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July 08.2025
3 Minutes Read

Last Chance for Kelowna Residents to Shape the New Rutland Park Design

Empty field in Rutland for potential park development.

Community Connection: Your Voice Matters

Kelowna residents have only a few days left to share their thoughts and ideas on the exciting development of a new park in Rutland. As the design phase takes shape, the city is eager to incorporate community input into both the new Aurora Park and enhancements to the existing Rutland Lions Park. This is your chance to influence how these green spaces will serve as vital links for recreation and social connection in our neighborhood.

The Vision for Aurora Park

The proposed Aurora Park promises to be a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Nestled between Aurora Crescent and Froelich Road, the park will feature diverse amenities that cater to families, individuals, and pets alike. Keith Pinkoski, the senior project landscape architect, emphasizes the importance of parks in fostering community ties. "Parks have a profound impact on the health and well-being of our residents," he states. Amenities being suggested include a hillside playground, community garden, and dog run, which align perfectly with community wellness and engagement aspirations.

Enhancing Rutland Lions Park: Feedback Wanted

In addition to the new park, the city is also seeking feedback on upcoming improvements to Rutland Lions Park. As a cornerstone for local activities, the park is set to receive enhancements that will make it even more accessible and enjoyable. Proposed features include well-lit pathways for evening strolls, a dog run, and even disc golf—activities that not only promote physical health but also create space for social gatherings and connections.

Why Your Input is Important

Gathering insights from the community allows city planners to shape these parks in a way that resonates with the needs and desires of its residents. As Pinkoski notes, capturing the community's needs is essential for impactful design. Having the opportunity to express what you want in your local parks enables a sense of ownership and pride among residents.

How to Share Your Voice: A Quick Guide

Participating in this initiative is as easy as clicking a button. To have your thoughts included in the design process, residents can take part in an online survey available until Sunday, July 13. The survey is a user-friendly platform allowing you to express your ideas freely, ensuring that every voice is heard. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the community’s well-being!

Engaging with Local Media: Stay Informed

Residents interested in these developments can stay connected through local news platforms. Engaging with independent media like KelownaNow not only keeps you informed but also helps foster a community spirit that celebrates grassroots initiatives. Your support can help sustain local journalism, which is vital for sharing stories that matter to you. Consider subscribing to their daily newsletter for continuous updates on community events and initiatives.

Final Thoughts: Having a Say in Your Community

The new park proposals present an exciting opportunity for Kelowna residents to actively participate in shaping their community. The deadline is fast approaching, so take a moment now to provide your insights and help craft a space where everyone can connect, play, and thrive. We need your voice to help shape the future of these vital community hubs!

Okanagan Life

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07.09.2025

Purdys Chocolatier Expands Distribution Amidst Rising 'Buy Canadian' Trend

Update Understanding the Impact of the 'Buy Canadian' Movement Purdys Chocolatier, beloved for its rich history and artisan chocolates, has recently made a groundbreaking decision: to sell its products outside its stores for the first time in 118 years. This strategic pivot comes in response to a significant upswing in demand influenced by the growing 'Buy Canadian' movement. As reports indicate, a shift in consumer sentiment has led to increasing interest in locally produced goods, especially amid tariff tensions affecting various international trade agreements. Remarkable Consumer Response and Market Strategy Kriston Dean, Vice-President of Marketing and Sales at Purdys, noted that the company noticed a dramatic increase in online engagement since tariffs began to rise. Website traffic soared by over 200%, complemented by a staggering 300% surge in searches around the brand's Canadian origins. Such statistics signal an evolving consumer mindset that increasingly values homegrown products over international alternatives. In a recent season, Purdys experienced a remarkable 25% rise in new customers during Easter compared to the previous year, a clear indicator of the market's appetite for Canadian-made delights. Strategic Collaborations: A New Distribution Channel To capitalize on this unprecedented demand, Purdys has partnered with Pattison Food Group, enabling its products to reach a wider audience through Save-On-Foods grocery stores in Western Canada. This approach not only strengthens Purdys’ market presence but also equips consumers with greater accessibility to quality chocolates that echo their preferencing for Canadian craftsmanship. The partnership reflects a broader trend in the food industry, where local brands aspire to partner with established distribution networks to gain market traction. Embracing Trends: Sustainability and Localization This development aligns with a broader societal shift towards sustainability and localized products. Many consumers today are not just interested in the quality of goods but prioritize how and where these goods are produced. It reflects a growing consciousness about environmental impacts, ethical sourcing, and the economic implications of purchasing decisions. Purdys' new strategy resonates with consumers eager to support local businesses, especially during these turbulent times influenced by global uncertainties. Predictions for Future Growth in the Chocolate Industry As Purdys ventures into grocery stores, it sets a precedent for other Canadian brands contemplating similar paths. The success of their initiative could inspire more local businesses to seek partnerships that enhance their visibility and access to consumers. Future trends suggest that brands homing in on ethical production and community-focused practices will continue to thrive, particularly as younger generations increasingly become conscious consumers. Challenges Ahead and Consumer Expectations Even as Purdys embraces this new chapter, challenges remain. The competitive landscape of retail, especially in the food industry, requires continuous innovation and adaptive strategies. As they expand, Purdys will need to ensure that quality and brand integrity remain paramount in their expansion strategies. Customer expectations around product quality and sourcing intricacies are at an all-time high, making it vital for the brand to maintain its commitment to excellence. Final Thoughts: The Canadian Sweet Tooth? The growing preference for Canadian-made goods presents an opportunity for businesses like Purdys Chocolatier to redefine their market strategies. In celebrating Canadian craftsmanship and heritage, Purdys not only caters to consumer demand but also strengthens its brand identity and community engagement. As the company embarks on this new chapter, it has the potential to transform the local chocolate scene, uplifting both the local economy and the Canadian spirit. In a time where brand loyalty is intricately linked to values, Purdys stand as an exemplar in leveraging consumer sentiment for significant growth. This evolution brings hope and excitement to Canadian consumers who are passionate about supporting their local brands.

07.09.2025

New Inclusive Play Features at Strathcona Beach Park Redefine Joy for All

Update Inclusive Outdoor Fun: A Joy for All Ages On July 8, 2025, Kelowna made a significant leap towards inclusivity with the unveiling of three new play features at Strathcona Beach Park. These additions are more than just play structures; they are a heartfelt reflection of the community’s commitment to ensuring that all children, regardless of their abilities, can enjoy the joys of outdoor play. As Mayor Tom Dyas aptly noted, the new play structures embody the philosophy that Kelowna’s parks and public spaces are intended for everyone. What’s New at Strathcona Beach Park? The newly opened features include the Hedra Scout accessible play structure, a We-Go-Round wheelchair-compliant carousel, and a sensory play center equipped with interactive touch panels. Funded through a partnership between the City of Kelowna and the KGH Foundation’s Kiwanis Legacy Fund Endowment (KLFE), these installations are designed specifically for children aged two to five. This thoughtful approach to play ensures younger visitors can explore and engage in ways that are safe and accessible for them. The Spirit of Community Collaboration The KGH Foundation’s involvement highlights a powerful aspect of this project: community collaboration. Wendy Falkowski, chair of the KLFE, emphasized that the project mirrors the essence of Kiwanis, creating opportunities for flourishing regardless of individuality or ability. This inclusive ethos not only beautifies Strathcona Beach Park but also reinforces the community sentiments surrounding the joy of play for all children—a sentiment echoed by Allison Young, CEO of the KGH Foundation, who pointed out how important these features are for building familial connections. Past Transformations and Future Visions The play structures are part of a larger ongoing enhancement of Strathcona Beach Park, which saw the introduction of a more extensive play tower in 2023, demonstrating the City’s commitment to creating vibrant public spaces that thrive with life and activity. Dyas mentioned, “We are proud to support vibrant outdoor spaces that bring our community together,” affirming a focus on fostering inclusive environments where families can gather and create lasting memories. Connecting Our Communities The opening of these inclusive play structures presents not just a recreational opportunity, but a catalyst for deeper community connection. Outdoor play is essential for childhood development; it promotes not only physical health but also emotional well-being through social interactions and play-based learning. One can only imagine how cherished memories will be created in this welcoming atmosphere, benefiting parents, caregivers, and children alike. Embracing Diversity and Inclusion in Our Parks While the new play features at Strathcona Beach Park set an admirable benchmark for inclusivity, they also serve as a vital reminder of the necessity of accessible recreational spaces throughout all public areas. The evolving landscape of community parks can further inspire similar initiatives across other cities, sparking conversations about accessibility in playground design and the importance of embracing diversity within public spheres. A Call to Action for Inclusivity As residents of Kelowna and surrounding areas, there is a unique opportunity to engage with local initiatives aimed at inclusivity in public spaces. Supporting such projects not only champions children's health and wellness but also strengthens community bonds. As Strathcona Beach Park leads the way, we can reflect on how every investment in inclusive infrastructure is an investment in our collective future. Next time you visit Strathcona Beach Park, take a moment to appreciate these new features. Consider how you might actively participate in efforts to promote inclusivity in other parts of our community. Your voice and action matter—together, we can enable every child to experience the joy of play.

07.08.2025

How 10-Year-Old Jake Apricity Hetherington is Changing the Arts Landscape

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