URBA Blurbs


August 10, 2023

Upcoming URBA After Hours

 

Sept 6 Black Mountain Veterinary Hospital

156 Asher Rd / 5 - 7pm / $10

https://www.blackmountainvetkelowna.ca


Click Here to Register Now


Oct 4  PIZZA WARS Interior Savings Credit Union (joint host w/ Kelowna Chamber) 

185 Rutland Rd S / 5 - 7pm / $10

https://www.interiorsavings.com


Click Here to Register Now


Nov 8 Canco Petroleum

125 Hwy 33 E / 5 - 7pm / $10

https://cancopetroleum.ca


Click Here to Register Now

Join us at Rutland Senior Secondary in Empowering Future Leaders: Sponsor the British Columbia Student Leadership Conference


The BCSLC is an annual conference that aims to empower and inspire young leaders. It provides a unique platform for high school students to enhance their leadership skills, develop networks, and gain valuable experiences that will shape their future endeavors. This year's conference will be held from October 19-22 at Rutland Senior Secondary School, and we expect to welcome over 400 attendees. 


As a passionate supporter of education and youth development, your business has the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by becoming a sponsor of the BCSLC. By partnering with us, you will not only contribute to the growth and development of our future leaders but also gain exposure to a highly engaged audience from across the province. 


Sponsorship Benefits:


Brand Visibility: Showcase your business to a diverse audience of high school students, teachers, parents, and community leaders through a variety of conference marketing as well as local media.

Community Engagement: Demonstrate your commitment to supporting local initiatives and investing in the educational growth of young leaders.

Positive Public Relations: Gain recognition as a business that actively supports youth empowerment and leadership development in British Columbia. 


We offer various sponsorship levels to accommodate different budgets and preferences. Please find attached our sponsorship package, which outlines the benefits associated with each level. We are also open to discussing custom sponsorship options tailored to your business needs and objectives. 


To confirm your participation as a sponsor or to discuss any inquiries you may have, please feel free to respond to this email or call 778-686-0393. 


We sincerely appreciate your consideration and support for the British Columbia Student Leadership Conference. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of young leaders and foster a stronger future for our communities. We look forward to the opportunity to partner with you.

Sponsorship Opportunities Here

Meet Harmeet Grewal, owner and cosmetologist at Letaya Salon and Spa

Written by Sofia Pangalos


Located on Hwy 33, just across the way from Save on Foods, Letaya Salon and Spa has been providing quality hair and aesthetic services to Kelowna’s Rutland neighborhood for over five years.


Grewal, whose clients rave about the quality of service she delivers, is a skilled laser technician, certified cosmetologist and the owner of Letaya Salon and Spa.


Over the five years she’s been based out of Rutland, she says she has “cultivated a strong and supportive relationship with the community.”


“Rutland is special due to its close-knit community, embracing cultural diversity, thriving local businesses, breathtaking natural beauty, esteemed educational institutions, and rich historical significance. These factors come together to create a uniquely vibrant and captivating place that residents and visitors cherish,” she continues.


Grewal has witnessed the community she treasures undergo many notable transformations, most notably, its economic and cultural diversification.

“As Kelowna's population has expanded, Rutland has emerged as a vibrant and thriving neighborhood, attracting residents from various backgrounds,” she says.


“In terms of diversity, Rutland has become increasingly multicultural. The community now encompasses a wide range of ethnicities, cultures, and languages. This diversity has contributed to a more inclusive and enriching environment, fostering cross-cultural interactions, and promoting a greater appreciation for different traditions and perspectives.”



Overall, she believes the “expansion [of Rutland] has brought additional resources and opportunities for residents, enhancing the overall quality of life in the area.”


And she is devoted to further fostering that growth. The whole Letaya Salon and Spa team is committed to supporting fellow local businesses in the Rutland area, whether that be as patrons, promoters, or active participants in community events that showcase local products and services.


In Grewal’s dreams for Rutland, she envisions a community that “thrives on unity, sustainability and cultural richness.” She hopes to see Rutland's economic landscape continue to flourish, providing abundant job opportunities.


And above all, she dreams of a place “where community bonds are strong, with residents actively supporting and engaging with one another, creating a sense of belonging and inclusion.”

Start Checking-In With Your #exploreKelowna Uptown Rutland Murals Pass


The #exploreKelowna Uptown Rutland Murals Pass has been updated!


This new version is check-in style, using your phone's GPS. All you need to do is visit the murals and check-in. After you've visited all murals, you're eligible to receive a Tourism Kelowna branded t-shirt.

Start Exploring Today!

URBA ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP AVAILABLE

Annual Membership Fee: $199


Interested in becoming an Associate Member of the Uptown Rutland Business Improvement Association (URBIA)?


Associate memberships are perfect for professional individuals, businesses, property owners or organizations that are not located within the physical boundaries of the URBIA and would like to be part of the thriving and supportive business community URBA has to offer. Home-based and remote businesses will be accepted.


Associate Members do not receive a vote at the Annual General Meeting.


Benefits of Associate Membership:

• Listing on the URBA website with a reciprocal link on the associate member’s website

• Receive URBA e-newsletters and group emails

• Serve on URBA committees

• Attend URBA After Hours and other events (grow your business network)

• Advertising opportunities – to be involved in various advertising ventures URBA undertakes ie. various Kelowna print & digital media


For any inquiries, please contact Executive Director

Karen Beaubier at executivedirector@uptownrutland.com

Click Here to Purchase

Upcoming Information Sessions to Learn More about Future Community, Sport & Wellness Facilities


Three information sessions are available for residents to learn more about comprehensive plans to enhance community, sport and wellness facilities across Kelowna including the redevelopment of Parkinson Recreation Centre (PRC). Residents can learn more, view project panels, ask questions and discuss the project with City staff at one of three upcoming information sessions:

 

Rutland Recreation Park

Field north of Rutland Activity Centre

Tuesday, August 15  |  3:30 – 6:30 p.m.

 

Capital News Centre

Thursday, August 17  |  2-5 p.m.

 

Parkinson Recreation Centre

Wednesday, September 6  |  3-6 p.m.

 

City Council initiated approval to move forward with an alternative approval process (AAP) on Monday, July 24 for a $241 million borrowing bylaw, as required to authorize funding to begin the development and enhancement of key facilities for the collective health and well-being of Kelowna residents. 

 

“In building a stronger Kelowna, we are prioritizing key community, sport and wellness sites that play an essential role in the overall wellness and quality of life in our community,” said Derek Edstrom, Partnerships and Investments Director for the City of Kelowna. “The financial strategy anticipates a less than five per cent increase each year for the total City budget, prioritizing the need to keep tax impacts low, stable and predictable.” 

 

The information presented at all sessions will be identical. The sessions are come-and-go format with opportunities for residents to talk to staff and ask questions to learn more about plans to build a stronger Kelowna, including:  

  • Redevelopment of Parkinson Recreation Centre and the surrounding recreation park as a core recreation facility in central Kelowna 
  • Construction of new activity centres for all ages in Glenmore and Mission
  • Optimization of sports fields in Rutland
  • Community partnership opportunities with School District 23, Okanagan College and UBCO



The AAP process seeks Kelowna electors’ approval to borrow for the project. Under the alternative approval process, municipal voters will be given until September 15, 2023 to object to the borrowing. 

 

For more information on the project, funding model, or alternative approval process, visit kelowna.ca/growingactivefacilities.  

Securing the Small Business Rebate Program

 

Brenda Bailey, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation, announced yesterday the establishment of the Securing Small Business Rebate Program. This $10.5 million fund will reimburse small businesses for up to $2,000 per business for the cost of repairs due to vandalism and up to $1,000 for vandalism prevention.

 

After months of discussion with government, BIABC publicly called for such support in February of this year and has been working with the government to develop the program, which is based on programs many BIAs around the province put in place, either using their levy funds or, in some cases, with the support of their municipality. We are pleased to see the concept go province-wide with the support of the BC Government. The first indication of the funding was announced by Premier Eby at BIABC's 2023 conference in May.

 

Program details are not fully confirmed. Funding will be based on reimbursement for expenses through an application process. Funding will be retroactive to January 2023. According to the government's communication, prevention measures eligible for funding could include security cameras or gates. The costs of broken glass and graffiti cleaning are eligible under the vandalism repairs criteria.

 

According to an RFP seeking an administrator, the funds will be divided equally between 2023/24 and 2024/25. The program will end on December 31, 2024, or when funds have been exhausted, whichever comes first.

 

The program builds on the work of the Safer Communities Action Plan and support comes from the StrongerBC Economic Plan.

Summer is Here, Kelowna!


Check out some of the upcoming events that you can discover in Kelowna this summer: 


Aug 11-13 - Rock the Lake - Prospera Place 

Aug 16 - Interior Savings Moonlight Movie - City Park 

VISION STATEMENT:

RUTLAND PROUD: To attract and expand development, business and prosperity with pride and purpose.


MISSION STATEMENT: 

UPTOWN, DOWN TO EARTH: To grow and strengthen Rutland’s hard-working business community through authentic connections and strategic opportunities.


Contact:

Karen Beaubier, Executive Director

250.451.9861    executivedirector@uptownrutland.com

Uptown Rutland Business Association | ourrutland.ca
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