The Buzz · Kelowna Civic Wire

Kelowna, are your drinking habits a little...much?

Your drinking habits might be a bit much

Good morning from the Okanagan — the lake is calm, the vines are growing, and we have things to discuss.

Okay, but here's the thing nobody talks about: a new report just dropped, and it says people outside the Lower Mainland, like right here in the Interior, drink a whole lot more. We're talking higher drinking rates than our friends down in Vancouver. It’s not exactly a surprise when you think about it, but seeing it in a provincial report? That definitely makes you pause over your morning coffee.

### Why Are We Drinking More?

An advocate from the Interior mentioned a whole range of factors, and honestly, a lot of it makes sense when you live here. Think about it:

* We're a tourist town. Whether it's the summer crowd hitting City Park Beach with coolers, or folks up at Big White in the winter après-ski, there's always a celebratory vibe. * The wine industry! You can't throw a stone in this valley without hitting a vineyard. From East Kelowna to the Naramata Bench, tastings are a part of our culture. And, let's be real, that $18 rosé from a small Summerland producer is *really* good. * Our lifestyle. We work hard, but we also play hard. Being so close to the lake, the trails, and all that beauty, it feels natural to unwind with a drink after a long day. It's that west coast ease, but sometimes it veers into a bit much.

This isn't about shaming anyone, not at all. It's just a reality check for our community. We pride ourselves on health and wellness, on getting out on the Mission Creek Greenway, or biking the Kettle Valley Rail Trail. But we also need to acknowledge what’s going on with our consumption habits. Maybe it's a conversation we need to have, you know, over a sparkling water instead of another glass of that excellent local Pinot Gris.

That’s all for now from the MiTL Sports Desk, this is Nina Papadimitriou.

The folks on the morning show are always unpacking these local quirks — tune in live at mornings.live!

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