Victoria Femia

News Anchor / Video Journalist

Author Archives

• Okanagan firefighters seeking mental health supports as wildfire seasons worsen

  According to local fire departments, the need for mental health support is more important than ever, as firefighters are pushed to the brink, seemingly every summer.

  Fire

  Apr 13
• West Kelowna traveller pushing for airline to improve its pet policies

  Devyn Plett now travels with three different-size pet carriers when flying with his pomeranian/chihuahua mix, after two run-ins with Air Canada where he was almost denied boarding.

  Canada

  Mar 29
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• Wildfire control can be found no further than below one’s feet: Okanagan forest manager

  Clearing the forest floor of debris can make a difference during a wildfire, which one organization says was made evident during last summer's McDougall Creek wildfire.

  Fire

  Mar 25
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• Forest task force last year extinguished hundreds of abandoned campfires in B.C.

  Last year from May to October between Kelowna and Lake Country the OFTF responded to multiple calls for service.

  Fire

  Mar 24
• Okanagan Humane Society starts new campaign: Spay It Forward

  The surgical procedure has a long list of benefits, along with helping prevent pet overpopulation in your community.

  Canada

  Feb 28
• ‘Happy that it’s over:’ Accused killer of Vernon man dies amid lengthy court case

  After almost seven years of court cases, and heartache, Teresa Bartz is finally getting the justice she feels is owed to her brother.

  Crime

  Feb 23
• Air cadets program in West Kelowna seeking new recruits

  The air cadets program in West Kelowna is recruiting. It’s a program that offers training in a variety of areas, including aviation and marksmanship.

  Canada

  Feb 10
• Service dog leads blind senior from Vernon, B.C. back home after stranded by taxi

  After being denied entry, Vernon Taxi sent a second driver to pick up Croteau, but the situation worsened on the drive home.

  Canada

  Feb 4
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• ‘Check your properties:’ West Kelowna, B.C. family appealing for help finding missing son

  After finishing up a dinner at home with his family on the evening of Jan. 31, 23-year-old Lucas Singer-Kraus disappeared without a trace.

  Investigations

  Feb 3
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• Local non-profit in Sorrento, B.C. creates program that offers rides to residents

  South Shuswap Rides is completely volunteer-run in Sorrento and it helps residents get around most of the Okanagan, free of charge.

  Traffic

  Jan 26
• BCHL All-Star Weekend provides economic boost for Penticton, B.C.

  Last year when Penticton hosted the BCHL All-Star Weekend, the city says it saw an economic spinoff of $287,000. 

  Economy

  Jan 21
• Almost a dozen sailboats fully or partially submerged in Okanagan Lake amid cold snap

  About a dozen sailboats have either semi or fully submerged into Okanagan Lake in the Manhattan Point area of Kelowna over the last few days.

  Environment

  Jan 14
• Call for Silver Alert in B.C. after North Okanagan senior goes missing

  The Silver Alert will target the vulnerable population, including people with dementia.

  Canada

  Jan 7
• Mild and dry weather causing concerns among Okanagan fruit growers

  The warmer weather is forcing farmers to irrigate more, however, the ongoing drought is creating issues.

  Weather

  Jan 4
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• UBC Okanagan skyscraper build forces nearby business to close

  The 12 businesses that rely on coLab as a workspace are now forced to relocate as the closure has prevented all tenants from accessing the building.

  Canada

  Dec 29, 2023
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• Work on UBC Okanagan’s tower in Kelowna continues to impact nearby structures

  Rebellious Unicorns and the Kelowna Legion have had their operations disrupted by the construction of the 68-unit facility under construction on Bertram Street.

  Canada

  Dec 24, 2023
• Highway 97 reopens after vehicle incident in Vernon

  According to DriveBC, the highway is shutdown southbound between 48th Avenue and Stickle Road in Vernon.

  Traffic

  Dec 24, 2023
• Okanagan Falls receives a significant infrastructure investment

  Two B.C. communities will receive funding for upgrades to their water systems in 2024-25, including a $6.5-million investment in Okanagan Similkameen.

  Canada

  Dec 24, 2023
• Parkinson Rec Centre pool in Kelowna, B.C., to reopen after two months

  The closure was due to unforeseen boiler failures, but heat and domestic hot water at the building has been restored ahead of schedule, city officials say.

  Canada

  Dec 24, 2023
• Resort residents outside Peachland fire protection zone battle blaze

  Residents in a Peachland neighbourhood dealt with a long and exhausting night after a nearby structure went up in flames.

  Fire

  Dec 22, 2023
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• Ukrainian refugees in Okanagan facing another Christmas away from home

  'I arrived with my daughter and with my husband,' said Ukrainian refugee Yuliia Halaktinova, who came to B.C., in 2022. 'But my son is now in Ukraine. I worry about it.'

  Canada

  Nov 25, 2023
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• Evacuation order downgraded to alert following threat of rockslide in Penticton

  A rockslide evacuated 25 homes in the Pleasant Valley Mobile Home Park on Tuesday. As of 6 p.m. Thursday, the residents have been given the green light to return home.

  Environment

  Nov 24, 2023
• Online trend believed to have sparked vehicle vandalism in Summerland, B.C.

  After an internet search, Ashley realized her mother might have been targeted because of the make of her car.

  Canada

  Nov 12, 2023
• Hundreds gather in communities across Okanagan for Remembrance Day

  In Penticton, around 400 people assembled at Veterans Memorial Park, one of two ceremonies held in the South Okanagan city.

  Canada

  Nov 11, 2023
• Penticton Indian Band celebrates the grand opening of Snxastwilxtn Recovery House 

  The launch of the Snxastwilxtn Recovery House signifies a step forward in hopes of empowering Indigenous individuals to embark on a journey of cultural and spiritual healing.

  Canada

  Nov 7, 2023