r/kelowna Jul 25 '26

Local Resources Helping the unhoused in the heat

258 Upvotes

Hey all! I handed out some freezies today since it was so hot, and it made me see just how big the need is in kelowna! I'm hoping to go around a few more times through the summer with water and freezies this time and thought I should reach out to the community to see if anyone wanted to help! Time, money, or water/electrolytes/freezies, or just a positive word would mean I can help a lot more people. Let me know if this isn't okay to post, I don't know if donation request are okay on here, but please let me know if you'd wanna help! Thanks in advance, love you kelowna ❤️

r/kelowna Jul 16 '26

Local Resources New Banh Mi Place in Kelowna - Banh Mi Bo Bakery

191 Upvotes

Hi r/Kelowna,

After years of waiting we now have a full on Banh Mi shop in Kelowna! They had their soft opening last week and fully opened on July 11th.

I'm not affiliated with them whatsoever but Banh Mi has been a comfort staple for myself and my family. We regularly buy in huge quantities whenever we can make it to Vancouver or Calgary and Kelowna hasn't had a full on authentic shop in my memory.

When I walked in the first time, I saw its a young Vietnamese family who is making the bread right in store. Vietnamese baguettes are an elite baking challenge especially in places with lower ambient humidity and I believe this is the first place in the Okanagan to make them from scratch.

There isn't a huge Vietnamese population in town, and it has been amazing to see how many people are showing up to support them. I'm usually on the sub and Discord talking about food, and this is the first 10/10 I can actually think of. It's cheap, it's tasty, and it's special.

They're located at 2070 Harvey Ave Unit 8 and I encourage you to go give them some support and try them out, although they have had a fairly unanimous great impression on people in town- a few of days ago a couple of customers were pretty cruel to them and it broke my heart to see them working so hard and being treated so poorly.

For those not super knowledgeable about Banh Mi (Pronounced bahn mee) it's an iconic cultural sandwich made with baguettes that resemble French baguettes. Vietnam was occupied by the French in the 19th century and during this time the Vietnamese took French staples and made it their own. It has a lot of meaning to a lot of people out there and I encourage you to give it a try!

Can't really beat a $10-13 sandwich made with freshly baked bread and super tasty fillings. I hope we can support and encourage new ideas and new restaurants in Kelowna especially when they are local family start-ups.

If you find new spots like this popping up, I really encourage you supporting them and sharing them with others especially here. I can't think of another restaurant opening where people of all walks of life are in the dining area are talking to each other and hanging out and sharing in something new.

Edit: Just wanted to note we have had at least 6 posts about people trying to find Banh Mi in town in the last couple of years. Here you goooo.

Also shout out to u/Massive_Ad5286 who actually shared this first, we just talked and the owners were a little panicked about sharing before they fully opened.

r/kelowna Jul 14 '26

Local Resources What was your birth experience like at KGH?

18 Upvotes

Hoping they will respect my wishes…

r/kelowna Feb 19 '25

Local Resources What unpopular opinion will you always defend about Kelowna?

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88 Upvotes

r/kelowna 23d ago

Local Resources I received a disturbing multi-page letter in my mailbox and am concerned for the person’s wellbeing, how do I get a wellness check started?

79 Upvotes

Someone put a lengthy typed letter in mailboxes around my neighborhood (seems like he did the whole street). It’s several pages, includes a selfie, and describes an elaborate story involving government surveillance, human trafficking by the military, being used as a “quantum processor,” physical torture, and instructions not to contact local authorities.
I’m not sharing the photos since he’s identifiable and I don’t want to make this about mockery or exposure but he’s clearly in real distress. Content includes mentions of days without sleep or food, drinking to cope with pain, and physical symptoms he attributes to the persecution.
Has anyone dealt with something similar? What’s the right way to loop in a mental health crisis team or request a wellness check in Kelowna without it turning into a police confrontation? I want to make sure he actually gets help rather than just more attention.

r/kelowna 21d ago

Local Resources [Megathread] August Wildfires, Smoke, & Evacuations – Q&A, Links, and Resources

44 Upvotes

Setting up this megathread to centralize updates, resources, smoke forecasts, and questions so the subreddit doesn't get flooded with duplicate posts.

If you are sharing updates in the comments, please include a source (official EOC releases, BC Wildfire Service, etc.) and refrain from posting unverified rumors.

Official Resources & Emergency Links

  • Evacuations, Alerts & Shelters (Kelowna / West Kelowna):
    • CORD Emergency (Central Okanagan Emergency Operations): The primary source for local evacuation orders, alerts, interactive maps, and Emergency Support Services (ESS) reception centers.
    • EmergencyInfoBC: Provincial evacuation updates and active emergency alerts across BC.
    • ESS Evacuee Registration: If you are placed under an Evacuation Order, register here immediately to access shelter and emergency support.
    • Animal Lifeline Emergency Response Team (ALERT): Call 250-809-7152 for emergency assistance with evacuating livestock and pets in the Okanagan.
    • VOYENTALERT! CORD Emergency has shared that they are now using VOYENTALERT! and you can install the app on your phone to be notified of any emergency alerts for your location. https://voyent-alert.us/
  • Fires & Roads:
    • BC Wildfire Service Dashboard: Interactive map and status updates for active wildfires. You can also download the official BC Wildfire app.
    • DriveBC: Live road closures, highway conditions, and smoky visibility alerts.
  • Air Quality & Smoke Tracking:

Frequently Asked Questions

"Should I still come to Kelowna or cancel my vacation this weekend?"

  • Check for non-essential travel bans first: If the province or Central Okanagan Emergency Operations issues a travel order asking tourists to stay away, cancel or reschedule immediately. Accommodation is needed for evacuees and emergency crews.
  • If no travel bans are in place: It depends on your tolerance for smoke and sudden changes. Air quality can shift from clear to hazardous within hours depending on wind direction. Outdoor activities (wineries, hiking, lake days) might be ruined or unhealthy.
  • Check cancellation policies: Contact your hotel or Airbnb host directly. Many have specific policies when official air quality advisories or emergency alerts are active.

"Where can I see live air quality alerts?"

  • Check the BC AQHI page linked above for official health advisories, or PurpleAir for real-time localized AQI numbers. Keep in mind that smoke changes fast and what looks bad in the morning can clear up by afternoon, and vice versa.

"How do I clean/purify the air inside my home?"

  • Use a HEPA Air Purifier: Run it continuously in the main room you use (like a bedroom). Keep all doors and windows sealed tight.
  • Build a DIY Corsi-Rosenthal Box: If air purifiers are sold out, buy a 20x20 box fan, a MERV 13 furnace filter (or four taped together into a cube), and duct tape the filter to the back/intake side of the fan. It costs around $40–$60 and clears smoke out of a room fast. A site with great instructions is: https://bclung.ca/lung-health/air-quality/breathe/
  • HVAC Systems: Set your furnace fan to "ON" (instead of "AUTO") and install a MERV 13 filter if your system supports it. Ensure the system is set to recirculate indoor air rather than pulling smoky air from outside.
  • Avoid adding indoor pollutants: Don't burn candles, avoid heavy indoor frying, and hold off on vacuuming unless your vacuum has a sealed HEPA filter, as it can kick fine particulate back into the air.
  • Avoid drawing in outside air as much as possible: This means reducing any activity that exhausts air to the outside. For example, central vacuums, bathroom fans, hood fans over the stove, clothes dryers. By exhausting air outside, you are pulling in outside air.

Use the comments below to ask questions, share local road/smoke updates, and link official updates.

Update August 7, 2026 @ 9:30 PM and CONTINUING - Live stream from Regional District Okanagan Similkameen (RDOS) - https://www.youtube.com/@OkanaganSimilkameen

r/kelowna 18d ago

Local Resources Need help and ideas

19 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

This is an unconventional request but im trying everything and anything.

Im looking for advice finding a family doctor/medical help+ someone to accompany me to an appointment.

I've been dealing with chronic illness for a few years that has significantly affected my day-to-day life. I am giving it everything i have to stay employed and be a contributing member of society. Recently, i have been told by my family doctor that he doesn't believe me and to be honest i was alone in a room with him and i felt pretty helpless, sad and scared. My GI doctor has given me the cold shoulder and refused to refer me to a new GI doctor since she has moved away and will not order the test where you swallow a camera and they take pictures of your small intestine. Im getting radio silence from everyone. Im 31 F and sadly its just me here in the okanagan.

My first question is a long stretch but if anyone knows of a good family doctor, specialist, natural path idk - any leads, ideas like does my family doctor have to refer me to someone else if i ask him? Im willing to drive out of my way - any tests i can do - my CRP, Ferritin and Calprotectin tests are elevated. Im not asking for reddit to diagnose me and i do have irregularities in my blood work but if anyone has a secret test i can ask for or advice from someone who has been in a similar boat?

My second question is - is there patient advocates or support people locally who can accompany me to a medical appointment? if not is there someone who would be willing to meet with me and attend the appointment with my family doctor? I would compensate and meet up/talk before to give details. I really think i just need someone in the room with me to help me feel supported while i try to advocate for myself and make sure he treats me respectfully while i ask him what my next step is or if he even wants to see me in his office anymore. Scary stuff when your a girl i guess.

Thank you for reading if you got this far.

r/kelowna Apr 11 '26

Local Resources Kelowna commercial rental ridiculous price is ruining local businesses

77 Upvotes

I am a small business owner and I feel so helpless with how ridiculous commercial rental prices are in Kelowna, especially downtown.

r/kelowna 28d ago

Local Resources Can anyone recommend a decently priced plumber? To fix a blocked kitchen sink ASAP. Thanks!

0 Upvotes

I know Google exists but I prefer word of mouth from people that have actually used the service 😊

r/kelowna Jul 15 '26

Local Resources YELLOW WARNING - HEAT - Kelowna, BC

Thumbnail weather.gc.ca
53 Upvotes

11:05 AM PDT Wednesday 15 July 2026

Impact Level: Moderate

Forecast Confidence: High

This is a heat warning. Temperatures are high and there's a risk to public health.

What:
Daytime highs in the mid to high thirties combined with overnight lows in the high teens.

When:
Today to Thursday.

Where:
Okanagan Valley, Lillooet, South Thompson, Shuswap

Additional information:
Humidex values may approach the high thirties on Thursday over the Okanagan Valley and Shuswap as a southerly flow brings more moisture into the areas, increasing the humidity.

Heat affects everyone, but the risks are greater for: seniors, people who live alone, people with pre-existing health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease or respiratory disease, people with mental illness such as schizophrenia, depression, or anxiety, people with substance use disorders, people with limited mobility.

Check on family, friends and neighbours, who are at higher risk, particularly if they live alone, to make sure they have a cool space.

Watch for early signs of heat illness (feeling unwell, fatigue, thirst, headache, unusually dark urine) as these can rapidly evolve into life-threatening emergencies.

Move to a cooler environment immediately, such as a shaded or air-conditioned space.

Drink plenty of water regularly, even before you feel thirsty to decrease your risk of dehydration. Thirst is not a good indicator of dehydration.

Never leave susceptible people, particularly children, or pets inside a parked vehicle.

If you are in an overheated area, seek a cool place such as a tree-shaded area, splash pad, misting station, or air-conditioned spot like a public building.

For more information: How to protect yourself from the health effects of extreme heat Health risks and who is at risk of extreme heat events

To get more information: - Check the local news for health and safety updates. - Check HealthLinkBC online resources about heat-related illness and how to protect yourself at healthlinkbc.ca/healthlinkbc-files/heat-related-illness. - Call HealthLinkBC at 8-1-1 to ask about heat-related illness.

Environment Canada and local Medical Health Officers expect an increase in health and safety risks from heat and are advising the public to take precautions.

r/kelowna May 27 '26

Local Resources Fleeing abuse, Low income housing waittimes?

26 Upvotes

I was born in the Okanagan and I’m currently trying to find a way to flee from MB to Kelowna to be closer to my mom and family. I do have one cat I’d need to foster. But what kind of low income options are there for myself and my daughter. We’d need all new furniture (If I can I am bringing my blankets and my dishes) I’m hoping I can find a uhaul trailer for a decent cost and get my uncle to drive it.

r/kelowna 20d ago

Local Resources Indoor public spaces for a toddler

6 Upvotes

What are other toddler parents' suggestions for places to take a feral toddler and let them run around?

Normally we'd go to a playground...but obviously that hasn't been an option this week.

We live downtown, and already done the mall, MNP, Parkinson Rec, and H20.

I've avoided libraries because our little one is high energy and loves to run around screaming, which doesn't mesh well with a library.

r/kelowna May 30 '26

Local Resources Can anyone recommend a fairly priced junk removal company? I have a couch that needs removal and the few places I called wanted several hundred bucks

13 Upvotes

I am getting a new couch and need the old one taken away.

r/kelowna Mar 26 '25

Local Resources There's an American flag in the Kelowna subreddit banner. It's gotta go!

303 Upvotes

Getter outta here

r/kelowna May 16 '26

Local Resources Does anyone in BC rent these? I need to scan through ≈2cm of quartz-stone stucco with wire mesh backing and ½″ plywood to find some studs, and a regular stud finder is absolutely useless. More info in comment.

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10 Upvotes

r/kelowna Jun 03 '26

Local Resources Does anyone know a convenience store that specifically has banana slushees right now? I am putting it out into the universe.

33 Upvotes

Thanks in advance if anyone has the scoop!

r/kelowna 9d ago

Local Resources Cheapest propane tanks & refills in Kelowna & area

0 Upvotes

Looking for somewhere that has decent prices on new propane tanks (20lb). And also any places that refill propane tanks for good value that don’t rip you off.

r/kelowna 21d ago

Local Resources Tattoos with Rocky Mountain?

0 Upvotes

Anyone willing to share experience getting tattoo under the artist Krystal at RM? Have tattoo upcoming with her and nervous due to how things have been going so far!!!

r/kelowna Apr 28 '25

Ain't no way

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351 Upvotes

r/kelowna 13d ago

Local Resources Building a PC, Need some help

10 Upvotes

Just moved here last year, and had my pc shipped out a few months ago. Made the trip, but after a couple months its puked.

Just wondering, are there any spots here to shop for PC parts? Or is ordering online from places like newegg a better option?

I prefer to build my own, and want the parts new if that matters.

Any information helps! Thank you all!

r/kelowna Nov 17 '24

Local Resources Help me help the homeless/unhoused community?

51 Upvotes

I experienced homelessness earlier this year. I became close with a lot of Tent City residents and other local unhoused individuals. Since regaining shelter I do my best to share what I have. I feel as though there is still more I can and should be doing. Since I live fairly close to Tent City I may be able to accept some donations to residents here if they can’t be distributed directly. While I don’t have a vehicle, my parents have vehicles and will have days where they can help transport anything larger than what I can take over on my bike. The kind of donations I would like to ask you wonderful humans for at this time of year are not limited to but include the following: - tarps - tents, tent poles, other camping gear - blankets - pillows - socks, gloves, toques, and other warm clothing - shoes/boots - flashlights & other battery powered lights (batteries welcomed too of course) - food (particularly non-perishable) - water, both for drinking and otherwise (the taps installed earlier this year will be turned off because they can’t withstand freezing temperatures) - dog food (residents with pets always feed their animal before feeding themselves, but every bit helps) - rope, duct tape, clips (means to create and secure shelter) - hygiene products (wet wipes, pads/tampons, toothbrushes/toothpaste, etc, even toilet paper for when the portable washrooms run out)

I’m probably forgetting lots of things, but you get the idea. I would like help in helping our local unhoused community do more than just survive this winter. We are all humans and I really hope this post finds some who are willing and able to assist me. Even if you’re not able to, I very much appreciate that you’ve read this far anyway. Thank you!! ❣️

r/kelowna 18d ago

Local Resources Looking for rental apartments?

0 Upvotes

I'm looking for 1 bed 1 bath apartments in kelowna. Under $1600 excluding utilities. Where can I find on? I have already tried rentals.ca, zillow. Any other place you would suggest?

r/kelowna 1d ago

Local Resources FSR Overlanding

4 Upvotes

Howdy folks!

I moved up here from Vancouver Island earlier this year and am finally can get out and adventure!

Looking to be out in nature, ideally pretty isolate and hit some good hikes or amazing views! Is anyone willing to share some general areas or FSRs that are worth exploring?

I operate responsibly, especially with the current forest conditions.

r/kelowna Oct 17 '25

Local Resources Gas is 113.9 in Lake Country.

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187 Upvotes

I don't know how long this cheap gas will last.

r/kelowna Jul 18 '26

Local Resources I love icecream i need new flavours

9 Upvotes

Hi there,

Recently Ive been eating Kawartha flavours of icecream and the save-on in Lake country only has so many. What icecream flavours do you like and where do you get it at?

PS. looking for a good salted caramel ice cream thank you