Ottawa renews $30 million in loans for women entrepreneurs
The federal government is renewing $30 million in funding for a national loan program that helps women start or expand businesses, with loans of up to $50,000 available through participating nonprofit organizations.
Canada reports more than 5,400 wildfires and 33,750 evacuees in 2026
More than 5,400 wildfires burned approximately 4.5 million hectares across Canada in 2026, forcing more than 33,750 people from their homes, according to an October 15 update from Public Safety Canada.
Federal budget to be tabled November 5 as economic growth slows
The federal government will table its 2026 budget on November 5, Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne announced October 20, as Canada's parliamentary budget watchdog projects slower economic growth and continued federal deficits.
Ottawa announces national heat-pump rebates of up to $10,000
The federal government has announced a new national heat-pump rebate program offering up to $10,000 to eligible lower-income households and $2,000 to other eligible homeowners to help cover the cost of switching to electric heating.
Federal government seeks feedback on changes to charity rules
Registered charities and other Canadians have until December 3 to provide feedback on possible changes to the federal rules governing charitable organizations, including registration, reporting and compliance requirements.
Ottawa announces new rules to reduce federal regulatory costs
Federal regulators will be required to offset $2 in new regulatory costs to businesses for every $1 added under a new federal directive scheduled to take effect December 31.
Kelowna reports structural and aquatic construction progress at Parkinson Recreation Centre
Structural steel and mass-timber construction at Kelowna's new Parkinson Recreation Centre is nearing a major milestone, while work on the building's swimming pools and mechanical systems continues, according to the city's October 20 construction update.
Canada's inflation rate rises to 3.1% in September as gasoline prices climb
Canada's annual inflation rate rose to 3.1 per cent in September, up from 3.0 per cent in August, as higher gasoline prices pushed up the cost of living, according to Statistics Canada.
Okanagan elections bring new mayors and tight races across the valley
Voters across the Okanagan elected new mayors in several communities on October 17, unseating incumbents in Vernon, Armstrong, Enderby and Penticton, while preliminary results showed narrow contests in Lake Country and Peachland.
RDOS board approves comprehensive review of fire services
The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) Board of Directors has approved a comprehensive review of its fire services, with an independent consultant expected to examine current operations and make recommendations to guide future decisions.
The travelling pants: Nanaimo RCMP solve mystery after box falls off truck
The curious case of Nanaimo's travelling pants has been solved, with police revealing that several pairs of tactical trousers had quite literally fallen off the back of a truck.
West Kootenay election results: Trail elects new mayor, close races for regional directors
Trail has elected a new mayor, preliminary results show a change of leadership in Castlegar, and several regional district directors are trailing challengers following the October 17 local elections across the West Kootenay.
Castlegar RCMP confirm missing woman found deceased
A 41-year-old woman who was reported missing in Castlegar more than six weeks ago has been found deceased, according to an update issued by Castlegar RCMP on Thursday, Oct. 15.
East Kootenay election results bring new mayors and two seven-vote contests
Voters across the East Kootenay elected new municipal leaders Saturday, Oct. 17, with preliminary results showing changes in Cranbrook, Kimberley, Fernie and Elkford, while two contests elsewhere in the region were separated by just seven votes.
Man arrested after alleged knife incident involving youths in Tumbler Ridge
A man is in police custody following an incident in which he allegedly displayed a knife toward several young people in Tumbler Ridge over the weekend.
Free one-on-one recovery support available for Bald Range wildfire households
Households that lost their homes in the Bald Range wildfire can access free, one-on-one assistance with housing, financial support applications and recovery planning through a service announced by the District of Summerland on Oct. 19.
Nine new pickleball courts open at Kelowna’s Glenmore Recreation Park
Nine new outdoor pickleball courts opened at Glenmore Recreation Park on Oct. 8, expanding public recreation facilities in north Kelowna as construction continues on other parts of the park.
RDOS doubles free radon test kits to 400, opens registration in five electoral areas
The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen is offering 400 free residential radon test kits this fall, doubling the number available through its participation in a national testing program last year.
Rossland voters head to polls Saturday to elect mayor and six councillors
Rossland voters will elect a mayor and six city councillors on Saturday, October 17, with polls open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at City Hall.
More than 11,000 Kelowna voters cast ballots as final advance voting day approaches
More than 11,000 ballots have been cast in Kelowna's 2026 municipal election, with one advance voting day remaining before residents head to the polls on Saturday, October 17.