparing current trends to the rest of the country, real estate markets will see a gentle quarter-to-quarter increase of slightly better than one per cent throughout the year, though predic-tions for the � rst quarter of 2016 indi-cate a drop of three per cent in build-ing starts for single-family units and

two per cent for multifamily dwellings. Overall starts in Kelowna and

the surrounding Central Okanagan in 2015 are predicted by CMHC to stay on par with 2014, but going into 2016 a modest down-turn in sales can be expected.

Many of the reduced numbers that will be seen this year come from comparison with 2014, which was a robust year for sales in real estate. � ere was a lot of product available for development. In 2015, the amount of raw building land is beginning to be balanced o� .

Penticton sales felt this, almost � at-

lining until Greyback Construction and the Penticton Indian Band partnered to create Skaha Hills.

Phase one was opened for sales last year with 47 of the 600 homes in the 550-acre project. Expectations were that it would take two years to sell this phase; it sold out in two-and-a-half months. Phase two of the project is under way with six more phases to go.

Approximately 55 per cent of the buyers were already situated in the Okanagan, 30 per cent were from other areas of BC and the remaining 15 per cent were from Alberta and overseas.

“We hadn’t even started marketing in Alberta. � e sales that came from there were from word-of-mouth,” says Curt Jansen, VP of sales and market-ing for the project. “When we did our homework, we tried to think as conser-vatively as possible. We believed 15 to 20 homes would sell in the � rst year.”

� ere are a number of reasons Skaha Hills has taken o� . Ironically, at a time when economists see First Nations land claims as a stumbling block to foreign investment in our country, the involvement of the Penticton Indian Band positions Skaha Hills owners “strategically for tax bene� ts—no G.S.T. or transfer taxes,” accord-ing to Jansen, which can save buyers up to $50,000 on their purchase.

Although Jansen credits the tax bene� ts and the development’s lake

“ A lot of people have been sitting on their hands since 2008, waiting to make a move...”

—Curt JansenVice-president,

sales & marketingSkaha Hills

Skaha Hills is being developed by Greyback Construction in partnership

with the Penticton Indian Band.

Opening spread photo by Lipsett Photography Group; Skaha Hills rendering contributed.


access, winery and golf course with much of the success, he says that most importantly it’s due to the fact that this is the � rst new property available in the Penticton area in recent years.

“A lot of people have been sitting on their hands since 2008, wait-ing to make a move,” he says. “Now, they want to retire in the Okanagan so this development o� ers them a property at a reasonable price.”

In looking at his clientele, Jansen sees a bright future for upcoming stages of the development. One group he sees expressing interest is the soon-to-retire segment of the popula-tion. “Some people are � ve to seven years from retirement and are tak-ing advantage of the availability and pricing to buy now, maybe rent it, and move in when they � nally retire fully.”

Many of the Okanagan buyers tell Jansen that a driving factor in their

decision is their memories. “I’ve had a lot of clients tell me about spend-ing their summers at Wright’s Beach Camp and that’s one of the main reasons they’re buying here.”

But another important part of the equation is the energy e� ciency of these new homes. Skaha Hills has been recognized as the most energy e� cient housing development in Canada. It won the 2014 Tommy Fortis Award for Building Energy E� ciency, pre-sented by the Okanagan chapter of the Canadian Home Builders Association.

“People want lower operating costs. It costs a little more to build an energy-e� cient home, but when you try to re-engineer an older home for better e� ciency the costs are huge and it almost cannot be done. People buying an energy e� cient home will pay for it relatively quickly in their savings on utilities.”

Above & below: West Harbour on the shores of Okanagan Lake, opposite Kelowna, is an example of Valley lifestyle development.

Photos contributed.


Real Estate Outlook

To the north in Kamloops, construc-tion and real estate have a slightly di� erent complexion. “We can’t tell if the downturn in the oil patch is start-ing to e� ect our sales yet,” says Ingrid Pfei� er, president of the Kamloops Real Estate Association. “Last year prices went down and it’s still a buyer’s market here. Multi-family dwellings make up the bulk of sales. � ey’re selling for $280,000 to $320,000. A lot of boomers are now downsizing.

“� is is good for the market because we’re seeing houses further out from the core, in neighbourhoods like Westside and Brocklehurst, o� ering some good deals on single-family detacheds with larger yards. One house with three bedrooms up and one down just sold for under $320,000.”

Dee Crinion, sales manager at Shuswap Lake Estates, says they’re having a great year with 12 new home starts. � ese aren’t huge houses; they run around 1,500 square feet per � oor. Shuswap buyers used to be mainly retirees, but now they are younger

families seeking to raise kids in a “cot-tage” atmosphere. Others are 50-some-things who can work from home, and there are still a few snowbirds buying.

“� e drop in oil prices isn’t appar-ent yet,” said Crinion, “except that people are being more cau-

“ Small industry commercial property is looking good and development for the hospitality business is strong with more tourist accommodation being created.”

— Tim DownColdwell Banker

Horizon Realty

Commercial developments like this building by Callahan Property Group

on Penno Road in Kelowna make a design statement all their own.


tious about buying—not so quick to jump into buying a lot.”

Oil is the bogeyman under the bed. For months, daily news sources have been trumpeting prophecies of doom and gloom. But the CMHC paints a di� erent picture if you take the time to read. According to its Housing Market Outlook, British Columbia Highlights report released last month: “Projected population growth is expected to add approximately 30,000 house-holds annually from other countries. [With BC’s average household stand-ing at 2.5 people, that amounts to 75,000 new residents.] While people moving to BC from other countries will be the main source of popula-tion growth, people moving to BC from other provinces will add to the population as well. Net interpro-vincial migration turned positive in 2014 and increased through the third quarter adding almost 7,500 people to the province’s population, compared to net out� ows in 2012 and 2013.”

In short, many of these new Canadians will � ood Vancouver, the Lower Mainland and Victoria. When the density becomes so great and pricing too extreme, we can expect to see a migration inland from the Coast and the Okanagan will be a prime destination.

� e study’s predictions through 2016 see most of BC as almost stag-nant with the majority of building occurring in Vancouver, Victoria and Kelowna. Oil is seen as having less of an impact on provincial build-ing stats than the mainstream media indicates with its disaster-du-jour

approach. Immigration will be the largest factor (barring something unforeseen like a catastrophic war or a change in government immigration policy.) What this means is that prices will continue to go up as the demand increases and the supply of hous-ing and building space diminishes.

Trying to second-guess the mar-kets is di� cult. A quote o� en attrib-uted to the 19th century British Prime Minister, Benjamin Disraeli, goes, “� ere are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics.”

Century 21 realtor Amanda Westrheim knows this and points out that even little things can skew the numbers so you have to be careful. “If people are looking at January 2015 as an indicator, they need to take a closer look at what went on. We had the big snowstorm in January that brought everything to a standstill.

Nobody was going out and nothing was selling, so comparing it to the same time period in 2014 is the wrong thing to do. If you look at February 2015 compared to 2014 you’ll see our sales are up. So you have to be careful when you read the stats.”

Because of blips like the snow-storm, Westrheim tries to take as many factors into account in her assessment of the market place as possible. What she sees makes her optimistic. “� is isn’t blind optimism and it isn’t because I make a living selling real estate, but I think we’re going to see growth of at least � ve per cent over the coming � ve years in all sectors. Single family and multiple family units will experience this.”

She isn’t worried about losing Alberta oil money. As she points out, there is other business going on in Alberta and those people still want

Above & below: The Edge, a new phase of the Trestle Ridge development in Kelowna’s Upper Mission, takes advantage of sweeping panoramic views with window walls in bold modern designs.

Opposite page photo by Michael Hintringer; this page above and panoramic photo contributed.


Real Estate Outlook

to come here when they buy a vaca-tion home or retirement place.

� e real danger is with the Valley workforce that commutes to the northern part of BC and Alberta for big wages. As the oil patch reduces its output—even temporarily —these people who have purchased proper-ties that would generally be consid-ered above their pay grade, will have a tough time making the payments.

“Most of them won’t have a problem for a little while, but it’s the low interest rates that are sav-ing them. If the rates go up, there will be a lot of foreclosures.”

One factor Westrheim sees as a counterpoint to this possibility is that in� ux of new Canadians. “We’re start-ing to feel the impact of the o� shore money as it lands on the Coast and

This Glenview Court home in Kelowna’s Bridges at Glenview Pond development illustrates current design trends inside and out.

CONSTRUCTION COSTS Cost estimates for new building projects in the region run from $150–$250 per square foot depending on the quality of the project. Pricing starts around $400,000 in the Central Okanagan, but deals in the low $300s can be found in Kamloops and the Shuswap.

Photos contributed.

makes its way inland. Kelowna is becoming more and more diverse. My company, Century 21, was one of the � rst to recognize the importance of this when they translated their website into Mandarin alongside English.”

Jane Ho� man, whose group was this year’s top team for Coldwell Banker Canada and number six in North America, agrees with Westrheim on the oil downturn.

“It’s not being felt yet,” says Ho� man. “We thought it would slow us down. But when I talk to my clients in the business—the oil executives I deal with—they aren’t too excited about it because they know oil is a cyclical business that goes up and down and they plan for it.” In the � rst six weeks of 2015 Jane sold more lakeshore property than at the same time in 2014.

“Sales right now are not a true rep-resentation of the situation,” she says. “� ere’s less inventory in all ranges because of a strong 2014. Back in December I was concerned about the market, but now I’m pretty optimistic.”

Ho� man points out that housing in the $400,000–$700,000 range is moving nicely and that multifamily units are a good value in this market and will only strengthen with time because of possible supply issues.

Every realtor we spoke with voiced the same concern: product is at a premium. Westrheim noted, “For the � rst time in my career, I couldn’t � nd something to sell a client.”

Tim Down, another Coldwell Banker realtor working in both residential and commercial sales, says, “� e oil downturn won’t impact the Okanagan, because the demand for real estate strengthened and the supply didn’t. We’re work-ing on a limited supply of building land, but residential sales will stay strong because nothing has changed to alter the conditions dictating why people move to the Okanagan.”

� e 27-year veteran of the real estate wars covers the region from Salmon Arm to Osoyoos. His focus is on investment real estate, which gives


makes its way inland. Kelowna is becoming more and more diverse. My company, Century 21, was one of the � rst to recognize the importance of this when they translated their website into Mandarin alongside English.”

Jane Ho� man, whose group was this year’s top team for Coldwell Banker Canada and number six in North America, agrees with Westrheim on the oil downturn.

“It’s not being felt yet,” says Ho� man. “We thought it would slow us down. But when I talk to my clients in the business—the oil executives I deal with—they aren’t too excited about it because they know oil is a cyclical business that goes up and down and they plan for it.” In the � rst six weeks of 2015 Jane sold more lakeshore property than at the same time in 2014.

“Sales right now are not a true rep-resentation of the situation,” she says. “� ere’s less inventory in all ranges because of a strong 2014. Back in December I was concerned about the market, but now I’m pretty optimistic.”

Ho� man points out that housing in the $400,000–$700,000 range is moving nicely and that multifamily units are a good value in this market and will only strengthen with time because of possible supply issues.

Every realtor we spoke with voiced the same concern: product is at a premium. Westrheim noted, “For the � rst time in my career, I couldn’t � nd something to sell a client.”

Tim Down, another Coldwell Banker realtor working in both residential and commercial sales, says, “� e oil downturn won’t impact the Okanagan, because the demand for real estate strengthened and the supply didn’t. We’re work-ing on a limited supply of building land, but residential sales will stay strong because nothing has changed to alter the conditions dictating why people move to the Okanagan.”

� e 27-year veteran of the real estate wars covers the region from Salmon Arm to Osoyoos. His focus is on investment real estate, which gives

Kelowna | Vancouver | Surrey | Edmonton | Calgary | Regina | Whitehorse | Yellowknife

“Listening to our clients is the key to communicating

valuable advice in a complex world.”

— David Gautier, CPA, CAAssociate Partner

500 - 1620 Dickson Ave Kelowna, BC V1Y 9Y2

tel. 250.763.5021

www.crowemackay.ca

For over 45 years we have earned our reputation as the Okanagan’s “go-to”

accounting firm by consistently delivering exceptional service.

250.860.3900 • 2140 Leckie Place, Kelowna BC • www.westwoodfinecabinetry.com

Come See our Award Winning Show Room.Serving the Okanagan since 1972

CUSTOM LOOK. AFFORDABLE PRICE.

Best Custom CabinetryCentral Okanagan


Real Estate Outlook

better cash � ow than the � nancial markets at the moment. What he’s seeing on the investment side is raw land being acquired by investors, with demand for multifamily rental proper-ty staying strong because it gives such

healthy returns. � e Okanagan has worked its way through the foreclosure issues of recent years, but specula-tive buying by individuals is down.

Single-family units could cause some problems in the future, accord-

ing to Down, because the supply is shrinking while present owners are sitting tight. “Right now it’s death, debt or divorce that triggers sales.”

Down says it’s time to start build-ing new multifamily product. Not the monster condo developments that have given the area a lot of grief. He sees smaller projects like four-unit buildings as excellent investments and ideal for this point in time. “� e banks are more comfortable with them because they’re easier to get out of the ground and easier to market.”

For buyers, he says townhouses are a good investment both � nan-cially and in terms of lifestyle. Prices are on the rise, running

“ I think we’re going to see growth of at least fi ve per cent over the coming fi ve years in all sectors. Single family and multiple family units will experience this.”

— Amanda WestrheimCentury 21

Waterside at Lakestone, a new development in Lake

Country, provides lake views from every building lot.

Photo contributed.


between $450,000 and $600,000. � e CMHC analysis backs him

up on this. � eir numbers indi-cate that last year single-detached building starts fell by 1.1% in Kelowna, but multiple unit starts were up by a considerable 14.4%.

Down admits he doesn’t know whether an interest rate hike will hurt the market, but a lot of investors have gone long so he’s con� dent there is no worry for the next 12 to 24 months. Still, volatile employment � gures have the potential to cast a long shadow over the longer term. As he sees it, “in BC the concerns are: where is the employment and where is the money.”

CMHC’s assessment of employment over the past two years shows the raw unemployment rate (seasonally adjust numbers are not available for Kelowna or Kamloops) is down by 3.3 points in Kelowna and up by 0.3 in Kamloops.

One axiom in the real estate busi-ness is that commercial development always follows residential. “Right now,” Down says, “small industry commercial property is looking good and development for the hospitality business is strong as well, with more tourist accommodation being created.”

Sales of general retail space are down, but commercial retail coupled with multi-family residential is good. Locally he doesn’t see a demand for o� ce space. In places like West Kelowna the market was � ooded.

Vineyard properties, o� en thought to be prized investments, were slow, but demand is now picking up for turnkey operations if priced right. A lot of wineries were heavily lev-eraged and run on a shoestring. � ey need to be recapitalized.

“� e Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) land has always been a con-cern,” says Down. “� e Okanagan will protect its farmland at all costs.” But he sees farmland close to the city coming out of the ALR within the next 20 years because the city needs the taxation, so it will side with those who wish to pull land out of the reserve for projects that will generate greater revenues.

www.kekulibaycabinetry.com • 1794 Baron Rd, Kelowna • 8111 Highland Place, Vernon

We value the idea that we can have a small share in your families’ memories as they’re made around the center of your home in your dream kitchen.

The Kekuli Bay Cabinetry experience always starts with you. A discussion centers on you and your specific needs. Our team of designers and our master craftsman then work to manufacture

those dreams in our state of the art facility; our goal is to be part of your family.

Call Matt at 250.241.0036 Call Steve at 250.938.6016

Call JoAnne at 250.826.6001

Thank you for voting us Best Custom Cabinetryof the North Okanagan

‘15.5 Unity

P 250.807.2898 TF 1.888.456.18083732 Hwy 97 N (Just South of Reid’s Corner), Kelowna, BCView our inventory online at www.countryrv.net

INNOVATIVE MURPHY BED IMPRESSIVE INSIDE SPACEMODERN KITCHEN

Thank you forvoting us one of The Best

Central Okanagan RV Dealers

2014FINALIST


Real Estate Outlook

People who are buying new or building are more

inclined to build as green as they can,” says Amanda Westrheim, when talking about construc-tion and design trends. “Even in a house as new as 10 years old the utility bills can be shocking and as far as interior trends go, people are really into gadgets these

days. Buyers want heated fl oors and soft close drawers. Stainless appliances and hardwood fl ooring are still in, so is granite or quartz countertops. If a property is lack-ing in these, it can hurt the listing.”

Jane Hoff man says, “The trend in architecture is a more contempo-rary look with cleaner lines, fl atter roof lines, more glass, three-car

It’s a given among builders and realtors that younger people want higher-end product while older folks go for pricing.

DESIGN

Photo contributed.


garages, improved outdoor living spaces including outdoor kitch-ens. Pools are back in demand. Quality built craftsman homes are selling well. In the interior, open concepts are still the big deal. Granite and quartz are pre-ferred materials for countertops. Not so much polished cement, but polished cement fl oors are gaining a little more popular-ity. However, the main favourites are traditional wood and tile.”

Diana Vona, owner-manager of the high-end Casa Bella Bedding Boutique in Vernon, is seeing a big change in decorating trends when it comes to people’s colour choices. It used to be grey and beige, now people are going to a more colourful, but still a neutral pallet to give their décor longevity. She fi nds the younger generation leaning toward the disposable,

Vibrant accents add zing to the neutral palette of this U-One condo in Kelowna.

Available exclusively at private liquor retailers throughout

BC and Alberta

1-2287 Ward Rd. Kelowna, BC | 250-860-0742 | theviewwinery.com

100% estate grown single serve sparkling produced and offered

by The View Winery

Get your on!

BUY LOCAL MEDIAThis magazine is CVC circulation audited and one of the best read magazines in North America on a per capita basis.

This website is local,

well read and oh so

affordable.

“Be careful out there”

okanaganlife.com/advertising250-861-5399

“Read the headlines”

Google faces $5 billion antitrust fine in India.

Is Google a monopoly?

Google faces criticism from FTC for “Deceptive Search Ads.” 80% of Facebook clicks are fraudulent?

Untitled-19.indd 1 2015-03-06 3:44 PM


Real Estate Outlook

Clockwise from above: U-One 2nd bedroom with ensuite; master bathroom West Harbour; outside kitchen Bridges at Glenview Pond; kitchen pantry vertical drawer; U-One ensuite; kitchen by Kekuli Bay Cabinetry .


Real Estate Outlook

Clockwise from above: U-One 2nd bedroom with ensuite; master bathroom West Harbour; outside kitchen Bridges at Glenview Pond; kitchen pantry vertical drawer; U-One ensuite; kitchen by Kekuli Bay Cabinetry .

but her young middle-aged to senior clientele still go for qual-ity like St. Genève and Revelle bed linens or the Canadian-made Cuddle Down products.

Kelly Kennedy at Westwood Fine Cabinetry sees a change in cabinet design this year. Where there used to be a lot of tradi-tional style, shaker and fl at slab door fronts, new home buy-ers are leaning more toward paint and coloured lacquers—white and grey—the Euro look. Hardware is becoming sleeker and thinner, while drawer pulls are either small or non-existent. The Euro style touch latch is very popular or drawer fronts with integrated fi nger pulls. Crown moulding on cabinets is considerably fl atter this year.

Exotic woods are starting to replace the traditional oak, cherry and maple. Mahogany is making a return, but the use of bamboo is dropping off and Kelly says he is seeing a growth in the demand for exotic woods like hickory, black walnut and lyptus, a Brazilian hardwood.

The most popular coun-tertops are highly polished quartz set in resin. There are a few polished cement coun-tertops being installed, but as popular as they are in Europe, they haven’t caught on here.

In the bedroom, chests of draw-ers have given way to inlands with built-in drawers in the walk-in closet. Also, says Kennedy, he’s seeing more banks of draw-ers in place of cupboards.

Bruce Kemp is

an Okanagan-

based writer and

photographer

who contributes

to national and

international media.

Fridge photo by DIgital Dean; other photos contributed.

thehubkelowna.ca

WHITE ON TIME

BEST RED OFTHEM ALL

Give your messagethe gift of time!Up to six months of readership.

A perfect blend of Okanagan business and

residential readers.

[email protected]

• Comprehensive Corporate Financial Planning• Group Benefits and Consulting

• Investments and Insurance

YOUR PSG TEAM:

WE HAVE MOVED

Now located at 314-1290 St. Paul Street, Kelowna BC | 250.869.1451 | www.peacocksheridan.com

WEALTH ACCUMULATION | INSURANCE INNOVATION



YOUR PSG TEAM:

WE HAVE MOVED



YOUR PSG TEAM:

Brent Peacock, BA, CHS

Grant Sheridan, BA, CHS

Rusty Bracken, CLU, CFP

Dustin Serviss, CFP, CHS

Marc Gaucher, MBA

Doug Deschner, CFP

Greg Carter, CFP, GBA, CHS

Sasha Carter, B. Ed

Michelle Muhlbach

Krystal Herie

Darcy Letendre, ACS, AIAA

HERE WE GROW AGAIN

YOUR PSG TEAM:





Marc Gaucher, MBA

Doug Deschner, CFP


Sasha Carter, B. Ed

Michelle Muhlbach

Krystal Herie


HERE WE GROW AGAIN

Brent Peacock, ba, chs

Grant Sheridan, ba, chs

Rusty Bracken, clu, cfp

Allan HryniukGreg Carter, cebs, cfp, chs

Doug Deschner, cfp

Marc Gaucher, mba

Sasha Carter, b. ed

Michelle Muhlbach

Joanne ValcourtDarcy Letendre, acs, aiaa

Tracy TurcotteRenata Irvine

Peacock Sheridan_FP.indd 1 2015-03-06 1:21 PM



YOUR PSG TEAM:

WE HAVE MOVED



YOUR PSG TEAM:





Marc Gaucher, MBA

Doug Deschner, CFP


Sasha Carter, B. Ed

Michelle Muhlbach

Krystal Herie


HERE WE GROW AGAIN

YOUR PSG TEAM:





Marc Gaucher, MBA

Doug Deschner, CFP


Sasha Carter, B. Ed

Michelle Muhlbach

Krystal Herie


HERE WE GROW AGAIN





Doug Deschner, cfp

Marc Gaucher, mba

Sasha Carter, b. ed

Michelle Muhlbach








Doug Deschner, cfp

Marc Gaucher, mba

Sasha Carter, b. ed

Michelle Muhlbach






YOUR PSG TEAM:

WE HAVE MOVED



YOUR PSG TEAM:





Marc Gaucher, MBA

Doug Deschner, CFP


Sasha Carter, B. Ed

Michelle Muhlbach

Krystal Herie


HERE WE GROW AGAIN

YOUR PSG TEAM:





Marc Gaucher, MBA

Doug Deschner, CFP


Sasha Carter, B. Ed

Michelle Muhlbach

Krystal Herie


HERE WE GROW AGAIN





Doug Deschner, cfp

Marc Gaucher, mba

Sasha Carter, b. ed

Michelle Muhlbach






YOUR PSG TEAM:

WE HAVE MOVED



YOUR PSG TEAM:





Marc Gaucher, MBA

Doug Deschner, CFP


Sasha Carter, B. Ed

Michelle Muhlbach

Krystal Herie


HERE WE GROW AGAIN

YOUR PSG TEAM:





Marc Gaucher, MBA

Doug Deschner, CFP


Sasha Carter, B. Ed

Michelle Muhlbach

Krystal Herie


HERE WE GROW AGAIN





Doug Deschner, cfp

Marc Gaucher, mba

Sasha Carter, b. ed

Michelle Muhlbach




A D V E R T I S E M E N T

What makes Lakestone special? Well, how about unobstructed views of Okanagan Lake from each and every door. Or the seren-ity and beauty of living in a home tucked into a sloping Lake Country hillside in the shadow of granite outcrops and ponderosa pines. Or perhaps it’s the golf courses, winer-ies, hiking trails and international airport all less than a 15-minute drive away.

Oh, did we mention that, starting at $200,000, these lakeview lots are an in-credible value, and you could work with one of Lakestone’s preferred builders or choose your own builder; and that the residents-only $3.5 million Lake Club will offer everything from hot tubs and a pool to a fitness centre and outdoor kitchen?

Yes, Lakestone is exceptional. This 550-acre master-planned community is the work of Macdonald Development Corporation, the same group that brought neighbour-ing resort community The Outback to the eastern shores of Okanagan Lake. Here, for generations to come, residents will have the chance to experience the developer’s vision for Lakestone, which is to use the best remain-ing parcel of lakefront land this side of the water to give buyers an exceptional place in Lake Country to call home—a home that of-fers a stunning backdrop to truly enjoy the outdoors as well as the restaurants, shows and shopping of the nearby and vibrant Kelowna.

Even here in the Okanagan Valley, re-nowned for its lakeside resort communities, Lakestone seems to have it all, and more.

Of course, it starts with the lake. In fact, the community’s tag is: Come home to the lake. Thanks to a sloping landscape, each of Lakestone’s fully serviced home sites is either lakefront or lake view. Living rooms, bed-rooms and decks perched on this special prop-erty all offer breathtaking views of the water.

But, unlike some communities, at Lakestone, you’re only footsteps from the beach and the dock, so it’s easy to dive in or just dip your toes. In front of Lake-stone’s private dock is a quiet water area

where residents can swim, sail or paddle, protected from powered watercraft.

For those that prefer more gentle, tem-perature-controlled waters, welcome to the Lake Club. At this exclusive and shared amenity, residents can swim laps in the outdoor pool, relax in a hot tub under a starlit sky, barbecue steaks, or break a sweat in the state-of-the-art gym. The Lake Club even has an outdoor kitchen and a place to store your kayaks and paddleboards.

Of course, you’ll have to reserve en-ergy for wine-trailing, golfing and hik-ing. A prime Lake Country location brings residents within walking distance of ever-popular wineries such as Gray Monk, Arrowleaf Cellars and Ex Nihilo.

Two hiking trails await at your back door: Okanagan Centre Road West and Long Road. You’d only have to drive min-utes north on Highway 97 to take in four more trails, two of which offer pristine views of Okanagan and Kalamalka lakes.

Golfers find their own bliss at cham-pionship tracks of spectacular views and impressive fairways, just down the road.

This is Lakestone. The door to its sales office opened in the

fall of 2013. Today, the first four phases—of private home sites near the shore—are already 85 per cent sold. The fifth and sixth phases, featuring lots starting at $245,000, are now available. This summer, vacationers and locals alike will also be able to buy one of the 18 semi-detached villas being released for sale.

Only a single question remains: which one is your dream home?

To learn more about this exciting home ownership opportunity in Lake Country, visit www.lakestoneliving.com or call 877.766.1213.

Unparalleled Lake Country livingWaterside at Lakestone

“Lake Country’s best remaining parcel of land on the east shore of Okanagan Lake offers buyers incredible value and exceptional amenities.”



Think of it as a home with ample space for the luxury toys of the well-heeled fam-ily. Not just any space but a special spot to park your collector cars, an ATV or two, perhaps a cabin cruiser on a trailer or even space for your own personal squash court.

The concept is one being marketed in a new upscale neighbourhood in Kelowna’s Upper Mission. Called The Edge, the hillside zone of oversize strata lots will be part of a gated, private community. This exclusive community is part of a larger development called Trestle Ridge. The lots, ranging up to more than half-an-acre in size, command stunning, unimpeded views of Okanagan Lake, the bridge and the mountains beyond.

Perched above the Village of Kettle Val-ley, this brand new neighbourhood of Trestle Ridge offers all the amenities and community features celebrated in the Up-per Mission, with a new era of architecture and unparalleled views. The development guidelines incorporate the latest styles of transitional architecture designed to maximize the modern homes desired by today’s buyer while blending with the spec-tacular natural setting of creeks, mountains and miles of hiking and biking trails.

Portions of the oversize strata lots in The Edge are dedicated to home sites and are lo-cated on one side of an access lane that runs through the parcels. On the other side are the accessory sites, on which owners will have the option to build as large as a two-storey structure up to about 1,500 square feet.

The concept of a special place to house one’s adult toys is unique to the Okanagan, but is not without precedent. A version of it was recently marketed in Calgary and sold out right away, says Melody Santos, controller and development manager for Trestle Ridge.

The developer is confident the concept will prove popular with buyers who are increasingly viewing the Okanagan as a recreational playground. “We see this as a unique opportunity to accommodate people

in that upscale category who have all the recreational toys—ATVs, RVs, and boats—but nowhere to store them,” said Santos.

“The Okanagan is kind of special in that we see a lot of NHL players live here in the off-season,” Santos said. “This could really appeal to them in that it could be used as a workout facility, or a squash court, any-thing for recreational needs. Or it could be set up as a garage/man cave combo with a loft designed for a big screen TV and lounge

area overlooking a luxury car collection.”The developer offers an open builder

program, which allows owners to choose a designer and builder to construct the home and accessory structure, said Santos.

For more information on Trestle Ridge and The Edge, drop by the sales centre and brand new show home, lo-cated at 5730 Mountainside Drive, or register online at www.trestleridge.ca.

New concept in the Upper MissionTrestle Ridge:The Edge

“A unique opportunity for people with all the recreational toys—ATVs, RVs and boats—but nowhere to store them … or a workout facility, squash court or man cave.”



When Okanagan College announced plans to renovate and expand its trades training complex—a $33-million project—with the goal of creating one of the most sustain-able post-secondary education facilities in North America, the College knew that sup-port from the community would be crucial.

The Okanagan College Foundation launched the Bright Horizons, Building for Skills Campaign in October 2014 to help raise the $7 million ($5 million for capital costs, plus another $2 million for equipment and program support) needed to top up the provincial government’s commitment of $28 million.

The response to the campaign in its early stages has been overwhelming, says Okanagan College Foundation president, Alf Kempf.

“We’re only a few months into the campaign but so far the support we’ve seen from the community has been remarkable,” explains Kempf. “From big organizations to families, it’s a true cross-section of our community, and we think that shows the breadth of support there is for Okanagan College.”

“It also shows that our community understands and appreciates the value of trades and the role tradespeople play in our economy,” adds Kempf.

As the new three-storey trades complex tower takes shape along KLO road, donors have shared messages of encouragement, support, and excitement about what the building will mean for the future of Okanagan College, its students, and for the community as a whole.

“Our goal is to help the College build a foundation for future growth,” explains Barry Carter, whose family has donated to enhance study space in the new complex.

“Getting people into trades is perhaps more important now than ever before.”

“The best possible trades training will only further promote the apprentice’s future, opportunities for local business and ultimately the province of British Columbia,” says Jason McCormick, vice-president – operations and partner of Westwood Electric; the company’s donation will help power up a new electrical controls lab.

“I believe that people who have done well in this region should give back,” says Barry Lapointe, owner of Kelowna Flightcraft, who announced a $500,000 donation to the campaign in December. “And we feel strongly about supporting post-secondary education.”

“Industry support, from people like Barry, from the automotive sector, from companies like Westwood Electric sends a message to would-be tradespeople that validates their career choices,” explains Bright Horizons, Building for Skills campaign chair Dennis Gabelhouse.

What began as a construction project has become one of the most important community-building experiences in Okanagan College’s 51-year history, says Okanagan College president Jim Hamilton.

“This new facility will provide our students with the very best; it will be a cutting-edge environment that matches the quality of instruction students are receiving,” explains Hamilton. “But even more importantly, it will unite them. Our students will have a facility that they can take pride in because they helped to build it.”

When it announced its $100,000 donation, the Okanagan College Students’ Union acknowledged that they were both prompted by

the community support they had seen and the hope that their contribution would spark additional support from others.

“When the opportunity arose for us to play a part in supporting the rejuvenation of the trades training complex here in Kelowna, we wanted to show in a bold way just how important we feel it is for students to have a learning environment that is ahead of the curve, vibrant, and that reflects Okanagan College’s commitment to sustainability,” explains Grisch.

“We are very proud and appreciative of the fact that our students have chosen to invest in the future of their college,” says Hamilton. “The fact that we have such strong support from inside the college and from the community, we believe, is a reflection of the way in which Okanagan College is plugged into and works with the community.”

“We appreciate the community’s support as we work to address the province-wide skills gap projected in trades, and train the young apprentices that will play a key role in our regional and provincial economy.”

The Okanagan College Foundation is inviting the community to learn more about the project and support the Bright Horizons, Building for Skills Campaign by visiting www.okanagan.bc.ca/campaign.

Horizon looks bright for trades

Okanagan College President Jim Hamilton and members of the Okanagan

College Students’ Union tour the Trades Training Complex under construction

after the students announced a $100,000 donation toward the project.

Okanagan College



You’ll find the stunning workmanship of TomTar Roofing & Sheet Metal at the new downtown marina along Kelowna’s water-front. Specialists in fabrication, the team at TomTar fashioned the elegant curved roofing for structures along the new public pier.

Heading up Highway 97, TomTar’s exper-tise is showcased at a number of the city’s new commercial properties: in the sleek industrial design of the new Kelowna Keg restaurant, and the roofing, metal cladding and ceramic tile rainscreen on the Mar-shalls store. Further north is the Glenmore Landfill Office complex that serves as staff offices and hosts a visitor gallery where school groups can learn the benefits of recycling. TomTar installed both the roof and the building’s zinc metal cladding.

“Our services are much more than just roofing and sheet metal,” says general man-ager Robert Greenough. “We are a building envelope company, from insulated wall panels to full assemblies with liner panels, to rainscreen systems with vapour barriers, insulation and any type of exterior cladding.”

TomTar operates the most technologically advanced architectural sheet metal shop between Vancouver and Calgary. Stocking a large metal inventory, including exotic cop-per and zinc, ensures any required metal is in stock and in nearly every colour on the chart. With a state-of-the art CNC table router, TomTar has the capability to produce alumi-num composite materials (ACM) panels in house at a fraction of the regular lead time.

Celebrating 70 Years of ExpertiseOver the years, TomTar has been involved in nearly every major commercial roof-ing project in the Okanagan Valley, from Prospera Place and the Vernon Multiplex to an extensive portfolio of commercial projects, shopping malls and hospitals.

The Greenough family has been operating the business since 1945 when Harold, a super-intendent for Barr & Anderson in Vancouver, moved to Kelowna to manage a new branch. He later bought the franchise. This year marks the 70th anniversary of Barr & Anderson and TomTar’s 35th, an Okanagan business that has been family run since opening its doors.

Tom joined Barr & Anderson very young; his first task was sweeping the shop. He rose through the ranks working in all divisions and finally settled in to manage the roofing/sheet metal division in his mid-twenties. By his late twenties the decision had been made to create a new roofing and sheet metal company, over which Tom would have full ownership and control. In January of 1980 TomTar Roofing & Sheet Metal was born. Tom’s son, Robert joined the company in 2001 and is the current general manager.

“We pride ourselves on being the company you can count on to do what we say we will do,” says Robert. “You can’t purchase a reputa-tion, it’s earned, and we strive to be the best. We stand by our experience, integrity, our employees and our record of past projects.”

Employing 50 people, the company re-cruits high quality people in both skills and character. Today, TomTar’s crews work across

BC, Alberta and into Saskatchewan. They are currently working on a 550,000 sq. ft. build-ing in Edmonton, one of the largest build-ings being constructed in Canada this year.

Although primarily a commercial com-pany, TomTar also has a residential division where they apply their vast experience to a range of innovative and custom jobs.

“We just like to remind owners that your roof and wall system is protecting your entire investment,” says Robert. “The investment into a quality contractor will pay for itself. We’ve seen too many roofs start failing after a year or two, offered by the guys working out of their pickup trucks, and even some of the larger companies who’s trucks you see around town. Ensure that the company is certified and has journeyman on staff. When in doubt call a certified roofing inspector or RCABC (Roofing Contractors Association).” TomTar Roofing & Sheet Metal is located at 199 Pinto Road in Kelowna. Visit www.tomtar.ca for more information.

Celebrating 35 years of building excellenceTomTar Roofing & Sheet Metal

Kelowna’s Downtown Marina.

Tom Greenough and son Robert. The Keg.


2983 Pandosy streetInside Knifewear KENTOFINGLEWOOD.COM @KENTOFINGLEWOOD

Kelowna • Calgary • Ottawa • Edmonton

2983 Pandosy Strreet knifewear.com @KelownaKnifeCANADA’S SHAVE SHOPESTABLISHED 2013

Kelowna’s Favourite Theatre Company1379 Ellis St Kelowna, BC • www.KelownaActorsStudio.com

Call for reservations250•862•2867

April 8 to 25, 2015 Tickets aslow as $52or including a 4 course plated dinner from $85

Located on the beautiful Naramata Bench, Experience exceptional and unique wines, creative, locally-inspired cuisine & striking views

Tasting Room & Gift Shop Open DailyBistro opens for Lunch & Diner on March 28th, 2015

We can also host your corporate meeting, company dinner, family reunion, wedding or any special event!

Phone: 250 493 6274 Bistro Phone: 250 487 1350Toll Free: 1 888 923 9463 e. [email protected]

hillsidewinery.ca



The shoe fits The View Winery

People light up when they come in the door of The View Winery. Maybe it’s the authenticity: a wine shop sur-rounded by the sights and smells of winemaking in progress.

Maybe it’s the rustic elegance: rough-hewn timbers and vintage brickwork accented with red sti-letto shoes and chandeliers.

Certainly it’s the friendly staff, enthu-siastic to share with visitors all there is to share from a place that’s truly special.

“I love to surround myself with positive people,” says The View president Jennifer Molgat. “And the people in our wine shop, cellar and vineyard all possess this quality.”

The View Winery is minutes from downtown Kelowna, nestled between roll-ing orchards and vines on land that has been in the family for five generations. The cellar and wine shop are in a distinc-tive 1920s vintage apple packinghouse. True to the terroir, the main grape variet-ies are a collection, primarily of aromatic whites, Gewurztraminer, Riesling, Eh-renfelser and newly planted Pinot Gris. And they also feature Pinotage, which is a vibrant, fruit forward red with a hint of spice. While visiting you may also want to sample their line-up of Wards apple cider.

The View’s tasting room and wine shop is open weekdays noon–5pm until May 1st, then 11am–6:30pm, 7 days a week until October 15. Visit www.theviewwinery.com for details and drop by the winery for a taste at 1-2287 Ward Road, Kelowna. Just look for the red shoe!

Local experience, international reach

Global reach is one of the reasons Jane Hoff-man Group is so successful. Jane has partnered with Coldwell Banker Previews® International for the global networking and marketing opportunities this prestigious organization brings to their clients. Jane Hoffman Group offers international visitors the insight, knowl-edge and world-class service they deserve.

Jane’s team of experts includes associate broker and business partner, Kristy Huber; licensed Realtors® Sherrin Stewart, Lora Proskiw, Dean Simonelli, Carole Cole-man, Sherry Truman, Greg Dusik, and Melissa McAfee; and three support staff.

Contact Jane Hoffman Group through the quick response form online at www.janehoffman.com, on facebook, through email at [email protected] or call the office at 250.860.7500. The office is located at #14-1470 Harvey Avenue in Kelowna.

The accolades poured in this past year for Jane Hoffman and her team of seasoned real estate pro-fessionals. Awarded #1 Team for Coldwell Banker Canada and #6 Team for Coldwell Banker in North America, Jane Hoffman Group was also recognized as the #1 Team for Ultimate Service. Now these are the Realtors® you want working for you.

Whether you’re new to the mar-ket, finding an investment property, or searching for your perfect dream home, they have the expertise to help you find the perfect fit.

Start at www.janehoffman.com with an online tour of the redesigned website where you can take your time exploring Kelowna’s most exquisite luxury and waterfront estates, homes and properties in the Valley.

Browse homes by price (with categories ranging from under $499,000 to over $4 million) or by property type: choose from investment opportunities, con-dos and townhomes, lakeshore, residential farms, lots and acreages. You can even browse by the features you are look-ing for, like three-plus garages, equestrian facility, boat dock, sandy beach or pent-house. This website is visited by locals, buy-ers across Canada and around the globe.

Complimenting the website, blog and social media presence is Jane’s exciting new Signa-ture Video and the newly launched exclusive GALLERY Magazine, a full colour publication highlighting all of the real estate for sale by Jane Hoffman Group in the Kelowna area. Available on-line as an e-zine or via hard copy, GALLERY is produced each season showcasing their impressive and extensive selection of real estate. Direct mailed to selected households and businesses across the country, GALLERY is just one of the many ways Jane Hoffman Group is looking to introduce Kelowna to buyers across Canada and around the world.

Photo: darrenhull.com

Jane Hoffman Group Coldwell Banker Horizon Realty


Mon-Fri: 7-3pm

534 Leon Ave Kelowna, BC

(250) 868-8649

nourishkelowna.com

Jaxon, Nicole & Nick serving you nothing but quality homemade meals

100% FROM SCRATCH

Breads | Soups | Sauces Sandwiches | Baked Goods

Condiments | Slow Roasted Meats Dine In | Catering

Menu Changes Daily

02_15 Nourish_SV.indd 1 2015-03-06 6:42 PM

Travelling for Business? Pleasure?

Corporate Event?Known as the heart of downtown Kelowna, the Royal Anne Hotel is just steps from commerce, mouth watering restaurants and Kelowna’s Arts & Cultural district.The perfect boutique hotel for corporate travellers or vacationers seeking a stellar downtown location, friendly service & value.

348 Bernard Avenue, Kelowna, BC V1Y 6N5Tel 250.763.2277 | Toll Free 1.888.811.3400

[email protected] | royalannehotel.com

Book Direct! Quote “OKL0315” & present ad upon check-in to receive 15% off regular rates


Design for livingWestwood Fine CabinetryToday’s open-concept homes demand inte-grated cabinetry for a unified look throughout. Whether you’re building your custom dream home or rejuvenating a family treasure, the sales designers at Westwood Fine Cabinetry have the knowledge and experience to get your ideas off the drawing board. “We work with customers to develop their layout just the way they want it,” says designer Kati Knorr, “and all this is done free of charge.” Great show-rooms are part of the package, allowing you to see current trends and appreciate the full range of styles and finishes from traditional to contemporary. When your plan is complete, Westwood’s dedicated team of professional installers and service staff will ensure your job is done to the highest industry standards.

Regardless of budget, Westwood has op-tions to fit your needs from custom-finished exotic woods for the most discerning tastes to stock built cabinets for eager do-it-your-selfers. And when a whole new layout isn’t required, Westwood offers the environmen-tally-friendly option of cabinet refacing.

With its reputation for quality, Westwood is the first choice of both homeowners and fine homebuilders. See their award-winning designs at showrooms in Kelowna, Vernon, Salmon Arm and Coquitlam. Learn more at www.westwoodfinecabinetry.com.

2014 Tommie Silver Finalist in Excellence

in Kitchen Design $65,000 and under.



Question and answer with the accounting firm of

Crowe MacKay LLP

Q: What makes Crowe MacKay different from the other large accounting firms? A: Our unique local office focus, as part of a regional firm network, allows us to be quick on our feet to meet the growing demands of Okanagan businesses.

Q: How do I know which Crowe MacKay advisor is best suited for me? A: Every client is a client of the firm, and we will work with you to connect you with the right team of advisors based on your individual situation.

Q: What is Crowe MacKay’s competitive advantage? A: With 10 full-time tax practitioners we have the leading tax practice in BC’s interior. We are the ones that other accountants go to when they have tax questions.

Q: Where can I find out more about Crowe MacKay? A: Read more about us at www.crowemackay.ca or you can follow us on Facebook (crowe.mackay), Twitter (@CroweMacKay) or LinkedIn (crowe-mackay-llp).

Strong on serviceCountry RV

Ready to make your next getaway the best ever? We carry the top brand RV lines in North America like Cougar, Montana, Hideout, Bullet, Leisure Travel Vans, Pleasure-Way and more. We always have a good selection of used trailers, fifth wheels and motorhomes, and our full service department and large parts department have everything to keep you rolling.

With 15 years in the business, Country RV has a reputation for being built on service.

We proudly support our community through Cops for Kids, Boys & Girls Club, Local High Schools, Crime Stoppers, plus many other local charities. Let us show you how we take the same care of our customers. With dealerships in Kelowna and Winfield, we’re here for you.

Better at the BohBohemian Café & Catering When you’re an icon, it’s hard to ramp up your game. When everybody knows you offer breakfast and lunch in a funky downtown setting; your menu features fabulous, freshly-prepared food using organic and local ingredients; your staff wrote the book on team effort; and you’ve been doing it all for 24 years—what could possibly top all that?

How about opening an exciting new patio to give regulars and visitors alike a

chance to soak up our famous Okanagan sun, to see and be seen in the heart of Kelowna’s revitalized downtown.

We’re open Wednesday to Sunday at 524 Bernard Avenue or we can cater your event anywhere in the Valley. Check out www.bohemiancater.com for details.

City centralRoyal Anne HotelWith a fantastic location in the heart of down-town Kelowna, the Royal Anne Hotel is a city landmark and one of Kelowna’s shining, nos-talgic treasures. A favourite “home away from home” for corporate travellers wanting the convenience of Kelowna’s thriving downtown core and for vacationers seeking fun in the sun on the nearby shores of Okanagan Lake. Just steps from specialty stores, popular attractions and a vast selection of restaurants, beautiful boutique-style accommodations await your

arrival. Corporate meeting, reception or special event? No problem! Our elegant banquet facilities can seat 10–150 people with professional catering and personal-ized service available. We’re here to ensure the success of your event. Backed by great value, superb quality and remarkable cus-tomer service, the Royal Anne Hotel is the perfect choice for your stay in Kelowna.

Special Reception or Corporate Event?Conveniently located in downtown Kelowna, the Royal Anne Hotel is a ‘home away from home’ for corporate travellers and vacationers seeking fun in the sun on the shores of nearby Okanagan Lake. Just steps from spe-cialty stores, popular attractions, and many restaurants, our full-service banquet and meeting facilities are the perfect choice for small to mid-sized meetings, receptions and events, with 4,084 sq. ft. of space.

ROYAL ANNE HOTEL

The whole packageThe Harvest Golf ClubWorld-class views and the Okanagan flavours of Chef Michael Miller’s Harvest Grille menu combine to make The Harvest Golf Club a top choice for every occassion from casual lunch to business dinner, family birthday to one-of-a-kind wedding. The seasonal menu offers delectable selections to tempt every palate and diners can enjoy the patio for breakfast, lunch or dinner. For newlyweds, the gardens and waterfall provide a picturesque backdrop for perfect photo memories. But let’s not forget

the golf. Repeatedly voted among the best courses in the Okanagan, its multiple tees challenge every player while wide fairways and nearby orchards contribute to a unique character. The Okanagan’s largest practice facility and Harvest Golf Academy round out unmatched facilities.

Chef Michael Miller

Harold Greenough, pulled out of the office to show the crew how it’s done, circa 1940



to help you find the perfect knife and help you get the most out of it all the time.

“Cooking is the new rock ’n’ roll,” says Mark, explaining the company’s success. In the last three years Knifewear has ex-panded into Kelowna, Calgary, Edmonton and Ottawa with Vancouver coming next year. Knifewear is also a proud supporter of Growing Chefs (growing-chefs.ca). By donating $2 from every knife sharpen-ing, we’re helping to teach children in local schools about where food comes from.

Knifewear is full of sharp ideas includ-ing a Kent of Inglewood kiosk exclusively for men and devoted to the art and art-istry of shaving. “Shaving with a straight razor lets you feel like a gentleman and a bad-ass at the same time” says Dylan, one of Knifewear’s original employees.

Kent of Inglewood, Canada’s shave shop, thinks men are cool and gives them permission to look and smell great. This one-stop men’s shop offers straight razors,

A cut above Knifewear & Kent of Inglewood

“Cooking should be the best part of your day,” says Knifewear’s Mark Puttick, “and you can fall in love with your kitchen knife.” Why put up with a blunt, awkward knife that makes cooking a terrible chore? Knife-wear knives are lighter, more nimble and made with harder steel. They’re extemely sharp, stay sharp longer, and give you that

“shooooo” feeling when you glide through food, giving you the chef experience at home.

Chefs across the Okanagan will tell you Knifewear is where they shop for top shelf knives, cookbooks and gadgets. Our “chef wall” is crowded with photos of hundreds of happy chefs from the Okanagan and all over Canada. One reason for their loyalty is our commitment to serious service. Buying any high quality product can be daunting; our staff invites you to test drive sample knives on tomatoes and potatoes so you can choose the perfect knife with confidence. As well, the first time the knife needs resharpen-ing we’ll do it by hand—for free. We want

safety razors, shaving brushes, pocket-knives, cocktail gear and even handmade Swedish axes along with a full line of classic grooming items from shave soaps to ultra manly colognes. Our staff is here to guide and educate you to the perfect choice.

Visit the shop at 2983 Pandosy Street or online at www.knifewear.com and www.kentofinglewood.com.

Mark Puttick

Community support, customer careBoyd Autobody

When you get your vehicle repaired at Boyd Autobody & Glass, you not only get excep-tional work backed by a lifetime guarantee—you help us support your community. Every year we donate a portion of every customer’s invoice to charity. In addition, all our proceeds from our annual Father’s Day Car Show go to our char-ity of choice. Last year we raised over $11,000 for JDRF, while this year’s proceeds will be going to the YMCA. Over the years our team at Boyd has been eager to support local charities and it has shown with our dona-tions to various organi-zations in the Okanagan; these donations have surpassed $350,000!

We’re proud of the work we do, too. Whether you need colli-sion work, glass repair or glass replacement, bring it to Boyd; our staff will ensure it’s done right. Not only can you feel good about your car again, you can feel good about partnering with Boyd to help your community.

Methal and Jason Abougoush with Gail Harrison: celebrating our community.

The perfect marriage of food and wineHillside Winery • Bistro

For more than 30 years, Hillside has been producing handcrafted wines dedicated to the very special terroir of the Naramata Bench. Believing that great wines start in the vineyard, winemaker Kathy Malone uses only the best quality fruit available from the 20-acre vineyard surrounding the winery and from select vineyards on the Naramata Bench and in Oliver.

The gristmill-style winery is uniquely designed to allow for small batch fermentation to maintain the character and integrity of each grape and vineyard. Even the 72-foot tower serves a purpose, helping to cool the wine cellar, though most visitors just notice the stunning visual of a rustic tower set among gracious gardens, alive with blossoms from early spring to frost.

Completing Hillside’s perfect marriage of food and wine, Chef Rob Cordonier presents exquisite local fare, served by lively staff and paired with Kathy’s award-winning wines. No wonder Hillside is such a popular venue for vineyard weddings with its upper patio to dine, dance and romance the night away.

Call 250.493.6274 to book an event. Details on wines, hours and more at www.hillsidewinery.ca.

Make Hillside Winery the backdrop for your special day.

okanaganlife.com PROGRESS 2014 331-888-209-7699 | www.HARMONYHOMES.net

CUSTOM HOME DESIGNS • IN-HOUSE DRAFTING4 BUILDING PROGRAMS • INTERIOR DESIGN

CUSTOM HOME BUILDER • GENERAL CONTRACTING

CREATING HOMES, BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS...

FINALISTThank you for voting us

one of the Best Residential Builders

Securities available through IPC Securities Corporation, a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund.

In our business experience is crucial,between us we have 112 years

Drop by our new of� ce location at221– 550 West Ave. Kelowna or call 250-712-1131

to arrange an appointment to meet with:

www.lakeside� nancialplanning.com

www.waller� nancial.com

IPC INVESTMENT CORPORATION

IPC SECURITIES CORPORATION

Doug Knight, CFP®, Certi� ed Financial Planner Kent Littleton, BA, Branch Manager

David Chase, Financial Advisor

Mike Waller, B.A, CFP, Investment Advisor

www.wallerfinancial.com

www.lakesidefinancialplanning.com


Stripes are earned.

Voted #1Autobody Shop of the Year!

Kelowna Rutland West Kelowna Penticton

Plants and flowers • Shrubs • Fertilizers • Garden tools • Deli • Bakery • Ice creamFresh local produce in season • Open 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. 7 days a week (Summer hours)

LIKE US ON

LOCALS KNOW BESTSERVING NORTH OKANAGAN

FOR OVER 50 YEARS

250-542-7614 7920 Highway 97, Vernon BC www.myswanlake.com

What’s in your back yard?

Healthy Active Living

Nestled on the shores of Shuswap Lake, west of Salmon Arm on the

Trans Canada Highway.Stunning lake view home sites

starting at $119,000

Call 1.888.675.2523

Experience our18 Hole Championship Golf CourseFor Tee Times call: 1.800.661.3955

Living the Shuswap lifestyle!Check out OURS!

www.shuswaplakeestates.com


KNV and MNP merger to benefit Okanagan marketplaceMNPBritish Columbia’s KNV Chartered Accountants LLP has merged with MNP LLP, creating one of the largest accounting and business consulting firms in the province.

The merger, effective February 1, brings two of the province’s most experienced and diverse firms under one banner in the largest merger in MNP’s history, making it the third-largest accounting and consulting firm in BC.

In Kelowna, KNV’s team of 15 will join MNP’s existing team, with the firm’s partners and staff in Vancouver and Surrey joining MNP’s 15 offices across the province, including Vancouver Island, the Cariboo, the Okanagan, and the northeast.

“We are excited about the local impact of this merger. Our firms share similar values and culture as a rewarding work place. Both firms were looking to grow and to combine our expertise and leadership to help our clients across the Okanagan achieve their growth targets,” said Tim Dekker, MNP’s, Okanagan regional managing partner.

MNP and KNV, which have serviced clients in BC for 40 years, deliver a broad range of accounting, consulting and tax services, including enterprise risk, corporate finance, valuation and litigation support, investigative and forensic accounting, cross-border taxation and more.

“Joining MNP’s nationwide operations was the right fit to ensure we continued to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said Alix Larsen, Kelowna-based KNV partner.

Tim DekkerMNP Okanagan regional

managing partner.

Alix LarsenKelowna-basedKNV partner.


Contracting | Design | Consultation Renovations | Handyman Services

Property Management

PROUDLY SERVINGTHE OKANAGAN SINCE 1988

www.homesmartprojects.com

Call us at 250.878.8744

524 Bernard AvenueDowntown Kelowna, BCPhone: 250-862-3517www.bohemiancater.com

Her

e’s B

reak

fast!

...and We Cater...!

SEE YOU DOWNTOWN!

Her

e’s L

unch

!...

‘15.5 Unity

P 250.807.2898 TF 1.888.456.18083732 Hwy 97 N (Just South of Reid’s Corner), Kelowna, BCView our inventory online at www.countryrv.net

INNOVATIVE MURPHY BED IMPRESSIVE INSIDE SPACEMODERN KITCHEN

Thank you forvoting us one of The Best

Central Okanagan RV Dealers

2014FINALIST


Furniture-quality cabinets for your homeKekuli Bay Cabinetry

upgrading our equipment every year.”You can proudly buy Canadian and

support BC manufacturing at Kekuli Bay Cabinetry, 1794 Baron Road, Kelowna (behind Costco) and in Vernon at 8111 Highland Place (north of Swan Lake). Visit online at www.kekulibaycabinetry.com.

For a kitchen or bath that is truly your own, look to the custom cabinet manufacturer whose Okanagan family roots date back to 1984. Their 10,000 sq. ft. Kelowna showroom is the place to visualize how a distinctive custom design will actually look in your home.

“The Kekuli Bay Cabinetry experi-ence always starts with you,” says owner Ed Huber. “We can help you create any style of cabinetry from modern and con-temporary to country and traditional, or something that is uniquely you.”

To make that individual statement, Kekuli Bay Cabinetry draws on a wide selection of natural woods: maple, oak, pine, alder, cherry, hickory, beech and bamboo. And as one of the few companies in the industry that manufactures its own doors, the design possibilities are endless. Kekuli Bay Cabinetry is the only showroom in Western Canada that features custom cabinets and furniture made in the same factory, a 30,000 sq. ft. facility right here in the Okanagan.

“Each handcrafted cabinet is built using the finest of raw materials and our design staff will work with customers through each step of creating a new kitchen or bathroom, from design through to installation,” says Huber.

Kekuli Bay Cabinetry takes great pride in being a “green” company. All wood products are carbon compliant and Kekuli uses finishing products that emit very low volumes of volatile organic compounds. On-site, a high tech boiler system has been installed to burn waste sawdust.

“The wood boiler system burns cleaner than natural gas and provides all the heat we need,” says Huber. “It’s allowed us to invest the gas savings in

Our professional design team will help you create any style of cabinetry: modern, country, traditional or uniquely you—the possibilities are endless.

“The Kekuli Bay Cabinetry experience always starts with you.”


MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD MARCH 2-31

.comVote online

Staff members are keen to talk about the ap-propriate application of every product. Their selection of 30 cannabis strains is compliment-ed by edibles (including juice from immature plant leaves), concentrates (oils, budders), and topical applications (creams, salves, balms). State-of-the art supporting hardware (vapor-izers, etc.) complete the product line-up.

New standard for medical cannabis The Herbal-Health Centre

Health care practitioners have been prescribing cannabis for thousands of years. The science behind its ef-fectiveness is finally starting to be bet-ter understood and the use of medical cannabis has evolved significantly.

In the Okanagan Valley, The Herbal-Health Centre provides advice on the healthy, sustainable use of medical can-nabis. They recommend products that offer benefits without associated psychoactiv-ity—feeling “high.” Charlotte’s Web and Hayley’s Comet are examples of these non-psychoactive products that have provided well-documented, positive results in cases of Dravet syndrome, an intractable seizure disorder in children. (For more, see Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Charlotte’s Web online.)

Since becoming a part of the Vernon com-munity, The Herbal-Health Centre has devel-oped a reputation for excellent service and the finest medical cannabis products available.

You’ll find a bright, sophisticated and professional environment at the Centre, where staff is knowledgeable, helpful, warm and welcoming to all. As cannabis patients themselves, they relate easily to other members. Customers who enter the members’ area often find their scepticism melting away, experiencing hope in place of fear and relief where there was pain.

The Centre is a place for com-munity, where the compassion and support is palpable. Already serving more than 1,400 members, whose personal results keep them coming

back, the numbers speak for themselves.The Herbal-Health Centre is conve-

niently and discretely located in Unit 46 of the Alpine Centre at 100 Kalamalka Lake Road, in Vernon, with plenty of parking and wheelchair access.

To find out more, call 778.475.3398 or visit www.thhc.ca.

L-R: Ben Hunt (manager) and Imre Kovacs (founding owner/partner).


Lifestyle attracts buyers of all agesShuswap Lake Estates

With breathtaking lake views and the backdrop of the Co-lumbia Mountains, this Blind Bay community surrounds an 18-hole championship golf course. Originally touted as the “British Properties of the Shuswap,” the community now hosts families of all ages.

Unique for its low stress atmosphere, resi-dents enjoy hiking, cross-country skiing, tennis, pickle ball, a 600-metre airplane landing strip, com-munity centre, local shopping, marinas and sandy beaches. With two nearby elemen-tary schools, it’s easy to see how Shuswap Lake Estates appeals to families as well as

retirees and is gaining popularity with increasingly younger people looking for a lifestyle change.

The “Highlands” Phase 2, is the newest release of properties from Shuswap Lake Estates, offering 74 fully serviced panoramic lake, mountain and golf view home sites priced from $119,000–$169,000.

Great views, great golf, great outdoors.


2014FINALIST

250-862-3500

24/7EMERGENCY SERVICE

www.winmarkelowna.com

Fire Wind

Water Mould

Asbestos


New standard for medical cannabis The Herbal-Health Centre

How to enjoy a luxurious staycationHunter Douglas

operated from the top-down, so that you can have privacy as well as light and a view.

If some meals at home are part of the plan, order them now or cook and freeze them. Stock up on snacks so that frantic, last-minute runs to the market aren’t required.DecorateRather than searching for a hotel, make a few subtle alterations to your home, such as those mentioned for the bathroom, to turn it into a more hotel-like, gracious and comfortable space. For example, designate a bureau or tabletop in the bedroom for everything required for breakfast in bed such as a mini coffee maker and your best china, glassware, linen and silver for the food you’ll be enjoying. Two of the most cherished aspects of any vacation are a nap in the afternoon and a good night’s sleep. If you love the bedding at a particular hotel, check the company’s website; chances are you can purchase it. If not, department stores and specialty shops abound, as do a multitude of online brands. As for those meals you anticipate having at home, set a formal dining table complete with centrepiece. EnjoyWhether taking your staycation alone, à deux or with a larger group, put yourself first, relax and enjoy. It’s bound to be one of the best gifts you’ve ever given yourself.More information at www.hunterdouglas.ca.

Staycations have a lot to recommend them. There’s no lengthy travel involved with all its attendant annoyances, it’s less expensive than a standard vacation and it’s much easier to plan. In fact, done right, a staycation can physically and mentally rejuvenate you more than a regular one. Like an ordinary vacation, staycations are all about you. Sally Morse, di-rector of creative services for Hunter Douglas, explains how to design yours for an experience you’ll cherish forever, and hopefully try again.OrganizeOnce you decide on a staycation, select the dates and begin putting it together. Pull out those clippings of all the interesting things you’ve been meaning to do within a 100-mile or so radius for the past couple of years. If you haven’t done this, buy a good, up-to-date guide to your area. Create a formal itinerary just as a travel agency would, being sure to allow for unexpected adventures. Details are key. Make reservations for everything requir-ing them and buy tickets in advance so you don’t end up standing in a lengthy line or be-ing disappointed because a show is sold out.

While you’re home, you can also plan for some small projects to rejuvenate your space. Adding such things as new towels, velvety robe and an iPod docking station quickly manifests a hotel’s spa mood in a master bathroom. To ensure total peace and quiet as well as privacy while you’re luxuriating in the tub, install sound-absorbing Duette Architella honeycomb shades, which can be

Sound-absorbing, energy-efficient Duette Architella honeycomb shades from Hunter Douglas can operate from the top down for privacy with light and a view.



empowering his people to make decisions like repairing a tire for a young paperboy, so he could complete his route—no charge. Patrick saw an even bigger opportunity with customers and the public who wanted to get rid of old bikes.

“We decided to take the bikes, refurbish them and give them to people in need.”

Kelowna Cycle has given away more than 50 bikes, first to kids in schools, then in a joint effort with Kelowna Gospel Mission,

White knights on wheelsKelowna Cycle It would not be overstating the case to say that Kelowna Cycle is a business that changes lives. The city’s oldest bike shop has been a pillar of the community for decades, witnessing many great eras of cycling from from the CCM bike company through to the advent of the BMX and mountain bike. They stock road, mountain, BMX, cruisers, comfort and hybrid cycles, along with all the biking accessories you need to make your ride safe and enjoyable. In the winter months, Kelowna Cycle continues to promote a healthy lifestyle by carrying and servicing an incredible line of cross country ski equipment. Their dedicated and knowledgeable staff doesn’t just sell equipment, they actually bike and ski all year round; they know their products based on their own experience. They generously share that knowledge with their customers, but the service and caring doesn’t stop there.

Owner Patrick Rosen believes in

providing bikes for homeless people to help them get to interviews or jobs. Patrick has now further expanded the reach to include the Kelowna Women’s Shelter and the Canadian Mental Health Association. Bike donations are all put to good use.

Located in the heart of Kelowna’s Mission District, Kelowna Cycle continues to provide expertise, knowledge and service for the biking enthusiast to the little child who just wants a bell for his first tricycle.

Since 1975 Harmony Homes has been creating custom homes to meet the needs of new home buyers throughout BC. Our in-house draftsmen and designers, project managers, site coordinators and administrative staff provide a one-stop home building experience: turn-key, lock-up or anything in between—Harmony can accommodate your needs. From the initial concept design to the final construction drawings, our design team and project managers incorporate “design equity” and ensure nothing is overlooked—providing you with peace of mind, knowing you’ve made a sound investment with lasting resale value.

With over 40 national, provincial and regional awards for excellence, Harmony has a reputation as one of BC’s most

recognized custom home builders. And with the proven experience of a third generation builder and 150-plus years of combined experience, we’re always up-to-date with the latest trends. Exceptional customer service and complete satisfaction drive our people. Clients tell of a passionate team dedicated to creating timeless, quality homes while building lifelong friendships. Whether you’ve built before or this is your first time; allow us to explain what makes Harmony stand alone and how we bring your new home dreams to life!

Exceptional relationships build exceptional homes Harmony Homes

HarmonyHomes.net

Securities available through IPC Securities Corporation, a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund.

In our business experience is crucial,between us we have 112 years

Drop by our new of� ce location at221– 550 West Ave. Kelowna or call 250-712-1131

to arrange an appointment to meet with:

www.lakeside� nancialplanning.com

www.waller� nancial.com

IPC INVESTMENT CORPORATION

IPC SECURITIES CORPORATION

Doug Knight, CFP®, Certi� ed Financial Planner Kent Littleton, BA, Branch Manager

David Chase, Financial Advisor

Mike Waller, B.A, CFP, Investment Advisor

Over a long-term relationship we lead our clients through a comprehensive process, helping them to better manage their financial affairs and providing a road map for better decisions. With our disciplined approach, together we will assess your overall picture, analyse your options and continuously monitor progress towards your goals. We don’t just promise follow-up, we’ve got the sytems to deliver.

Whether you’re a business owner, executive, professional or entrepreneur, we’ll coach and guide you through the development of a strategy, both offensive and defensive, and help you to build the right habits. With over a century of combined experience among

our team of experts, we have the proven expertise to provide you with comprehensive investment, insurance and financial advice. We help you manage your income, increase your wealth, and identify and realize your financial goals. If you believe experience is too expensive, try letting an amateur manage your financials.

For more information on how we can help you make your dreams reality, let us arrange an initial consultation. Call 250.712.1131 or visit lakesidefinancialplanning.com.

Financial independence and peace of mind Lakeside Financial Planning


Now Open 7 days a week

• Safeaccesstoqualitymedicalcannabis 30+ flower strains, concentrates, edibles & topicals

• Non-Psychoactive,CBD-specificformulations

• Specializingincancerandpainmanagement

• Professional,invitingandcaringenvironment

• Physicianonsitebyappointment

• Individualconsultationandseminars

0426 RPGP RN Individualized Program Ad - Desne Hall - Size 7.25in Wide x 4.875in High - CMYK - 03 Press Ready PDF

Edited and Formatted only by Gary Leung 2014 604 267 2113

White knights on wheelsKelowna Cycle



When Silver Star Mountain opened for the 1957-58 ski season, all the talk was the new day lodge, a two-story A-frame structure tucked in the upper village just off a run now known as Chalet Alley. From almost anywhere on the hill, you could see smoke billowing above its snow-capped triangle rooftop. Inside, skiers warmed their wool-socked feet by the fire, played a round or two of canasta, and ate ham sandwiches wrapped in parchment paper. Life at “The Star” was good.

Nearly 60 years later, that day lodge has become one of the most popular places to stay at Silver Star, in part because The Pinnacles Suite Hotel still captures the spirit of the early days. You see it in the exposed wooden beams. You feel it in the rock fireplace of Suite 5. You hear it, the eager skiers of yesteryear, in your toes.

Thirty years after it was erected, a group of ski patrollers bought the day lodge as the resort was building a new one in the centre of the village. Over the next three years, the building was converted to a handful of suites that now make up the Central Lodge. Over time, an east wing of executive townhouses, the Pinnacles Slopeside, was added, and then a three-story west wing made up of three- and four-bedroom townhome style suites.

People came from near and far to stay at The Pinnacles, partly because it offered cosy, authentic, ski-in, ski-out lodging, and partly because of a man named Warren Burgess, a founding partner and the hotel’s only general manager until his retirement in 2011. Year after year, generation after generation, families made their annual journey to Pinnacles because of Burgess’s hospitality.

Today, with a new format of individually-owned suites, the landmark hotel still strives to be unlike most hotels. At The Pinnacles, you get to know people’s names. You don’t get charged for parking or coffee. You can pull board games like Monopoly or old movies like National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation from the shelf in the lobby. Barley, your Bernese mountain dog, is welcome to stay (and they’ve even got extra doggie bags).

While The Pinnacles also offers all the

amenities of modern hotels—wireless Internet, gourmet coffee and DVD players—it’s the chalet charm and unique location that usually turn first-time guests into annual visitors and even owners.

From your sundeck, you can soak in views of the vast Monashee Mountain Range, including the Pinnacles peaks after which the hotel is named, or catch the last shadows of skiers casting down slopes as they meet just outside the hotel. In all but three of the 18 suites, you can soak those leg muscles in your secluded balcony hot tub or just bask in the serenity of Silver Star, so far away from it all.

Some are lucky enough to call The Pinnacles home for a week, some are even luckier. Four two- and three-bedroom suites are still available for sale through RE/MAX realtor Don Defoe, each with the option to live year-round, lock and leave, or rent for extra income. Resident general manager and

artist Destanne Norris oversees these suites. “I love this hotel and Silver Star Mountain

life,” says Norris. “I so enjoy getting to know our guests, working with a great team, having stellar suppliers as well as suite owners, and being a part of the Silver Star community.”

Will you stay for the weekend or for years to come? Learn more at www.pinnacles.com.

New chapter for Silver Star iconTHE PINNACLES SUITE HOTEL

Nearly 60 years later, the original day lodge has become one of the most popular places to stay on the hill.

Original lodge.

Photos (middle/bottom) courtesy of M. Byskov



only parks of its kind in Western Canada. But this was a business they knew nothing about, so they hired Veronika Stevenson and SkyTrek Adventure Park was born.

“That is the story of how SkyTrek got start-ed,” says Rocky. “We just jumped over the cliff together and, with faith and good will, SkyTrek has become a well-oiled machine that works in tandem with The Enchanted Forest to thrill people with good old healthy exercise and adventure in the treetops, just as we set out to do so many years ago.”

Which has brought Rocky and Juliet to a new threshold in life. The couple now longs to adapt once more, this time to re-tirement. They’re looking for new owners to carry their hugely successful business into the future. SkyTrek Adventure Park is a thriving turnkey operation just wait-ing for its next dedicated owners. If this sounds like the adventure you’re looking for, contact Steve Daschuk at 250.550.4380.

Sky-high opportunitySkyTrek Adventure Park

Rocky and Juliet Ehlers know how to adapt. They first got into the business of captivat-ing visitors at their Enchanted Forest on the Trans Canada Highway near Revelstoke in 1988. At the time, the goal was spending more time with their three children, which was working out well until a massive wind storm four years later left their forest in a tangle. Where many people would have seen nothing but disaster, while working in the treetops to clear the mess, Rocky saw op-portunity—and the couple adapted again.

“We realized that if people only knew what it was like, this is where they’d want to be,” he says. “So we decided to put people right in the forest, to touch and feel the inside of a giant cedar stump, to be in a bear’s den. Our giant tree house doubled admission.”

And Rocky didn’t stop there. Next he wanted to build a canopy walk. By the spring of 2007, he and Juliet were in the aerial trekking adventure business, one of the

Rocky Ehlers tackles the treetops.

North Okanagan’s go-to garden & produce centreSwan Lake Nurseryland

When it comes to gardening in the North Okanagan, locals know they can trust the expert advice of Swan Lake’s knowledge-able staff. Our full retail garden centre features soils, fertilizers, seeds, trees, shrubs, flowers, and lawn and garden tools, while our landscape division provides commercial and residential land-scape design and installation.

We’re the go-to place for fresh produce year round, including or-ganic, locally sourced in season to support Okanagan growers. Don’t

miss our bakery and deli for fresh baked goods and daily lunch spe-cials, and stop by our floral shop.

We’re proud of our history as a locally owned independent retailer since our start as a small roadside stand in 1959. And we’re commit-ted to our community with contri-butions including the beautification of the highway entrance to Vernon, donations to service groups, winter carnival, and more. Visit us at www.myswanlake.com and stop in at 7920 Highland Road, just north of Vernon.

Swan Lake Nurseryland staff will help

you to find everything you need.

Learning and loving live theatreKelowna Actors StudioVoted best performing arts group every year since the company took to the stage in 2003, Kelowna Actors Studio (KAS) produces the world’s best-loved Broadway productions. This season’s line-up features The Addams Family: The Musical and August: Osage County. And tickets for the 2015/16 subscription season, featuring perennial favourites like Mary Poppins, are now on sale.

KAS is equally proud of its mission to present fun, challenging and enriching learning experiences for students of all ages. In addition to regular programming, watch for news on the Actors Studio Academy for Grades 10–12, starting in September 2015.

Learn more about our theatre productions, with traditional performance or popular dinner

theatre formats, arts education, and our new Orchard Park Mall community box office and concierge service at www.kelownaactorsstudio.com.

Mac Mackay (Jinx) in the smash hit Forever Plaid.



Peacock Sheridan Group, a local inde-pendent insurance and investment plan-ning firm, has moved to a new location in downtown Kelowna. When partners Brent Peacock and Grant Sheridan bought into the new SOLE Kelowna development at 1290 St. Paul Street, they were excited about the opportunity to design a space where their growing team of specialists and support staff could work together to provide the very best client experience.

Peacock Sheridan Group is a wealth manage-ment and insurance firm that builds strategic wealth, business and estate plans for business owners, incorporated professionals and suc-cessful families. Their team of respected finan-cial advisors, including Rusty Bracken, Greg Carter, Allan Hryniuk, Doug Deschner and Marc Gaucher, follow the simple but important philosophy of identifying and understanding the client’s situation (their issues, problems and opportunities) before offering any advice.

“The partners of Peacock Sheridan are busi-ness owners and entrepreneurs,” says Brent.

“We have a great ability to assist others, in part, because we share with our clients the same drive and determination to build our business and help push ourselves to the next level.”

With an eye to the long term, Peacock Sheri-dan Group’s focus on planning gives clients a strong foundation. “We know that a client’s needs will evolve over the years, but with solid financial direction, one can respond effectively to challenges and opportunities as they present themselves,” says Grant. “We help our clients to clarify and crystallize their financial objectives, as well as their life and family goals. With this high level of understanding, we are better posi-tioned to identify and recommend the resourc-es and solutions that ultimately matter most.”

This same attitude extends to the company’s long-standing support of the community at

large, providing sponsorship for the Kelowna Rockets, Kelowna Chiefs Hockey Club and other local sports teams. PSG is proud to have sponsored the Kelowna General Hos-pital’s Heart of Gold Gala, and believes in our community and supporting the endeav-ours of other non-profit organizations.

A similar winning attitude extends throughout the team of advisors and among the staff of Renata Irvine, Michelle Muhlbach, Tracy Turcotte, Darcy Letendre, Joanne Valcourt and Sasha Carter.

We consider it a privilege to be a trusted resource for our clients, and look forward to expanding our services and areas of ex-pertise in our new space. We look forward to seeing you at our new location, 314-1290 St. Paul Street in downtown Kelowna. To learn more, please call 250. 869.1451 or visit www.peacocksheridan.com.

New home for insurance and investment firmPEACOCK

SHERIDAN

GROUP

Grant Sheridan (L) and Brent Peacock (R).

Inside the new SOLE location.


okanaganlife.com/awards • 250.861.5399

Framing options are available for purchase in the Okanagan Life Store.

BEST OF THE OKANAGAN AWARDS

Double-Up: Digital With Print From the iPad edition to new interactive print, the reach of Okanagan Life has extended into the digital sphere. Scan our magazine pages to find interactive content: audio, video or online reservations. Download the current issue on your tablet or visit okanaganlife.com for the latest event, wine and lifestyle news.

Okanagan businesses can extend their marketing reach for a full year with print, web and email ads, plus an article on your business. Call us.

ADVERTISEMENT

Master builder unveils Tower Ranch specialDilworth Homes

“Recognized as one of the top builders in the Okanagan by readers of Okanagan Life Magazine, Dilworth Homes is a consistent winner of Tommie Awards.”

INTERACTIVE PRINT

okanaganlife.comYour ad here

Yourad here

WEB

Andrew Allen scans the December Okanagan Life to hear the pages sing. Need the app? Download Junaio and scan this page to open the Okanagan Life channel.

DIGITALEDITION

2014

BEST OF THE OKANAGAN VALLEYWIDE

WINNER

Your Company

okanaganlife.com/advertising 250.861.5399

Print & Digital

2 for 1 ~ in the Wine Issue


A lot can happen in twenty-one years. Twenty-one years ago, the BC Junior Hockey League Interior Championship was taken by the Kelowna Spartans; OJ Simpson surprised the world with his infamous car chase; and gas cost us an (at the time, startling) 50 cents a litre. There is no question that 1994 was an exciting year, and it was also the year that the Kelowna Vein Clinic and Laser Centre first opened on Tutt Street in Kelowna. Fast forward twenty years, and the Kelowna Vein Clinic and Laser Centre has changed just as much as the rest of the world. Now called DermMedica, the practice has developed in many ways, including through a move from its old location to a new one right in downtown Kelowna.

For the last six years, DermMedica has had Dr. Craig Crippen at the helm. Dr. Crippen has bolstered the clinic’s reputation and utility to the community by pioneering and adapting some of the most exciting new treatments available. A family physician by trade, Dr. Crippen chose to devote his time to medical as well as cosmetic vein and skincare treatments for the people of the Okanagan. With degrees from the University of Ottawa, the University of Western Ontario, the University of Manitoba and Cardiff University in Wales, Dr. Crippen’s extensive training shows in his meticulous work and his dedication to his practice and patients.

“Something that sets DermMedica apart from other BC skincare clinics is that it is a true medical facility,” notes Dr. Crippen, who is licensed by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia. Dr. Crippen has achieved a significant amount of additional expertise in the areas of venous disease, laser medicine, aesthetics, and skin cancer. Some of Dr. Crippen’s more recent training includes the American Board of Laser Surgery (ABLS) and Primary Care Skin Cancer Surgery (University of Queensland). In addition to this ongoing training, Dr. Crippen also sits on the Dermatology Committee as the BC and Alberta representative at the College of Family Physicians of Canada. This committee was formed to help

promote dermatology education for other family physicians across the country.

DermMedica has been at the forefront of many medical innovations over the last few years. This year alone, Dr. Crippen has been advocating the effectiveness of CoolSculpting and the Vbeam laser platform. CoolSculpting is an alternative to liposuction that assists in the removal of stubborn fat pockets on the body. This frees patients from any post-procedure downtime and offers a painless option to get rid of unwanted fat, allowing patients to say goodbye to stubborn “muffin tops” and “love handles” that a proper regime of diet and exercise cannot sufficiently combat. The gold-standard Vbeam laser

treats common conditions like visible veins, birthmarks, rosacea and other skin disorders more comfortably than ever before.

Dr. Crippen certainly isn’t slowing down on innovative new treatments, and has just recently started Live Well Kelowna, a lifestyle blog which is aimed to get more people in Kelowna interested in their overall health and skincare by offering tips, tricks, and resources.

You can visit the new blog at www.DermMedica.ca/lifestyle, or Dr. Crippen at his conveniently-located clinic at 1626 Richter Street, suite #200, in Kelowna. New patient appointments and consultations are always welcome.

Leading edge care for the health of your skinDermMedica

“Something that sets DermMedica apart from other BC skincare clinics is that it is a true medical facility.”

Dr. Crippen performing a laser treatment.

DermMedica’s state of the art medical facility.



Ashton’s Floor Covering Centre#1371C 10th Ave SW Salmon Arm, [email protected]

Ashton’s Floor Covering Centre#124 Chase StreetChase, [email protected]

BJ Design InteriorsSicamous, BC250-833-6986www.bjdesigninteriors.com

Fitz Flooring#4 9992 Arrow RoadInvermere, BC250-342-6649www.fitzflooring.com

Kara Coupland Interior DesignKamloops, [email protected]

Ramco Floor & Tile#100-1979 Windsor RoadKelowna, [email protected]

Nufloors Vernon#102, 4708-34St.Vernon, [email protected]

True Colours Paint & Window Coverings103-1397 Fairview RoadPenticton, [email protected]

You could

WIN 1 of 4 $25,000 VACATIONSEnter at

hunterdouglas.ca

Contest runs from January 1st to April 30th, 2015. Visit hunterdouglas.ca for full contest rules and regulations. No purchase necessary.

You could

Contest runs from January 1st to April 30th, 2015. Visit hunterdouglas.ca for full contest rules and regulations. No purchase necessary.

AD DirectoryBohemian Café & Catering 35

Boyd Autobody & Glass 34

Central Okanagan Counselling Services 39

Country RV 17

Crowe MacKay 15

DermMedica 3

Harmony Homes 33

Harvest Golf Club, The 37

Herbal-Health Centre, The 39

Hillside Winery • Bistro 27

Home Smart Projects 35

Hunter Douglas 45

Jane Hoffman GroupColdwell Banker Horizon Realty 4

Kekuli Bay Cabinetry 17

Kelowna Actors Studio 27

Kelowna Cycle 21

Knifewear 27

Lakeside Financial Planning 33

Lakestone Estates 47

MNP LLP 29

Nourish Kelowna 29

Okanagan College Foundation 2

Peacock Sheridan 22

Royal Anne Hotel 29

Shuswap Lake Estates 34

SkyTrek Adventure Park/Enchanted Forest 33

Swan Lake Nurseryland 34

The Creeks 48

The View Winery 19

TomTar Roofing & Sheet Metal 31

Westwood Fine Cabinetry 15

Winmar Property Restoration 37


It’s in the bag Whether you travel for business or leisure, you’re bound to get a sense of “been there, done that,” from this story

“What do you mean I’m only allowed one bag?” I asked the check-in counter clerk at the Cathay

Pacifi c counter in the Hong Kong airport. “Th e website said two bags, fi ft y-fi ve pounds each.”

“I’m sorry, madam. Th e Dragon Air fl ight to Kathmandu allows only one bag per person,” she said.

“My second bag is full of school supplies for Nepali children in a remote village,” I countered, in my best authoritative former elementary school princi-pal voice. “I’m taking it and I’m not paying extra.”

“One bag only,” she repeated. She paused and looked straight at me, her frustration evident in her wrinkled brow. I politely but fi rmly stared her down. “One moment, please,” she said and walked away from the counter.

My mistake: stopping over for three days in Hong Kong. Apparenty Dragon Air, the Cathay Pacifi c affi liate I was fl ying to Kathmandu, only permits two bags on immediately connecting fl ights. No stopovers allowed. Who knew? Not me. Nowhere was it mentioned on the website.

I waited, worrying about how I’d get the school sup-plies to Kathmandu on time for my two-week volunteer English-teaching stint in Nepal’s Ratmate village.

Th e clerk fi nally returned to the counter. Without a word of explanation or request for my Visa card, she checked both bags. “Enjoy your fl ight,” she said, and I did, despite guilty thoughts around the possibility of my extra bag dragging down the plane somewhere over the Himalaya.

Who makes these rules, anyhow? Are they

ever followed? Apparently it’s sometimes a judg-ment call, and sometimes it’s who you know.

Several months later, leaving Kathmandu for the return Hong Kong stopover, I was helped by a new friend, who happened to be the airport services manager for Dragon Air.

“Come with me,” he said, taking my arm and escort-ing me out of the economy class lineup. Not only did he check in both my heavy duffl e bags, souve-nirs and gift s now fi lling the gap left by school sup-plies, he bumped me to business class. Apparently rules are made to be broken. No complaints or worries this time.

Recently at the Kelowna airport I stood behind a gigantic man the size of an NFL linebacker. His large duffl e bag was judged to be just under the allowed weight limit and he was ushered ahead. I waited, all 110 pounds of me, nervously fi dgeting because I thought my checked bag was fi ve pounds overweight. As it happened, I also narrowly passed the weigh scale test. But then my sense of justice kicked in. At a rough guess, I’d say the linebacker and his bag outweighed me and my bag by three times—and I bet his pockets were full of heavy stuff , too: change, iPhone, you know, guy stuff . Was any of that taken into consideration?

I have a proposal for airlines. Weight allow-ances should be based on the total weight of passenger and bags. No exceptions. And don’t even get me started on carry-on.

At a rough guess, I’d say the linebacker and his bag outweighed me and my bag by a good three times.

REARVIEWBy Patti Shales Lefkos


Okanagan LifeClient: Macdonald Development Project: LakestoneDimensions: 8.38” x 10.88” (+.15” bleed)Insertion Date: March 2015CMYK

Sales Centre: 9295 Okanagan Centre Rd W., Lake Country, BC

LAKESTONELIVING.COM 1 877 766 1213

This is not an offering for sale. Such an offering can only be made by way of a disclosure statement. The developer reserves the right to make changes to drawings, plans, specifications and prices without notice. Prices do not include GST. E&OE.

LAKEVIEW HOMESITES FROM THE LOW $200,000s

COME HOME. BUT QUICKLY.Only 16 minutes from Kelowna Airport or 25 minutes from downtown and you’re home. To views that last forever. But don’t wait - the final phase of Lakestone’s premier Waterside neighbourhood is now selling.

The Creeks offers a premium choice of lots in the Upper Mission. Surrounded by nature, The Creeks ridge lots feature an unobstructed view of the lake while backing onto parkland. These large ridge lots provide you with enough room for a pool and a three bay garage. Our third and final phase includes large view lots situated on two coveted cul-de-sac locations also backing onto parkland. Don’t miss this great opportunity to design your custom home and use any builder of your choice. Interior lots at The Creeks are now selling starting at $209,500. Whether you prefer a walkout lot or a flat lot, several of our interior lots boast tremendous views of

downtown Kelowna and the Lake.

LARGE LOTS AND

UNOBSTRUCTED LAKE VIEWSINTERIOR LOTS STARTING AT $209,500

250 764 4694 • THE CREEKS KELOWNA.CA

NEW SALES CENTRE & SHOW HOME OPENING MARCH 2015 AT 5730 MOUNTAINSIDE DRIVELiving in Nature’s Backyard

PHASE 2 RIDGE LOTS 75% SOLD OUT • NOW SELLING PHASE 3

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

The Creeks_Ok_Life_Full_Pg.pdf 1 2015-03-02 11:00 PM

progress 2015

Documents