A new software company will officially open its new office location at the Big Bear Innovation Centre on Westbank First Nation land in West Kelowna next week.
Located on the top floor of the innovation centre, 305-1979 Old Okanagan Highway, the new space will serve as a collaborative work environment for businessses and as the new location for Big Bear Software.
| Location of the Big Bear Innovation Centre on Westbank First Nation land in West Kelowna. (Contributed) |
“The Westside now has a population of 45,000 people, with over 1,500 remote workers, and continues to grow at a steady pace,” said Keith MaIntyre, chief executive officer of Big Bear Software.
“Yet until now, there has been no collaborative work environment or shared event and meeting space. This space will serve as a location for people to come together and host events beyond just technology so they can better servie their audiences in ways that matter.”
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While many people have been forced to work more at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, McIntyre said it poses many challenges for workers such as working too much, not enough, ability to focus and workplace ergonomics.
“As a remote worker myself for many years, I know that working from home is not for everyone and this we have created is a safe environment for people to work on a full- or part-time basis here.”
Situated on unceded Indigenous lands, McIntyre said the innovation centre includes interior design elements based on the art and innovation of Noll Derickson, the now deceased former WFN chief.
“We learned the value of community and collaboration from our shared space in Penticto,” McIntyre added. “The Penticton Smart Cities Challenge would never have happened without the diverse group of people working in the same place.
“Land developers, branding experts, artists, marketing consultants, artists and tech companies came together to create a community initiative that changed the future of Penticton and the Okanagan.”
The grand opening of the Big Bear Innovation Centre takes place Wednesday, July 8, 11:30 a.m., with the guest speakers including WFN Chief Chris Derickson, West Kelowna Mayor Gord Milsom, WFN Elder Grouse Barnes and McIntyre.