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 ❤️

I recently started HRT and my(20) parents are threatening to kick me out, and I dont know what to do, I feel lost, betrayed, and angry, and really need help

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.

Hoping they will respect my wishes…

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.

Hey everyone,

I was out last night Wednesday for my final day with my coworkers/friends at Redbird.
Last night my passenger window and rear window were smashed into last night. Some of my older clothes were taken, but not too important stuff. It happened on Gaston Ave near the parks.

Anyways I was told to file a police report, ICBC claim. Then glass auto body shop.

I also took down nearby shops that could have cameras. But idk if much will be done tbh.

Does anyone else have recommendation what else I can do?

Thank you for your time.

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:
  • BC Air Quality Health Index (AQHI): Official health risk ratings and 24–48 hour forecasts for the Central Okanagan.
  • Cyclone Air Quality Map: Real-time, hyper-local air quality readings from community sensors.
  • FireWork Smoke Forecast: Environment Canada’s 48-hour smoke plume animation map.

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

Full list was released yesterday: https://www.kelowna.ca/city-hall/city-government/elections/election-candidates

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.

looking for a haircut/salon/barber place where a guy can get a haircut and not break the bank lol. looking for something more in the $30–80 range but not great clips

Hi everyone! I’m a first-time mom and honestly… I’m struggling a bit to stay afloat

I’m realizing how much postpartum affects everything - mentally, physically, financially, socially, etc. I’m trying to find some support and don’t really know where to start.

I’d love to hear about any resources in Kelowna that you’ve personally found helpful, whether that’s:
- Postpartum mental health support/counselling
- Mom & baby groups or just ways to meet other moms
- Pelvic floor physio or other postpartum physical care
- Breastfeeding/lactation support
- Financial assistance/benefits for new parents
- Community organizations that help new parents
- Literally anything that made the postpartum period a little easier

I feel like there are probably a ton of resources out there that I just don’t know about, so I figured I’d ask here.
Would really appreciate any recommendations or “I wish I knew about this sooner” resources!

Hey all!

I’m new to BC and really want to make some friends. What queer friendly activities or scenes do you recommend to make friends and put myself out there? Def feeling it now that the holiday season is coming around!

I have really bad anxiety, especially dental anxiety and have avoided dentists due to bad experiences and fear. I would absolutely prefer to be put under but assume i would have to travel to vancouver for sedation. I can’t ignore my dental health anymore and am looking for a dentist who is very patient, and fully understands dental anxiety in Kelowna even if they don’t offer sedation, TIA.

Getter outta here

Former long-time gym rat who burnt out on standard commercial gyms (Global, YMCA, etc.). I did hot yoga and TRX for a while, but work and life got in the way. And cost to be real. At that time, I couldn't afford the monthly expense. So I quit. That was 10 or more years ago.

I’m 49(M) turning 50 next year and looking to get back into a fitness routine. No, not a mid-life crisis. I’ve come to realize fitness has always been 'my thing' - I’ve just spent years running from it, struggling to find something else when the answer was right in front of me the whole time.

A buddy suggested CrossFit, and while I used to be skeptical of it, I'm ready to give it a shot.

Looking for recommendations from anyone in the Kelowna area, especially the 40s/50s crowd:

* Any places to avoid if you aren't looking for hyper-competitive, 20/30s something energy?

* Have a solid, supportive vibe with good coaching on technique & injury prevention?

Starting over is a bit intimidating, so any honest input would be appreciated. Thanks in kind.

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

Looking to dance. Please advise!!!! Visiting from Edmonton and need a good vibe energy spot to dance with good vibes only.

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.

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!! ❣️

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.

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