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Aug18

Update September 15, 2023

Central Okanagan Emergency Operations says Westside Road is now open.

While the road is open again, drivers should expect delays as a section of the road between Raymer Bay Regional Park and Bear Creek Provincial Park, which will be single lane alternating traffic.

Update September 12, 2023

Central Okanagan Emergency Operations, in consultation with the BC Wildfire Service and the Regional District of Central Okanagan Fire Rescue, is rescinding the evacuation alerts for La Casa and the area north of the resort.

La Casa is no longer under evacuation order or alert.

Please be reminded that you must access Westside Road from Hwy. 97 via the north through Okanagan Indian Band and are reminded to be patient and slow down. The speed limit throughout OKIB IR#1 along Westside Road is 60km. 

Drivers should also be advised that OKIB IR#1 is open range land and to be aware of potential livestock on roads, as well as wildlife.

Motorists should also be aware that Westside Road is still closed south of La Casa due to fire activity and damage further south along Westside Road. The next update on the road closure will be on September 15th, 2023.

Please note that Shaw service is still not available at La Casa, and we do not yet know when they will be restored. Amenities at the resort are open at this time, including the beach, marina, lower pool, hot tub, and activity area.

Update August 28, 2023

Evacuation order and travel ban rescinded for La Casa

Properties north of Terrace Mountain Road along Westside Road, including La Casa up to and including Fintry Provincial Park in the Regional District Electoral Area West, can return to their homes under Evacuation Alert status.

Returning residents must access Westside Road from Hwy. 97 via the north through Okanagan Indian Band and are reminded to be patient and slow down. The speed limit throughout OKIB IR#1 along Westside Road is 60km. 

As school is still out, please watch for children throughout residential areas. Drivers should also be advised that OKIB IR#1 is open range land and to be aware of potential livestock on roads, as well as wildlife.

Motorists should also be aware that Westside Road is still closed south of La Casa due to fire activity and damage further south along Westside Road.

Residents of properties on evacuation alert must continue to be prepared to leave their properties at a moment’s notice and be away from home for an extended period.

Residents are encouraged to check the map before heading home to confirm the status of their property. View the up-to-date evacuation order and alert areas on cordemergency.ca/map.

For the safety of the public and fire crews still working in the area, please do not enter naturalized areas. There are still locations where active firefighting is underway and dangers like downed power lines, hazardous materials, damaged trees, debris and equipment pose a safety risk.

Please note that at this time, Shaw service is not available at La Casa, and we do not yet know when they will be restored. Additionally, the onsite pool and hot tubs are not available, as they will need to be maintained. When we have more information from the strata regarding onsite amenities, we will update this page.

Update August 23, 2024:

Travel Restrictions

In a Statement issued Tuesday, August 22nd, Bowinn Ma, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, announced the Emergency Order restricting non-essential use of temporary accommodations will be lifted effective Wednesday, August 23rd for:

  • Kelowna
  • Kamloops
  • Oliver
  • Osoyoos
  • Penticton
  • Vernon

Restrictions will remain in place for West Kelowna, where non-essential travel for the purpose of staying in temporary accommodation, including hotels, motels, inns, bed and breakfasts, hostels, RV parks and campgrounds, remains prohibited.

This restriction will support access to accommodations for evacuees and personnel providing emergency and critical services.

The public is asked to avoid non-essential travel to areas impacted by wildfires. Roadways must remain clear for emergency response operations.

What is essential travel?

Essential travel activities include:

  • providing emergency or critical services
  • sheltering for evacuees
  • travelling for health or medical reasons
  • transporting essential goods and supplies
  • attending court or complying with a court order
  • attending a funeral service
  • avoiding the risk of abuse or violence
  • exercising parental responsibilities
  • moving or assisting with moving to a different principal residence
  • carrying out a temporary work-related purpose, including volunteer work
  • attending classes or training
  • exercising an Aboriginal or treaty right

August 18, 2023

La Casa Cottages is included in the evacuation order due to the McDougall Creek wildfire.

Closures on Westside Road remain in place and there is no access to the resort at this time.

Please check Central Okanagan Emergency Operations map for up to date info on evacuation alerts and orders.

For up to date road closure information please check DriveBC.ca

If you have an upcoming reservation we recommend you to get in touch with us via email, as our staff have been evacuated and our communication abilities at this time are limited.

We will issue future stay credits to all impacted guests on a day-by-day basis, as this is an evolving situation. Please bear with us as it may take us some time to respond to all guest requests, and to get credits issued. If you have any questions you would like to direct to us, please email as this will be the easiest form of communication at this time. We are responding to all inquiries in order of urgency, but rest assured we will get back to you as soon as possible. 

We thank you all for your patience and understanding, as our number one priority currently is to ensure the safety of all our onsite guests and staff.

 

Jul26

Kelowna is known for its beautiful vineyards and wineries, and it is home to many world-renowned wineries that offer tastings and tours to visitors. Some popular Kelowna wineries include:

  1. Mission Hill Family Estate Winery: Mission Hill is one of the most iconic wineries in Kelowna, offering stunning views of Okanagan Lake and a wide variety of award-winning wines. The winery also features an on-site restaurant, a wine boutique, and a beautiful outdoor amphitheater that hosts concerts and events.
  2. Quails’ Gate Winery: Quails’ Gate is a family-owned winery that has been producing wine in Kelowna for over 60 years. The winery offers tastings and tours, as well as an on-site restaurant that features locally sourced ingredients and stunning views of Okanagan Lake.
  3. Summerhill Pyramid Winery: Summerhill Pyramid is a certified organic winery that produces a wide range of wines, including sparkling wines and ice wines. The winery also has a unique pyramid-shaped cellar that is said to enhance the aging process of the wines.
  4. CedarCreek Estate Winery: CedarCreek Estate is a beautiful winery that offers tastings, tours, and an on-site restaurant. The winery produces a wide variety of wines, including reds, whites, and rosés, as well as ice wines and sparkling wines.
  5. Sandhill Wines: Sandhill is a boutique winery that focuses on small-batch, single-vineyard wines. The winery offers tastings and tours, as well as a wine club and online store for those who want to purchase their wines.

These are just a few of the many wonderful wineries in Kelowna, and there are many more to explore and discover in this beautiful region of British Columbia.

Jul01

Canada Day is a national holiday in Canada that celebrates the country’s birthday. It takes place on July 1st every year and is marked by various events and festivities across the country.

Canada Day commemorates the day in 1867 when the British North America Act came into effect, uniting the British colonies of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the Province of Canada (which is now Ontario and Quebec) into a single country called Canada. This act created a new nation with its own government and constitution, while still recognizing the British monarch as the head of state.

On Canada Day, many communities across the country host parades, fireworks displays, and other outdoor celebrations. There are also cultural events, such as music concerts, food festivals, and art shows, that highlight the diversity and richness of Canadian culture. Many Canadians also choose to celebrate by spending time with family and friends, having barbecues or picnics, and participating in outdoor activities.

Overall, Canada Day is a time for Canadians to come together and celebrate their shared history, culture, and values, while also reflecting on the country’s past and looking toward its future.

Jun28

Westside Road is a scenic route that winds along the west side of Okanagan Lake, connecting the communities of Kelowna and Vernon. The road has a long and interesting history, dating back to the early days of settlement in the Okanagan Valley.

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Westside Road was a major transportation route for goods and people traveling between Kelowna and other communities to the north. The road was originally built as a wagon trail, and it was a difficult and treacherous journey for early travelers due to the rugged terrain and steep cliffs along the lakeshore.

In the early 1900s, the construction of the Kettle Valley Railway brought new transportation options to the area, and Westside Road became less important as a transportation route. However, it remained an important link between the communities along the west side of the lake, and it was eventually paved in the 1960s, making it a more accessible and safe route for drivers.

Today, Westside Road is a popular scenic drive for visitors to the area, offering stunning views of Okanagan Lake and the surrounding mountains. The road also provides access to several parks, beaches, and hiking trails along the west side of the lake, including Bear Creek Provincial Park and Fintry Provincial Park.

Overall, the history of Westside Road is closely tied to the history of settlement and transportation in the Okanagan Valley, and it remains an important part of the region’s heritage and culture.

Jun14

La Casa is a vacation community located on the west side of Okanagan Lake, approximately 30 minutes from downtown Kelowna. The community features a variety of vacation properties, including cottages, townhouses, and condos, as well as amenities like a marina, private beach, and outdoor pool.

La Casa is situated on a hillside overlooking the lake, offering panoramic views of the water and surrounding mountains. The community is designed to provide a resort-style vacation experience, with amenities like a mini-golf course, tennis courts, and a playground for kids.

One of the main attractions of La Casa is its private beach, which is accessed via a steep set of stairs from the top of the hill. The beach is sandy and gently sloping, making it a great spot for swimming and sunbathing during the summer months.

The marina at La Casa offers boat rentals and moorage, allowing visitors to explore the lake and nearby areas by water. The outdoor pool is another popular spot for families, offering a fun and refreshing way to cool off on hot summer days.

Overall, La Casa is a great option for those looking for a vacation rental in the Kelowna area, offering a range of accommodation options and resort-style amenities in a beautiful lakeside setting.