The Okanagan Valley in British Columbia is still in recovery mode following the devastating wildfires that swept through the region this summer. The Bradley Creek complex and the Bald Range wildfire caused significant damage, impacting nearly 400 properties in the area.
Among those affected was Christine Coletta, the owner of Garnet Valley Ranch winery in Summerland. The winery suffered substantial losses, including a home on the estate, a wedding venue, and sheds for feed and hay. While the vines survived, the grape yield for this year was lost, leading to the inability to produce around 6,000 cases of wine.
With the immediate wildfire threat now diminished, local communities are facing a new challenge – a sharp decline in tourism. Coletta noted a 70 percent drop in business last month, which is a substantial blow during the peak season. Summerland Mayor Doug Holmes revealed that many businesses experienced up to an 80 percent decrease in foot traffic, prompting the formation of a business recovery task force to assess the economic impact and determine where government support is most needed.
As businesses strive to rebuild amidst additional challenges like tariffs, Coletta and Mayor Holmes emphasize the importance of continued support from the public and government. Coletta highlights the necessity of interprovincial trade to expand market reach, while Mayor Holmes urges people not to forget about the region as they navigate the post-fire recovery process.
