Doris Bregolisse
Kelowna
REALTOR® at Macdonald Realty Interior, BC born, 30 year Kelowna resident, retired award-winning journalism professional
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Articles by Doris Bregolisse
Kelowna Votes, Municipal Election 2026: Doris Bregolisse - Kelowna Capital News
Black Press Media is reaching out to all candidates running for Kelowna council in the 2026 municipal election, asking for their biography, why they are running, and a response to their most pressing issue in the community. Responses will be published in the order they are received. Doris Bregolisse – Kelowna City Council candidate 1) Biography/Why are you running? I am Doris Maria Bregolisse, a lifelong British Columbia resident.
B.C.’s Interior Health region about to reach 10,000 COVID-19 cases since start of pandemic
When watching case counts quickly expand in B.C., it seems surreal to think that after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the Interior Health Authority (IHA) was reporting just a few cases a day. On April 16, 2020, there were three cases of the virus reported in a region that includes a population of about 750,000, according to the B.C. Centre for Disease Control (BC CDC).
High wildfire danger areas in Okanagan, Shuswap to continue growing into weekend
With restaurants closed, travel restrictions in place and public events non-existent because of the pandemic, outdoor pursuits are on the rise among Okanagan residents. The summer-like weather may have you considering heading out to hike or camp, but the fire danger rating issued by the B.C. Wildfire Service means taking more precautions around fire.
Kelowna RCMP search for SUV after hit and run involving boy
By Doris Maria Bregolisse Global News Posted April 15, 2021 8:08 pm A pedestrian was struck while crossing Kane Road at Glenmore Road in Kelowna on Tuesday. Courtesy: Google Maps An 11-year-old boy suffered minor injuries in a hit and run that police said took place on Tuesday afternoon in Kelowna‘s North Glenmore neighbourhood. Kelowna RCMP are looking for a grey BMW SUV that witnesses said failed to stop at the red light at Glenmore and Kane roads at around 2:45 p.m. on April 13.
Whipped by high winds, Lavington, B.C. slash fire moves towards homes
By Doris Maria Bregolisse Global News Posted April 15, 2021 6:20 pm 0:32 Wind-driven flames send fire into fields near Lavington WATCH: A set of slash fires in an old Lavington orchard were whipped up by high winds on Thursday morning. Fire crews said the grassfire grew to about half a hectare before being extinguished. Fire crews in the North Okanagan town of Lavington, east of Vernon, worked fast to put out a grassfire that grew to about half a hectare in size on Thursday morning.
Wind-driven flames send fire into fields near Lavington
A set of slash fires in an old Lavington orchard were whipped up by high winds on Thursday morning. Fire crews said the grass fire grew to about half a hectare before being extinguished. Responsive site?
Former Vernon pharmacist charged with manslaughter awaits judge’s decision on bail
By Doris Maria Bregolisse Global News Posted April 15, 2021 5:26 pm Shaun Ross Wiebe has been charged with manslaughter in connection with the death of Heather Barker. Courtesy: Facebook A B.C. Provincial Court judge has reserved decision on the interim release of a Vernon man charged with manslaughter.
Kelowna condo fire investigation wraps up, cause remains elusive: Investigators
Fire investigators said they have wrapped up their search for the cause of a massive fire that destroyed a four-storey condo project in Kelowna on April 6. “There was no clear consensus as to the cause of that fire,” Kelowna Fire Department fire inspector Paul Johnson said.
Chase was on the case: Hypothermic senior located by Kelowna search dog
By Doris Maria Bregolisse Global News Posted April 15, 2021 3:39 pm Chase was on the case Thursday morning in Kelowna after being called in to help search for a senior who had walked away from Kelowna General Hospital (KGH). The Labrador retriever was part of the Central Okanagan Search and Rescue (COSAR) effort that recovered the 86-year-old, found suffering from severe hypothermia, according to the search organization.
Crash on Bennett Bridge in Kelowna hampers morning commute
By Doris Maria Bregolisse Global News Posted April 15, 2021 2:32 pm View from webcam on WR Bennett Bridge in Kelowna on April 15. Courtesy: DriveBC Kelowna RCMP said a crash involving at least four vehicles tied up traffic on the WR Bennett Bridge on Thursday morning. A view of the DriveBC webcams installed on the bridge over Okanagan Lake indicated traffic heading southbound and northbound was affected. The collision happened on the apex of the bridge.
Shed fire spreads to Kelowna home, cause under investigation
By Doris Maria Bregolisse Global News Posted April 15, 2021 2:18 pm Flames quickly moved from a shed to the attic of a home before Kelowna firefighters arrived on scene on Wednesday night, according to the fire department. A resident in the 800-block of Coronation Avenue noticed the flames at 9:45 p.m., and alerted the occupants of the house who were able to escape unharmed, according to the Kelowna Fire Department.
Sand deliveries in Kelowna neighbourhoods ‘a precaution’: City
By Doris Maria Bregolisse Global News Posted April 14, 2021 7:45 pm In this file photo from May 2017, Mill Creek in Kelowna burst its banks, in May, causing millions of dollars in property damage. Global News The City of Kelowna says flooding is not anticipated on Mill Creek despite rising temperatures that continue to bring water levels in the Okanagan town higher.
Proposed changes to federal boating permits seen as potentially devastating: rental businesses Original
When the pandemic put a squeeze on international travel plans in 2020, tourism-based businesses like Kelowna Boat Rentals benefitted from the crowds that headed to the Okanagan Valley for summer vacation. “Last year was one of the busiest seasons we had. Ever,” Kelowna Boat Rentals manager Silje Riise said.
Kelowna RCMP officer at centre of alleged assault caught on video formally charged
A Kelowna RCMP officer has been charged with assault in connection with his actions during the arrest of a man that was caught on video May 30, 2020. “The charges were approved by an experienced Crown Counsel with no prior or current connection with the officer,” B.C. Prosecution Service spokesperson Dan McLaughlin said in a press release announcing the single count of assault Wednesday. Cst.
Trial set for semi-driver in West Kelowna crash that killed one, injured another Original
Was Harvinder Singh Toor driving a semi dangerously when the rig crashed into a fully-stopped SUV that was apparently waiting at a red light at Highway 97 and Bartley Road on June 14, 2019? That is the question a B.C. Provincial Court judge will have to answer when Toor’s trial takes place in Kelowna in October. RCMP spent the year after the fatal crash collecting evidence, not just from the scene of the horrific collision but for kilometres before the semi reached the intersection. Sgt.
COVID-19’s impact hits Grand Forks, B.C., as crime rate increases, shelter gets extension
When Brian Taylor ran for mayor of Grand Forks in 1997, a town of about 4,000 in B.C.’s West Kootenay region, he saw there was a surveillance camera atop the historic 1911 city hall building. Cameras, Taylor acknowledges, are good for protecting property. And now, due to growing vandalism and theft of city property in the last year, council has approved the purchase and installation of a number of surveillance cameras to help stop the crimes.
Kelowna residents affected by potential crane danger could go home Tuesday night, official says
By Doris Maria Bregolisse Global News Posted April 13, 2021 6:18 pm Workers remove a crane that was at the centre of a condo fire in Kelowna, B.C. Dan Couch/ Global News A construction crane at the centre of a fire site in Kelowna has begun to be dismantled after an engineer deemed the area safe, according to the Kelowna Fire Department. The crane was considered to be at risk of collapsing after the fire on April 6, prompting numerous properties within a 100-metre radius to be evacuated.
Community rallies around Revelstoke yoga studio owner fined for holding indoor class
Revelstoke business owner Rebecca Marchildon says she has become wary of health officials, those enforcing pandemic orders and journalists who carry their messages. Marchildon, like many frustrated business owners across B.C. during the pandemic, is feeling the financial sting of trying to stand up against what she calls unfair, blanket health orders that impact not only her business but also her community’s mental and physical well-being.
Kelowna RCMP pledge to show up at their best for every citizen in new plan
Kelowna RCMP have announced a new four-year plan to make the Okanagan town a safer community. And while many of its goals involve more public participation to lower the risk of crimes that impact the town, nestled within the document submitted to Kelowna City Council on Monday are changes in the way Kelowna RCMP plan on “showing up at our best for every citizen.” Supt.
Petsmart Kelowna stops selling fish, cites federal oversight and invasive species Original
Petsmart Kelowna confirms they have stopped selling aquarium fish, in the interim, over concerns due to an invasive species that threatens the Canadian environment. A note posted at the store states fish sales have been curtailed due to Canada Fisheries and Oceans restrictions and to “help prevent the spread of the zebra mussel.” A Petsmart corporate spokesperson in the U.S. said they are working on an official statement for Global News.
Possible drunk driver plows across yards, stopped by power pole: Vernon RCMP Original
By Doris Maria Bregolisse Global News Posted April 12, 2021 3:28 pm A daylight crash in Vernon on Saturday may have been alcohol-related, according to North Okanagan RCMP. Police said it happened in the 2000-block of 43rd Avenue at 6:40 p.m., April 10. The vehicle had driven across several yards and was finally stopped by a utility pole and fence, leaving the driver trapped inside, RCMP said. Based on observations, the driver was believed to be impaired by alcohol, they said.
Tiny dog returned to owner after being taken from outside Kelowna restaurant
By Doris Maria Bregolisse Global News Posted April 12, 2021 2:40 pm Kelowna RCMP say Shayla the dog was reportedly tied to a tree while the owner went inside a restaurant to pick up some food. Kelowna RCMP A tiny dog that was allegedly stolen from outside a Kelowna restaurant on April 3, has been located safe and sound, according to RCMP.
West Kelowna search locates missing man in deep snow
By Doris Maria Bregolisse Global News Posted April 12, 2021 1:56 pm 16 rescuers were assembled to help find a man missing in the backcountry near West Kelowna on Sunday. Courtesy: COSAR/ Global News Deep snow slowed the rescue effort for a man who was reported missing on Sunday in West Kelowna, according to Central Okanagan Search and Rescue (COSAR). The man had become separated from his friend while operating all-terrain vehicles above Bartley Road, according to COSAR.
Restaurant patio permits to get expedited approval, says RDOS
By Doris Maria Bregolisse Global News Posted April 9, 2021 8:12 pm As the pandemic continues to shutter indoor dining, one Okanagan district is looking to give the hospitality industry a much-needed boost. While provincial restrictions remain in place to help stop the spread of COVID-19, effective April 9, the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen (RDOS) will expedite building permit applications for deck or patio expansions for the commercial hospitality business.
Two more deaths linked to COVID-19 outbreak at Vernon Jubilee Hospital
The Interior Health Authority says two more people have died in connection to the COVID-19 outbreak at Vernon Jubilee Hospital. The outbreak was first announced on March 31, with three people testing positive. Now 14 people are involved: 10 patients and four staff, according to the IHA. Three deaths have now been linked to the outbreak. Despite the outbreak on the Level 3 surgical unit, Interior Health said the incident does not affect other services at VJH.
Glenmore Road to remain closed as Kelowna construction crane assessment continues
By Doris Maria Bregolisse Global News Posted April 9, 2021 6:38 pm The Wyndham Crescent construction crane's structural integrity still remains unknown. Travis Lowe / Global News Traffic through a Kelowna neighbourhood is still detouring around a massive condo fire from Tuesday morning, as engineers continue to assess the safety of a construction crane on the site, according to city officials.
Permanent irrigation water pipes on way near Oliver, B.C., 5 years after rockslide destroyed system
When the earth moves, it can have a large financial impact. That’s what happened in January of 2016, when a rockslide heavily damaged the main two-metre-diametre irrigation water pipe that serves farms, vineyards and orchards in the Oliver area, where there is a desert-like climate. “There was a real sense of panic and urgency,” Ron Hovanes, mayor of Oliver in 2016, said after the slide.
B.C. teacher arrested on way to school, charged with child exploitation
By Doris Maria Bregolisse Global News Posted April 9, 2021 3:26 pm Troubling allegations are being levelled against a high school teacher in B.C.’s Interior. Vincent Collins, 33, remains in custody after being charged with one count of child exploitation, according to 100 Mile House RCMP. Police said Friday they received allegations of criminal conduct committed by Collins on Wednesday evening.
B.C. man found alive, barefoot, after spending night in snow near Clearwater Original
By Doris Maria Bregolisse Global News Posted April 8, 2021 8:20 pm Carlos Sigurnjak was found alive after spending the night in the mountains near Clearwater, B.C., after wandering away from his vehicle. Courtesy: Facebook/ Global News A B.C. family is celebrating after a Kelowna man was discovered alive in a snowbank on Thursday afternoon, more than 24 hours after his vehicle was found abandoned with the keys on the seat near Clearwater, north of Kamloops.
B.C. dog breeder disputes SPCA claims following seizure of 38 miniature dachshunds
A recent BC SPCA animal cruelty investigation in B.C.’s Southern Interior that led to the seizure of 38 dogs has left the breeder and her customers in shock. “There is absolutely nothing wrong with the dogs,” Marisa Panter, owner of the Rainbow Dreams Dachshund Company, told Global News.
Sagmoen, lawyer fail to appear in court; ‘scheduling issue’ blamed after warrant issued
By Doris Maria Bregolisse Global News Posted April 8, 2021 4:17 pm Curtis Sagmoen was met by anti-violence activists as he left the Vernon Courthouse in 2020. Megan Turcato / Global News A scheduled arraignment appearance for Curtis Sagmoen resulted in a warrant being issued for the North Okanagan man on Thursday morning. Sagmoen faces a single charge of assaulting a peace officer, an offence that allegedly took place Oct. 29, 2020, on a property in Spallumcheen.
Construction crane risk prompts expanded evacuation order around Kelowna condo fire site
By Doris Maria Bregolisse Global News Posted April 8, 2021 2:02 pm Numerous homes in Kelowna are still evacuated following a condo fire on Tuesday morning because of this construction crane. Travis Lowe / Global News An evacuation order around a Kelowna condo project that went up in flames on Tuesday morning has been expanded due to concerns about the structural integrity of a tall crane on the property.
Kelowna drivers still up to ‘dangerous habit,’ RCMP say
Kelowna RCMP issued 591 distracted driving tickets in March, which they said indicates mobile device use behind the wheel remains an issue in the central Okanagan city. “Distracted driving is a dangerous habit that puts everyone on our roads at risk,” Sgt. Mark Booth, spokesperson for the Kelowna RCMP Municipal Traffic Section, said. March was ‘Distracted Driving’ and ‘Occupant Restraint Awareness’ month in B.C., according to police, and Kelowna RCMP set out to target distracted drivers.
COVID-19 outbreaks at Kelowna General Hospital reduced to one
A month after an outbreak of COVID-19 was declared in unit 5B at Kelowna General Hospital (KGH), the Interior Health Authority (IHA) has declared the event over. There were two lives lost during the outbreak on 5B, a unit that hosts 30 rehabilitation and eight medical beds, according to the IHA. “We send our condolences to the families of the two patients who passed away,” said Interior Health president and CEO, Susan Brown.
COVID-19 outbreak at Kelowna’s Cottonwoods Care Centre claims life
By Doris Maria Bregolisse Global News Posted April 7, 2021 8:26 pm Updated April 7, 2021 8:27 pm One person has died in connection with a COVID-19 outbreak at Cottonwoods Care Centre on Ethel Street in Kelowna, according to Interior Health. The health authority (IHA) said the outbreak, which was declared on March 7, has affected 25 residents and three staff members. Interior Health did not specify if the connected death was a staff member or a resident.
Vernon vehicle theft proves significance of ‘lock it or lose it’, say RCMP
By Doris Maria Bregolisse Global News Posted April 7, 2021 7:54 pm Updated April 7, 2021 7:56 pm Police arrested a 32-year-old man, Sonnie McDonald, who allegedly jumped into a running vehicle and drove it away. Courtesy: Facebook A vehicle left unattended and running in Vernon on Monday afternoon was an easy target for a thief, according to RCMP. “Don’t tempt thieves,” Const.
Kelowna safe drug consumption site opening delayed
By Doris Maria Bregolisse Global News Posted April 7, 2021 7:16 pm Overdose prevention and safe consumption sites have opened across Canada to help prevent fatal overdoses and connect people with supportive health resources. Global News Renovations on a downtown Kelowna office building that’s slated to become a safe drug consumption site have slowed due to delayed construction materials deliveries, according to the Interior Health Authority.
Kelowna RCMP investigating another interaction between child, stranger
By Doris Maria Bregolisse Global News Posted April 7, 2021 7:10 pm A teen was approached by a stranger in a van while waiting at a bus stop on Rutland Road, according to RCMP. Courtesy: Google Street Maps Kelowna RCMP are once again investigating a stranger interacting with a teen, with the latest alleged incident taking place on Tuesday afternoon. Police say a 14-year-old girl was waiting at a bus stop in the 700-block of Rutland Road North at around 1:30 p.m. on April 6.
Gang ‘shakedown’ nets drugs, weapons in Kelowna
Highly visible police work conducted in Kelowna at the end of March helped police gather intelligence about gang activity in the Central Okanagan, according to B.C.’s Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU-BC). Officers of the CFSEU-BC’s Uniform Gang Enforcement Team (UGET) convened with Kelowna RCMP on March 21 to help target gang or organized crime activity.
Princeton, B.C., rescue dogs among many animals who have found new homes
Two Princeton, B.C., pups who were rescued from deplorable living conditions along with 95 other animals in September 2020 have now found their forever homes. “The animals were living in an extremely poor environment, with lack of shelter, unsanitary living conditions, overcrowding, poor ventilation and were exposed to injurious objects,” Marcie Moriarty, chief prevention and enforcement officer for the BC SPCA, said at the time.
Kelowna man with criminal history in custody following attempted delivery truck theft: RCMP
By Doris Maria Bregolisse Global News Posted April 7, 2021 2:02 pm A Kelowna man with a history of robbery has been arrested and is suspected of attempting to steal a delivery truck on Good Friday. RCMP said a delivery driver was getting into his vehicle in West Kelowna when a man allegedly struck him with a blunt object and tried to steal his vehicle. The driver fought off his attacker, RCMP report, with the suspect fleeing the scene on foot.
Death connected to growing Vernon hospital COVID outbreak, Kelowna outbreaks holding steady
By Doris Maria Bregolisse Global News Posted April 6, 2021 8:51 pm The level-3 surgical unit has been hit with a COVID-19 outbreak at Vernon Jubilee Hospital. Global News The Interior Health Authority (IHA) said that one person has lost their battle with COVID-19 in connection to the outbreak at Vernon Jubilee Hospital (VJH). There are now 13 cases of the disease linked to the VJH Level-3 surgical unit: nine patients and four staff.
Call for smaller class sizes as COVID exposures rise in Central Okanagan schools
The argument for smaller class sizes in B.C. has never taken on such gravitas as it has during this pandemic, with teacher representatives pleading with the province to keep both students and school staff safer. “This is a terrible situation,” said Susan Bauhart, president of the Central Okanagan Teachers’ Association, when it comes to the sudden rise of COVID-19 exposures in local schools.
Temporary homeless shelter in downtown Kelowna receives extension
As the battle over an emergency shelter facility continues in the South Okanagan, the City of Kelowna has moved to allow one of the Central Okanagan’s newest temporary shelters to stay in place, for now. “It means more people inside and nobody on the street,” said Carmen Rempel, executive director of the Kelowna Gospel Mission. The Kelowna Gospel Mission opened the facility at Doyle Avenue and Bertram Street in December, in a building formerly occupied by the Kelowna Daily Courier newspaper.
RCMP cleared of wrongdoing in B.C. man’s death following welfare check
By Doris Maria Bregolisse Global News Posted April 6, 2021 4:51 pm The IIO said there was no evidence that the officers' actions were responsible for the man's death. Independent Investigations Office A man who lived near Princeton did not die because of RCMP actions just prior to his death, according to a B.C. Independent Investigations Office report issued on Tuesday. On March 13, RCMP were called to a home in the 2000-block of Princeton-Summerland Road for assistance.
Handgun used in Kelowna store robbery: RCMP
By Doris Maria Bregolisse Global News Posted April 6, 2021 3:47 pm The suspect in an April 5 armed robbery was last seen wearing a red and black plaid shirt. Courtesy: RCMP Kelowna RCMP are asking for potential witnesses to come forward after a store was allegedly robbed at gunpoint on Monday evening. Police said the bandanna-wearing suspect entered a business in the 2400 block of Highway 97 North in Kelowna, around 9:30 p.m., and demanded cash as he brandished a handgun.
Low-flying helicopters and dummy ammunition: Canadian military in Okanagan for more training
By Doris Maria Bregolisse Global News Posted April 6, 2021 2:09 pm While the Okanagan has been used for many a movie backdrop, the sights and sounds that will fill the corridor between Vernon and Kamloops during the next three weeks will be much more realistic. The Canadian Armed Forces will be conducting training missions at night from April 7 to 23.
Condo under construction in Kelowna goes up in flames
By Doris Maria Bregolisse Global News Posted April 6, 2021 1:33 pm 2:41 Building under construction in Kelowna goes up in flames A condo development under construction in Kelowna caught fire early Tuesday. A four-storey condo project went up in flames on Tuesday morning in Kelowna’s North Glenmore neighbourhood. The spectacular and large blaze quickly engulfed the under-construction wood structure.
B.C. Conservation seizes thousand of moss balls due to hidden invasive species
A tiny invader that can have a massive impact on the natural world, the zebra mussel is among the most feared invasive species in British Columbia. You only need to travel three provinces to the east to see and hear about the tremendous impact the highly invasive species has had on lakes in Manitoba. “The problem is irreversible and in fact, it’s a catastrophe — it’s a disaster,” Dr. Eva Pip, a water quality and ecosystem expert with the University of Winnipeg, told Global News in 2015.
Murder investigation seeks SUV that stopped at West Kelowna intersection
By Doris Maria Bregolisse Global News Posted April 1, 2021 8:27 pm 1:11 RCMP investigate West Kelowna homicide near Hwy 97 Raw video of police at the scene of a homicide investigation on Highway 97 in West Kelowna. The highway was closed for hours on Sunday as police investigated a homicide that has the hallmarks of a targeted shooting. – Mar 21, 2021 Police in West Kelowna are looking to speak with occupants of a vehicle, believed to be an SUV, in connection with a death on Highway 97.
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