WE'RE READY. ARE YOU SET? - OKGo
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2021 WE’RE READY. ARE YOU SET? The Green Light for Business in the Okanagan Pela A strong case for eliminating plastic Page 6 KF Aerospace An upward trajectory Page 12 Indigenous World Winery Competing at an international level Page 18 Day’s Century Pears go high-tech Page 24 Yeti Farm A pixellent adventure Page 30
It’s impressive how much work
gets done in a place that’s
So Relaxing
For an area celebrated as a four-season playground, it’s electrifying to see
just how much entrepreneurial energy we can generate around here.
The supportive business environment, competitive tax climate and spirit of
collaboration get startups, established businesses and innovative thinkers
excited. Of course the outdoor lifestyle helps, with over 2,000 hours of
sunshine every year as well as trestles, trails, and endless beaches to explore.
So does easy access, with proximity to the major Pacific Northwest centres
of Vancouver BC, Calgary AB and Seattle WA and direct daily flights through
Kelowna International Airport.
OKGo is a partnership between the Central Okanagan Economic Development
Commission, Tourism Kelowna, and Accelerate Okanagan. From startups to
expansions to thought leaders, we can help with everything you need to make
locating your business or event here fast and easy.
04
MANUFACTURING
10
AEROSPACE
16
VITICULTURE
22
AGRICULTURE
28
DIGITAL
06 / Pela 12 / KF Aerospace 18 / Indigenous 24 / Day’s Century 30 / Yeti Farm
Compostable Staying aloft Winery Growers A very animated
phone cases during the The double High-tech hits business
pandemic gold standard the orchard
08 / Waterplay 14 / AEM 20 / Summerhill 26 / SunRype 32 / QHR Technologies
Solutions Helicopter Winery Trusted brand Canada’s top
Creating a avionics firm Organic wine flourishes healthcare tech
global splash on course pioneers
09 / Vitalis 15 / SKYTRAC 21 / OK Spirits 27 / Flowr 33 / Two Hat
Supercharged Real time flight 100% Farm Cannabis for a White hats
C02 extraction tracking to flask global market on the web
34 / MEET THE
PARTNERS
MANUFACTURING
COMPANIES COME
HERE TO
MAKE THINGS
BETTER.
4 MANUFACTURING
$51B
in generated revenue
(2017) in BC, making
manufacturing one
of the largest sectors
in Canada
609
manufacturing firms
call the Okanagan
home, employing
5,760 people
(Census, 2016)
INNOVATIVE IDEAS, MATERIALS, PRODUCTS
AND NEW WAYS OF PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER.
High-tech composite jet for existing and new businesses On top of that, our schools
components. Fiberglass film to find high-quality local are onboard. The University
props. Compostable phone partners to help with specific of British Columbia Okanagan
cases. Solar generators. challenges. Canada’s digital (UBCO) is leading advanced
Fruit beverages and snacks. technology sector is also on manufacturing research
Supercritical extraction hand to power up the industry, with a variety of programs
systems. Snow plows. helping investigate how to in partnership with the federal
We’re making all kinds make production faster, government, exploring
of interesting things. more flexible and sustainable. various coating and sensor
And in some cases, more technologies for combat
The sheer diversity of intelligent, as AI for self- clothing. The university is
manufacturers makes it easy regulating systems is explored. also partnering with Vernon-
based KAL Tire to use
recycled tire crumbs in
synthesizing metal alloys.
With world-class research and
innovation in everything from
aerospace to waterslides, local
companies are developing the
technologies and materials
of the future, which in turn is
attracting forward-thinking
entrepreneurs and businesses.
5
MANUFACTURING
PELA IS MAKING
A STRONG CASE
FOR
ELIMINATING
PLASTIC.
With over 3,600% sales growth of its compostable phone
cases, the company wanted to consolidate operations in
one place. They chose Kelowna.
After seeing plastic debris in the After meeting Jeremy in 2015, interested in what else it could be
water around Hawaii, Saskatoon entrepreneur Matt Bertulli used for.”
environmental consultant Jeremy invested in Pela, and soon
Lang felt compelled to do became CEO. “I didn’t particularly The company went on to diversify.
something about it. So, in 2011 he care too much that he was “Now we have all kinds of other
helped invent Flaxstic®, a tough making phone cases,” says compostable accessories like smart
but compostable material made Bertulli. “But I definitely liked that watch straps and Airpod cases.
from flax straw. Then he started he had this compostable material We’re also making sunglasses and
making phone cases. Then things that seemed to have a better end lenses from special polymers that
got interesting. of life than plastic. So I was really are landfill biodegradable. We own
6 MANUFACTURING
By Author Name
Business Title, COMPANY
a personal care brand for
deodorant, shampoo and
336,438
conditioner and currently have
several new products we’re
working on. Pela is a brand
pounds of plastic is the that makes products with a
amount Pela has prevented graceful end of life. The idea
from being produced is to get rid of plastic waste.”
1 Billion
“While looking for a location,
Vancouver, Victoria, Calgary
and Kelowna were all options.
pounds of plastic stopped We flew out here at seven in
from ever being made the morning and met with the place for business. So and they’re creating the kind
(Pela’s BHAG) mayor and then Corie and Jeremy and I moved here of culture we need to build.”
Krista from COEDC. In just one with all the injection molding
day I think we met anybody machines and set up a small “The perception is the pace
and everybody in Kelowna. manufacturing facility.” of work here is slower, but
They were really welcoming.” people are just as effective
“I think my initial fears and they get more done and
around a city this size was they’re just happier. So this
just recruiting talent locally, has been very refreshing.
finding certain senior levels Sort of like a restart to my
of people. But it’s been entrepreneurial journey.”
pretty easy so far, I’ve been
pleasantly surprised. We’ve How does Bertulli sum up
managed to attract some that journey? “We liken it to
pretty wicked people.” surfing. We happened to be
in the water with a surfboard
“PELA IS A BRAND THAT and a very large wave came
MAKES PRODUCTS WITH along and we happened to
know how to surf very, very
A GRACEFUL END OF LIFE. well. So it’s all just good luck
THE IDEA IS TO GET RID but the right sequence of
OF PLASTIC WASTE.” events counts. I call it a really
“The thing that surprised us –
good return on luck.”
was everybody was singing Matt Bertulli
the same tune. In Toronto, CEO, Pela
there’s a lot of different
businesses competing for “The lifestyle here is awesome.
attention and here was I’m a mountain biker and I like
Kelowna telling us they’re to ski and this place facilitates
really focused on startups a very active outdoor lifestyle.
and tech. The community And that’s also great for the
was clearly thriving and it kind of brand we’re building.
seemed like a really good We attract those kinds of people
7
BRINGING
THE SPLASH.
From its name, you would “DEPENDING ON HOW
assume that waterparks and
splash pads would be the
YOU SEGMENT OUR
only industry that Kelowna- INDUSTRY, WE WOULD
based Waterplay Solutions BE THE SECOND OR THIRD
services. But according to LARGEST SUPPLIER OF
company President Jillian
EQUIPMENT FOR SPLASH
White, through acquisitions,
this group of companies now PADS IN THE WORLD AND
services far more than that. A SIMILAR POSITION
FOR THE SUPPLIERS OF
“Basically, anything you see
PARK AND PLAYGROUND
in a public, open space we “Of course as a manufacturer the social fabric of society,
either manufacture or source dependent upon the export equitable access to quality
EQUIPMENT ACROSS
and then sell. Playgrounds, market, proximity to a parks should be deemed WESTERN CANADA.”
spray parks, street furniture growing international airport essential.” –
and amenities such as is important,” she adds. Jillian White
benches, shade structures, “Since moving from Penticton, “Here in the Okanagan, we’ve President, Waterplay Solutions
washroom facilities, tree we’ve grown from nine achieved a lot, but not every
grates, bike racks, litter bins, employees to seventy locally, child has access to a high-
you name it.” with about twenty-five more quality park nearby. In those
who are based elsewhere.” terms, we have a lot to do
“Depending on how you still as an industry advocate.
segment our industry, we After three decades, the I haven’t counted, but I’m
would be the second or third company still adheres to its guessing we’ve contributed
largest supplier of equipment rather lofty goal; “for every product to perhaps 75 - 100
for splash pads in the world child to have access to an parks in the Okanagan and
and a similar position for amazing park within a ten- that has a pretty big impact
the suppliers of park and minute walk of their home. locally. So there is a certain
playground equipment For a vast array of reasons, amount of success in that to
across Western Canada.” but most importantly for be proud of.”
8 MANUFACTURING
EXTRACTING
HIGH VALUE.
Named the third fastest lines derived from a broad
growing company in Canada spectrum oil.
by the Globe and Mail (2020),
Vitalis manufactures the “Vitalis was born from a long
most sophisticated industrial journey of seeking better
supercritical CO₂ extraction CO₂ extraction solutions and
systems in the world. Say systems,” explains Co-founder
what? Okay, a brief technical and Chairman Joel Sherlock. “IF I COULD OFFER
explanation. “We went to all the big players
to study their equipment and “While our operations have
ANY ADVICE WHEN IT
spoke to extractors about grown to span five continents COMES TO STARTING A
what they liked and didn’t like, – and counting, we’re proudly COMPANY HERE, IT WOULD
then used those findings to rooted in Kelowna. Over the BE TO PUT YOURSELF
engineer the largest years I’ve launched a number
OUT THERE IN DIFFERENT
commercialized CO₂ extraction of businesses in the area
systems on the market.” and what I’ve learned is that WAYS. BE ACTIVE IN THE
there’s no greater support COMMUNITY THROUGH
“Today, producers come to us than the help you get in ORGANIZATIONS AND
from all over the world and all small communities.”
EVENTS AND BUILD
types of industries - cannabis,
hemp, pharmaceutical, F&B, “If I could offer any advice
AUTHENTIC RELATIONSHIPS
Widely used in the botanical, and essential oils - to turn when it comes to starting WITH OTHERS WHO
food, and pharmaceutical their organic materials into a company here, it would CAN SHARE THEIR OWN
industries, CO₂ extraction is a pure extracts. What separates be to put yourself out there LEARNINGS. ONE DAY,
process that uses pressurized us from a lot of our competitors in different ways. Be active
carbon dioxide to pull is the fact that we’re an OEM. in the community through
YOU’LL BE ON THE
phytochemicals, waxes and Our systems are fabricated, organizations and events and OTHER SIDE, REPAYING
oils from plants. For example, manufactured, and tested build authentic relationships THE FAVOUR.”
it removes the caffeine in-house at our Kelowna with others who can share –
from coffee beans. In the facility, giving us complete their own learnings. One day, Joel Sherlock
world of cannabis, it allows control of the quality and you’ll be on the other side, Co-founder and Chairman,
companies to create product reliability of our products.” repaying the favour.” Vitalis
9
AEROSPACE
SO MANY PEOPLE
HERE HAVE THEIR
HEAD IN THE
CLOUDS.
10 AEROSPACE$2.4B
in annual revenue
generated provincially
($1.3 billion direct GDP)
18%
of BC’s aerospace
companies are located in
the Central Okanagan
8,300+
direct jobs and up to
19,000 indirect
BUT WHEN IT COMES TO BUSINESS,
WE’RE FIRMLY GROUNDED.
10th
busiest airport in Canada
They say location is
everything. The Central
Okanagan’s close proximity
world. Despite some global
turbulence, the Central
Okanagan’s aerospace
With all this technical
expertise and skilled
workers graduating from
over 2 million passengers
to the Asia Pacific and industry is continuing its local aerospace programs,
(YLW, 2019)
Washington State aerospace upward trajectory. the region offers a wealth
industries, as well as its of on-the-ground resources.
60
central position between With industry leadership This includes the $25 million
Vancouver and Calgary, in avionics, pilot training, KF Aerospace Centre for
has helped local companies fixed-wing and rotary Excellence, scheduled to
daily non-stop take off. aircraft manufacturing open in 2022 with conference
commercial flights and maintenance, as well suites, a museum, aircraft
with 9 airline partners From aircraft maintenance as innovative research hangars, classrooms
(YLW, 2019) and engineering to cargo in advanced materials and 15,000 sq. feet of
delivery, high-tech flight manufacturing and defense dedicated training space for
tracking and aviation technology at the University Okanagan College’s Aircraft
communications, this area of British Columbia Okanagan Maintenance Engineering
plays an important role in (UBCO), local researchers programs.
Canada’s aerospace sector, and engineers are helping to
the third-largest in the shape the future of flight craft.
11AEROSPACE
KF AEROSPACE
MAINTAINS ALTITUDE
DURING
CHALLENGING
TIMES.
How the region’s largest private-sector employer stayed
aloft while the rest of the world was grounded.
As the largest commercial Corporate Services. “Air Canada, flight training centre in Portage la
Maintenance Repair and Overhaul WestJet and other customers Prairie, MB. In addition to aircraft
(MRO) operation in Canada, KF were flying at 5% of their previous engineering, maintenance and
Aerospace has built an enviable level. It was very, very difficult for modifications, KF Aerospace also
reputation since 1970, servicing them. I tell you, I’m really proud of operates regular cargo charter
major airlines, corporate fleets the fact that four months into the services, leases aircrafts and
and military aircraft from around pandemic, we still had all 1,100 operates a 22-year pilot training
the world. That is until they all employees working and getting contract for the Royal Canadian
stopped flying during the paid full time.” Air Force.
COVID-19 pandemic.
KF Aerospace employs about “The government certainly helped
“The COVID-19 crisis really 800 people in BC, 200 in their us to financially weather the
decimated the airlines,” says newly expanded Hamilton, ON storm,” Stevens reports. “But we
Grant Stevens, Vice President of facility and about 100 at their were able to maintain our staff by
12 AEROSPACEBy Author Name
Business Title, COMPANY
stay home and I would guess also planning to open additional
that around 95% of students lands, creating more access to its
who graduate from these runways, and I think that will spur
programs stay in the Okanagan new businesses to come to the
Valley, which is a great thing.” Okanagan. I think the future
is really quite bright.”
“We’ve also been working
with UBCO. They have good After overcoming the hardships
engineering programs in a of the pandemic, Stevens says
number of disciplines, and the company isn’t taking
we’d like to see aerospace its success for granted and
added. So, we’re working is thankful for its ability to
working with our customers Stevens says. The Central through the powers to try and improvise, strategize and pivot.
to come up with some pretty Okanagan is home to about
innovative solutions to keep 18% of the province’s $1.8
the work coming into the billion aerospace sector.
hangars, keep flying and to do “Kelowna is a great city
the things needed to survive.” to be based out of with
a great airport and good
“For example, we ended up infrastructure.”
with three passenger plane
lease returns, so we are “We believe it’s very important
converting them over to to have a strong feeder system
cargo aircrafts. That’s where into the aviation sector to
you take out the whole inside, make everybody that much
put in a roller floor so you can better off in the long term.
move pallets of cargo around We do quite a bit of work bring that to fruition. And that “We might be doing better than
and install a big 10’ by 12’ cargo with the colleges. We have helps develop intellectual some of the other aviation
door. That’s one of the things strong partnerships with property and makes all the companies at the moment, but
we’ve been able to do.” Okanagan College, Mohawk aerospace companies much it’s because we survived better,
College in Hamilton and with more valuable when you can not because we thrived better.”
“We also talked to each airline Stephenson Aviation College, develop and keep the brain
and asked them, ‘Okay, what part of the Red River College trust in BC.”
are your issues and what group in Manitoba.” “I THINK THERE’S A STRONG
can we do to help you?’ We Looking ahead, Stevens FUTURE FOR AVIATION
worked to give them more “Okanagan College offers two sees new possibilities for IN THE OKANAGAN, THE
favourable rates and terms to different programs here in the the industry. “I think one of
CENTRAL OKANAGAN IS
incentivize them to bring their Okanagan and one of their the untapped opportunities
work in during the pandemic, facilities is actually in one of is probably to be a parts
HOME TO ABOUT 18% OF THE
rather than waiting until they our hangars. Students get an manufacturer, parts supplier PROVINCE’S $1.8 BILLION
got the green light to start flying opportunity to work alongside or repair depot, as around 50% AEROSPACE SECTOR.”
again. That’s worked very well.” us and see the work that of the aerospace business is –
happens right before their in manufacturing aircrafts and Grant Stevens
“I think there’s a strong future eyes. We have a real belief our proximity to Seattle and VP of Corporate Services,
for aviation in the Okanagan,” that home grown talent will Boeing is huge. The airport is KF Aerospace
11
13TM
NICHE EXPERTISE
KEEPS COMPANY
ON TOP.
They say when one hangar experienced substantial be challenging for AEM, but
door closes, another one growth in recent years, AEM professional networking and
opens. The AEM story began will soon begin construction community outreach help
in 2009 when respected on a new 40,000 square foot them find the people they
avionics company, Northern state-of-the-art facility in need. “We’re fortunate to
Airborne Technology, ceased Kelowna’s north end. work through the COEDC “THE AEROSPACE INDUSTRY
business after thirty years. “Connector” program,” HAS BECOME A KEY
Employees saw an opportunity explains Wall. “I help mentor
ECONOMIC DRIVER IN THE
to purchase it and have since young professionals looking
grown the new company AEM to practice their craft here in REGION AND KELOWNA
into a vertically integrated the Okanagan. The goal is IS AN ATTRACTIVE PLACE
provider of specialty aviation to retain the talent that FOR EMERGING TALENT
solutions, and they’ve never comes through our local
LOOKING TO DEVELOP
looked back. educational institutions.”
THEIR CAREERS. WE FIND
Today, AEM is an approved “In our industry, AEM is “The aerospace industry has THAT MANY NON-LOCAL
OEM supplier to aircraft considered a small to medium become a key economic APPLICANTS WANT TO
manufacturers such as Bell, sized business,” explains driver in the region and MOVE HERE BECAUSE OF
Boeing Rotorcraft, Leonardo, CEO Brian Wall. “We operate in Kelowna is an attractive place
Airbus Helicopters, Sikorsky a niche market, so the majority for emerging talent looking
THE RELAXED, VACATION-
and Embraer. In their 32,000 of our products compete to develop their careers. STYLE SETTING IN A
square foot Kelowna facility, with only two or three key We find that many non-local GROWING CITY FULL
over 100 highly specialized competitors. Our employees’ applicants want to move OF OPPORTUNITY.”
people design, develop commitment to high standards here because of the relaxed,
–
and manufacture avionics and continuous improvement vacation-style setting; they
Brian Wall
components such as are instrumental in achieving can enjoy the lakes, trails CEO, AEM
loudspeaker systems, a high level of customer and other amenities at their
caution/warning panels, satisfaction.” doorstep, in a growing city
illuminated panels and full of opportunity.”
keyboards, and specialty Attracting qualified talent in
audio products. Having such a specialized area can
14 AEROSPACESATELLITE DATA
SERVICE ENHANCES
EFFICIENCY & SAFETY.
Founded in 1986, SKYTRAC and enhance operational aerospace organizations
helped develop the first efficiencies. Access to voice within the region - tourism,
generation of real-time flight and data communications search and rescue, forestry,
tracking communication from pole-to-pole, can be firefighting and agriculture.
systems. the difference between a The National Research
successful or failed mission. Council’s Innovation “THE CLOSE-KNIT NATURE
Today, their suite of satellite Our satellite communications Assistance Program also OF KELOWNA MAKES
monitoring solutions enables allow mission-critical assisted us in obtaining grant
CULTIVATING THE RIGHT
operators and pilots to make organizations such as EMS, funding for the development
better decisions by providing SAR, and aerial firefighting the of new technologies.” ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE
greater visibility into their capabilities they require, even EASY, WITH DEDICATED
flight operations. From flight in severe weather events.” “The close-knit nature of INNOVATION CLUSTERS,
data and following, voice Kelowna makes cultivating
SHORT DAILY COMMUTES
and text communications the right organizational
to real-time alerts, the culture easy,” says
AND A TECHNOLOGY
service provides aircrafts in Nordine. “With dedicated SECTOR THAT BREEDS THE
all environments (including innovation clusters, short ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT,
remote or dangerous), daily commutes and a IT’S HIGHLY CONDUCIVE TO
with instant data and technology sector that
communications. “In the early days, the breeds the entrepreneurial
PROFESSIONAL SUCCESS.”
Okanagan region was spirit, it’s highly conducive –
“Our customer base includes to professional success. Malachi Nordine
critical to our success,” he
President, SKYTRAC
an assortment of clients explains. “Partnerships with For those looking for the
including offshore oil and organizations such as AEM, right work-life balance, the
gas operators, government Alpine Helicopters, Okanagan Okanagan’s four-season
agencies, and aircraft Mountain Helicopters and playground includes beaches,
OEMs,” says Malachi Nordine, the RCMP helped form the regional hikes and ski resorts
President of SKYTRAC. “They basis of our flight following that captivate those looking
require transparency into and voice communications to relocate here.”
how their aircraft are being technologies. We extended
flown to improve safety our services to numerous
15VITICULTURE
SOME OF
OUR LEGENDS
ARE EASIER
TO SWALLOW
THAN OTHERS.
Fortunately, award winning wines aren’t as
difficult to spot as our mythical lake monster,
n’ha-a-itk, the spirit of the lake (commonly
referred to as the Ogopogo).
16 VITICULTURE84%
of the total vineyard
acreage in BC
250km
of vineyards planted
182+
licensed wineries After planting the first BC’s premier grape growing Along with production,
in the Okanagan apple trees at his Kelowna region. With an ever-changing wine tourism is becoming
mission in 1859 (starting panorama, the valley increasingly popular, with
the Okanagan’s tree fruit stretches over 250 kilometres, many wineries offering
72
industry), Father Pandosy across sub-regions, each exceptional dining
also tried his hand at with distinct soil and climate opportunities in their
winemaking. The industry conditions suited to growing on-site restaurants,
Okanagan-based beverage didn’t really ramp up a range of varietals from sun- generating over $476
manufacturing companies, though until the 1930’s, ripened reds to lively-fresh million in tourism-related
including kombucha, mead, when Calona Vineyards, and often-crisp whites. economic impact, regionally.
spirits and cider BC’s oldest continuously-
operating winery, began
$2.8B
producing on an industrial Kelowna’s Walter Hainle
scale. In 1966, Mission Hill started Canada’s $25
Estate Winery opened with million icewine industry
other winemakers arriving, when he left his grapes
in annual provincial on the vine beyond
elevating the quality and
economic impact normal harvest time
bringing acclaim to BC wines.
to develop the right
concentration of
With quiet family-run boutique sugars and flavours.
vineyards to world-class
operations, the Okanagan Today, most vines in the
Mission Hill Family
Valley wineries are rich Okanagan are less than
Estate strikes gold twice;
in tradition and character, fifteen years old, but consumer
initially winning for ‘Best
consistently ranking demand has grown so
Chardonnay in the World’
among the world’s best at quickly that only about 5% (ISWC, 1994) and then
international competitions. of Okanagan wines ever winning top honours as
reach the export market. the ‘World’s Best Pinot
Boasting 84% of the It may be ironic, but it’s Noir’ (DWWA, 2013).
province’s vineyard acreage, been a blessing for local
the Okanagan Valley is wine lovers.
17VITICULTURE
SETTING THE
DOUBLE GOLD
STANDARD.
Before it even opened, Indigenous World Winery was competing (and winning) at an
international level.
Indigenous World Winery is the brainchild “The goal was a big award winner,” explains
of Robert and Bernice Louie, descendants spokesperson Ryan Widdup. “They wanted
of the Syilx first peoples who have lived in to open the doors with some big showpiece
the Okanagan for generations. Back in 2011, red wines.” So while the couple were planting
the couple secured 2.5 acres to start a their first vines and building their facility in
vineyard and joined forces with winemaker 2013, Parkes had already been crafting wines
Jason Parkes to make wines that could for them at a nearby estate winery. “Jason
compete at a world level. spent a lot of time crafting a small production
18
16 VITICULTURE
UNTITLEDred called Simo, and in 2015 meetings and events, the
it won two medals and the winery is sited on land
first Double Gold Medal a few belonging to Westbank First
months before we opened Nation. “Robert and Bernice
the wine shop in 2016.” are very proud of where
they come from,” says
Since then, the gold and Widdup. “The focus of the
silver medals have kept on winery is not to necessarily
coming, with the 2014 Simo be a cultural learning place,
receiving Double Gold at but it is a part of the family’s
the 2019 All Canadian Wine heritage and they are
Championships, beating passionate about sharing
out 1,378 other entries. their culture. Wine is an rural Saskatchewan. “When
In addition, their wines exceptional way to showcase I got into the wine industry
have earned gold at many the terroir of traditional lands in BC, I thought it would be
international competitions in that have sustained their quite competitive. Instead, it’s
the United States and Europe. people for thousands of years.” very collaborative. Everybody
knows everybody and they
“WE’RE ATTRACTING A HUGE Indigenous World Winery also really support each other. The
AMOUNT OF TALENT ALL understands the importance of interesting thing about being
giving back to the community. situated in West Kelowna is
ACROSS THE GLOBE TO COME
Robert Louie was the elected that there’s huge diversity.
HERE AND MAKE THEIR NAME Chief of Westbank First We’ve got two of the biggest
AND DISCOVER WHAT IT IS Nation for decades, serving wineries in all of BC up the
TO MAKE WINE IN BC.” on many boards and band road and some of the smallest are hundreds of years old,
businesses, in addition to ones right next door.” we’ve only been doing it for
–
being Chair of the National a short amount of time. We’re
Ryan Widdup
Sales Manager, First Nations Advisory Board. “Winemaking is essentially attracting a huge amount of
Indigenous World Winery “Robert travels a lot, so glamour farming, to steal a talent from all across the globe
Bernice is the main person phrase from the folks up at to come here and make their
In 2020, the winery launched in the family who oversees 50th Parallel Estate Winery. name and discover what it is
their Indigenous Spirits the winery’s day to day But it’s incredibly interesting to make wine in BC, so it’s
craft alcohol line, starting operations,” Widdup explains. because every year is extremely exciting and I’m very
with vodka. “We’ve been different. It’s the one industry proud to be part of this industry.”
working on a gin recipe using Widdup himself grew up in where you could know
botanicals and locally sourced an agricultural community in everything about every wine “It’s also amazing to be a
ingredients with a medicinal in the world this year and part of a community where
history in the Syilx culture. then next year you have to everybody is really trying to
We also have eight barrels of go out and learn every single help each other out. It was
whiskey that turn three years wine all over again because especially cool during the
old this year, so we’re going everything’s changed.” pandemic, just the number
to release a single barrel and of trade and tourism industries
a barrel-blend single malt. “The industry here is less than that tried to bring everybody
So that’s really exciting.” forty years old,” says Widdup. together to share their stories
“Right now we’re still in the and best practices and what
Located across Okanagan pioneering phase. We’re not they’ve learned. I think if
Lake in West Kelowna, like California, Oregon or anything, it strengthened
making it an ideal spot for Chile where these industries the community even more.”
17
19THE HIGH POINT
OF ORGANIC
WINEMAKING.
clones from France and “FOR US, THE NEXT LEVEL
“personally planted them OF SUCCESS WILL BE
on his hands and knees.”
After entering the organic
SEEING OUR WINES ON
certification program in RESTAURANT LISTS IN
1988, Cipes Sr. produced MAJOR CENTERS AROUND
his first vintage in 1991 THE WORLD. THEIR
and the winery received
OUTSTANDING QUALITY
Demeter Biodynamic
certification in 2012. AND TASTE CAN COME
FROM NOWHERE
“We’re a mid-sized winery BUT THE OKANAGAN.”
Serving as the CEO of change of life,” explains Cipes, with a large team, mostly
–
‘Canada’s most visited one of four brothers. “I am so because of the extensive Ezra Cipes
winery’, Ezra Cipes is part grateful they did. It was just a hospitality we offer,” says CEO,
of the second generation little farming community, no Ezra. “We have a beautiful Summerhill Pyramid Winery
at Summerhill, a pioneering modern wine industry at all. restaurant and banquet room,
winery producing 100% They both helped build the both overlooking the vineyard,
organic wine. What makes modern wine industry in BC lake, and mountains.”
Summerhill so unique? A and were founding members
pyramid wine cellar, second of the BC Vintners Quality “For us, the next level of
only to the Great Pyramids Alliance and of the BC Wine success will be seeing our
of Egypt for alignment and Institute.” wines on restaurant lists in
precision, in which the family major centers around the
allows their organic and On arriving in 1986, Ezra’s world. Certain wines we
biodynamic wines to rest father, Stephen, believed make are absolutely relevant
before release. he’d found unique conditions to the global wine market
to produce “intensely because of their outstanding
“My parents moved our young flavoured small grapes,” the quality and a taste that can
family here from the suburbs perfect base for sparkling come from nowhere but
of New York in 1986 for a total wine. He brought grape the Okanagan.”
20 VITICULTURE100%
FARM TO
FLASK.
BC’s oldest and Canada’s that our grains and fruits outlive each of us presently
most internationally awarded come from local fields and at the helm of our family
distillery, Okanagan Spirits orchards. Farm-to-flask is distillery. We’ve spent the
is a fourth-generation family truly in everything we do, last two decades travelling
business. It’s also the first from our premium whiskies, the world learning from
farm-to-flask distillery in gins, vodkas, liqueurs, the very best distillers “THE OKANAGAN REGION
Western Canada since brandies, aquavit and and brewers, immersing IS AN IDEAL SPOT FOR
the days of prohibition. even traditional absinthe.” ourselves in everything TRUE FARM-TO-FLASK
spirits. We also participate
AUTHENTIC SPIRITS
biennially in the World
Spirits Awards Competition
PRODUCTION, AS IT
in Austria to have our spirits REALLY IS ONE OF THE
judged with the very best BEST SPOTS ON THE
distillers in the world.” PLANET FOR AGRICULTURE.
“The Okanagan region is
IT ALSO HAS A COMMUNITY
an ideal spot for true farm- THAT’S KEENLY INVESTED
to-flask authentic spirits IN SUPPORTING
production, as it really is LOCAL TOURISM AND
“We hand craft terroir-driven OK Spirits is also committed one of the best spots on
AGRICULTURAL PARTNERS.”
spirits entirely from 100% to reducing their impact on the planet for agriculture.
local grains and fruits that the environment. “After we It also has a community –
Tyler Dyck
present the true flavours and finish mashing, all edible that’s keenly invested in
CEO, Okanagan Spirits
aromas of the Okanagan materials go back to feed supporting local tourism and
Valley,” says Tyler Dyck, CEO local livestock. We even agricultural partners.” Says
and Director of Operations. use distilling by-products to Dyck, “we’re all passionate
“We feel each and every power all our vehicles to cut about seeing the success
one of our spirits tell a story, down on emissions.” of the Okanagan region,
which by extension, is our with the goal of establishing
family’s story to tell. That’s “To us, success is all about this valley as the place to
why it’s so important to us creating a legacy that will be in Canada.”
21AGRICULTURE
CLIMBING THE
CORPORATE LADDER
MEANS
SOMETHING
DIFFERENT
HERE.
22 AGRICULTURE870
farms employing
4,467 people
(Census, 2016)
794
agri-food businesses
299
fruit and tree nut
farming businesses
OUR FARMING
65
Today, the Central Okanagan Centre and research from
is home to many different types The University of British
ROOTS HAVE of farm operations, including Columbia Okanagan and
greenhouse, nursery
GROWN DEEP tree fruits (apples, cherries, Okanagan College.
and floriculture IN THE PAST plums, pears, peaches, and
apricots), vegetables (fresh
Because we’re all about
keeping it fresh.
producers
160 YEARS. and greenhouse), and cattle
ranching, of course. (Those
When Father Pandosy guys are tenacious.) BC Tree Fruits
planted the first apple trees Cooperative promotes,
at his French Catholic mission There’s no question the packages and transports
in 1859, little did he know the region’s soil, topography and the freshest tree fruits
in BC’s interior. The
agricultural powerhouse his hot, sunny climate provide
industry represents
spindly cuttings would an excellent agriculture
over 800 growers in
grow into. environment, which is
BC, generating over
supported by food processing $130 million in
Years later, many of the cattle facilities, administration wholesale revenue
ranches and grain fields that infrastructure and reliable and $900 million in
had once fed Cariboo gold transportation routes. economic activity.
miners had transitioned into –
irrigated orchards. And for a The industry is constantly 2016 BC Agrifood & Seafood
Export Highlights
time, vast fields of tobacco evolving and innovating thanks
that gave birth to ‘Kelowna to input from The Summerland
Pride’ cut and cigar tobaccos. Research and Development
23AGRICULTURE
THE
FUTURE IS
PEAR-
SHAPED.
One of the area’s oldest farms, Day’s Century Growers,
goes high-tech to increase efficiency and quality.
Day’s Century have been farming “Almost 75% of our revenue more efficiently if we removed
in the Okanagan Region for almost comes from pears, yet it’s ourselves from the pool system.
as long as there’s been farming probably just a little over a So we built our own packing
in the Okanagan. In the late quarter of the actual ground house, taking responsibility
1890’s, Ephraim Day homesteaded we farm,” says Kevin Day, who for the storage, packing and
“IT’S SUCH A COOL
property in the heart of Kelowna runs the current operation with shipping of the pears we grow. EXPERIENCE TO
and over five generations the his sister Karen Day. “According Fortunately, it’s worked out.” HAVE DINNER AND
family holdings have since to my grandfather, this area is TO KNOW THAT
expanded to encompass over the best pear growing land in The family stepped things
136 acres. Canada. Very, very high quality. up again in 2019 when they
EVERYTHING WE’RE
It’s a combination of climate, installed a state-of-the-art EATING WAS GROWN
This includes the largest the heavy clay loam soil, the packing machine and a high- ON THE FARM.”
pear orchard in the province, nearness of the lake, really resolution optical pear-sorting –
distributing Bartlett, Bosc and just so many reasons.” system, the first of its kind in Erin Day-Johnson
Green and Red D’Anjou pears Canada. The system scans Operations Manager,
across North America. The In 2012, the Day’s made a pears for external defects, Day’s Century Growers
family also sells freshly picked bold move to take control of taking sixty images of each
vegetables, fruit and sweet their pears. “My sister and I pear to ensure the highest
corn in their own farm market. felt we could manage our crop quality and proper grading.
24
22 AGRICULTURE
UNTITLEDinto the bin and then months
later when it’s packed into a
box. It’s both labour efficient
and complies with food safety
regulations.”
“Properly managing
our highest-value farm
“Food safety and the retail commodity has changed
marketplace demand you our lives substantially. We
touch the fruit as little as were quite diversified before,
possible,” Day explains. but the packing house has
“Pears are very prone to ensured that all of our other
surface scuffing. In Holland, diversification isn’t being
more than 50% of their tree drained to put into the “All my life I’ve known working a promotion and I just kind
fruits are pears, so when pear crop.” alongside my dad on the farm of moved up from there. I’m
they design equipment, they was pretty important to me,” Operations and Food Safety
design it for pears. Whereas This innovation has changed says Erin. “I was drawn to it Manager for Day’s Century
any other countries, such as other lives in the Day family, as young as eleven years old, Growers now.”
New Zealand, Australia, the too. Daughter Kati is the when I had my first job in the
United States, their machines company’s Communication fruit stand, working alongside “I think it’s a very attractive
my aunt. When I started my lifestyle,” she says
post-secondary education enthusiastically. “It’s such
in 2013, I was going for my a cool experience to have
bachelor’s in biology, with dinner and to know that
an emphasis on botany. everything we’re eating was
At that time, we’d already grown on the farm. I can’t
been packing our own fruit wait for the day when I can
for two years and that’s kind raise my kids on our family
of where my dad’s attitude farm and teach them what I
changed. Things started to know about the importance
prove themselves with the of hard work and growing
packing line and the new your own food.”
business, so instead of, ‘You
need to get an education,
get a career, farming is not
viable,’ he started calling
are geared for maybe 90% Manager and other daughter us back, giving us all the
apple-use and 10% pears. Erin is Operations Manager, information we needed to
So I knew I’d be able to find with her husband Riley make this jump.”
the best machine in Holland, handling Shipping and
one designed specifically Receiving. As the next “In 2016, after about half of
for pears.” generation, Erin and Riley my degree was finished,
oversee all aspects of the I decided to change my
“Optical sorting was a big farm, including growing, direction and started full-
step for us to please retailers. harvesting and production time on the production line
Each pear is touched only of feed crops, carrying on in the packing facility. Then
twice; once when it’s picked the legacy of the Day family. about seven months in I got
23
25ICONIC BC
BRAND EVOLVES
AND INSPIRES.
Since the mid 1950s, the SunRype has over 300 most notably an additional 5
SunRype brand has been a employees who work at the people celebrating their 45th
household name in Western production facility in Kelowna, work anniversary at SunRype!”
Canada, leading the way spanning 19 acres near scenic
with their trusted apple juice, Lake Okanagan. “People are “Ultimately, success is
fondly referred to as Blue very important to us”, states measured by sales,” she adds.
Label. Fueled by society’s Bradley. “We are proud of “Brand trust and brand equity
greater emphasis on health are key. We’ve added many
and nutrition, the company different fruits to our juice
has been steadily introducing line-up, a whole range of
a host of new snack popular fruit snacks and new
products made from simple, categories that go beyond
wholesome ingredients fruit. SunRype goodness is
“THE OKANAGAN VALLEY IS
including fruit, grains, seeds now shared with families all A PRETTY SPECIAL PLACE.
and coconut. across Canada, and we’re also ABUNDANT SUNSHINE
proud to offer a growing array MAKES IT THE PERFECT
President and CEO, Lesli of products across the U.S.”
PLACE TO GROW FRUIT,
Bradley, says the company’s
vision is to help people live “The Okanagan Valley is a WHICH IS IMPORTANT
healthier lives. “We make pretty special place. Abundant IN OUR BUSINESS.
really great things out of fruit our culture and that over sunshine makes it the perfect IF YOU’VE NEVER BEEN
and other simple ingredients, 45% of our plant operation place to grow fruit, which is
HERE, COME VISIT
and our mission goes beyond employees have been with important in our business.
product development to us for over 20 years. In We’re surrounded by so much AND SEE WHY WE’RE
also include supporting fact, this year throughout natural beauty that really SO LUCKY TO CALL
community initiatives that various departments, we are makes it a wonderful place to THIS PLACE HOME.”
help to promote a healthy celebrating 26 employees live, work and play. If you’ve
–
active lifestyle for families with anniversaries ranging never been here, come visit Lesli Bradley
throughout the Okanagan between 20 and 35 years, and see why we’re so lucky President & CEO,
and all across Canada.” 3 employees at 40 years and to call this place home.” SunRype
26 AGRICULTUREPOISED
FOR HIGH
PERFORMANCE.
Legalization has transformed
cannabis agriculture from an
underground niche market
into an attractive mainstream
commercial opportunity.
First movers like Flowr are
accelerating their efforts
at production.
From its operations in Canada,
Europe and Australia, Toronto-
based Flowr produces fully
licensed recreational and over 150 people locally. plants alike, with a huge
medicinal cannabis. Its 30% of those are highly tourist industry and a long
flagship campus in Kelowna accomplished professionals growing season.
comprises an 85,000 square (engineers, scientists, “THE OKANAGAN CLIMATE
foot licensed indoor growing executives, industry experts) Flowr’s investment in the
area offers the opportunity
IS ATTRACTIVE TO PEOPLE
facility, the FLOWR Forest who relocated to Kelowna
- a 595,000 plus square foot from across Canada and for long term careers and AND PLANTS ALIKE, WITH
outdoor growing operation, internationally. One of them benefits the community A HUGE TOURIST INDUSTRY
and the new Hawthorne R&D is Aman Malhi, Director of through spending on local AND A LONG GROWING
Facility, a state of the art People and Culture. vendors, contractors and
SEASON.”
50,000 square foot cannabis service providers. The
–
R&D centre, largely funded “I moved to Kelowna in company also provides
Aman Malhi
by Scott’s Miracle-Gro & November 2019 and have opportunities for local
Director of People
Hawthorne Gardening. absolutely loved the university co-op students,
and Culture, Flowr
Okanagan area since day investing in the leaders of
Founded in 2017, Flowr has one,” states Malhi. “The the future to help take our
more than doubled its staff Okanagan climate is business to the next level”
in the last year, employing attractive to people and says Malhi.
27DIGITAL
WE’RE BUILDING
A COMMUNITY
THAT’S UP TO
[CODE]
28 DIGITAL$1.67B
in annual revenue
693
tech companies,
12,500 employees
$35M
Innovation Centre
puts multiple high-tech
businesses under
one roof
TECH THAT’S Animation studios, game part of its appeal for start-
36km
developers, Canada’s premier ups. The lifestyle, the
PUNCHING medical record platform, relaxed pace, lower costs
ABOVE ITS AI-powered online content of living and good weather
of Dark Fibre network WEIGHT. filtering systems, aviation
satellite data tracking systems
make a pretty attractive
addition to the
in Kelowna …and the list goes on. compensation package.
Today, there are more people
employed in the BC tech
sector than in mining, oil, One success story is Lane
gas and forestry combined. Merrifield, currently a Dragon Kelowna’s downtown
And it’s no secret that on CBC’s Dragon’s Den, has also become
technology has dramatically and the co-founder of the a tech hub that
changed the local landscape, massively popular online attracts businesses
particularly in Kelowna, game, Club Penguin. After and investors from
which is part of Canada’s selling the business to Disney, around the world,
Digital Tech Supercluster. with buildings like
he started FreshGrade, a
the Innovation Centre
The Okanagan region portfolio and assessment
promoting collaboration
is an important part of platform used by educators
and idea-sharing.
the Cascadia Innovation around the globe. He also There is also 36km of
Corridor, linking innovators helms Wheelhouse, which dark fibre infrastructure
in British Columbia with supports the growth and installed in Kelowna,
others in Washington development of early- ready for company
State and as far down stage tech companies networks to get
as Silicon Valley. and entrepreneurs. hooked up.
The diversity of the area’s The Okanagan’s position as
digital tech boom is exciting. a recreational mecca is also
29DIGITAL
ASHLEY & TODD’S
PIXELLENT
ADVENTURE
Yeti Farm Creative’s husband and wife founders
drew on their big city experience to animate
Kelowna’s digital studio scene.
Rocket Monkeys. Pete the Cat. Rewind to 2007. Creative guy
Angry Birds. Beat Bugs. DNAce. Todd Ramsey has been working
Hotel Transylvania. Any of these as an animator and director
animated series ring a bell? If not, in Vancouver, while Ashley
maybe you’re familiar with where has been producing various
they’re playing: Netflix, Amazon children’s animated shows.
Prime, Nickelodeon, Teletoon, After starting their own company
Corus, YouTube. and becoming parents, they
decided in 2010 to move closer
It’s big time stuff for Yeti Farm, to family in Kelowna.
the Kelowna-based digital
animation studio that has hit “It was a huge risk and took
warp speed in the last few years. us a few years to get going,”
Animating shows under contract Ashley explains. “The animation
for other companies, they’ve industry was just beginning
steadily expanded to the point here. There was Disney, then
where they’re writing, developing Bardel Animation and The Centre
and pitching their own series. for Arts and Technology was
Recently three ideas have been teaching animation. So we were
green lit to develop into prime time lucky we had lots of existing
pilots, one of them a live action relationships outside the
series. How did this all happen? region to build on.”
30 DIGITAL“It can be seen as very
brave to start a studio here,
but it’s also been a very
selfless and humbling thing.
Todd and I are both really
proud and grateful. We
feed and build families.”
“A lot of people in the studio
In 2012 the couple rented now have kids and homes
space, hired five students and mortgages and cars
from the school and secured and it’s kind of neat, right?”
their first roster of work with
Electronic Arts, producing
the heads on the athletes While we were scaling up, I our competitors in a tough
in various games like FIFA, worked weekly with advisors market, particularly against
UFC and NHL. “Pretty soon looking at different financial the overseas studios. The
we signed a three year lock- models and how to handle animation industry here is
in output deal with Atomic our operation, which was definitely bigger because
Cartoons for Netflix shows changing drastically. We also of our studio. It’s basically
like Rocket Monkeys and participated on the advisory grown from zero to one of
Beat Bugs, and that was board of Okanagan College the mid-sized employers Where else can they lead
when it really took off. 2013 to shape their animation of the area, maybe tripled a really healthy balanced
to 2016 was pretty mega- program so it would fit our in size. Now with the pivot in lifestyle where they animate
scale, scaling up to about 50 talent needs and they really our studio space strategy in the morning, hike in the
employees. Then we expanded supported us in that.” (they’ve gone 100% mobile afternoon and then hop
again, and by 2019 we had since COVID-19), I think it back on at night? “That’s the
about 160 artists and a 7,000 “Now that we’re a certain presents more opportunities best part about the lifestyle
square foot studio space.” size, we benefit from the BC for ourselves and our staff.” here. Oh, and the wine.
Film and Media Tax Credits Which every stressed-out
“Starting out I think we (17.5%). There are also unique “Today we’re producing entrepreneur needs a lot of.”
definitely benefited from a tax credit bonuses for being three prime time pilots.
blend of support systems in this region (12% Regional + Prime time animation is a “WE WERE ALSO PART OF THE
with municipal, provincial 6% Distance) which gives us totally different category EARLY DAYS OF ACCELERATE
a bit of an edge in terms of in animated content, which
and federal aid behind us.
OKANAGAN AND THAT
is emerging because
live action shoots have DEFINITELY HELPED ME
been discontinued for the AS AN ENTREPRENEUR.”
foreseeable future. This is –
where I see huge potential. Ashley Ramsay
Then we’re also producing Founder & CEO,
our own animated property, Yeti Farm
Sweet Tweets, and are
in development with a
Canadian network for
Kick Flip, a girl’s live
action sports dramedy
to be shot locally.”
31CONNECTING
CANADA’S
HEALTHCARE.
QHR has two more products
in market: FreedomRx, an
e-prescription management
tool for pharmacists, and
Pharmacy EMR, which helps
pharmacy staff manage their
professional services. Both
of these are now used in
over 1,200 Shoppers Drug
Mart pharmacies in Canada,
following Loblaws’ purchase
of QHR in 2016.
QHR currently has 523 “KELOWNA IS ON THE
Digital healthcare saw a AccuroEMR, Canada’s largest employees across Canada,
MAP NOW, NOT ONLY AS A
significant boost during the single-platform electronic with 368 of those in the
pandemic, with patients medical record software. Kelowna head office.
TOURIST DESTINATION, BUT
connecting directly to their “Our market is all across ALSO FOR NEW BUSINESS,
healthcare providers through Mike Checkley, President Canada, but from a talent MATURING BUSINESS, AND
video and messaging of QHR and one of the perspective Kelowna AS A RESULT, CAREER
platforms, including Medeo three original developers of continues to deliver,” says
Virtual Care from Kelowna- AccuroEMR, explains how Checkley. “Kelowna is on
OPPORTUNITIES.”
based QHR. it came about. “I studied the map now, not only as a –
Computer Science right here tourist destination, but also Mike Checkley
President,
The innovative healthcare in the Okanagan. It’s been an for new business, maturing
QHR Technologies
technology company amazing experience to see it business, and as a result,
produces a suite of industry- grow from those early days to career opportunities.”
leading products designed to now the largest tech company
streamline medical practices. in the Okanagan with customers
Their flagship product is all across the country.”
32 DIGITALTO PROTECT
AND SERVE
– ONLINE.
“We have a mission to make MITACS cluster grant of over “WE LOOKED ALL OVER
the internet a place where three million dollars to work
everyone is free to share with universities. “We looked
CANADA FOR LEADING
without harassment or abuse,” all over Canada for leading UNIVERSITIES TO PARTNER
explains Two Hat Founder universities to partner with, WITH, AND TO OUR
and CEO, Chris Priebe. Since and to our surprise, one of SURPRISE, ONE OF OUR
2012, his company’s AI- our best has been here at
BEST HAS BEEN HERE
driven content moderation home with UBC Okanagan.”
platform has been identifying Priebe states. AT HOME WITH UBC
and preventing harmful OKANAGAN”
online behaviour, including Most recently, the World –
cyberbullying, abuse, hate Economic Forum selected Chris Priebe
speech, violent threats and Two Hat as one of its most Founder & CEO,
child exploitation, all while promising Technology Two Hat
enforcing rules of conduct in Pioneers of 2020 for its
online communities. groundbreaking platform, supporter of Two Hat and our
offering the opportunity to mission,” says Priebe. “I was
“Some of the largest engage with other industry still in my basement when
companies in the world leaders and work with public I heard about AO and their
trust our team to keep their and private experts. programs. They helped us
users safe,” Priebe explains. get our first desks, a mentor,
“We now process over 100 When asked about the community services, as well
billion human interactions infrastructure in place to help as legal and accounting firms
every month. To put it in get his organization off the who volunteered and helped
perspective, that’s six times ground, Priebe credits the get us set up. It would have
the reported size of Twitter.” many programs designed cost thousands of dollars to
to support start-ups here in hire any of their services and
Two Hat’s success was the Okanagan. “Accelerate here they all were giving me
recognized in 2017 when they Okanagan has definitely amazing deals.”
were awarded the largest been a great friend and
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