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Meet Peter! Peter is originally from the Lower Mainland and has been living here in the beautiful Okanagan for 30 years now. He enjoys spending time at the beach in the summer, skating on his backyard rink in the winter, and spending some quality time with his family.
Where are you from and how long have you lived in Kelowna?
I moved here from the Lower Mainland 30 years ago.
Who is your favourite person to spend time with and why?
My wife, Christy.
What is your favourite local store in Kelowna and why?
Peter's Your Independent Grocer, not just because it has my name on it, but it allows me to be part of the community.
Describe yourself in one word.
Loud (at least that is what my son says!)
If you could go anywhere in the world right at this moment where would you go and why?
The British Isles, for family history.
What is your favourite activity in Kelowna?
Hanging with the family.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you?
I don't even know where to begin!
What is the most inspiring thing that has happened to you?
Being part of the lives of new Canadians who are rebuilding and thriving in our community.
Tell us your favourite childhood memory.
Playing ball hockey with my brothers on our homemade rink.
Where do you volunteer or give back to in the community?
I sit on the board for Kelowna Community Resources with an amazing group. The services that are provided are very important to the Okanagan. I am also able to connect with many of the non-profits and schools in town through my store. This allows me the opportunity to give back to the community.
If you could change one thing in the world what would it be?
I would ask mankind to be more accepting of each other.
Where would you sneak away to in Kelowna to spend some time alone?
In the summer, there is a special beach on Lakeshore and in the winter, my backyard rink.
Where would you like to see positive change in Kelowna and why?
I would like to see an Agricultural degree program to be offered in the Okanagan at UBCO. The past 30 years, I have witnessed Napa North, Palm Springs North and more recently Silicon Valley of the Okanagan. The California Valley produces a tremendous amount of fruits and vegetables and I believe we could do the same because we have the land, weather, technology, and brilliant minds. This valley could be an alternative producer of even more fresh fruits and vegetables for Canada and allow us to be more self-sufficient.
What do you think makes Kelowna great?
The expanding diversity of its community.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Seeing an Agricultural Degree program in the valley and a family vacation in Turks & Caicos.
Tell us something that not everyone may know about you.
I do not like public speaking.
How do people connect with you, personally, through social media? (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
@petersyig
What is the name of your business/organization?
Peter's Your Independent Grocer
Why did you get into/start this business?
I love the food industry, and now with so many local opportunities, it is very exciting.
What is the goal of your business?
I would like to be the community grocer with all the wonderful local flavors of the valley.
What has been your biggest struggle either at work or in life?
Work/life balance.
If you could start all over again would you do things the same or would things be different?
I would not change a thing, the mistakes are what make us better.
What do you always find yourself saying?
"Awesome."
Tell us your best piece of life advice.
"Always put your spouse before yourself."
If you could spend one whole day with anyone in the world who is currently alive, who would you select?
There are so many interesting people in Kelowna that I might just start there...
Why do you think it is important to shop locally?
Local is where community starts and as our local producers strengthen, so does our community.
What has been your proudest accomplishment?
My family.
Give someone you think that deserves it a shout out and explain why!
Phil Johnson, number one supporter of local!
My choice for the KelownaNow In Focus spotlight is:
Ellen Boelcke, Executive Director of KCR Community Resources
Some general comments I would like to share are:
Thank you, Kelowna for being a great place to spend the last 30 years.
We encourage you to leave your comments and words of support below and submit your own nomination by clicking HERE. You are also welcome to submit a form of your own by clicking HERE.
In Focus is our gift to the community. A way for us to help show our recognition of the people, businesses, and organizations that help make our city great. Thank you, Kelowna!
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