Columnists
- Proroguing ParliamentDan Albas 11:00 am - 3303 views
- Improving volunteerismKaren Knight 4:00 am - 1983 views
- First home purchasesAnthony Shephard Jan 15 - 2865 views
- Start your garden nowSigrie Kendrick Jan 15 - 5798 views
- Food trends for 2025Kristin Peturson-Laprise Jan 15 - 4930 views
- Tory past trips up Clark Jan 14 - 7412 views
- A lack of driver courtesyTim Schewe Jan 14 - 6340 views
- New year, new mortgageTracy Head Jan 13 - 5452 views
- Life insurance after cancerBrett Millard Jan 13 - 4752 views
Dan in Ottawa
Dan Albas, MP for Central Okanagan-Similkameen-Nicola, keeps you posted on what's going on in Ottawa.
Dan Albas, MP for Central Okanagan-Similkameen-Nicola, keeps you posted on what's going on in Ottawa.
Proroguing Parliament Jan 16, 2025
Taxes rising in 2025 Jan 9, 2025
MP wants an election now Dec 19, 2024
Taxes rising in 2025 Jan 9, 2025
MP wants an election now Dec 19, 2024
Volunteer Matters
Veteran volunteer, volunteer coordinator and leader of volunteer organizations, Karen Knight helps others in the sector deal with the myriad of issues associated with non-for-profit organizations.
Veteran volunteer, volunteer coordinator and leader of volunteer organizations, Karen Knight helps others in the sector deal with the myriad of issues associated with non-for-profit organizations.
Improving volunteerism Jan 16, 2025
Dealing with complex issues Jan 9, 2025
Boomerang volunteers Jan 2, 2025
Dealing with complex issues Jan 9, 2025
Boomerang volunteers Jan 2, 2025
Housewise
Local realtor Anthony Shephard provides the information you need to navigate the real estate market in B.C.'s Southern Interior.
Local realtor Anthony Shephard provides the information you need to navigate the real estate market in B.C.'s Southern Interior.
First home purchases Jan 15, 2025
When prices bottom out Dec 18, 2024
Falling real estate prices Dec 4, 2024
When prices bottom out Dec 18, 2024
Falling real estate prices Dec 4, 2024
Gardening with nature
Sigrie Kendrick is a master gardener and executive-director of the non-profit Okanagan Xeriscape Association.
Sigrie Kendrick is a master gardener and executive-director of the non-profit Okanagan Xeriscape Association.
Start your garden now Jan 15, 2025
Being 'berry' kind to birds Jan 1, 2025
Low water plants Dec 18, 2024
Being 'berry' kind to birds Jan 1, 2025
Low water plants Dec 18, 2024
Happy Gourmand
Happy Gourmand is about enjoying life and living in the moment, and sharing that joy to keep those good vibes going.
Happy Gourmand is about enjoying life and living in the moment, and sharing that joy to keep those good vibes going.
Writer's Bloc
Welcome to Writer’s Bloc, a column for guest writers to share their experiences with our readers.
Welcome to Writer’s Bloc, a column for guest writers to share their experiences with our readers.
Tory past trips up Clark Jan 14, 2025
Proposed bills in doubt Jan 10, 2025
New name, same gas Jan 7, 2025
Proposed bills in doubt Jan 10, 2025
New name, same gas Jan 7, 2025
Behind the Wheel
A veteran columnist and traffic enforcement officer with the RCMP, Tim writes on all things traffic-related.
A veteran columnist and traffic enforcement officer with the RCMP, Tim writes on all things traffic-related.
A lack of driver courtesy Jan 14, 2025
Better driving in 2025 Jan 7, 2025
Getting things done Dec 31, 2024
Better driving in 2025 Jan 7, 2025
Getting things done Dec 31, 2024
The Mortgage Gal
Mortgage professional Tracy Head provides guidance for obtaining a mortgage, a new home, or planning a move.
Mortgage professional Tracy Head provides guidance for obtaining a mortgage, a new home, or planning a move.
It's Your Money
Certified financial planner Brett Millard translates complex investment, insurance and planning jargon into language everyone understands.
Certified financial planner Brett Millard translates complex investment, insurance and planning jargon into language everyone understands.
Life insurance after cancer Jan 13, 2025
Do dividends still matter? Jan 6, 2025
Wills when there's not kids Dec 30, 2024
Do dividends still matter? Jan 6, 2025
Wills when there's not kids Dec 30, 2024
The Last Word
Lawyer Paul Hergott puts a human spin on the law.
Lawyer Paul Hergott puts a human spin on the law.
Where, how to store a will Jan 12, 2025
Listing estate assets Jan 5, 2025
Probate and legal fees Dec 29, 2024
Listing estate assets Jan 5, 2025
Probate and legal fees Dec 29, 2024
Making Tracks
Long-time Kelowna journalist J.P. Squire keeps readers up to date on outdoor recreational activities.
Long-time Kelowna journalist J.P. Squire keeps readers up to date on outdoor recreational activities.
Telemark Nordic is rollin' Jan 12, 2025
Ski well and enjoy it more Jan 5, 2025
Ski Overlander backcountry Dec 29, 2024
Ski well and enjoy it more Jan 5, 2025
Ski Overlander backcountry Dec 29, 2024
FIT Talk With Tania
The FIT Nutritionist, Tania Gustafson, educates and shares valuable tips to help people achieve their health and weight loss goals without dieting and live longer, stronger, better lives, naturally.
The FIT Nutritionist, Tania Gustafson, educates and shares valuable tips to help people achieve their health and weight loss goals without dieting and live longer, stronger, better lives, naturally.
Weight loss the right way Jan 11, 2025
Sensible holiday eating Dec 21, 2024
Holiday eating tips Dec 14, 2024
Sensible holiday eating Dec 21, 2024
Holiday eating tips Dec 14, 2024
Horoscopes on the Horizon
Discover what the stars have in store for you with this week?s horoscope predictions.
Discover what the stars have in store for you with this week?s horoscope predictions.
Horoscopes Jan. 12-18 Jan 11, 2025
Horoscopes Jan. 5-11 Jan 4, 2025
Horoscopes Dec. 29–Jan. 4 Dec 28, 2024
Horoscopes Jan. 5-11 Jan 4, 2025
Horoscopes Dec. 29–Jan. 4 Dec 28, 2024
The Okanagan Naturopath
Naturopath Doug Lobay keeps readers up to date on naturopathic medicine and health issues.
Naturopath Doug Lobay keeps readers up to date on naturopathic medicine and health issues.
IBS and intestinal ailments Jan 9, 2025
Migraine headaches Jan 2, 2025
Good oils and bad oils Dec 26, 2024
Migraine headaches Jan 2, 2025
Good oils and bad oils Dec 26, 2024
Okanagan Taste
Allison Markin explores the creative scene in the Okanagan, from arts and culture, to artists and artisans, to chefs and tastemakers, to the occasional movie night.
Allison Markin explores the creative scene in the Okanagan, from arts and culture, to artists and artisans, to chefs and tastemakers, to the occasional movie night.
A nutty new year Jan 8, 2025
A word for 2025: Saucy Dec 25, 2024
Sensational seasonal breads Dec 11, 2024
A word for 2025: Saucy Dec 25, 2024
Sensational seasonal breads Dec 11, 2024
The Art of Speaking
Public speaking and presentations are skills that can be learned and one of the most successful ways is through Toastmasters.
Public speaking and presentations are skills that can be learned and one of the most successful ways is through Toastmasters.
Unique presentation method Jan 6, 2025
Speaking lessons learned Dec 9, 2024
Practice speaking at home Nov 11, 2024
Speaking lessons learned Dec 9, 2024
Practice speaking at home Nov 11, 2024
Mortgage Matters
April Dunn has been assisting clients to purchase, refinance, or renew their mortgages for over 20 years.
April Dunn has been assisting clients to purchase, refinance, or renew their mortgages for over 20 years.
Reverse mortgage myths Jan 4, 2025
Help buying a first home Dec 21, 2024
Home buyers' plan Dec 7, 2024
Help buying a first home Dec 21, 2024
Home buyers' plan Dec 7, 2024
In Your Service
MP Tracy Gray serving her constituents of Kelowna-Lake Country
MP Tracy Gray serving her constituents of Kelowna-Lake Country
MP's year in review Jan 3, 2025
Canada's spiralling debt Dec 20, 2024
GST holiday a tax 'trick' Dec 6, 2024
Canada's spiralling debt Dec 20, 2024
GST holiday a tax 'trick' Dec 6, 2024
From The Hill
Looking back at NDP 'wins' Dec 27, 2024
Tax cut, rebate not enough Dec 13, 2024
NDP pro-choice support Nov 15, 2024
Tax cut, rebate not enough Dec 13, 2024
NDP pro-choice support Nov 15, 2024
In A Pickle
Doreen always has had a knack for getting herself in a pickle, whether it be with wild animals or difficult people. She thinks the problem might be herself.
Doreen always has had a knack for getting herself in a pickle, whether it be with wild animals or difficult people. She thinks the problem might be herself.
Peculiar baptism practice Dec 23, 2024
The horrors of war Nov 25, 2024
The dark side of camping Oct 28, 2024
The horrors of war Nov 25, 2024
The dark side of camping Oct 28, 2024
Transitions
Ross Freake gives his own particular take on life.
Ross Freake gives his own particular take on life.
Giving a little means a lot Dec 17, 2024
Zen and art of searching Sep 24, 2022
The shadow knows Sep 9, 2022
Zen and art of searching Sep 24, 2022
The shadow knows Sep 9, 2022
Sustainability Spotlight
There is a lot to know about sustainability and a lot of greenwashing. Kristy Dyer explains the ideas and uncovers the facts.
There is a lot to know about sustainability and a lot of greenwashing. Kristy Dyer explains the ideas and uncovers the facts.
Impact of data centres Nov 12, 2024
Less carbon trucking veggies Oct 29, 2024
Case for keeping carbon tax Oct 15, 2024
Less carbon trucking veggies Oct 29, 2024
Case for keeping carbon tax Oct 15, 2024
MLA Minute
Renee Merrifield is the BC United MLA for Kelowna-Mission. She keeps readers up to date on what she is doing as an MLA and what is happening in the B.C. Legislature in Victoria.
Renee Merrifield is the BC United MLA for Kelowna-Mission. She keeps readers up to date on what she is doing as an MLA and what is happening in the B.C. Legislature in Victoria.
Outgoing MLA signs off Sep 24, 2024
Future of B.C.'s carbon tax Sep 17, 2024
Housing crosswires Sep 10, 2024
Future of B.C.'s carbon tax Sep 17, 2024
Housing crosswires Sep 10, 2024
Investment Real Estate
With a well-deserved reputation as a real estate renegade, AJ Hazzi has been shaking up the Kelowna real estate scene since 2002.
With a well-deserved reputation as a real estate renegade, AJ Hazzi has been shaking up the Kelowna real estate scene since 2002.
Investment properties back Sep 2, 2024
Seizing the Moment Aug 23, 2024
Real estate investing success Feb 2, 2024
Seizing the Moment Aug 23, 2024
Real estate investing success Feb 2, 2024
The Joy of Travel
Joy McGinnis shares her personal wanderlust and professional insight for emerging travel trends, destinations and useful "what now?" tips.
Joy McGinnis shares her personal wanderlust and professional insight for emerging travel trends, destinations and useful "what now?" tips.
Airline companion fares Jun 29, 2024
Winter travel destinations Jun 22, 2024
'An ocean state of mind' Jun 8, 2024
Winter travel destinations Jun 22, 2024
'An ocean state of mind' Jun 8, 2024
The Happiness Connection
Reen Rose shares strategies to help you find happiness.
Reen Rose shares strategies to help you find happiness.
Time to say goodbye Jun 23, 2024
Striving for completion Jun 9, 2024
Importance of awareness May 26, 2024
Striving for completion Jun 9, 2024
Importance of awareness May 26, 2024
New Thought
Food for the mind and the heart, to encourage an awakening of the power and potential within everyone.
Food for the mind and the heart, to encourage an awakening of the power and potential within everyone.
Hijacked by rage Jan 10, 2024
Life like revolving doors Jan 3, 2024
Importance of forgiveness Dec 27, 2023
Life like revolving doors Jan 3, 2024
Importance of forgiveness Dec 27, 2023
Something From Everything
Staggered attempts to make meaning and connections.
Staggered attempts to make meaning and connections.
Uncertainty of our lives Oct 22, 2023
Vulnerability, a la carte Aug 9, 2023
A new way to hear Jun 23, 2023
Vulnerability, a la carte Aug 9, 2023
A new way to hear Jun 23, 2023
Wilson on Water Street
Columnist Adam Wilson takes a critical look at what's going on at Kelowna city hall.
Columnist Adam Wilson takes a critical look at what's going on at Kelowna city hall.
Rising cost of housing Aug 13, 2023
Building affordable homes Jul 9, 2023
New strategy needed Jun 6, 2023
Building affordable homes Jul 9, 2023
New strategy needed Jun 6, 2023
A Second Look
Terry Robertson takes modern look at old images of landscapes, street scenes and images of prominent structures around the Okanagan.
Terry Robertson takes modern look at old images of landscapes, street scenes and images of prominent structures around the Okanagan.
Second look at old motel Aug 6, 2023
Then and now in Mission Jul 23, 2023
A second look at Kamloops Jun 25, 2023
Then and now in Mission Jul 23, 2023
A second look at Kamloops Jun 25, 2023
The Legal Quarterback
Kelowna lawyer Wes Forgione explains the legal side of estate planning, real estate and corporate/commercial law to help readers make informed decisions.
Kelowna lawyer Wes Forgione explains the legal side of estate planning, real estate and corporate/commercial law to help readers make informed decisions.
Explaining property title Jun 18, 2023
Power of attorney Jun 4, 2023
Is incorporation right move? May 21, 2023
Power of attorney Jun 4, 2023
Is incorporation right move? May 21, 2023
Heather's Horoscope
What's in your future? This is your horoscope stop, with psychic Heather Zais.
What's in your future? This is your horoscope stop, with psychic Heather Zais.
Heather Zais dies May 15, 2023
Horoscope April 30-May 6 Apr 30, 2023
Horoscope April 23-29 Apr 23, 2023
Horoscope April 30-May 6 Apr 30, 2023
Horoscope April 23-29 Apr 23, 2023
Bonnie on Stage
Bonnie Gratz is the Artistic Director of Kelowna's New Vintage Theatre, and offers us an exciting insider's view of local theatre.
Bonnie Gratz is the Artistic Director of Kelowna's New Vintage Theatre, and offers us an exciting insider's view of local theatre.
You'll love Shirley Valentine May 5, 2023
North Pole Stories Dec 7, 2022
Kelowna Fringe Festival Aug 24, 2022
North Pole Stories Dec 7, 2022
Kelowna Fringe Festival Aug 24, 2022
Writer submissions
Are you a writer, looking for a home to showcase your work?
We occasionally have openings for new columnists.
Successful writers will show that they have a solid plan for a column, and demonstrate that they can generate fresh ideas weekly or bi-weekly. You will have good writing skills, the ability to meet deadlines, and a willingness to work with us on changes that we deem necessary.
If accepted, your submissions will be kept in the range of 500 to 800 words.
As a Castanet columnist, you will have your own columnist page with masthead, along with excellent exposure to your work in the Okanagan region, as well as further afield.
Our columns are weekly and bi-weekly. We also have a Guest Column for occasional submissions.
To query for information or to submit your idea, please e-mail [email protected]. If submitting an idea, please give a brief write-up of the idea along with a short sample of your writing (paste sample directly into the body of the email).