Royal LePage Place Arena in West Kelowna has been converted into a group lodging facility for people displaced by wildfires affecting communities across the region.

An area restriction is now in effect around the Poplar Creek wildfire, approximately 20 kilometres northwest of Meadow Creek.

The BC Wildfire Service estimates the fire, identified as N71253, at 53 hectares.

An area restriction is now in effect around the 145-hectare Jumbo Creek wildfire, approximately 38 kilometres west of Invermere.

The BC Wildfire Service said the restriction was imposed immediately to protect the public and crews responding to the fire, identified as N21071.

Twenty-eight affordable rental homes are opening in downtown Penticton, with priority given to Indigenous families, individuals, seniors and Elders with low to moderate incomes.

A temporary connection between two North Okanagan water systems will provide reclaimed water to agricultural properties facing continued drought conditions.

The City of Vernon and Regional District of North Okanagan have connected Vernon’s reclaimed water system to the regional district’s non-potable irrigation network serving the Bella Vista and West Swan Lake area.

Construction is underway at Kootenay Lake Hospital to prepare its medical imaging department for a new CT scanner expected to begin operating in December.

More Interior Health programs have returned to the Nelson Community Health Services Centre, six months after water damage forced the facility to close and relocate services across the city.