 "City Hires Interim Fire Chief"
The City of Vernon is pleased to announce the appointment of Gary McCall as Interim
Fire Chief. Well known throughout the BC fire services community, Mr. McCall has
served twenty-six years with the Kamloops Fire Rescue and as their Fire Chief from
2002 to 2009. Since leaving KFR, he has been instructing Emergency Management
courses and contracting to the provincial government as a Structural Protection
Specialist for large interface fires
"We are fortunate that someone of Gary McCall's calibre is willing to serve as Fire Chief
in an interim capacity,” said CAO, Leon Gous. “We very much appreciate his
willingness to help us out over the next few months as we continue the recruitment
process for a Fire Chief."
In accepting the appointment, Chief McCall expressed his pleasure at joining the
Vernon service. “I’m really excited to have the opportunity to lead the Vernon Fire and
Rescue Service until a new Chief is found. I look forward to working with the Mayor &
Council, City staff and the Firefighters.”
News Release Document - 20 Kb PDF
Posted: December 10, 2010
"NEW DOWNTOWN PARKING ANNOUNCED"
The City of Vernon will open two new parking lots within the downtown core. Both will
be monthly parking only and will be available for business owners and employees of
downtown businesses. The monthly parking fee will be $21.40 + HST, however rates
are still under review, both as part of the Downtown Neighbourhood Plan and a general
review of fees and charges. No changes are expected, however, until sometime in
2011.
The first lot is on the site of the old Medical Clinic parking lot at 3004 - 32nd Street, and
as Phase 1, will have 9 parking spaces available for use. By the end of November,
Phase 2 will provide another 20 spaces across the alley at 3007 - 31st Avenue where
the Medical Clinic itself was situated.
News Release Document - 20 Kb PDF
Posted: November 22, 2010
"Vernon Fire Chief Jeff Carlisle Accepts New Role as City of Kelowna
Fire Chief"
Vernon's Fire Chief Jeff Carlisle submitted his resignation to Chief Administration Officer Leon
Gous on 12 November 2010 and will become the City of Kelowna's new Fire Chief on 4 January
2011.
Chief Carlisle indicates that this new opportunity aligns with his personal and professional goals
and thanks the staff of Vernon Fire Rescue Services and the City for their support since arriving
at Vernon in April 2008.
News Release Document - 21 Kb PDF
Posted: November 12, 2010
"Carpool Week 2010 - November 1- 5, 2010, Kelowna, Kamloops, Vernon"
The Okanagan’s 4th Annual Carpool Week promotion will take place November 1-5,2010 and is sponsored by the City of Kelowna, City of Kamloops, City of Vernon, ICBC
and the Vernon Golf and Country Club. As part of Carpool Week 2010, commuters are
encouraged to visit Carpool.ca and participate in Carpool Week activities making them
eligible to win a variety of prizes including an iPad, Kindle Reader, GPS system, 10 golf
passes and two $50 fuel cards.
"Apart from lessening our impact on the environment, carpooling makes good economic
sense for motorists," says Wendy Majewski, Transportation Demand Management, City
of Vernon. "At a time when people are really trying to watch their budgets, carpooling is
an easy way to reduce costs on fuel, parking and vehicle maintenance. Even once or
twice a week helps."
News Release Document - 23 Kb PDF
Posted: October 27, 2010
"Vernon Fire – Rescue Participates in Movember"
Staff at Vernon Fire- Rescue will be raising funds and awareness for prostate cancer, through
participation in the popular Movember event.
The media is invited to a photo opportunity on Nov. 1, at 1:00 pm, at the Vernon Fire Station,
3401 30th St. Fire Chief Jeff Carlisle will have his moustache shaved, by Holly Deleenheer of
O’Haira’s Salon, in support of the fundraising efforts. Chief Carlisle has not been without his
moustache for over 20 years.
News Release Document - 38 Kb PDF
Posted: October 26, 2010
"City of Vernon and Urban Development Institute (UDI) Exchange Ideas"
On October 8, 2010, Vernon City Council held an informational meeting with members
of UDI. The purpose of this meeting was to exchange ideas on the development
process and how it might be improved.
"This was an important first step for Council to have an open dialogue with the
development community, through UDI. Council had the opportunity to understand the
challenges that developers are facing and to understand the differences between
developers and builders. With any good discussion, the development community
received insight from Council's perspective as to what Council has to deal with on an
ongoing basis and to see Council’s vision on development occurring within the City of
Vernon," says Mayor Wayne Lippert.
News Release Document - 22 Kb PDF
Posted: October 15, 2010
"Business Visitation Program Supports and Enhances Business"
The City of Vernon's Economic Development Office, in partnership with Vision North Okanagan, has launched a
new project that will help grow business while assisting to strengthen the overall investment climate in the North
Okanagan. The Business Retention and Expansion project (BRE) will identify and invite businesses to be part of a
Business Visitation program to determine opportunities, challenges, and barriers to growth. The project is
essential to retain and expand the broad base of businesses and services in the North Okanagan with a goal of
developing strategies to foster growth and competitiveness of companies in the region.
The first stage will focus on the goods producing sector. "We are currently contacting local business owners in the
manufacturing and technology sectors to invite them to participate in the program "says Kevin Poole, Economic
Development Officer. "The Business Visitation program provides face-to-face visits with local companies to better
understand and address local area business concerns. Our goal is to ensure the region is providing a positive
business climate to foster growth and innovation." Essential areas that will be discussed during the interviews
include current and future labour needs, access to capital,land and building requirements, proximity to markets
and the overall business climate.
News Release Document - 42 Kb PDF
Posted: October 12, 2010
"Firefighter Wayne Little Promoted to Captain"
Vernon Fire - Rescue is pleased to announce the promotion of Firefighter Wayne Little
to the rank of Captain. With 34 years of combined service, and a long family history in
our department, Captain Little succeeds to the leadership of C Shift.
The department will recognize Captain Little's promotion with a surprise recognition at
the fire hall, on Wednesday September 29, at 11:30 am.
Photo or interview opportunities can be arranged through Public Information Officer Liz
Thomson via email to lthomson@vernon.ca or by calling 250-550-3565.
News Release Document - 31 Kb PDF
Posted: September 29, 2010
"Vernon Steps Out on International Car Free Day"
International Car Free Day has grown to involve over 1,000 cities in 40 countries and is an annual day of celebration all over the world. It promotes more sustainable ways of transportation and new ways of building and thinking about our cities. The consistent theme around the world is to increase sustainable travel on foot, by bike and by public transport. Mark Tremblay, leader of the Canadian Health Measures Survey, discovered that "the children and youth of Canada are becoming taller but heavier, fatter, rounder, weaker and less flexible that they were a generation ago, and nearly two-thirds of Canadian adults are overweight or obese." By choosing healthier and more sustainable modes of travel over the private car, citizens can positively influence their health and well being and enhance the environment and quality of life in cities.
On Wednesday, September 22, International Car Free Day, the City of Vernon joins the world in 'Stepping Out', with Greater Vernon Recreation Services on International Car Free Day. "By walking, cycling or trying Vernon's Regional expanded transit service,
citizens can experience better fitness and health benefits on their way to work or school. People who take public transit are three times more likely to meet the recommended daily minimum of physical activity," said Wendy Majewski, Transportation Demand
Management Coordinator for the City of Vernon.
News Release Document - 28 Kb PDF
Posted: September 20, 2010
"The Speed Watch Program for Vernon/North Okanagan RCMP is back."
The program operates in support of ICBC and their Road Sense initiative and is directly coordinated by Vernon/ North Okanagan RCMP Crime Prevention/Safe Communities Unit and community volunteers throughout the North Okanagan.
The program's purpose is to enhance the safety and overall livability of our communities
by increasing the level of awareness surrounding the issues of unsafe speed and
dangerous driving and reducing the incidents of speeding. Speed Watch enables the
tracking of statistics in the areas being monitored which benefits police, municipal and
district governments, as well as ICBC.
News Release Document - 219 Kb PDF
Posted: August 31, 2010
"911 Memorial Ceremony."
Vernon Fire - Rescue services invites the media, and the general public, to observe the ceremony recognizing emergency service personnel and first responders who lost their lives in the line of duty.
A march from the BC Ambulance Station to the Fire Hall, along 35th Ave., will begin at 0945 Saturday morning Sept. 11, followed by the formal proceedings on the grounds of the Fire Hall, 35th Ave. side.
News Release Document - 219 Kb PDF
Posted: August 31, 2010
"Effective immediately, campfires and outdoor fireplaces will be permitted within the City of Vernon."
Due to a decreased risk of wildfires, effective immediately, campfires and outdoor fireplaces
will be permitted within the City of Vernon.
Campfires and outdoor fireplaces (die Chimineas) must be fueled by seasoned wood or
charcoal briquettes and situated not less than 5 metres from any structure, combustible
vegetation and/or property line. Campfires in the City of Vernon must not exceed 1 metre in
diameter and 1 m in height and must have a person in attendance at all times, with
sufficient resources to prevent the fire from getting beyond control or causing damage or
becoming dangerous to life or property.
News Release Document - 16 Kb PDF
Posted: August 31, 2010
"The Speed Watch Program is looking for Volunteers."
The program operates in support
of ICBC and their Road Sense initiative. The program is directly coordinated by Vernon/
North Okanagan RCMP Safe Communities Unit and community volunteers throughout
the North Okanagan.
The purpose of the Speed Watch program is to enhance the safety and overall livability
of our communities by increasing the level of awareness surrounding the issues of
unsafe speed and dangerous driving and reducing the incidents of speeding by
informing drivers as to how fast they are actually traveling. Trained volunteers use
digital speed reader boards and a radar unit and concentrate on areas where speeding
has been observed and reported. Registered owners of speeding vehicles are sent
information letters advising them that they have been observed and recorded and
encouraged to be mindful of their speeds. Volunteers also concentrate on school zones
in order to keep these areas in the minds of the motoring public.
News Release Document - 38 Kb PDF
Posted: August 18, 2010
"WILDFIRE SMOKE ADVISORY CONTINUED FOR VERNON & SURROUNDING AREAS"
Aug 3, 2010 - Vernon. The Ministry of Environment has continued a Smoke Advisory for Vernon and surrounding areas because of forest fire smoke that is affecting the area. Smoke concentrations will vary widely as winds, fire behaviour and temperatures change. This situation is expected to persist for the next 24 hours.
Avoid strenuous outdoor activities. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, contact your health care provider: difficulty in breathing, chest pain or discomfort, and sudden onset of cough or irritation of airways. Exposure is particularly a concern for infants, the elderly and those who have underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, and lung or heart disease.
Forecasted thunderstorms with showers and wind this afternoon and evening may improve air quality conditions but the potential for ongoing smoky conditions remains, depending on fire activity.
Please see link below for more information
News Release Document - 76 Kb PDF
Posted: August 3, 2010
"Deputy Fire Chief Rick Owens Retires"
Following 9+ years as Deputy Fire Chief of Operations at Vernon Fire-Rescue, Deputy
Chief Rick Owens has retired. Deputy Chief Owens has over 35 years in the fire
service and joined Vernon on Feb. 15, 2001.
Mayor Lippert and Fire Chief Jeff Carlisle congratulate Deputy Chief Owens on his long
career and contributions to the fire service and citizens of Vernon. Deputy Chief
Owens, who also served as the Zone 3 Director for the BC Fire Chief's Association and
on the committee for the Fire Service Liaison Group, began his career in Terrace, B.C.
and played a very active role in firefighting operations in the wildland fires of 2003.
Chief Carlisle commented “we thank Deputy Chief Owens for his service in Vernon and
wish him well in his retirement.”
Please see link below for more information
News Release Document - 76 Kb PDF
Posted: july 29, 2010
"Captain Paul Pshyk responds for the last time after 39 Years with
Vernon Fire - Rescue Services"
On Tuesday July 27, 2010 at 5:00pm, Captain Paul Pshyk will respond for the last time after 39
years with Vernon Fire - Rescue Services (VFRS). Captain Pshyk is retiring and Tuesday 27
July 2010 is his last shift. He will be escorted home onboard Fire Engine 78 at the end of his
duty, a fire services tradition for the "last run". This ceremony symbolizes the dedication and
commitment that Captain Pshyk has provided to the City of Vernon and the citizens. In his
career he has responded to hundreds of emergencies that threatened our lives, property and
the environment, and has been equally dedicated to fire prevention and public fire and life safety
education.
Please see link below for more information
News Release Document - 22 Kb PDF
"FIRE BAN FOR THE CITY OF VERNON"
Due to forecasted extreme fire conditions and continuing hot weather;
- As of noon on Thursday, July 29, 2010, the City of Vernon will follow the request of the
Ministry of Forests by prohibiting fires of any size, including campfires, fires with a special
permit and industrial burning, fireworks, tiki torches and burning barrels.
- This ban applies to all areas of the City of Vernon including; the Foothills and Blue Jay
subdivisions, Predator Ridge, Canadian Lake Estates and the Okanagan Landing.
- This ban will remain in place until further notice.
- This ban does not apply to metal, ceramic or masonry barbeques with a grill and an enclosed
flame fuelled by propane or briquettes which is being used for the purpose of cooking.
Vernon Fire Rescue Services urges everyone to be careful, be safe and have fun while enjoying the
pleasures of our spectacular Okanagan summer!
Please see link below for more information
News Release Document - 35 Kb PDF
"Vernon and District Citizens on Patrol trainees take to the Classroom this week"
The Vernon and District Citizens on Patrol program is training 13 new volunteer applicants this week in Vernon. For over 18 years our Citizens on Patrol (C.O.P.S.) community based volunteer group has helped to minimize the amount of crime occurring throughout our city. C.O.P.S. volunteers are extra "Eyes and Ears" for the Vernon/North Okanagan RCMPolice. The program provides a valuable service to our community.
It has proven to be a great way to volunteer your time and be a positive member of your community. Duties involve patrolling streets, business areas, hotels and parks, as well as documenting suspicious activities. Being a proactive member of the community and assisting police is the number one duty of Citizens on Patrol. The City of Vernon Crime Prevention/Safe Communities Unit recruits, trains, equips and manages the C.O.P. program for Vernon and district.
Please see link below for more information
News Release Document - 34 Kb PDF
"Block Watch program locks out crime"
The Block Watch program is active throughout various locations in the North Okanagan. Programs exist
in Lumby, Lavington, Coldstream, Vernon, Spallumcheen, Armstrong, Enderby, BX, Grindrod, Grandview
Bench, and Ashton Creek.
The Block Watch program was established in BC in 1986 and is specifically designed to address the
issues of property crimes in neighbourhoods. Block Watch identifies the issues of isolation and separation
that crime creates and feeds upon. It forges bonds among area residents and businesses helping to
reduce burglaries and other crime, and improves relations between the police and the community they
serve.
Please see link below for more information
News Release Document - 35 Kb PDF
"Vernon Wins National Commuter Challenge"
The City of Vernon has won first place in the population category of 25,000 to 49,999 in the recent National Commuter Challenge (May 31 to June 6, 2010). The City of Brandon Ontario (41,511), placed second and Airdrie, Alberta (35,000) placed third. This is a first for Vernon to win the national title. A total of 167 Vernon participants registered in the Challenge travelling 9,799 green KM, burning 61,448 kcal, saving 2,295.6 KG of CO2 emissions and $1,192 in vehicle costs.
Vernon's overall winning team is the City's Development Services Building with a 47% participation rate travelling 721 green KM.
Environment Week began with the Commuter Challenge Kick-off Breakfast on Monday, May 31 at Library Square with participation from Downtown Vernon Association President Ruth Hoyte, City of Vernon and Coldstream Councillors.
Please see link below for more information
News Release Document - 22 Kb PDF
"Vernon Fire Rescue Services Hires
Emergency Communication Operators"
The City of Vernon Fire Rescue Services (VFRS) has engaged 3 Emergency Communications
Operators as part of the Fire Dispatch Service Enhancement Project.
The move to Communications Operator positions was first identified in the VFRS Strategic Plan
2007-2011 and the VFRS Service Review 2008-2012.
This transition will enhance the Fire Dispatch service in the North Okanagan by utilizing
dedicated Communications Operators. The system was previously staffed by firefighters who
performed the dual role of firefighter and dispatcher.
Fire Chief Jeff Carlisle indicates that "this transition uses the specific skill set for the required
work function with all our Firefighters now assigned to emergency response operations. The
Communication Operators will ensure the various types of incidents that VFRS handles on a
daily basis continue to receive a timely response, and the Fire Departments we currently
provide the fire dispatch services for can expect continuity and consistency."
Please see link below for more information
News Release Document - 26 Kb PDF
Posted: June 22, 2010
"Vernon Fire Rescue Services
Receives New Engine Rescue (Fire Truck)."
The City of Vernon Fire Rescue Services (VFRS) received a new Fire Engine Rescue Vehicle
on 21 June 2010.
This new Fire Truck replaces the aging Engine 83 that is beyond life cycle as a frontline
emergency response vehicle.
Fire Chief Jeff Carlisle commented that the new Engine Rescue is designed as a multi purpose
vehicle that performs a number of functions such as fire suppression, motor vehicle incident
response, and difficult rescues. "This new engine rescue design provides our firefighters with
increased effectiveness by having a multi purpose capability."
Please see link below for more information
News Release Document - 26 Kb PDF
Posted: June 22, 2010
"Canada Day Fireworks Show, July 1, 2010, DND Grounds"
Vernon Fire - Rescue Services, and the Canada Day Fireworks Committee, has
coordinated the annual Canada Day Fireworks display for the evening of July 1 at the
DND Grounds.
Expecting to attract thousands of spectators, the show will begin at 10pm, weather and
conditions permitting. The Canada Day Fireworks Show is made possible through the
efforts of many City of Vernon fire rescue and operations staff, and volunteers from the
community, including the BX Swan Lake, Okanagan Landing, and Coldstream Fire
Departments, as well as representatives from Funtastic. In addition, the City would like
to recognize the cooperation and assistance of the Dept. of National Defence, the
RCMP and Community Policing. Funding has been provided through a Heritage
Canada federal grant, with additional assistance from Funtastic, Defoe and Associates,
Vernon Moving and Storage, and the City of Vernon.
Please see link below for more information
News Release Document - 29 Kb PDF
Posted: June 22, 2010
"North Okanagan Joins Thompson / Okanagan
for Bike to Work Week"
2010 marked the first North Okangan Bike to Work campaign where City of Vernon partnered with
Active Communities Armstrong/Spallumcheen, Bike to Work-BC, City of Armstrong, District of
Coldstream, Greater Vernon Cycling Advisory Committee, Regional District North Okanagan (RDNO) and
the Township of Spallumcheen to host Bike to Work Week in conjunction with the cities of Kamloops,
Kelowna and the District of West Kelowna during May 10-17.
"The best part of Bike to Work (BTW) was that it was successful in drawing 28 sponsors, 48 BTW Teams
with 318 team members (1020 cyclists participating in total for the entire week) travelling over 11,314
km saving; 2,624.84 KG of CO2 emissions," said Wendy Majewski, TDM Coordinator, City of Vernon.
"This type of public awareness initiative shows how beneficial this is in reducing the number of single
occupant vehicles on our roads and which improves air quality, enhances personal health and saves
money."
Please see link below for more information
News Release Document - 81Kb PDF
Posted: June 17, 2010
"2010 River Watch and Lake Watch Programs Launched"
The River Watch program will be launched for the 2010 summer season. River Watch is a collaborative effort between the City of Vernon/RCMP Safe Communities Unit, RCMP, Conservation Officer Service (COS), Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), RDNO, and community members from Mara, Ashton Creek, Grindrod and Kingfisher.
First implemented on the Shuswap River in 2009 because of concerns raised by many area residents and river users regarding unsafe boating activities, the program provides a reporting structure for all who use the river to act as eyes and ears for enforcement agencies. Follow up is then conducted by
Please see link below for more information
News Release Document - 30Kb PDF
Posted: June 3, 2010
"City of Vernon hosts first pubic meeting for LWMP Update "
The first public meeting for the City of Vernon's Liquid Waste Management Plan Update will be held Tuesday, June 1st from 5:30-8:30 at City Hall, 3400-30th Street. Anyone interested in the future of Vernon and area lakes and/or the cost of sewage treatment is encouraged to attend.
"The LWMP Update is a community process," explains Vernon Mayor Wayne Lippert. "We want the final product to reflect residents' wants and needs, so we encourage their participation throughout the development of the plan. "Wastewater management is an important issue that affects not only the environment, but everyone who lives in and visits the Vernon area."
Please see link below for more information
News Release Document - 27Kb PDF
Posted: June 1, 2010
"VERNON FIRE RESCUE SERVICES EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT BRANCH "
The Emergency Management Branch of Vernon Fire Rescue Services will be coordinating an inter-agency, emergency water evacuation exercise on Saturday, May 15, 2010, between 0830 and 1200 hrs.
This exercise involves the simulated water evacuation of Canadian Lakeview Estates residents trapped on the waterfront due to an interface forest fire. This emergency exercise will involve boats and emergency watercraft from the following agencies:
RCMP, Vernon Search and Rescue, Transport Canada, Coast Guard Auxiliary, Ministry of Environment (Conservation Officer Service), the Fire Department and the Vernon Yacht Club. Other participating agencies include the Ministry of Forests, BC Parks and North Okanagan ESS.
Please see link below for more information
News Release Document - 27Kb PDF
Posted: May 13, 2010
"City of Vernon initiates Liquid Waste Management Plan Update
"
The City of Vernon, with input from key stakeholders and area residents, is updating its Liquid Waste Management Plan (LWMP). As required by BC's Ministry of Environment, the three-stage LWMP Update will help guide wastewater management and capital investment decisions for the next 20 years. Stage 1 is underway; Stages 2 and 3 will be completed in 2011.
Urban Systems Ltd. has been commissioned to update the plan, which will replace the City's existing LWMP, first adopted in 1999. With input from government agencies, concerned residents and the community at large, the City will chart a course of action for managing stormwater, collecting and treating sewage and other wastewaters, and for disposing of or reusing wastewater effluent (reclaimed water).
Two advisory committees are being established to guide the development of the plan. The Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) will include representatives from local, regional and provincial governments and Interior Health. Its mandate is to pinpoint existing wastewater management challenges and to identify and evaluate potential options.
Please see link below for more information
News Release Document - 22Kb PDF
Posted: April 19, 2010
"GEAR UP FOR BIKE TO WORK WEEK
"
Gear-up, get ready and roll out your wheels with the first ever Thompson/Okanagan Bike to Work Week (BTW) from May 10th - 16th,2010! Join in the fun locally as North Okanagan launches Bike to Work with free Team Leader's Workshop at City Hall, on Tuesday, April 20th from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Team leaders automatically receive a free BTW T-shirt and promotional package to assist them in motivating and inspiring their co-workers to try cycling to work.
To get involved simply join your workplace team and register by visiting www.biketowork.ca. Choose North Okanagan as the location. A team can consist of your entire workplace, department or work group. There is no limit to the number of teams per organization.
Please see link below for more information
News Release Document - 21Kb PDF
Posted: April 14, 2010
"ICBC helping to improve roads in Vernon
"
ICBC invests $135,500 in road improvements in Vernon in 2009
Most Vernon residents have seen the improvements along Pleasant Valley Road and Mission Road. These are among the five road enhancement projects ICBC invested in Vernon in 2009 to help make roads safer for all users.
Now moving into its third decade, ICBC's road improvement program invested approximately $135,500 in Vernon, $1.7 million in the Southern Interior region and $8.1 million across B.C. in 2009.
ICBC works in partnership with municipalities and the provincial government on delivering road enhancements. ICBC also participates in engineering studies and assists communities with road safety issues in the planning of roadways and managing traffic.
'ICBC's expertise and crash database have been invaluable to our Transportation Department to address road safety in Vernon, especially at intersections," said Mayor Wayne Lippert "We look forward to this ongoing partnership, continuing to make our roads safe for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians."
Please see link below for more information
News Release Document - 21Kb PDF
Posted: March 25, 2010
"Recognize it! Report it! Stop It!
"
The Vernon RCMP Safe Communities Unit advises that March is Fraud Prevention Month
Each year, thousands of Canadians become victims of fraud. Education is the key to avoiding the fraud trap. So every March, the RCMP in cooperation with about 100 private and public organizations unite in a national campaign to raise awareness about fraud prevention. The Bank of Canada is also part of this campaign.
Fraud can take many forms some being credit card fraud, counterfeiting of currency, identity theft leading to fraudulent use of your identity, debit card fraud, telephone marketing, false charities, disaster relief and even job fraud.
There are several ways to detect and prevent fraud from occurring to you or your loved ones. The basic premise is that, "If it sounds too good to be true, it is!" Always get advice if you are not sure.
According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre Criminal Intelligence Analytical Unit (Phonebusters) Executive Summary for 2009. Canadian victims in the 50-59 age range are at the top dollar loss for victims totaling $6,201,911.34. Of interest is that the top reported payment method used to receive funds from Canadian victims in 2009 is Western Union.
Please see link below for more information
News Release Document - 19Kb PDF
Posted: March 10, 2010 |
|
"City of Vernon By-laws and RCMP concerned about possible scam
"
On SaturdayFeb-13th an elderly woman was the victim of a possible scam in the downtown core. The victim was parked in front of the Shoppers Drug Mart downtown when she was approached by a man with a bike. He said he was sorry but that he had given her a parking ticket. He produced a ticket from her front window and told her if she paid him right away it would only cost her $10.00. The victim paid him the money, the suspect then gave her the ticket back and he drove off on his bike.
The woman later went to the By-Laws office and learned that she had been a victim of a theft or scam.
We would like to remind all residents of the area that the City of Vernon By-Laws officers all wear a clearly marked uniform. They do not except money for tickets on the street. They may assist you with your ticket by placing both the ticket and cash in an envelope and putting it a drop box nearby.
Police and By-laws are concerned about this incident as it involves theft of money and impersonation of a peace officer.
Anyone who experiences this kind of action is asked to call the police right away.
Gordon Molendyk
Spokesperson
For the Vernon/North Okanagan RCMP.
Direct line 250-260-7161
Cell phone 250-308-7288 |
Posted: February 18, 2010
"Okanagan Landing Volunteer Fire Fighter Association and City of Vernon Reach Contract
and Lease Agreement
"
On Monday 8 February, City of Vernon Council approves a 3 year contract and lease agreement with the Okanagan Landing Volunteer Firefighters Association (OKLVFA).
Since 1993, the City of Vernon has contracted the Association to provide fire suppression services from the Okanagan Landing Fire Station for the citizens of Vernon. The new contract provides increased coordination for firefighter training, operational guidelines, and joint responses between OKLVFA and Vernon Fire Rescue Services (VFRS). City Administration and the OKLVFA reached an acceptable agreement in mid January and it is expected that the OKLVFA will sign the contract and lease for the fire station within the next week.
Mayor Lippert is pleased that Administration and the OKLVFA reached a 3 year deal and added "In the view of the citizens of Vernon - firefighters are firefighters and this deal provides opportunities to enhance the working relationships, and ultimately provide a high level of fire service that is efficient and effective and that the citizens have come to know." |
Please see link below for more information
News Release Document - 19Kb PDF
Posted: February 10, 2010
"Community Citizen On Patrol volunteers Recognized
by Silver Star Rotary Club
"
Annually the Silver Star Rotary Club present awards to community volunteers for the past year.
The local RCMPolice nominated Ken and Sheila NELSON recognizing their outstanding work 'above and beyond' in the local Citizens on Patrol program.
Ken and Sheila NELSON started with the Vernon and District Citizens on Patrol in 2007. Since joining this community program and in addition to their normal volunteer hours they have been instrumental in recovering 79 stolen vehicles. These stolen vehicles have originated from other parts of British Columbia and neighbouring provinces.
Many of these vehicle recoveries have been made by the couple even while driving to and from their business, and then recalling a vehicle description or license number from a previous volunteer COP shift. This extra work on their part has helped our local RCMPolice, the City of Vernon (which funds the COP program) and the owners of motor vehicles and ICBC in the recovery and return of these vehicles. |
 |
Please see link below for more information
News Release Document - 40Kb PDF
Posted: February 2, 2010
"North Okanagan Fire Fighters Relief Drive for Haiti Raises $9419"
On Tuesday January 26, 2010 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm all the North Okanagan Fire
Departments conducted a fundraising "Relief Drive" to support the humanitarian efforts for the
people of Haiti. The Firefighters from all the North Okanagan Fire Departments collected an
amazing $9419.88.
All money raised will be donated to the Red Cross to aid the victims of the earthquake in Haiti.
Event Coordinator Vernon Firefighter Allyson Bower is overwhelmed by the response from the
public and thanks them for their generosity. Allyson commented "The response from the public
and the firefighter's devotion to this humanitarian Relief Drive for Haiti made this event an
absolute success. Thank you!"
Media inquires can be directed to Firefighter Allyson Bower: 250-306-3088
Posted: January 27, 2010
"North Okanagan Fire Fighters for Haiti Relief Drive"
On Tuesday January 26, 2010 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm all the North Okanagan Fire Departments will be conducting a fund raising "Relief Drive" to support the humanitarian efforts for the people of Haiti. The Firefighters will be located in each community at retail outlets, grocery stores, and shopping malls or other locations that the public frequent.
All money raised will be donated to the Red Cross to aid the victims of the earthquake in Haiti.
Fire Departments participating in this event are:
Location |
Vernon
B/X Swan Lake
Okanagan Landing
Coldstream
Enderby
Silver Star
Lumby
|
Wal-Mart, Superstore, Cooper's & Fruit Union plaza
Butcher Boys
Buy Low Foods (Landing Plaza)
Alexander's Pub
Enderby Credit Union, IGA, Bridge, Sutherland's Bakery
Siver Star Village
Irly Bird Armstrong IPE
|
Please see link below for more information
News Release Document - 22Kb PDF
Posted: January 25, 2010
"Positive Meeting for OKIB and City"
The City of Vernon is pleased to announce a positive move forward towards renewed communications with the Okanagan Indian Band. On January 18, 2010, at the OKIB's new Health Centre, Mayor Wayne Lippert, Chief Fabian Alexis, members of their Councils and senior staff, met to begin to re-establish communication on issues of concern to both communities.
In assessing the meeting's outcome, Mayor Lippert was optimistic. "I am pleased with the talks this morning. I feel confident that communication is re-established, which I know will allow both the City and OKIB to move forward. As leaders of our communities, we are agreed that now is the time to set a good example for our youth, and the generations to follow, and establish a more productive working relationship that benefits the everyday lives of all our citizens."
Please see link below for more information
News Release Document - 42Kb PDF
Posted: January 19, 2010 |
