What's New

"Vernon Creek Drainage Basin Will Receive Flood protection" The City of Vernon has qualified for funding under the Building Canada Fund - Communities Component (BCF-CC) Flood Protection Program. Estimated Project Cost: $960,000 Grant funding: $640,000 Balance: $320,000 (City share) of the project is to be funded as follows: Development Cost Charges: $270,000 approximately & $50,000 approximately from existing reserves or approved 2011 carry-over budget. The proposed project is the first of approximately four phases of a storm-water control (flood control) and wetland enhancement project located in the lower reaches of Vernon Creek drainage basin. The project is the result of many years of planning and engineering that has allowed the City to secure both private and City owned lands for the proposed works and also identify works on future development lands that will be constructed with redevelopment in the area. News Release Document - 36 Kb PDF Map reference - 1.24 MB PDF Posted: February 1, 2012 "Parking Along 29th Street Railway No Longer Free" Parking along the 29th Street railway between 32nd and 35th avenues is no longer free. The Real Estate Manager for the City of Vernon says, "Parking in the area of 29th street between 32nd and 35th avenues has been overlooked for years, but the Railroad (Kelowna Pacific Railway Ltd. -KPR - who has a long term lease with CN/CP Rail) and private owners who own rights to the property being used for parking are requesting payment to use their property. To keep these spots available for Public parking, The City of Vernon has negotiated an agreement with one property owner, and is currently negotiating with KPR. On the Rail property in this area there are about one hundred and twenty five (125) parking spots used by people visiting or working at local businesses like Little Tex Restaurant, Powerhouse Theatre, Bikram Yoga Vernon, Bertelsen Plumbing and the Post Office. City Staff, including the Fire Department and RCMP, also park there. The good news is that people can continue to park there. The bad news is that now it will cost you." News Release Document - 37 Kb PDF Map reference Posted: January 30, 2012 "Vernon Recreation Centre Staff Saves 36 Year Old Female From Sudden Death Syndrome" At approximately 2:43.45 p.m. on Tuesday, January 24, a 36 year old female visiting from Killarney, Manitoba, was in the fitness room of the Vernon Recreation Centre. She fell off the treadmill and was appearing to be having a seizure. The woman running beside her alerted the front desk of the Vernon Recreation Centre about the incident. Two senior Staff (Norlene Keller, Aquatics Programmer and Gary Lefebvre, Aquatic Leader) were alerted. Gary Lefebvre ran and got the crash kit and Automated External Defribulator (AED) and Norlene arrived to assess the patient. The patient was unresponsive and not breathing, so when Gary got up to the fitness room they moved the patient to an area (from in between two treadmills) where they could work on her. Gary immediately started compressions (CPR) while Norlene got the AED ready. They were joined by Laura Hitchen who teamed up with them and took care of the breathing part of the rescue. Rae Kievit ran to call 911. News Release Document - 38 Kb PDF Posted: January 30, 2012 "Relocation of Transit Terminus to 31st Avenue Delayed Until April 2012" BC Transit staff are still in the process of establishing the new transit schedule and the resultant detailed costs of the transit improvements that Council supported at its Special Committee of the Whole meeting January 4, 2012. Therefore, these costs are not available in time for inclusion in the Jan. 23, 2012 Council meeting agenda today. City of Vernon Staff will have the detailed costs of transit service changes ready for Council to consider at the meeting of February 13, 2012 and BC Transit will have Staff representatives at that meeting. If the costs are approved, and the transit changes go ahead, there will be some time required for BC Transit's operational requirements for producing a new bus schedule and printing Rider's Guides. News Release Document - 146 Kb PDF Posted: January 25, 2012 "Vernon Lifeguard Laura Hitchen Saves Choking Infant" On Tuesday January 3rd at approximately 10:23 a.m., parent Melaney McKay (pronounced Melanie) was in the Vernon Recreation Complex change room and noticed that a quarter was missing from the change room bench and that her child (Blaine McKay - 13 months) was choking. Melaney immediately left the change room and brought Blaine out onto the deck and told Laura Hitchen, a City of Vernon Lifeguard, what she suspected. Laura immediately dropped to one knee and began performing the back blow procedure to dislodge the quarter. Laura notified another guard to make a 911 call. Laura did six back blows. Blaine screamed and vomited, but no quarter appeared. Laura repeated the back blows 3 - 4 more times and the baby cried and coughed up the quarter. EMT’s arrived shortly afterwards. News Release Document - 36 Kb PDF Posted: January 18, 2012 "Road Diet Formally Denied By Gas Tax Management Committee" City of Vernon's Rob Dickinson, Manager Engineering and GIS announced today that Gary MacIsaac, Chair of the Gas Tax Management Committee of the Gas Tax / Public Services Secretariat did not approve the project 43 Avenue Road Diet for funding as stated in a letter received on December 19, 2011. Rob Dickinson said, "With due consideration of the current economic climate, it will be recommended to Council that this project only be considered again when essential road surface maintenance is required. Any input received to date will be kept on file for future reference." News Release Document - 67 Kb PDF Posted: January 09, 2012 "RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING AWARENESS WEEK" BCLC and the City of Vernon are hosting British Columbia’s first ever Responsible Gambling Awareness Week from January 14 - 20, 2012. The goal of the campaign is to raise awareness of responsible gambling practices and to connect people to community services and supports, if needed. As a community, we need to educate people on how to gamble responsibly and understand the risks of this recreational activity. BCLC and the City of Vernon believe positive change at the local level begins with discussion. In order to engage the community on the topic of gambling, the local organizers of the campaign have planned the following event: What: Community Dialogue on Responsible Gambling Where: Schubert Centre, 3505 30th Avenue, Vernon B.C. When: 5:00 - 8:00 pm, Thursday, January 19, 2012 News Release Document - 212 Kb PDF Posted: January 04, 2012 "Tower of Care" Alison Levorson (left), representing City of Vernon employees, presented a cheque for $2511 to Sue Beaudry (right), Director of Development for Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation on December 23, 2011.   The $2511 was raised by City of Vernon employees through their donations to have the privilege of dressing casual on Fridays. City of Vernon employees voted to support The Tower of Care. Employees support causes that benefit local residents. In previous years, employees have supported BC Children's Hospital (2010), Vernon SPCA (2009), Canadian Cancer Society (2008), Vernon and District Hospice Society (2007), Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation (2006) and a local family (2005). The 2011 Casual for a Cause fund raising efforts were directed towards the Building a Tower of Care Campaign goal of raising 7 million dollars to equip the new Polson Tower at Vernon Jubilee Hospital. Money from this campaign supports equipment purchases for Emergency, Ambulatory Care, Surgical Care, ICU & Cardiac Care & Women’s & Children’s Health Services. The photo available for use with this article here: http://dl.dropbox.com/u/55568611/alison-hospital-foundation-jeansday1.jpg News Release Document - 85 Kb PDF Posted: January 04, 2012 "NOTICE - 2012 COUNCIL MEETING DATES" Be advised that pursuant to Section 127 of the Community Charter, notice is hereby given that the 2012 Committee of the Whole meetings are held at 8:40 am, and the Regular Council Meetings of the Council for the City of Vernon are held at 1:30 pm, in Council Chambers at City Hall on the following dates: News Release Document - 22 Kb PDF Posted: Decemeber 14, 2011 "OFFICIAL ELECTION RESULTS" News Release Document - 31 Kb PDF Posted: November 21, 2011 PRELIMINARY ELECTION RESULTS" News Release Document - 20 Kb PDF Posted: November 19, 2011 "Fire Fighters Association, Local 1517, Agreement Reached" The City of Vernon and International Fire Fighters Association, Local 1517, are pleased to announce that they have reached a new Agreement. The parties agreed to a three year settlement that addresses enhancement to pension and overtime costs. These terms are in line with other municipal settlements in British Columbia. Both parties attribute a respectful working relationship as being crucial to successful negotiations. News Release Document - 18 Kb PDF Posted: November 17, 2011

"CAO, Mr. Leon Gous, gave Council notice" This morning Vernon CAO, Mr. Leon Gous, gave Council notice effective 31 December 2011. He has served as CAO since 2005 and was General Manager of Community Services before that. In all, Mr. Gous has worked for the City of Vernon for 8 years. In making the announcement Mr. Gous stated: “I have enjoyed the challenges of working for the City and have always appreciated the respectful working relationship I have had with the Mayor and Council. It has been a privilege leading such a dedicated staff and I am comfortable that City administration and operations are in the hands of very capable senior managers." News Release Document - 28 Kb PDF Posted: November 15, 2011

"Vernon Fire - Rescue Participates in “Movember”

Following a highly successful fundraiser for breast cancer awareness ($1080), staff at Vernon Fire- Rescue will turn their attention to raising funds and awareness for prostate cancer, through participation in the popular “Movember” event.

The media is invited to a photo opportunity on Friday October 27, at 4:00 pm, at the Vernon Fire Station, 3401 30th St., where VFRS staff will have existing moustaches shaved in preparation for growing their fabulous new “Mo’s”.

This year, the Department will be accepting donations at the hall to “sponsor” the Firefighters “Mo's.”

Sponsoring donations will be accepted from November 1-30, 2011. All donations go directly to support prostate cancer awareness and research in Canada.

http://ca.movember.com/

News Release Document - 25 Kb PDF
Posted: October 25, 2011

"AGREEMENT REACHED"

AGREEMENT REACHED As a result of recent negotiations, the City of Vernon and Vernon Civic Employees’ Union, Local 626 are pleased to announce that they have reached consensus. CUPE members ratified the new Agreement at a meeting Sunday, October 23, 2011. The settlement addresses monetary issues which include a 1.5% increase per annum over the duration of the collective agreement, January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2013. These terms are in line with other municipal settlements in the Okanagan valley.

Both parties attribute a respectful working relationship as being crucial to successful negotiations.

News Release Document - 38 Kb PDF
Posted: October 24, 2011"AGREEMENT REACHED"

AGREEMENT REACHED As a result of recent negotiations, the City of Vernon and Vernon Civic Employees’ Union, Local 626 are pleased to announce that they have reached consensus. CUPE members ratified the new Agreement at a meeting Sunday, October 23, 2011. The settlement addresses monetary issues which include a 1.5% increase per annum over the duration of the collective agreement, January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2013. These terms are in line with other municipal settlements in the Okanagan valley.

Both parties attribute a respectful working relationship as being crucial to successful negotiations.

News Release Document - 38 Kb PDF
Posted: October 24, 2011

"New Deputy Fire Chief, Operations Appointed"

The City of Vernon is very pleased to announce that Fire Officer M.J. (Jack) Blair has been appointed as the City’s new Deputy Fire Chief, Operations.

Deputy Chief Blair brings with him a 33 year career with Fire Rescue Services which began in 1978 with the City of Vancouver. Blair started as a fire fighter and was promoted through the ranks, including ranks of Fire Investigator and Training Officer, up to and including the position of Fire Captain in 2005. Blair was a member of the Hazardous Materials Team which included training in Terrorism, Chemical, Biological, and Nuclear. (CBRN)

In 2005, DC Blair was awarded the position of Fire Services Coordinator for the Columbia Shuswap Regional District in Salmon Arm where he remained until his recent acceptance of the role of Deputy Chief with the City of Vernon.

In addition to regular duties Blair has provided extensive HazMat, Recruit and Fire Officer training programs through the Justice Institute and, in addition to having the opportunity to work in the Middle East, has provided training to local Vernon and North Okanagan Regional District fire fighters.In addition to regular duties Blair has provided extensive HazMat, Recruit and Fire Officer training programs through the Justice Institute and, in addition to having the opportunity to work in the Middle East, has provided training to local Vernon and North Okanagan Regional District fire fighters.

DC Blair’s perspective is that “commonality is paramount in this industry. One of my goals is to build on what Chief Green has been doing which is to bring unanimity to the region”. He further states “I look forward to working with a fine group of dedicated individuals and to another opportunity to do what I love the most.”

Vernon Fire Chief Keith Green is excited to welcome Jack to the VFRS team. "We are fortunate to have someone with Jack's proven track record available to help us achieve our organizational goals. Jack has extensive experience helping both our career & volunteer fire fighters with training and this appointment solidifies our commitment to continuing that relationship."

Jack is recently married to wife, Wende. Together they have four sons - a golf pro, a marine mechanic, and two sons in middle school. Jack enjoys spending time with family and looks forward to enjoying all that the Okanagan has to offer.
DC Blair begins his duties on November 7, 2011.

News Release Document - 55 Kb PDF
Posted: October 19, 2011

"Province-wide earthquake drill organized by the BC Earthquake Alliance"

On October 20th, 2011, at 10:20a.m., there will be a province-wide earthquake drill organized by the BC Earthquake Alliance, called ShakeOut BC. The goals of ShakeOut BC are earthquake awareness and emergency preparedness.

While Earthquakes are infrequent and generally small in the North Okanagan, they do occur from time to time and are considered a significant hazard. North Okanagan Emergency Management encourages everyone to be aware of the three basic steps to take in case of an earthquake:

1) Drop
2) Cover
3) Hold

Practice makes perfect, and by following the ShakeOut BC guidelines, residents will know what to do should an earthquake strike.

North Okanagan Emergency Management (NOEM) utilizes an All Hazards approach to Emergency Management, and encourages residents to do the same by being prepared and making personal and family plans for all types of emergencies at home and away.

For further information on earthquake preparedness and to register, please visit www.shakeoutBC.ca . For information on Emergency Management in the North Okanagan, please visit http://www.vernon.ca/em/index.html
As well, please follow us on Face Book at ‘North Okanagan Emergency Management’.

News Release Document - 232 Kb PDF
Posted: October 14, 2011

"Winter Hours Start November 1, 2011 at Recycling and Disposal Facilities Up"

COLDSTREAM, BC – Winter Hours start Tuesday, November 1, 2011 at the Greater Vernon Recycling and Disposal Facility (GVRDF) and the Armstrong/Spallumcheen Recycling and Disposal Facility (ASRDF).

We’d like to remind residents that effective Sunday, November 6, 2011, the GVRDF and ASRDF will be closed Sundays until the end of February, but both RDF’s are conveniently open throughout the week and remain open on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Winter Hours:

GVRDF 120 Birnie Road, Vernon Nov 1 – Feb 28 Monday to Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday - Closed

ASRDF 3367 Powerhouse Road, Armstrong Nov 1 – Feb 28 Monday to Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday - Closed

For more information, please contact the RDNO at 250.550.3700 or visit our website at www.rdno.ca.

News Release Document - 18 Kb PDF
Posted: October 13, 2011

Free Styrofoam Round Up"

COLDSTREAM, BC - As part of Waste Reduction Week, the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) is once again hosting a free Styrofoam Round Up where residents can drop off their Styrofoam for recycling.

On WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 19 between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., residents can bring their clean, sticker-less, bagged Styrofoam free of charge to The Real Canadian Wholesale Club parking lot located at 2501 - 34 Street, Vernon. Staff from the RDNO, Venture Training Centre, and Interior Freight and Bottle Depot will be on hand to collect Styrofoam and to provide information about waste reduction programs in the North Okanagan.
(250) 550-3587

Styrofoam items such as egg cartons, meat trays, containers, blocks, cups, and packing peanuts will be accepted. After the event, the collected Styrofoam will be processed using an Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) Styrofoam densification machine that heats and compresses the Styrofoam and produces a dense plastic material. “Styrofoam recycling creates a raw material that can be used to make items such as helmets, bike parts, picture and mirror frames and other hard plastic products,” says Robyn Cooper, RDNO Waste Reduction Coordinator. If residents are unable to attend the event, year-round Styrofoam drop-off is available at the locations below for a $3.00 per bag handling fee. The handling fee covers the cost of receiving, inspecting, storing, and transporting the collected material. The bags used to drop off Styrofoam must be clear and no larger than large lawn and leaf bags.

News Release Document - 17 Kb PDF
Posted: October 11, 2011

43rd Avenue (32nd Street to 27th Street) Proposed Road Diet"

The City of Vernon has made application under a grant program to undertake a project directed at increasing road safety and expanding the accessibility for cyclists through the provision of bike lanes.

City of Vernon Council has approved the application for 100% funding of this project through the Gas Tax Program. Councils’ resolution at the time of application was that no decision on the commencement of the project would be made by Council until such time as grant approval had been made from the Gas Tax Program.

An information session was held on September 20th, 2011 to inform adjacent business owners, about the proposed project, and answer questions, and gather comments from those in attendance. As communicated to those in attendance, all input received during that information session will be presented to City Council at the October 11th, 2011 Council meeting. Wherein Mayor, and Council, will consider all comments received concerning this project. No decision has been made on the funding of this project from the Gas Tax program.

For information, please contact:
Amanda Watson Transportation Technician III
City of Vernon
(250) 550-3587

News Release Document - 22 Kb PDF
Posted: September 27, 2011

Carpool Week 2011 – October 24 - 28, Kelowna, Vernon, Penticton, Summerland, Peachland and Oliver"

The Okanagan’s 5th Annual Carpool Week promotion will take place October 24 - 28, 2011 and is sponsored by ICBC. While this is Kelowna and Vernon’s 5th Carpool Week, Penticton, Summerland, Peachland and Oliver are participating for the first time. As part of Carpool Week 2011, commuters are encouraged to visit Carpool.ca and participate in various activities making them eligible to win prizes including a Kindle Reader, GPS system and over $400 worth of free fuel.

Carpool Week 2011 prize-winning activities for the month of October include:
1. Registering with www.carpool.ca as a new user,
2. Returning to www.carpool.ca as an existing user and search for carpool partners,
3. Submitting an inspirational carpool story (online through www.carpool.ca),
4. Using the new www.carpool.ca Trip Tracker feature to measure savings resulting from trips not taken, or
5. Using social media to play ‘Transportation Trivia’ and ‘Carpool Tag’.
Visit www.facebook.com/CarpoolDotCA or follow @Carpool. ca on Twitter for details.

Further information can be found at http://stepintoaction.ca/

News Release Document - 24 Kb PDF
Posted: September 27, 2011

"Vernon Fire - Rescue Supports Prostate Cancer Fundraiser"

DR. RILEY SENFT and his partners - THE VANCOUVER PROSTATE CENTRE and the VANCOUVER GENERAL HOSPITAL & UBC HOSPITAL FOUNDATION are raising awareness and funding for prostate cancer. Dr. Senft has been running across Canada in his effort to raise awareness for Prostate cancer, and tonight he will be arriving in Vernon.

Between 6:00 and 7:00 pm this evening, Vernon Fire - Rescue personnel will accompany Dr. Senft on his run, beginning at the north end of the City, and finishing at Vernon the DND parade ground at approximately 7:00 pm.

Further information can be found at http://stepintoaction.ca/

"Car Free Day September 22, 2011"

City of Vernon celebrates International Car Free Day with the launch of the new Transportation Demand Management website: www.vernon.ca/vernonmoves and Mayor Lippert presents W.L. Seaton Secondary School with a brand new bike rack donated by Urban Racks.

“The purpose of featuring a Transportation Demand Management (TDM) section on the City website site is to provide businesses, corporations and citizens with more information on our what, when and why the City of Vernon is implementing transportation demand management initiatives that are part of the 2008 Official Community Plan, ” said Wendy Majewski, Transportation Demand Management Coordinator, City of Vernon. "The website is an informative tool that has links to events, plans and projects. Additional resources with easy links helps citizens have direct access to important safety and transportation issues."

"Rivers Day 2011"

VERNON / COLDSTREAM, BC - Sunday September 25th is Rivers Day in BC and around the world. This annual celebration focuses on all water from including lakes, ponds and wetlands to creeks, streams, wetlands and everything in between. Originating in British Columbia, Rivers Day is held annually on the last Sunday in September and now includes community events all around the world.

This year a number of events will be held in the North Okanagan including a community celebration at Kin Beach Park in Vernon. From 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. there will be activities for kids, spoken word by Cameron Welch with local artist Windmills, performances by local youth from the Rarearth Jazz and Blues Our Kids Have Talent competition, community groups, information about waterways, art and paddling on Okanagan Lake.

For more inforamtion

News Release Document - 20 Kb PDF

"Rivers Day 2011"

VERNON / COLDSTREAM, BC - Sunday September 25th is Rivers Day in BC and around the world. This annual celebration focuses on all water from including lakes, ponds and wetlands to creeks, streams, wetlands and everything in between. Originating in British Columbia, Rivers Day is held annually on the last Sunday in September and now includes community events all around the world.

This year a number of events will be held in the North Okanagan including a community celebration at Kin Beach Park in Vernon. From 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. there will be activities for kids, spoken word by Cameron Welch with local artist Windmills, performances by local youth from the Rarearth Jazz and Blues Our Kids Have Talent competition, community groups, information about waterways, art and paddling on Okanagan Lake.

For more inforamtion

News Release Document - 20 Kb PDF

"WHAT’S ALL THE BUZZ ABOUT TDM FOR VERNON?"

Vernon's Transportation Demand Management (TDM) program was established in 2009, as part of the City of Vernon Official Community Plan, which set a target of 20% for all trips to be by walking, cycling or public transportation by the year 2031. The aim is to enhance public health and safety, improve air quality, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lesson traffic congestion and lower infrastructure and road costs.

The TDM Committee actively promotes the use of more sustainable modes of transportation in a responsible fashion. Other goals are to: increase pedestrian safety education and infrastructure for seniors and children; improve handyDART service for seniors; increase frequency and hours of operation in partnership with BC Transit; increase investments in sidewalks, bicycle route and trails; develop school and workplace travel plans, improve public awareness of the benefits of sustainable transportation through community events and address parking issues.

“The TDM Committee and staff meet the needs of most people in Vernon from pedestrians, seniors, children, families, cyclists and others. Our efforts in improving transit, pedestrian walk ways and cycle paths for children in school areas in this city have been successful and we will continue this important
work,” Pat Black, Senior’s Representative.

For more inforamtion

News Release Document - 97 Kb PDF

"Emergency Management Flood Reminder"

North Okanagan Emergency Management would like to remind the residents of the North Okanagan to be mindful of current water levels in Okanagan Lake, as well as rivers and creeks in the area.

Warmer temperatures and rainfall have contributed to higher water levels and for anyone living in or near these areas, please remember that Sand and Sandbags are available at various locations throughout the North Okanagan.

We encourage all residents who have flood concerns to start sandbagging early to prevent damage. To report a serious flood concern, please call the Provincial Emergency Program at 1.800.663.3456 For more information, please visit their website at http://www.pep.bc.ca/floods/index.html
In additions, information on regarding current Flood Watch Notifications, Sandbagging Tips and General Personal Preparedness can also be found at http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/wsd/public_safety/flood/emergency.html

We would like to remind recreational boaters to please keep their speed down on the water and especially near shorelines in order to prevent compromising flood barriers on lakefront properties.

For more inforamtion

News Release Document - 266 Kb PDF

"Vantage One Canada Day Fireworks Show, July 1, 2011"

Vernon Fire - Rescue Services, and the Canada Day Fireworks Committee, will coordinate the annual Vantage One Canada Day Fireworks display on the evening of July 1st at 10:15 pm at the DND Grounds. Expecting to attract thousands of spectators, pyro-technicians will fire approximately fifteen minutes worth of display explosives in honor of Canada’s birthday celebrations.

This year, we welcome Vantage One Credit Union as a Gold level corporate sponsor. In announcing the company'ssupport, Fireworks Committee fundraising chair, Terry Schmauder announced, "Vantage One's generosity will provide us with additional funding to expand this year's fireworks show by five to 10 minutes. In making the $5,000 donation, Glenn Banishek, Vantage One Manager, and Galina Labum, Marketing/Community Support Coordinator expressed their pleasure in sponsoring this year’s event. Said Labum, "Supporting this fantastic event is part of Vanatage One's ongoing commitment to supporting our great community. This opportunity to lend our name to the 2011 event is a thrill for all of us."
There will be musical accompaniment and broadcast during the fireworks display courtesy of 107.5 Kiss FM with Martin Niedballa and Rob Abramenko.

For more inforamtion

News Release Document - 49 Kb PDF

"VERNON FIRE – RESCUE CELEBRATES 120 YEARS"

On June 18, 2011, Vernon Fire - Rescue Services will recognize 120 years of fire service to the City of Vernon.

The public is invited to join the celebrations, by attending an Open House, June 18, from 1:00-4:00 pm at the Fire Station at 3401 30th Street. There will be historical displays for viewing, and an auto-extrication demonstration will take place at 2:00pm. Sparky the Fire Dog will be available for visiting with kids, and refreshments will be available by donation, with proceeds going to the Hospice House.

There will be an opportunity for photos and interviews on Tuesday, June 14th, at 11:00am, at the Fire Station at 3401 30th Street.

For more inforamtion

News Release Document - 25 Kb PDF

"Region abuzz with agri-tourism fun; Sample mead or some cider on next visit to Okanagan"

Times Colonist (Victoria) Saturday, May 07, 2011 Page D03 By Lisa Kadane Midway through a hike in Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park, my husband and I realize we have 30 minutes to hoof it back to the car and then drive to Vernon to sample mead at Planet Bee honey farm. It seems an impossible task.

We're standing at Turtles Head Point, a rocky promontory atop the end of a peninsula that juts into the aquamarine water of Kalamalka Lake.

To the south stretches the lake, framed by mountains covered in pine trees and poplars blazing their fall colours. To the north lies the district of Coldstream, with Vernon beyond but out of sight behind the bald mass of Middleton Mountain. We take a final look around, and then begin the return walk, choosing the lower trail past Jade Bay, where turquoise water laps the leaf-strewn shore.

We reach our rental car 15 minutes later and arrive for honey wine right on time. No wonder people love Vernon, I think. You can hike and taste honey in the same day, or, come winter, ski and sip. That's a lifestyle I could get used to. We've come to Vernon for a weekend getaway that coincides with the Fall Okanagan Wine Festival.

For more inforamtion

News Release Document - 21 Kb PDF

"Environment Week 2011 Packed with Activities!"
COLDSTREAM, BC - This year Environment Week (June 4-10) will be packed with a series of week long activities and information events to get everyone thinking “green!” The week will begin with International Trails Day on Saturday June 4th. Check out RDNO's Art-Out on the Grey Canal Trail (Blackcomb Way) between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm and discover BX Creek Trail Wetlands (20th Street & 53rd Avenue), with guided tours from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Join in on the BC Parks 100 year celebrations by participating in the Parks 100 multi-sport event at Ellison Park, on Eastside Road, Sunday June 5th. Registration for this fun filled family event is between 10:30a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Activities hosted by the North Okanagan Cycling Society start at 12:00 p.m. and finish with a 3:30 p.m. BBQ.

Monday, June 6th is all about celebrating environmental leaders and film makers within the North Okanagan. The Regional District of North Okanagan and City of Vernon will be hosting the 2011 Environmental Leadership and Sustainability Awards, in conjunction with the inaugural Inquisitive Clips Award Presentations & Film Screenings. Come out Monday evening to the Powerhouse Theatre (2901-35th Avenue) and cheer on those individuals and business owners that are making the North Okanagan a great place to be and catch some of the winning Inquisitive Clips films. Doors open at 6:30pm, event starts at 7:00pm. Entry is free and suitable for all ages.

For more inforamtion

News Release Document - 117 Kb PDF

"Four Okanagan Municipalities Working Together on Common Issues"

Okanagan Valley, BC - The four member municipalities of the Intermunicipal Services Advisory Board (Kelowna, West Kelowna, Vernon, and Penticton) which consists of the Mayor and Chief Administrative Officer of each municipality met on May 11th to discuss issues of mutual concern and to share ideas.

Topics discussed included the following:

Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU): A summary of organized crime activity in the Okanagan was provided by Superintendent Doug Kiloh, Officer in Charge. The Mayors are very supportive of this unit continuing in the valley.

Transit:
Kelowna Mayor Sharon Shepherd, West Kelowna Mayor Doug Findlater, Penticton Mayor Dan Ashton and Vernon Mayor Wayne Lippert are looking for solutions to transit concerns in the Okanagan Valley. Support is being requested of Minister Lekstrom to review governance models of transit in BC.

Festival Event Capital of Canada:
The Mayors are continuing to explore this concept.

The Board also discussed:
• Okanagan Lake Issues
• Bio-Solids Disposal
• Copper Wire Thefts
• IHA Water Regulations
• IHA - Hospitals
• Regional District Governance

News Release Document - 117 Kb PDF

"2012 Sister City Tour to Modesto, California"

To commemorate 30 years of Sister City status, a 12-day adventure from Vernon, B.C. to Modesto, California is planned for 2012. Vernon's Modesto Sister City Tour committee was established a year ago to formulate this plan.

The itenerary is now complete. We will be leaving Vernon on May 11th, 2012 by coach and will return by cruise ship. A few highlights of the tour include stops in Reno, Monterey and San Francisco. The total cost of the tour is $1,395, based on double occupancy, and is limited to 50 travelers. Ten seats are availabe on a first-come basis. ALL members must take a compulsory active part in fundraising.

Anyone interested in becoming a Vernon ambassador to Modesto is asked to call Reception at the City of Vernon at 250-545-1361 to leave your name and phone number.

News Release Document - 29 Kb PDF

"City Seasonal Flood Preparedness"

Property Owners / Residents of the North Okanagan are reminded that they are responsible for all measures required for flood protection of private property. While the Province does not currently predict severe or widespread flooding, warmer temperatures and an elevated snowpack could threaten homes along rivers and creeks, or that have a history of flooding. Therefore, North Okanagan Emergency Management (NOEM) is advising residents in these areas to consider their own risk for flooding and to take preventative action now, in advance of any possible flooding. To assist North Okanagan property owners in protecting their homes, sandbags/sand are available at the following locations:

Armstrong : Sand and sandbags please call 250 546-3023 24/7.

Coldstream : Sand and sandbags located at 2 locations: Kalamalka Lake Rd, across from Postill Dr Lavington Area - School Rd across from Jeffers Park For emergencies call Public Works at 250 550-1505 during work hours or 250 542-7600 after hours

Enderby : Sand and sandbags located at Public Works yards 2309 McGowan St. For after hours call City Hall at 250 838-7230.

Lumby: Sand and sandbags located in gravel parking lot across from the Lumby Arena/Curling Rink parking lot located at 2230 Shields Ave.

RDNO : Sandbags only located outside gate at the Fire Training Centre - 300 Pottery Rd. Call 250 550-3731 during work hours.

Spallumcheen : Sand and sandbags located outside gate of Public Works yards located at 1511 Eagle Rock Rd.

Vernon : Sand and sandbags located at 2 locations: Vernon City Yards - outside main gate on Pleasant Valley Rd Corner of Okanagan Ave and Okanagan Landing Rd Sandbags only available at 2 locations: Work hours - City Yards 1900 48th Ave After hours Emergency - Vernon Fire Hall 3401 30th St 

Filling and placing of sandbags is the responsibility of property owners / residents.