Special Features - Best of Kelowna 2015

CAPITAL news

WINING & DINING HEALTH, BEAUTY & STYLE

SPORTS ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

DIGITAL LOCAL GOODNESS

OTHER GOODS & SERVICES

Spring 2015 | Best of Kelowna 3

250.765.81005830 Old Vernon Road, Kelowna, BC V1X 7V2

www.BarknFlyOnline.comgeneral@barkn yonline.com

DOG DAYCARE & BOARDING

OUR LUXURY SERVICES INCLUDE:

Dog daycare and boarding

Cat daycare and boarding

All the amenities of home including televisions and custom made pet furniture

Enhanced climate control including in oor heating and air ltration system

Largest outdoor play area

Separate indoor outdoor play areas

Grooming services - u bathe, we bathe and nail trim

Pet taxi

Retail specialty store

24 hour security and monitoring

Fully staffed and all staff are pet rst aid certi ed

Thank You Kelowna for your vote once again

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WINING AND DINING ...................... 5-12 BAKERY BEST PLACE TO EAT AT BIG WHITE BREAKFAST BURGER CATERER CHEAP EATS CHINESE COFFEE FINE DINING ICE CREAM OR FROZEN YOGURT INDIAN JAPANESE LOCAL CHEF MEXICAN PATIO PIZZA PLACE TO BUY WINE, BEER OR SPIRITS PUB ROMANTIC DINNER SEAFOOD STEAK THAI VEGETARIAN WINERY

HEALTH, BEAUTY, AND STYLE ....... 13-16 FITNESS TRAINER HAIRSTYLIST FOR MEN HAIRSTYLIST FOR WOMEN HEALTH PRACTITIONER MANICURE OR PEDICURE MENS CLOTHING PERSONAL COACH PLACE TO BUY JEWELLERY AND/OR ACCESSORIES SALON SPA WOMENS CLOTHING WORKOUT FACILITY YOGA YOGA INSTRUCTOR

SPORTS ......................................... 18-19BICYCLE SHOP FEMALE ATHLETE GOLF COURSE MALE ATHLETE SKI & SNOWBOARD SHOP SKI HILLS SPORTS TEAM

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT .............. 20-23ART GALLERY LOCAL ARTIST LOCAL BAND OR MUSICIAN ARTS COMPANY OR ORGANIZATION MUSIC VENUE NIGHTLIFE VENUE THEATRE GROUP

DIGITAL ......................................... 25-26 BICYCLE SHOP FEMALE ATHLETE GOLF COURSE MALE ATHLETE SKI & SNOWBOARD SHOP SKI HILLS SPORTS TEAM

LOCAL GOODNESS ....................... 27-30 PARK CAMPGROUND CUSTOMER SERVICE DOG PARK EVENT OR FESTIVAL HIKING TRAIL KELOWNA CITIZEN THAT DESERVES RECOGNITION - FEMALE KELOWNA CITIZEN THAT DESERVES RECOGNITION - MALE LOCAL CHARITY LOCAL ELECTED OFFICIAL LOCAL MEDIA LOCAL MEDIA PERSONALITY MIDDLE OR SENIOR SCHOOL PLACE TO TAKE A DATE PRIVATE SCHOOL RETIREMENT RESIDENCE WATERFALLS WEDDING VENUE

OTHER GOODS & SERVICES .......... 31-39AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE/MECHANIC BIG BOX STORE COMMUNITY FLOORING COMPANY FLORIST FURNITURE OR HOME DECOR HOME AND GARDEN STORE HOTEL OR RESORT LANDSCAPER MOTEL NEW CAR DEALER PET BOARDING OR KENNEL PET GROOMER PHOTOGRAPHER PLACE TO BUY A GIFT FOR A GIRL PLACE TO BUY A GIFT FOR A GUY POOL AND SPA COMPANY REALTORS RV DEALERS SMALL BUSINESS - RETAIL USED CAR DEALER VETERINARIAN CAR WASH DEVELOPMENT EQUIPMENT RENTAL EVENT PLANNER FINANCIAL SERVICES HOME BUILDER HOME RENOVATIONS HOME SERVICES INTERIOR DECORATOR LARGE BUSINESS EMPLOYER MEDIUM BUSINESS EMPLOYER MEMBERSHIP ORGANIZATION PET SERVICES & SUPPLIES PLACE TO STAY AT BIG WHITE SMALL BUSINESS EMPLOYER STAYCATION SPOT OUTSIDE OF KELOWNA BUT WITHIN 250 KM TIRE STORE TOURIST ATTRACTIONThe photograph on the front of the Best of Kelowna special section this year of Kelownas downtown core at the foot of Okanagan Lake was taken by Shawn Talbott. Talbott topped the Best of Kelowna poll for the second consecutive year as the best photographer in Kelowna, while the Kelowna downtown core was top dog as well the best community location to visit.

PublisherKaren Hill

Managing EditorBarry Gerding

Production DirectorTessa Ringness

Advertising ManagerKaren Hill

Production DesignersNancy BlowShayla Graf

Kiana Haner-WilkCourtney Larkan

Laura MillsipKelly Ulmer

EditorialMike StraussBarry Gerding

Account ExecutivesTracy Cole

Teresa Huscroft-BrownSheri JacksonBob LindsayRick Methot

Christine MouldMegan Munro

Al TomiakKimberley Vico

Front Page PhotoShawn Talbot (courtesy of

Tourism Kelowna)Best of Kelowna

is published by Black Press2495 Enterprise Way, Kelowna

Ph. 250-763-3212Fax. 250-862-5275

[email protected]

Distributed free to select households in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia. Reproduction

in whole or in part is prohibited. The publisher cannot be responsible

for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs.

CAPITAL news

Taking a moment to consider what we enjoy best about living in Kelowna, the public responded in droves again this year for the now third annual Best of Kelowna 2015 contest.

Started originally by Jim Csek, founder of the KelownaNow website (kelownanow.com), Best of Kelowna returns with the support of Excel Personnel Inc., the Kelowna Capital News and Bell Medias three Kelowna radio stations99.9 Sun FM, 101.5 EZ Rock and AM 1150!

The nomination period for the various contest categories opened April 6 to 24, and the actual voting for the eventual nominees was carried out from Monday, May 4, until Sunday, May 17.

Csek bases the contest on the tightly monitored principle of One Vote, Per Category, Per Person.

you could vote as a registered user (email registration) of the site or with a Facebook account, steps taken to ensure a fair vote.

E-mail addresses were used to send your voting information to you, and we may send out one or two reminders near the end of

voting if you havent finished. So you could vote as a registered user or

with your Facebook account, but if it was discovered that a voter has attempted to: (i) vote more than one time during the voting period; and/or (ii) use (or attempt to use) multiple names, identities and/or more than one (1) email address to vote, or otherwise participate, he/she could be disqualified from the competition and all of his/her votes may be disqualified.

Csek has said his intent from the beginning was and continues to be providing a popularity poll with voting credibility, not one where someone can sit at a computer or Smartphone and repeatedly vote as is the case in many other contests of this nature.

Weve all seen those types of contests in the past where someone sits at a computer all day just casting a vote by hitting a keyboard button, Csek said.

Some people complain about the voting limitations but I wanted it to be a legitimate vote, so to come out on top in a given category has a legitimate meaning.

Csek said the feedback from last year was

that businesses that were either winners or in a final top three for a given category saw it generate customer response.

I think there is interest from the public in these kinds of things, and it might help convince someone to try out a business or service just to see. In the end, though, its up to that business to ensure those customers keep coming back.

After expanding the field of categories last year from 74 to 85, contest watchers will notice this year many category vote getters defended their top rankings from last year, such as photographer Shawn Talbott, Train Station Pub, Knox Mountain Park, Club Penguin, hair salon Loyal Wooldridge and Moksha yoga.

And there are many newcomers outlined in the poll result pages of this Best of Kelowna 2015 special supplement.

ultimately, Csek hopes the third edition of Best of Kelowna retains his goal to create a community feel-good project that can be beneficial to local consumers, the business community and for tourists who come here looking for direction on how and where to spend their money.


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WINING AND DINING BROUGHTTO YOU BY

6 Best of Kelowna | Spring 2015

w w w . d u n n e n zi e s . c o m 2 5 0

. 7 6 3 . 2 4 2 0 Thank You!! K

aryn & Deb Thank You!! K

aryn & Deb Thank You!! K

aryn & Deb

Thank you Kelowna for all the

love and support you have shown

us since we opened DunnEnzies

5 years ago. While we celebrate

our 5th Year Anniversary, we truly

appreciate all our customers, staff

& business

associates that made us Kelownas

favourite pizza spot 3 years in a row

.

TO OUR VALUED CUSTOMERS FOR VOTI

NGTO OUR VALUED CU

STOMERS FOR VOTING

TO OUR VALUED CUSTOMERS FOR VOTI

NGTO OUR VALUED CU

STOMERS FOR VOTING

D UNNENZ I E S THE BES T P I Z ZA

I N TOWN !

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1559 Ellis Street Kelowna

, BC

Mon-Wed: 11-9pm | Thurs-Fri: 11-3A

M | SAT: NOON-3AM | SUN: 3PM-9PM

B

est BA

KERY

55555

5

BlissBakery

BreadCompany

Wood Fire Bakery

B

est BR

EAKF

AST

55555

5

Bohemian Cafe & Catering

The Jammery

Coras

55555

5

Snowshoe Sams Pub

The Woods Restaurant

Globe Cafe & Tapas

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BC Liquor Store

Metro Liquor

Discover Wines

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55555

5

Five Guys Burger & Fries

Triple Os by White Spot

Red Robin Restaurant

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5

Okanagan Street Food

Bliss Bakery

One Big Table

B

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EATS

55555

5

Mad Mango Cafe

Little Hobo Soup & Sandwich Shop

Latin Fiesta

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5

Asian Pear Buffet

Mekong Restaurant

Wok Inn Restaurant



The aim of the Codfathers Seafood Market in Kelowna is to provide a traditional fishmonger service to the Okanagan.

Codfathers take pride in offering a huge selection of fresh seafood, in peak condition, often day-boat caught and shipped every day from the coast, or air freighted from further away.

The business strives to be at the forefront of the Seafood industry in B.C. by encouraging sustainable harvesting of Seafood products, and promoting small artisanal fisheries.

That message is resonating with seafood enthusiasts in the Central Okanagan, apparent by Codfathers as the preferred place to buy seafood in the Best of Kelowna poll.

Codfathers has been open in Kelowna for nearly 25 years. Founded by the local Bishop family, the market has been owned and operated since 2002 by Jon and Anne-Marie Crofts, who emigrated from the south of England to the Okanangan.

The trade of fishmongery was fast becoming a dying art across Europe and North America, due to the rise of big box stores and bulk trade in seafood as a commodity.

Both Jon and Anne- Marie believe passionately that seafood should not be

treated as just another mass produced protein, and that it should have special status as one of the few remaininag foods that have to be hunted and gathered, sometimes at considerable risk to the fisherman.

The place for modern fishmongers in the world is to show these wild gems the respect that they deserve, and use their mongering skills to ensure that fish is presented and prepared to the highest standard, so that they make it to the plate in prime condition.

www.mekongrestaurant.com

1030 Harvey Avenue, Kelowna 250-763-80001030 Harvey Avenue, Kelowna 1030 Harvey Avenue, Kelowna

ChineseSzechuanCuisine

5555

Thank you KelownaPhone: 250-862-3517

www.bohemiancater.com

524 Bernard AvenueDowntown

Kelowna, BC

Heres Breakfast!...

Heres Lunch!...

and We Cater!...

Come experience our beautiful new patio

B

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55555

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Bean Scene

Starbucks

Tim Hortons

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55555

5

RauDZ

Quails Gate Estate Winery

Waterfront Wines Restaurant & Bar

The preferred place to buy seafood

Did you know: Once fish is

filleted, it begins to deteriorate immediately, sometimes up to 10 times faster than when it is whole on ice. Codfathers ships all of their fish whole wherever possible, using trained fishmongers in store to cut them at the last possible minute.

Fishmongers can prepare fish in a number of different ways to suit your cooking needs, so always check with your fishmonger if your particular cut is suitable for how you wish to prepare it.

Codfathers has a qualified (Red Seal) chef on staff to advise you on cooking techniques.

Codfathers also has a marine biologist on staff, who specializes in live shellfish.*

Codfathers will cook your crab or lobster for you, or fillet-prepare your large whole fish for no extra charge.

Many Codfathers products are traceable right back to the fishing vessel that caught them, information that is available on our shelf edge tickets..



VO T E D B E S T B A K E RY 2 C ON S E C U T I V E Y E A R S

Thanks (again) Kelowna.

Peachland Beach Ave + 13 StKelowna Ellis St + Cawston Av

blissbakery.ca

VOTED BEST BAKERY 3 YEARS IN A ROW...AND 2ND BEST CATERER!

bliss_thanks_ad_2015_vertical.indd 1 2015-06-04 3:15 PM

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55555

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MOO-LIX Ice Cream

Tickleberrys Ice Cream and More

Dairy Queen

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55555

5

Dawett Restaurant

Poppadoms - Taste of India!

Chutney Cuisine of India

B

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SE

55555

5

Momo Sushi Cafe

Bluetail Sushi & Bistro

O-Zeki Japanese Restaurant

B

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CHEF

55555

5

Rod Butters at RauDZ Regional Table

Lisa Cham,The Fixx Cafe

Mark Filatow at Waterfront Wines

B

est M

EXIC

AN

55555

5Hectors Casa Authentic Mexican Cuisine

Latin Fiesta

Fernandos

B

est P

ATIO

55555

5

Smack Dab

Hotel Eldorado

Earls On Top Restaurant

B

est PI

ZZA

55555

5

DunnEnzies Pizza Co.

Bordellos Italian Pizzeria

Mr. Mozzarella

B

est PU

B

55555

5

Train Station Pub

Brandts Creek Neighbourhood Pub

Doc Willoughbys Pub



WE CAWE CAWE CATERTERTERWE CATERWE CAWE CAWE CATERWE CATERWE CATERWE CAWE CAWE CATERWE CA

amazing amazing amazing TO THE MOSTTO THE MOSTTO THE MOST

PEOPLE!PEOPLE!PEOPLE!

1876 Cooper Rd., Kelowna778.436.8102

5555

Sparkling Hill Resort was built in 2010, targeted to become the premier wellness resort spa destination in North America.

Offering 149 luxury rooms and penthouses, 40,000 sq. ft. of state-of-the-art wellness facilities at KurSpa, and a breathtaking Okanagan Lake setting, Sparkling Hill Resort offers a range of amenities and services.

By combining a European-style approach to wellness hospitality with cutting-edge crystal architecture and

state-of-the-art spa facilities, Sparkling Hill provides guests with an extraordinarily

unique destination spa resort experience.

Sparkling Hill Resort is devoted to providing an unforgettable wellness experience at KurSpa for every one of its guests. Enjoy exclusive access to the seven unique aromatherapy saunas and steam rooms, experience showers, igloo, indoor pool complete with underwater music and starry Swarovski crystal sky, hot pool, outdoor infinity pool, Kneipp water therapy, Tea & Serenity Relaxation Rooms, and the

Keiser-equipped fitness studio.

KurSpa comes from the German word kur (which means healing) and spa (Latin for water) to

mean health by water, which epitomizes the philosophy behind Sparkling Hills

spa wellness retreats. Our Swarovski spa is the largest among spa hotels in British Columbia and considered by many to be the most unique in the world.

Comprised of over 40,000 sq. ft. of treatment space infused with our unique Swarovski crystal architecture, and offering 100+ innovative healing treatments, KurSpa provides guests with the wellness retreat of a lifetime. Our fully-planned spa vacations offer the chance to surrender to relaxation at Sparkling Hill. We invite you to one of the best spas in Canada to renew your mind, body, and spirit.

The resorts luxury guest rooms and penthouses are outfitted with Swarovski crystal fireplaces, welcome crystal light fixtures, and starry ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling window walls to let you enjoy the natural beauty of the Okanagan Valley.

All rooms feature stunning

Monashee Mountain or Okanagan Lake views and the window walls can be opened to instantly transform your room into an outdoor oasis and let fresh mountain air in. Relax in luxury two-person soaking tubs and walk-through showers with spectacular views.

Included in your room rate are such services as: Exclusive access to KurSpa pools, steam rooms, and saunas; full European-inspired hot breakfast for two at PeakFine Restaurant daily; Keiser-equipped fitness studio; Serenity and Tea Room access for rest and relaxation; wireless Internet; and valet underground parking.

Simplythe best.


Spring 2015 | Best of Kelowna 1110 Best of Kelowna | Spring 2015

Summer HarveSt table Dinner

Join us for an al fresco long-table dinner that combines locally sourced cuisine

and our world-class wines.Date: July 25, 2015

Tickets: $170 including tax and gratuity Reservations: 250-769-4451 ext. 236

B

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55555

5

Keg Steakhouse & Bar

RauDZ

Chop

B

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HAI

55555

5

Bai Tong Thai Food Restaurant

Mon Thong

Zabb

B

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EGET

ARIA

N

55555

5

Mad Mango Cafe

The Chopped Leaf - Orchard Plaza

Bohemian Cafe & Catering

B

est RO

MAN

TIC

DINN

ER

55555

5

RauDZ

Bouchons Bistro

Old Vines at Quails Gate

B

est W

INER

Y

55555

5


Summerhill Pyramid Winery

Gray Monk Estate Winery

B

est SE

AFOO

D

55555

5

Codfathers Seafood

Pilgrim & Pearl

RauDZ

RauDZrestaurant nominatedin several categories

It was an injured arm that got Rod Butters wielding a knife. Instead of heading off on a baseball scholarship in America, Rods professional sports ambitions were cut short.

He was forced to reflect on what appealed to him most in his life, to what he was drawn to from a very young age. And that was cooking. Even at age seven, his favourite thing to do was to get up before anyone else and make a pancake breakfast for his family.

Some career highlights include the Four Seasons Hotel group, Chateau Whistler Resort opening team and Pacific Palisades Hotel Vancouver. Rod then went on to open the world famous Wickaninnish Inn, Tofino as Chef de Cuisine in 1996. His innovative cuisine and high service standards quickly helped the Inns Pointe Restaurant attain the internationally recognized Relais & Chateaux designation.

So it should come as no

surprise that Rod Butters name and that of his restaurant, RauDZ, should be sprinkled among many of the dining categories in the 2015 Best of Kelowna poll.

The importance of Butters commitment to establishing regional B.C. cuisine has earned him international respect. Long before it became trendy to serve regional food, Butters has always been committed to this effort.

Its because of this and his talents as a chef at the top of his game that in 2007 his peers inducted Rod into the B.C. Restaurant Hall of Fame.

Butters is a member of the Canadian Culinary Foundation and has earned the WCC designation recognizing international culinary excellence from the World Association of Chefs Societies. He is also past president of the Okanagan Chefs Association.



Thank you Kelowna!

275 Bernard Ave., Kelowna250.763.8638 250.763.8600

5

Gluten Free, Vegetarian, Vegan & Delivery Available

By MIKE STRAuSSFor many siblings, starting

a business together can be a fools errand. But for sisters Tamara and Shannon Stone, its the foundation for success.

The two have been in real estate for 20 and 11 years respectively, and after over a decade of building a business together, the Stone Sisters have found a repeatable formula for success. The experienced realty group has once again been awarded a gold medal in the Best of Kelowna Awards Best Realtor category, making them the top real estate agency in Kelowna for the third year running.

Their secret to success? A combination of service, communication, and fun.

We never put our needs first, says Tamara. We put ourselves in the clients shoes, and if we dont think a house is a good fit for a buyer well advise them to avoid buying it.

The sisters also alternate evening and weekend shifts, she says, so that neither of them is too overworked.

Stone Sisters Group fi nds success thanks to strong family ties

Although the two are now working side-by-side and feel more in tune than ever, they werent always business partners.

Ive been in real estate for 20 years, Tamara says. Our parents started selling homes in the 1970s. Originally, they discouraged me from entering real estate they thought I was too young. I was 21 and I looked like I was 14.

The sisters learned negotiating skills around the

dinner table, Tamara says, and although her parents originally wanted her to finish her degree, theyre now very happy to see their legacy continuing.

Strong communication, great service, and a sense of

fun have propelled the Stone Sisters Group to collect three

Best of Kelowna Awards.



A key objective of the yMCA of the Okanagan is to help the communities they serve live healthier lives.

We try to create programs that can be accessible to all aspects of our population, from young to old, and create a comfortable environment for our members

to be more physically fit and healthier, said Kelley Taylor, senior manager of health fitness for the Okanagan yMCA.

That is a really big thing for us across the board at the y.

That message appears to be connecting with the residents the y serves, as the workout facilities at the H2O Aquatic Centre in the Mission, run by the Okanagan yMCA, and Kelowna Family y in Rutland were voted the top two workout facilities respectively in the Best of Kelowna workout facility category.

Taylor said she is thrilled to see that response to what the y has to offer, as it helps to reinforce the workout programs available and the environment of support that is an

objective to create for all y members. She said the ys goal is to help people develop healthy

workout habits that allows each person to exercise within the time constraints of their lifestyle, and not to solely rely on a

trainer or participating in a group class to get in shape. Coaching is very helpful and we provide those services

as well, but people can come to our facilities and do so many thingswe want to help people learn and understand the exercise habits that will work for them, said Taylor.

She said the community aspect is a natural outfall of the y serving its members and the volunteer tutors available to help people get on the right fitness track for them, whether it be yoga or dance classes to lifting weights or endurance fitness training.

We feel people generally want to feel part of a group or community, and not just be going to a gym when they take out a y membership, Taylor said. That is what our y brand is about, community. So our staff make a conscious effort to get to know our members on a first-name basis and give people that sense of community, of belonging.

She add that y members come in all shapes and sizes and ages, so the diversity of gym fitness programs reflects those demographics.

We are not just reaching out to a certain core group of people, we are here to help everyone with whatever they need to lead a healthy lifestyle, Taylor said.

Taylor added a management structural change has also helped now that both workout facilities at the Family y and H20 now fall under one management structure, as opposed to being operated independently of one another in the past.

Its a bit of a different approach from the past but it has allowed us to align the programs at both workout facilities in a more efficient and coordinated way, while recognizing that both facilities have and will continue to offer unique programs to each facility.

Live your lifehealthier

top w

orko

ut fa

ciliti

es

ORCHARD PLAZA250-860-6809

11 am - 11 pm DailyDINE IN TAKE OUT DELIVERY

LANDMARK V250-448-600911 am - 2:30 pm Daily

Book your private function!

We look forward to serving you soon. Joe

Thank You

Kelowna

www.monthong.ca

www.monthong.ca

5555

Exceptional Thai Cuisine$10 off

DOWNTOWN1573 ELLIS STREET

250-868-880911 am - 11 pm Daily

DINE IN TAKE OUT DELIVERY

when you order

two or moremain courses

(Coupon valid at any location)


Be the BESTyou can be

GOLD H2O Adventure + Fitness CentreBest Workout Facility

SILVER Kelowna Family YMCA Best Workout FacilityBest Customer ServiceBest Large Business Employer

Learn more about how the Y can help you achieve your best at ymcaokanagan.ca

Thank you for taking the time to vote for us.

HEALTH, BEAUTY & STYLE BROUGHTTO YOU BY


We are honored to once again be named Best Manicure and Best Pedicure and Best Spa

in the city of Kelowna!Thank You to Everyone who Voted for us!

ospakelowna.com#108-1912 Enterprise Way, Kelowna, BC | 250.712.1112

Bes

t HEA

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Best of Kelowna pollsters have brought attention to a unique feature of Peachlands Hardy Falls Regional Park.

The park has topped the list of the favourite waterfalls to check out in the Central Okanagan, which is a big part of the park along with the spawning river Deep Creek and a well maintained hiking trail from the park entrance to the waterfalls.

The walking path is a leisurely hike of about one kilometre into a boxed canyon setting, the path also being wheelchair accessible. The waterfall itself extends up about three metres, with small pool to splash around in during the summer.

Because of the fish spawning, the park is also a popular visiting spot for local bears along with Mission Creek Park, Mission Greenway, Bertram Creek Park and Rose Valley Regional Park.

Bruce Smith, spokesman for the Regional District of the Central Okanagan, cautions the public to be both vigilant and prepared to encounter bears at all those park locations.

If you see a bear, give it plenty of space and stay well away

from it, Smith said. To get to Hardy Falls Regional Park, travel south on

Highway 97 to Hardy Road on the south side of Peachland, and turn into the parking lot at the entrance to the park.

Hardy Falls can also be accessed along a hiking trail that leads to Antlers Beach Regional Park.

Peachland home to favourite waterfalls



LIVE DIFFERENT

Winning yet another award confirms our unwavering commitment to excellence does not go unrecognized. Stunning streetscapes, expansive parks and wildlife spaces, breathtaking views, a state-of-the-art elementary school, and beautiful, full-service Village Centre all reflect a standard of excellence rarely found in todays residential developments. We invite you to visit soon.

Lot Sales Kettle Valley Discovery Centre

5636 Jasper Way, Kelowna, BC V1W 5L7

t 250.764.2199 | [email protected]

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Winning Silver for Best Developmentmakes us feel like shouting from the rooftops!

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ThankYOUKelowna!

We appreciate all your support - nominations,votes, social media sharing and conversation!

Congratulations to all of this years Best of Kelowna winners


SPORTS

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Josh Gorges has received the distinction this year of being Kelownas most popular athlete in the annual Best of Kelowna poll.

It couples with another unique distinction for Gorges, a defenceman for the Buffalo Sabres, that being the only Kelowna born-and-raised hockey player to reach the National Hockey League.

And perhaps its fitting that the junior team which introduced Gorges to NHL scouts of his potential, the Western Hockey League Kelowna Rockets, continue to register as the most popular sports team in Kelowna.

Gorges story has become folklore in Kelowna junior hockey circles, standing as an example of perseverance that others have followed since in his footsteps. Gorges helped establish a winning tradition for the Rockets, one that has resulted in five Memorial Cup

appearances in the last 12 years.Gorges played his way through the

Kelowna minor hockey system and was undrafted as a bantam player in the Western Hockey League draft.

The Rockets invited Gorges to training camp as a tryout, and he surprisingly stuck with the team, rising to eventually become team captain and leading his team to its first Memorial Cup championship in 2004. The Rockets roster back then was littered with future NHLers including Shea Weber, Kyle Cumisky, Troy Bodie and Blake Comeau.

But as with the WHL scouts, the NHL largely overlooked Gorges as well, but he did sign a deal with the San Jose Sharks as a free agent.

He struggled to find his way initially in the Sharks system, shuffling between the clubs farm team and the NHL level between the 2004-05 and 2006-07 seasons before being traded to Montreal Canadiens, where he would play for seven

seasons before moving on to Buffalo Sabres in a trade last year, after refusing to waive his no-trade clause to be moved to Toronto Maple Leafs.

Today, Gorges is considered a top four defenceman for the Sabres, a leader on his team as he became with the Canadiens, a player who made the most of his ability, making up for his lack of size by becoming a solid defensive defenceman and a leader by example among his teammatesjust as he did during his days with the Rockets.

unique distinction for Gorges,

that the junior team which introduced appearances in the last 12 years.

Gorges played his way through the

way initially in the Sharks system, shuffling between the clubs farm team and the NHL level between the 2004-05 and 2006-07 seasons before being traded to Montreal Canadiens, where he would play for seven

seasons before moving on to Buffalo

Coming out on top

SPORTS

Spring 2015 | Best of Kelowna 19 Spring 2015 | Best of Kelowna 19

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have some of the more rare types of plants and animals. Its a pretty unique ecosystem.

And one that Wilson says the city is intent on protecting for the future, striving to effectively manage the environmental sustainability of the parks ecosystem against its continuing popularity as a recreation destination for everything from hiking to mountain biking.

Along with defending its top seeding last year as best park and best hiking trail in Kelowna, Knox Mountain Park added a new dimension this year as the location of the best dog park in the city.

At 331 hectares (766 acres), Knox Mountain is the citys largest park and one of it iconic outdoor activity destinations for locals and

tourists alike. It features an amazing

array of trails, native landscape and wildlife. A drive up Knox Mountain Road will also lead you to the dog park and also to of the best high vantage point viewing spots from the

south end of the city. In a profile of the park last

year, City of Kelowna parks manager Ian Wilson called Knox Mountain to Kelowna what Stanley Park represents to Vancouver.

Its kind of like Stanley

Park, Wilson said. Its right in the downtown core, a large natural park with a variety of trails and experiences to explore.

Its a very unique area, part of the Okanagan grassland habitat that is threatened throughout the valley. Our management plan set out a few years ago mapped out specific areas that

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ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT BROUGHTTO YOU BY

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We love you too Kelowna!Thanks for voting us #1!

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Quality equipmentAT A FAIR PRICE

Winn Rentals is a familiar brand that is often evident at any variety of construction jobs, business or residential, around Kelowna.

So it perhaps is no surprise the Best of Kelowna category for equipment rental choice saw Winn Rentals come out on top.

The company is locally owned and operated, in business in Kelowna since 1975, continuing to grow and expand along with the community.

The Winn Rentals business reputation in Kelowna has been based on a simple philosophy: Their customers deserve quality equipment combined with good service at a fair price.

Along with those 35 years of doing business in Kelowna has developed good knowledge of goods and servicesif Winn Rentals doesnt have it, the staff probably know where to find it.

The construction equipment Winn Rentals provide to its customers ranges from small homeowner tools to large contractor equipment.

Whether you are renovating your bathroom or building a brand new home, Winn Rentals, located at 910 McCurdy Road in Kelowna, can help make it easier with access to the proper rental equipment to save having to buy it.

Winn Rentals has qualified mechanics on staff specializing primarily in small engine and tool repair. They are knowledgeable in areas concerning compaction equipment (large and small), electric hammer drills, electric hand tools, Honda engines, cut-off saws, generators, heaters, pumps, and Hilti fasteners.



kelowna.ca/theatre

Thank You for making us the Best of Kelownas #1 Music Venue Again!

Celebrate with us! Enter to WIN: a pair of Tickets to select upcoming events.

By WARD WILLISON

When I was young and growing up in Kelowna, I was a skinny kid who got hurt a lot doing what boys used to be allowed to do. I got my first big injury at age 16.

The GP said I would never be able to lift my arm above my head again. The physio said differently; it took six months but it works just fine.

Since that time I have had doctors and specialists say all kinds of things about me that have not come true. However I still go to them on occasion and listen to them carefully because they did save my life once.

It was an educational kinesiologist and two housewifes at a lunch break in my first alternative therapy course that changed everything. I was hit by a car in 2001 and it really injured me. I spent the next 5+ years in 24 hour-a-day pain, unless I took a lot of medication, which sometimes I did. I

I went to four spinal specialists, several doctors, had dozens of x-rays, two canceled surgeries, hundreds and hundreds of chiro, physio and massage treatments and a wheelbarrow of medication.

But those three people in a conference room in Salmon Arm took all my pain away in about three minutes. Since then, I have dedicated myself to spend the rest of my life working on doing the same for others.

There is no way for me to list all the books, courses and people I have trained with. Education is as useful as what we can recall and use appropriately. However for those A type clients here is a list of what I can recall.

The biggest and most important reason my clinic All Body Care gets results is the education and love I have received from my teacher, Elisabeth Pazdzerski. The successes I have I credit to remembering what she told me, and when it does not work I take the blame for not remembering what she has told me.

I will forever be grateful for her kindness in teaching me. She has spent over 40 years working with some of the most difficult

medical cases you can imagine.At All Body Care, our clinical

philosophy is to integrate Oriental medical practices (acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutrition, Tui Na, etc.) with modern research and kinesiology to get measurable results in your health.

RateMDs has rated All Body Care as the best acupuncturist in Kelowna, coupled now with the Best of Kelowna category winner as best health practioner

Having done extensive internships, schooling, and thousands of clients, we have answers for many health challenges. From preventative health care, health maintenance, stress, sickness, trauma, disease, pre-race, pre-trip or pre-surgical care, we have treatments for those and many other things.

We are interested in the whole person; all your ailments, and all your concerns. This is a clinic where we deal with all of your challenges as we go forward in recovering your health or maintaining it. Each pain and symptom helps build a picture; the better the picture the better the results.

Our practices depend on why you arrived in our clinic. If you fell at the hockey game and hurt your shoulder, it is a very different process from treating an auto-immune illness.

While both people will receive a full treatment and homework, they are adjusted for each persons specific needs. We have the flexibility of practicing over 20+ different therapies in our clinic, which we fold into your treatments.

Live in today, unless you need to remember the combination to your gym locker spend very little time in the past. unless you are building your shopping list for camping. Spend very little time in the future. Do you best to enjoy now and you will be happier.

~ From allbodycare.com

philosophy is to integrate Oriental medical practices (acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutrition, Tui Na, etc.) with modern research and kinesiology to get measurable results in your health.

as the best acupuncturist in Kelowna, coupled now with the Best of Kelowna category winner as best health practioner

schooling, and thousands of clients, we have answers for

Providing answers to many health challenges



Day 1 - Surrounded by students. Their energy is contagious.

Day 124 - Met a colleague cycling to work. Finished the ride together.

Day 68 - Attended a fascinating lecture over lunch. Made me think.

Day 335 - Recognized for my work. Never felt prouder.

Day 436 - Day 507 - Started a UBC course Ive always wanted to take. For free!

hr.ubc.ca/careersNOT YOUR TYPICAL DAY-TO-DAY.

By MIKE STRAuSSAfter 13 years, countless

productions, and more awards than they can count, the renowned Kelowna Actors Studio continues its successful stretch of great theatre this year. And thanks to its great mix of top-notch food, well-known plays, and prime talent both on-stage and off, the theatre group has won its fourth Best of Kelowna Award.

Im excited to see the growth thats happening in the arts industry, says Nate Flavel, KAS co-founder and executive producer. The more that we grow and the more we focus on quality performances, the better well be. We want people to believe that they can hit the cultural district and find some solid talent.

For Flavel and artistic managing Director Randy Leslie, finding that local talent is a top priority. Kelowna is home to scores

of talented performers, and the actors studio strives to reach out to them from an early age.

The majority of our cast are quite young, Flavel says. you cant have teenagers play all the roles, but youll find that a lot of the students who take classes with us often end up in our main shows.

And now, thanks to their continued success, the actors studio is in a prime place to expand their offerings to young actors looking for an enriched education. As of this year, the Kelowna Actors Studio has officially launched the KAS Academy Foundation a pilot school where full-time students take courses on acting, choreography, and music, while still pursuing all of their academic courses through a specialized Kelowna Actors Studio curriculum.

The companys

upcoming theatre season has several high-profile shows in store that were decided upon after much deliberation.

Randy chooses the plays thats his baby, says Flavel. Theres a lot of discussion that happens around what shows we can pull off given the actors we have available, and also the marketing and what we can sell. This year we have a lot of big blockbusters planned.

The Kelowna Actors Studio is planning a stage adaptation of the Tom Hanks film Catch Me If you Can for this summer, followed by Jesus Christ Superstar in October and Mary Poppins next year.

But despite the studios long history of success,

Flavel says hes more amazed at how welcoming Kelowna has been.

Whats our secret to success? I dont know! In our first season, we got the award with Okanagan Life Magazine. Then we won three Best of Kelowna Awards. The community has really welcomed us and opened their arms to support our vision. Its been fantastic. Without the support of the community, we wouldnt be here.

One thing, though, is certain: The Kelowna Actors Studio is a great example of how quickly Kelownas vibrant arts industry is growing and for theatregoers young and old, its a wonderful sign of great things still to come.

Kelowna Actors Studio findscontinued successin the local arts community

Randy Leslie portrays Miguel de Cervantes / Don Quixote, from Man of La Mancha

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For Kelly Veltri, Owner and General Manager of The Film Factory, video production is about pursuing art for its own sake and finding an outlet for creativity.

Were always developing documentaries, music videos, and short films. We try to do as much creative as we can to feed that inner artist. Our bread and butter is corporate commercials, but

were always trying to feed the creative side as well.

Its that creative drive that pushes Veltri and others at The Film Factory to continually reinvent their style, to invest in new equipment, and to always strive for a better end product. Thats what spurred Veltri to specialize in aerial videos, and its part of the reason why he encourages other photographers and videographers to specialize as well.

Were always working with other artists, because we know we cant do everything. Thats where the community comes in. We have gliders with motors on them. When we need an aerial shot, we call our aerial guy. When we need a time-lapse shot, we call our time-lapse expert. Its very collaborative. Anybody who thinks they can do it all by themselves is in for a surprise.Veltri started The Film Factory for that exact purpose>>


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GREAT VIDEOS FROM PAGE 25its a shared co-op space where professionals can collaborate, learn from each other, and find success together. And its that spirit of co-operation that has made The Film Factory successful.

One of the things weve always said and one of the reasons why we have this shared space is that theres plenty of work to go around. Were not worried that so-and-so has this project or that project. If we can help each other, well bring more work

to the Okanagan. Having all of these collaborative resources strengthens the local industry.

And although having a collaborative space has been a great help for photo and video professionals, Veltri says that building up to The Film Factory has been a long road.

We dont have the same resources that larger cities do, he says. This is the first studio of its kind in Kelowna. My business partner and I worked incredibly hard over the last 10 years just to get a good reputation. There arent many guys who do video full-time.

Today, though, The Film Factory is well equipped to help filmmakers, photographers, and audio engineers all across the valley to succeed. With state-of-the-art equipment, a 1400-square-foot production facility, a cyclorama, and an in-house composer, The Film Factory boasts some of the most advanced equipment in the Okanagan and all of them are easily accessible.

Our production studio and audio studio are available to anyone, whether theyre photographers, filmmakers, people who want to hold a workshop, et cetera. Weve done a few screenings in our studio. Were very community-minded.

For The Film Factory, it seems, creating a community has helped them find success in a competitive industry and their teamwork hasnt just garnered them awards, but also meaningful work.


NATUREINSPIRED

LIVING10 Minutes

to Downtown10 Steps

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a Natural StateBalance is

of Mind.

Contact Wilden Sales: 250.762.2906 132 Sky Court Kelowna [email protected] Showhomes open daily 1-5 pm, except Fridays: www.wildenshowhomes.ca

Find the space and time to just breathe.

The world keeps getting busier. There are not many places left for us to revel in natures beauty without a time-consuming commute. Wilden is exactly that:

the largest master-planned community between Vancouver and Calgary has dedicated over half of its 2,000 acres to natural parks and wildlife.

Downtown Kelowna, airport and university are just a 10-15 minute drive away.New single family and townhome neighbourhoods are coming in 2015.

Lots to explore: www.wilden.ca

LOCAL GOODNESS BROUGHTTO YOU BY


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Here for a good time

Former bandmates of the successful independent act, Bucknife, Dylan Villain (guitar/vocals), Lucas Boozus Jancikic (bass/vocals) and Rowdy Rick Riegs (drums) amalgamated to create a sound that is aptly described as the bastard son of AC/DC and ZZ Top.

Hailing from Kelowna, The Wild are living anything but the clich faux-California lifestyle the Okanagan is known for.

Instead, they are ripe with grit, Southern-fried twang and a give-em-hell attitude that has struck a chord with listeners everywhere, making the group the most popular live band in the Best of Kelowna voter poll.

Blending a bold mixture of supercharged rock and roll, blues and equipped punkrock attitude, The Wild like to play up a public persona of being a reckless group of individuals who write music for other reckless groups of individuals.

We aim to write music that makes people feel something says Wild frontman Dylan Villain. Whether its to dance, yell, fightwere writing this music with strong conviction for what we stand for; having a good time in the name of the party and in the name rock and roll.

Further to that point, The Wild members are quick to admit that they draw their influence from their troubled pasts, the road and good old fashioned parties.



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20 years of bringing qualitymenswearto KelownaBy MIKE STRAuSS

For men who want the very best in casual and formal wear, MacDermotts on Bernard is the top spot in town and for good reason.

The family-owned store carries the best of new and old styles and is a one-stop shop for premium mens clothing. Most men dont enjoy shopping, says Office Administrator Lindsay MacDermott, which is why the MacDermott family strives to make the experience as painless as possible.

(Co-founder) Wayne (MacDermott) definitely has an eye for fashion, and hes always keeping up with the trends, she says. Twice a year, Wayne makes trips to Toronto and Las Vegas to go to buying shows and scope out the trends.

The MacDermott family strives to create a mixed offering of both the timeless basics, like a black or grey suit, as well as the big new trends. The store is continually

turning over its inventory, which means new and current styles are always available on the racks.

MacDermotts on Bernard also offers two unique shop in shop areas for men who want casual and semi-formal wear. Their John Barbados line offers upscale casual wear with a rock-and-roll vibe, while their Robert Graham products embody the newest evolution of menswear with bright, colourful golf shirts.

Lindsay says that most people view menswear as stuffy and bland, and its the MacDermott familys job to change that. She says that menswear is no longer just old man clothes men can dress well at any age.

She says the store strives to create an accessible atmosphere where men can find interesting clothing. And although they no longer sell cigars or have a shoe-shine station, MacDermotts on Bernard is still dedicated to creating great experiences.



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Blue Ginger builds on past success with new o eringsBy MIKE STRAuSS

When Deborah Scott moved to Canada from the united Kingdom, she knew that she wanted to start a business and she didnt waste any time in pursuing her dream.

She and her husband quickly acquired a local gardening supply store on Pandosy Street and in 2009, the store became the areas newest fashion shop. Now, with two stores under their ownership and new products coming in almost every day, the Scott familys business Blue Ginger has been named the Best Place to Buy a Gift for a Girl in the 2015 Best of Kelowna Awards.

This isnt the first time Blue Ginger has been nominated for an award the store was a finalist for the Readers Choice Award in the Best of the Okanagan Awards for 2013 and 2014. But Deborah says that she couldnt have been so successful without help.

Were very blessed to be considered in these

competitions. I think part of our success has to do with the Pandosy Village area itself, which is quite unique. you can wander from shop to shop and theyre all different there arent any chain stores. But its also a mix of having great staff, great products, a well designed store, and a lot of dedication.

Deborah and her team invest a lot of time into Blue Ginger behind the scenes, in the form of acquiring new products, cataloging merchandise, and staying on top of the latest trends.

Finding the next hot product really is a guessing game. you can have something fly off the shelf, and then something else wont. I use it as an opportunity to stay up-to-date on whats new and exciting.

It was a huge challenge to start a new store up from nothing and steer it in the right direction. I think the way to manage that is to simply find the balance. When you can find the balance between work and

play, thats the victory.Deborah says that with

Ginger Lily only a year old, there are still innumerable possibilities for where the store could go.

Ginger Lily is a new baby, and its still finding its feet. Id love it if people could visit the store and just give

us some feedback. Pandosy Village is a great place to shop people should come take a look.


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DirectBuy continues to evolve into one of the most popular membership organization service providers in Kelowna.

Now in its 13th year in Kelowna, DirectBuy, with 106 locations across North America, has close to 4,000 members at the local outlet.

Raymond and Barb Lee were DirectBuy members in the Lower Mainland before moving to the Okanagan in 2013 to take over the Kelowna store.

Since then, they have worked closely with the local community to enhance the offerings to its members and to support the local economy.

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the end of the day, and so much more.

DirectBuy has enabled us to save very large amounts of money on a kitchen reno, furniture for every room in two homes, plumbing fixtures, high end blinds, artwork, mirrors, appliancesbeing a member has changed our lives and our familys lives, said David and Brenda, residents of Gallaghers Canyon.

Working with the owners Raymond and Barb Lee, as well as all of the showroom staff (Marianne, Lindsey, Deidra), the designer, to Tyler in the warehousehas been an absolute pleasure, added Jason and Karen, residents of the upper Mission.

Building a home can be a very stressful time, but the DirectBuy team helped

around the clock with attention to our every detail. The personalized service and support we have received throughout our membership has been unmatched.

Sharing their experience is Debbie and Larry from Vernon: We are in the process of renovating our house and ordered our new kitchen cabinets through DirectBuy. upon arrival some of the pieces were damaged from shipping.

I advised Barb via email in the late afternoon. Barb and Ray came up to the house the next morning to document the damage and take pictures. The issues were quickly and very professionally resolved. We continue to receive excellent service with everybody we deal with at DirectBuy Kelowna.

We have also realized tremendous savings.

Another Kelowna client member, Colby, said he purchased his DirectBuy membership prior to completely renovating his home. The money I saved on the granite counter tops and kitchen cabinets alone, paid for the membership. I paid a fraction of the cost for window coverings, appliances, furniture and electronics. Since then I have saved thousands of dollars furnishing and updating my home through DirectBuy. It was one of the smartest purchases I ever made.

The Kelowna DirectBuy location is at 5-2260 Hunter Rd. in Kelowna. Call 250-763-4130 for more information.

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By MIKE STRAuSSKangaroo Creek Farm,

a 25-year pillar of the Lake Country business community, was named Best Tourist Attraction at the 2015 Best of Kelowna Awards.

Despite having cared for kangaroos since 1989, Caroline MacPherson wasnt at all prepared for the massive popularity Kangaroo Creek Farm would find soon after opening to the public in 2012.

Our learning curve looked like the face of a cliff, she says. We had to invest a lot of money into the farm very quickly. Its hard for people to understand how your success can be your biggest problem, but that was the case for us.

MacPherson says that overwhelming attendance at the farm forced her to make a choice: either institute a mandatory admission fee to keep attendance at manageable levels, or expand the farm onto a six-acre lot across the creek to allow

more people to visit. Shes currently negotiating with the Lake Country municipal government to acquire the land she needs. Although the process has been costly and time consuming, and its not yet a done deal, shes optimistic.

I dont think people would expect a kangaroo farm to become a primary economic driver, but the response has been amazing. Last year we welcomed 70,000 visitors. Every year since we opened our attendance has grown about 50 percent.

This year, Kangaroo Creek Farm is expecting just over 100,000 visitors to come see the many kangaroos, wallabies, sugar gliders, goats, and capybaras that call the farm their home. Thanks to the farms close proximity to other major amenities in Lake Country, whats good for Kangaroo Creek Farm and the roos is also good for local businesses.

People park on Main Street and walk down to visit the farm, she says. One of the local grocery store owners told us that his sales last year were up 28% over the year before! Normal annual >>

Kangaroo Creek Farm gives tourism a boost and supports local community



growth for a grocery store is four per cent. The stores owner says its because of us. Tourists will park at the grocery store, come to visit our farm, then go shop for groceries when they get back to their vehicle.

But drawing more tourists and more economic activity to the Valley is only where Kangaroo Creek Farm starts to

help the Okanagan. Near the end of its season, the farm hosts a nickel drive for the food bank and it raises about $1000 per year for local families in need.

Surprisingly, the farm has found all of this success in spite of the fact that it operates solely on donations and pays all staff members well above minimum wage.

It costs us $800 per day just to open the gate, says MacPherson. But sadly, were still not hitting that target. We have no outside funding. People dont realize how much it costs to keep this place open.

Still, with the farm drawing in scores of tourists and supplying students and retirees with well-paid jobs they love, its easy to see what has made it Kelownas Best Tourist Attraction for 2015.

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Moksha yoga is a green, clean, hot yoga series that stretches, strengthens and tones the muscles while helping to detoxify the body and calm the mind.

While all classes are rooted in the Moksha yoga series, teachers are encouraged to bring their own unique knowledge and experience every time they enter the room to teach.

It is a formula that seems to connect with Kelowna yoga practioners, as Moksha yoga finished first in the yoga category for Best of Kelowna.

Moksha yoga, located at 2006-2900 Pandosy St. in Kelowna, builds upper and lower body strength, balance and flexibility, and cardiovascular health. The series also focuses on treating and preventing commonly cranky areas of the body like the lower back, knees and bellybutton lint. The cool part is that every body is welcome and everybody will benefit.A regular Moksha practice gives us the rare opportunity to slow it all down.

The stress reduction

associated with yoga helps to calm and balance the nervous system, increase blood flow to the brain, and help you remember where you left your keys.

The word Moksha means Freedom. A regular Moksha practice gives us the chance to explore what this means for

each of us; whether its finding freedom from chronic pain, freedom from self judgement, or freedom from playing Angry Bird marathons.

Kelowna Moksha yoga instructor Karla Fredrich relates her discovery about it. My yoga journey started

in 2007 when I was visiting my home town of Winnipeg. My sister invited me to try hot yoga. Even though it was extremely hard, and I found myself wondering if i I would survive, my passion for yoga was born in that class. I found myself thinking about the class and how great I felt. I >>

3785 Casorso Road, Kelowna, BC V1W 4M7250.861.7722 www.spca.bc.ca/kelowna

The Kelowna BCSPCA staff, volunteers and animals would like to thank everybody who voted us

Best Kelowna Charity3 YEARS RUNNING!

Remember, please do not leave your pets unattended in warm vehicles.



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Special Features - Best of Kelowna 2015

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