Purchasing local products, sharing Summerland businesses, and planning a future visit are meaningful ways to support the community
[SUMMERLAND, BC] As the Bald Range wildfire continues to impact Summerland and surrounding areas, people across British Columbia have been asking a simple question: How can we help?
While firefighters, first responders, emergency personnel, volunteers and community members continue the urgent work of protecting people, homes and businesses, there is another meaningful way British Columbians can support Summerland right now and, in the weeks, and months ahead: use their purchasing power.
Summerland is home to a vibrant community of farmers, growers, wineries, cideries, breweries, distilleries, restaurants, artists, makers, accommodation providers and independent businesses. Many of these businesses support local families and employ people who live in the community, including some who have been directly affected by the wildfire.
Every purchase helps keep money moving through the local economy at a time when Summerland needs it most.
Six Ways for People to support Summerland:
1. Buy a Summerland product. Look for Summerland-made wine, cider, beer, spirits, food, art and other locally made products at retailers, restaurants or online.
2. Buy a gift certificate. Purchase one now for a favourite Summerland restaurant, winery, cidery, shop, experience or accommodation provider to use in the future or give to someone else.
3. Choose Summerland when dining out. When ordering wine, cider, beer or spirits at a restaurant, ask for something made in Summerland.
4. Support businesses online. Follow Summerland businesses and producers on social media, share their posts and help their stories reach new audiences.
5. Plan a future visit. When it is safe and appropriate to return, consider booking a fall or future getaway in Summerland and supporting local accommodation providers, restaurants, attractions and experiences.
6. Tell someone about Summerland. Recommend a favourite winery, restaurant, shop, artist, producer or experience to friends and family.
The message is simple: choose Summerland whenever and wherever you can.
A bottle purchased at a local liquor store, a Summerland product ordered online, a gift card tucked away for a future visit or a social media post shared with friends may feel like a small gesture. Collectively, those actions can make a meaningful difference to the people and businesses navigating the effects of this wildfire.
“Summerland is a quaint, friendly town bursting with great produce and products that we would love to introduce people to,” says Christine Coletta, Summerland resident and co-owner of Haywire and Garnet Valley Ranch wineries.
A Community Responding Together
Above all, Summerland owes an enormous debt of gratitude to the firefighters, first responders, emergency crews, RCMP, volunteers, local government teams, heavy equipment operators and countless neighbours and community members responding to the Bald Range wildfire.
To everyone fighting the fire, helping people evacuate, moving animals, directing traffic, opening their doors, delivering supplies and working through the night: thank you.
Summerland is being held together by an extraordinary number of people doing incredibly difficult work.
The situation remains active, and the public is asked to rely on official sources for current wildfire, evacuation, road and emergency information rather than information shared informally through social media.
Official Information Sources
For the latest information, please consult:
For current wildfire status, maps and updates on the Bald Range wildfire.
For provincial emergency information, evacuation alerts and orders.
For local emergency updates, community information and resources.
For current highway and road conditions, closures and travel advisories.
Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen Emergency Operations Centre
For regional evacuation alerts, orders and emergency information where applicable.
Residents and visitors should continue to follow all evacuation orders, alerts and instructions from emergency officials.
Choose Summerland. Choose Local. Keep Showing Up.
The effects of a wildfire do not end when the immediate emergency is over. For local businesses, employees and families, recovery can take much longer.
Supporting Summerland today and continuing to support the community in the weeks and months ahead, is one way people throughout British Columbia and beyond can help.
SUMMERLAND – AN INCREDIBLE OKANAGAN TOWN
Our team has been working for the past five years with media and creators to try to put Summerland on the map. And now it is very much on the map, but this is not how we wanted that to happen. Located in British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, Summerland is a community shaped by agriculture, hospitality, tourism and a diverse network of independent businesses and entrepreneurs. From farms, wineries, cideries, breweries and restaurants to artists, makers, retailers, accommodation providers and outdoor experiences, Summerland’s local businesses are deeply connected to the people and landscape of the community.
Choose Summerland. Choose local. Keep showing up.
SHARING IS CARING
We have some images of Summerland and #SummerlandStrong graphics you can use to spread the word.