Quality Of Life

The vision of the Okanagan Skaha School District No. 67 is to improve the achievement of all learners by providing a learning environment where all students have the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes that will enable them to become productive members of a changing global society. The district is comprised of 7012 students in the Penticton and Summerland area in eleven elementary schools (kindergarten to grade 5), four middle schools (grades 6 to 8) and three secondary schools (grades 9 to 12). School District 67 offers a range of educational choices, programs, services and facilities and a variety of learning opportunities for students including special education services, practical arts, fine arts and French as a second language. French Immersion is available in grades 6 to 12 and ESL programs are available at all schools. The district infrastructure for technology is highly developed and is centered on a fibre-optic network. In addition, the district offers a drop-in program for preschool children and their parents at their StrongStart Centre and operates an international education program.

Graduating students consistently score above the provincial average on provincial examinations and are very successful at obtaining provincial scholarships. The district is committed to its mission statement of “Working together for Student Success”.

For more information call the school board office at 770-7700 or visit the website at www.sd67.bc.ca

Source: School District #67 Jan. 31st, 2008

Okanagan College
Okanagan College (OC) is committed to quality education at its Penticton Campus and boasts a compliment of excellent faculty and staff dedicated to ensuring that students leaving the Penticton Campus are well prepared for employment or further studies.

Through a large network of 5 major campuses and several Continuing Education Centres in a region that extends from Revelstoke to Oliver/Osoyoos and Princeton, OC offers a wide range of educational opportunities in degree and non-degree programs. At the Penticton Campus, students enjoy first and second year university courses in Arts & Humanities, first-year Science, Business Administration, Hospitality Management (a special Penticton 2nd year option in Business Administration), Adult Basic Education, Office Administration, Home Support Resident Care Attendant and computers. Penticton's Continuing Education Department offers an exciting variety of certificate and general interest courses, with particular emphasis on computer training through its Technology Training Solutions centre. Inquiries about customized training for business and industry are always welcome. Penticton campus facilities include classrooms, computer labs, science and language labs, a library, a 130 seat lecture theatre and a community room with a lounge and cafeteria. Approximately 700 students, plus hundreds of others in Continuing Education, take advantage of the opportunities available at OUC's Penticton Campus. For general information call (250) 492-4305; for Continuing Education information call (250) 490-3959. Or OC's website: "http://www.okanagan.bc.ca/site15.aspx".

Day Care Centres
There are 46 licensed group and family daycare facilities in Penticton, ranging in size, facilities, age limits and hours. For a list of facilities and requirements for licensing contact Penticton & District Community Resources Society at 492-5814.

Theatre Groups
There are over six theatre groups in Penticton providing classes in everything from speech to costume and set design. Most provide regular productions from drama to musicals. For more information, the Visitor Information Centre (493-4055) has a complete listing or contact the Community Arts Council at 492-7997 or 492-4061.

Religious Organizations
There are 33 Churches and religious organizations here and 35 service clubs and lodges in Penticton. A complete listing is available in the telephone book yellow pages.

Similkameen Country
Keremeos, Cawston, Olalla, Hedley " Fruit Stand Capital of Canada "
Visit Similkameen Country, an area that's uniquely diverse. We assure you there is something for everyone every season of the year. We have activities for- rock hounds, history buffs, horse people, snowmobilers, skiers, hikers and sunbathers. There's fishing, wildlife viewing, canoeing, cycling and camping. Visit the little art galleries and shops. Picnic under the fruit trees in blossom time, sample the fruit when ready or enjoy the bounty at harvest time. Enjoy meeting the friendliest folk this country has to offer.

Colourful fruit stands line the highway, offering a diversity of taste throughout the long summer months. It's possible to spend a day visiting all the stands to discover the unique items each has to offer, along with the freshest abundance of produce available. No other area can match the taste of a Similkameen Tomato or the juiciness of our local fresh fruits.

The art, science and passion of wine may be experienced at our local wineries as you explore our orchards, vineyards, ranches or desert areas. Take a drive into the past through one of Canada's only covered bridge. The "Red Bridge", located just west of the Village of Keremeos is the local swimming hole and the start-off point for a relaxing afternoon tubing down the Similkameen River back to Keremeos or on to Cawston.

For an exhilarating backcountry experience suitable for all ages, the Ashnola River Corridor and Cathedral Provincial Park is hard to top. Accessed by crossing the "Red Bridge" and continuing up the Ashnola River Road will bring you past Forestry Service camp spots and into Cathedral Provincial Park. In summer the drive takes you into a cool shady place that's quite secluded -perfect for a little privacy and down time. Hiking to the core area of the 33, OOO-hectare park provides spectacular scenery in a mountain wilderness of azure lakes, alpine meadows and jagged peaks. Snowmobiling, skiing, snowshoeing and ice fishing provide the winter enthusiast with opportunities just minutes away from downtown Keremeos.

Similkameen Country has a history that' s been preserved and awaits you in our Heritage Sites and Museums. The Grist Mill and Gardens, Similkameen Museum and Hedley Heritage Museum provide visitors the opportunity to explore our past. The Grist Mill, an 1877 flour mill is the last remaining pioneer mill west of Ontario. The rich agricultural past of the valley has been preserved in the gardens and displays. A tearoom and gift shop, working waterwheel, a hands-on exhibit centre and Mrs. McPherson (an old school marm) round out the experience. Resident Mountain Goats, Mule Deer and California Bighorn Sheep can often be spotted on your drive to the pioneer mining town of Hedley and the Hedley Heritage Museum. The historic mining town lies nestled between Nickel Plate and Stemwinder Mountains. (30 KM west of Keremeos) Much of Hedley's colourful era has disappeared, but nestled high on the cliffside the weathered remains of one of the richest and most illustrious mines in British Columbia still remains. and is in the process of being restored. When the mine closed operations it had produced more then ten tons of pure gold.

Similkameen Country scenery, friendly folk and a "laid-back" relaxed atmosphere will no doubt entice you to stay a little longer. No matter when you visit you will always find a friendly welcome and a delicious home-baked pie waiting for you in one of our many coffee shops and restaurants.