Get the Top, Local stories delivered to your inbox! Click here to join the daily Vernon Matters newsletter.
By Tom Mark

Bear Spray Kal Lake

May 31, 2017 | 11:51 AM

A 15 year old boy from Alberta has had a personal tour of the Vernon RCMP jail cells after a rowdy evening at Kalamalka Lake Beach Monday.

Police were called after a 17 year old girl reported her 19 year old boyfriend had been doused with bear spray on the dock.

When police arrived, the suspect was walking away but was stopped after the victims pointed him out to them.

The 15 year old was arrested for assault and for being intoxicated in public.

RCMP spoke to both victim and witness and they declined to provide a statement regarding the incident.

The youth was given a ticket for liquor violation and was released after sobering up.

The District of Coldstream has closed Rotary Pier because of the high lake level but is not enforcing the order and people have still being wading onto it.

Other Matters

Paws welcome
Coldstream makes Pumphouse Beach permanent off-leash dog area
A pilot project in the North Okanagan has led to a permanent change at the waterfront, with the District of Coldstream officially designating Pumphouse Beach as an off-leash dog beach.The site will allow dogs to run, swim and play alongside their owners after the district determined the pilot program was successful.Dur...
Jun 26, 2026
Read More
Road Safety At Work
Drivers urged to be cautious around road workers with summer travel
With summer weather here, a road safety advocate group is urging people to be safe and cautious of workers when travelling through the Okanagan.The group Road Safety at Work said the hustle and bustle of summer vacation often means travellers have to juggle schedules, ferry reservations, campsite check-ins and fuel sto...
Jun 26, 2026
Read More
New Sign
Kelowna unveils new waterfront Signature Sign in Stuart Park
Kelowna officially unveiled its new waterfront Signature Sign Friday morning in Stuart Park, marking the launch of a new landmark designed to celebrate the city's identity and bring people together along the shoreline.The unveiling, led by Mayor and council, took place from 10 to 11 a.m. near the Kelowna Yacht Club, wh...
Jun 26, 2026
Read More
Festival Returns
Denim on the Diamond returns to Kelowna with strongest lineup yet
Denim on the Diamond is set to return to City Park this September with its strongest lineup yet, marking a comeback year for the three-day festival after a one-year hiatus.The Kelowna-based event runs Sept. 11 to 13 and will feature headliners Portugal. The Man, Nate Smith and Ian Asher, alongside artists including Gol...
Jun 26, 2026
Read More
High Fire Danger Rating
Reminder: Fireworks not allowed in Vernon
The City of Vernon reminds residents that fireworks and sky lanterns are not permitted within the municipal boundary.The reminder came ahead of Canada Day and as Vernon's fire danger rating was increased earlier in the week."With the current high fire danger rating in the city, it's critical that everyone takes ex...
Jun 26, 2026
Read More
Assault of A Horse
Bestiality case to be tried by Supreme Court judge
A local bestiality case will be tried by a Supreme Court judge.Seth Christian faces the charge in relation of an alleged assault of a horse at a local equestrian centre in January.Christian appeared in Vernon court Thursday, June 25, where he elected for the trial mode, instead of being tried by a judge and jury, or in...
Jun 26, 2026
Read More
Municipal election
School trustee enters Kelowna council race
A local school board trustee has announced she's running for Kelowna City Council in the October election.Lee-Ann Tiede said she brings more than two decades of public service experience to her candidacy.She served three terms as a Central Okanagan School Board Trustee and, before that, three terms as a Trustee with th...
Jun 26, 2026
Read More
Due July 2
Less than a week to file property taxes
Vernon property owners have less than a week to fully pay their taxes.Property taxes are due Thursday, July 2, and anyone who does not pay their dues in full could face a 10 per cent penalty.Additionally, people have until July 2 to submit documents confirming they have successfully applied for the provincial Home Owne...
Jun 26, 2026
Read More
Offsetting Infrastructure Costs
Coldstream considers joining call for agricultural cost supports
A local municipality has been asked to join a call for the province to aide communities that have large swaths of agricultural properties.At the meeting Monday, June 22, Coldstream Council received a presentation from Summerland Mayor, Doug Holmes, asking to join a proposed Agricultural Municipality Initiative (AMI).AM...
Jun 25, 2026
Read More

What Matters

Road Safety At Work
Drivers urged to be cautious around road workers with summer travel
Jun 26, 2026
Assault of A Horse
Bestiality case to be tried by Supreme Court judge
Jun 26, 2026
Due July 2
Less than a week to file property taxes
Jun 26, 2026
Offsetting Infrastructure Costs
Coldstream considers joining call for agricultural cost supports
Jun 25, 2026
Level 4
Drought level still elevated
Jun 25, 2026