The Westbank First Nation Council and Kelowna City Council met on April 16, 2011 to discuss issues and priorities that concern both communities. Chief Robert Louie and Mayor Walter Gray co-chaired the meeting. These meetings build relationships and provide community leaders an opportunity to work together on areas of common interest. Once again, it was a pleasure to participate in this productive meeting. 

The Okanagan Sikh Temple and Cutural Society celebrated the second annual Vaisakhi Parade on Saturday April 14th, 2012. Literally thousands of people gathered to celebrate. The Vaisakhi parade celebrates the founding of the Sikh religion as well as a celebration of the harvest in the Punjab region and marks the beginning a the new year. It was a festive atmosphere with much music, marching and visiting. I was impressed with the generosity of many people as they provided everyone in attendance with lots of good food to eat. A very successful event for the organizers.

The corner of Rutland Road and Highway 33 has taken a leap forward with the ground breaking of the new Valley First Credit Union. This two level 9,600 square foot building, is slated to be complete this summer. The attractive new building will be an anchor in the Uptown Rutland town centre. "This is the type of revitalization that the City has been working toward." said Deputy Mayor Luke Stack. Best wishes to the Valley First Team.  Valley First Credit Union has 37 branches and is BC's third largest credit union. The sod turning was February 7, 2012. 

This is the fifth new office building to proceed in Kelowna in the last 12 months: These are Landmark Vl;  Raymer and Osprey; Bertram Street; Leon Avenue; and now Valley First Credit Union on Highway 33 and Rutland Road