What's Happening in the Shuswap Community this September
Smoke. Heat. Fire. Loss. What a summer this has been.
The 2023 wildfire season has claimed first place for the worst on record in British Columbia. In August, residents and tourists stood helplessly as wildfires covered the Southern Interior region with flames and thick, dark smoke. Many lost their homes, pets, jobs, and community.
Larch Hills Winery sends special thoughts and prayers to everyone affected by this tragedy. Our hearts go out to those displaced by losing their homes, properties, or businesses. We also profoundly admire the volunteers and first responders working tirelessly and relentlessly to bring the fires under control while supporting communities and neighbours in need.
Wine Tastings in Shuswap Impacted by Wildfires
Wildfires, thick smoke, and travel restrictions in the Similkameeen, Okanagan, and Shuswap regions are affecting the wine industry.
“These wildfires not only have an impact on wine tourism but also the livelihoods of winery staff, many of whom have been evacuated themselves,” Wine Growers British Columbia said in a statement.
Evacuation orders have now been issued in B.C.’s Interior by the Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako and Cheslatta Carrier Nation because of the Wells Creek wildfire, covering 79 square kilometres and listed as out of control. These orders came only a day after the Central Okanagan Regional District lifted orders for 50 properties in West Kelowna and other wildfire areas and downgraded them to alert status.
While dozens of people in the Kelowna, Kamloops, and Shuswap regions can return to their homes, according to regional fire officials, residents may need to leave again on short notice.
Even before the travel bans, wineries were experiencing a soft tourism season throughout the entire region. In many cases, over half of a winery’s sales are stemming from online orders. Many people are asking how the wildfires affect the wine grapes. Some varieties, like thin-skinned red wine grapes, are susceptible to smoke damage; however, wine produced from this year’s grapes shouldn’t have a smoky taste. To be sure, winemakers send grape samples for analysis and after testing, they address any identified issues.
As of September 3, there are 20,011 properties on evacuation alert and 405 properties on evacuation order in the West Kelowna area.
Shuswap Stands Strong After August Wildfires
Northern winds blew the Lower East Adams Lake wildfire into Scotch Creek, 100 kilometres northeast of Kamloops, B.C. Walking through neighbourhoods, you’d think a hurricane ripped through with several trees ripped up by their roots.
But then you see ash, giant heaps of rubble, and metal scraps scattered across communities, a devastating reminder of all that was lost, including the Scotch Creek Fire Department building, the Gingerbread Tea House, the North Shuswap branch of the Okanagan Regional Library, and several homes, businesses, beloved pets, and countless wildlife. Thankfully, no human deaths or serious injuries have been reported.
Yet, the rallying cries of “Shuswap Spirit” and “Shuswap Strong” after Blue Rodeo’s performance of “We Are Lost Together” display the community's resolve to get past this heart-wrenching tragedy together.
Although we
missed many events throughout August, including Roots and Blues, September will see some familiar ones return, including:
- Fungi Fest: September 15th to 17th, Sicamous Legion. fungifestival.com
- Terry Fox Run: September 17th, Blackburn Park. 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Run, walk, wheel, or bike.
- The Shuswap Writer’s Group: September 20th, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Piccadilly Mall
- SWG Coffee House: September 22 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at United Church
- Rhapsody in Blue - Kamloops Symphony Orchestra: September 24th @ 3:00 p.m. Nexus at First (United Church) kamloopssymphony.com
- Seed saving presentation: September 26th @ 6:00 p.m. - Learn how to gather your favourite vegetable, fruit, and flower seeds for next year’s garden
Supporting Shuswap Communities
As the wildfires continue their destruction, Wine Growers British Columbia asks people to support wildfire relief efforts through the United Way, Canadian Red Cross, Mamas for Mamas, and Central Okanagan Food Bank.
The Shuswap Community Foundation (SCF) Emergency Response Fund is also in place to support those affected by the wildfires. This initiative will help communities recover and rebuild in the face of this disaster.
SASCU has also partnered with SCF by dedicating $25,000 to match the Emergency Response Fund donations. Contribute your donation by:
Visiting any Salmon Arms Savings and Credit Union (SASCU) branch- Sending an e-transfer to: [email protected] with the memo “SCF Emergency Response Fund”
- Through the CanadaHelps online platform: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/shuswap-community-foundation/p2p/emergency-response-fund/
Every little bit helps. Please join us in spreading the message and supporting the recovery of our Shuswap communities.
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