Local research tracks how Meta’s Canadian news ban and a decade of wildfires have eroded trust in the information Canadians rely on during fire season

[Ken Gray - As evacuated Summerland residents continue to receive news of safe return, social media channels are rife with misinformation, some mischievous, some ignorant, some ill-informed, and some raw with anger. The research described below offers analysis and possible solutions.] First published by UBC Okanagan News August 5, 2026 On August 1, 2023, a... Continue Reading →

August 14, 2026 1

A day-5 evacuation story

Image: Hope, Susan Norie From Facebook [Ken Gray - I don't know Banu Tülümen's but they tell a beautiful story admist so much uncertainty.] I don't quite know how to describe these past five days. There are stories everywhere. Some heartbreaking. Some heroic. Stories of loss and uncertainty, but also extraordinary stories of kindness, generosity... Continue Reading →

August 13, 2026 1

Picture this — Wildfire

These images were created prior to our evacuation from Summerland late Friday night. Given our hurried packing there was no time to take shots of the fire itself though we did witness the Cartwright Mountain Ridge (our dog walking area) fully aflame. Many such images are sprinkled throughout social and news media. Our evacuation story... Continue Reading →

August 12, 2026 0

“Courage is fear that has said its prayers” — More from Anne Lamott

[Some differences between my experiences (and my spelling) with those of Anne Lamott. Still, great words here.] [Anne Lamott] August, ugh, not my favorite month. If I were God’s West Coast representative, I would not have scheduled it, and gone directly from the heat blasts of July—which we would endure with only once or twice... Continue Reading →

August 7, 2026 0

The Plight of the Pirate Pack — Revisiting the Feeding of the Five Thousand

A Sermon for the congregation of St. Saviour, Penticton, Sunday, August 2nd, 2026 by the Very Rev. Ken Gray I don’t know if you’ve heard the news, but there’s trouble brewing at BC Ferries; and I don’t mean long lineups, service interruptions, or adverse weather cancellations. As former residents of Vancouver Island, Kathie and I... Continue Reading →

August 2, 2026 2

John Stott’s Soteriology

Shared from Facebook [Ken Gray - While my own appreciation of the gift of salvation differs considerably now as travel, study, and experience have broadened my own understanding, my indebtedness to John Stott remains intact and significant. He was one of the greatest preachers I ever encountered. As a London-based student from 1977-1979 I attended... Continue Reading →

July 30, 2026 0

The Garnet Valley Road Pit is under consideration, again

Including content from BC Mining Information Summerlanders, here we go again — A reconsideration of the application for a medium sized sand and gravel pit of 16.19 ha is occurring. It is located in the Corporation of the District of Summerland on Garnet Valley Road. In 2024, a decision was made to issue a permit... Continue Reading →

July 29, 2026 0

The Great Kaslo Ecumenical Pilgrimage

YOU ARE INVITED to the third in a series of Pilgrimages sponsored by the Ecclesiastical Province of BC/Yukon in collaboration with the Parish of Kokanee in the Anglican Diocese of Kootenay. From September 14-18, 2026 St. Mark’s in Kaslo will host a week-long gathering of pilgrims from across the province for prayer and worship, shared... Continue Reading →

July 28, 2026 0

Gee it’s great to be back home

Gee, but it’s great to be back home;Home is where I want to be—Paul Simon Back home after a super trip to Ontario and back. If you missed a couple of posts go here for the cabin and here for the creativity. Otherwise a great trip on Porter Airlines. Only one bathroom; WIFI a bit... Continue Reading →

July 25, 2026 0

Pipelines and Pancakes – Politics from the Calgary Stampede – and Screw the Climate

So now we know, at least according to pollster Angus Reid, that 63% of Canadians support a pipeline from Alberta to B.C. and that economic arguments prove most persuasive. There are some opponents to fossil fuel expansion who say that Canada should be more concerned about the environment. New data from the non-profit Angus Reid... Continue Reading →

July 24, 2026 1

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