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

Libraries Increase Security

Nov 23, 2017 | 3:16 PM

Extra security has been added at the Vernon and Kelowna branches of the Okanagan Regional Library.

Chief executive officer Stephanie Hall says they are trying out a six month pilot of having a security guard on hand the entire time the branches are open.

“One of the things that’s been in the news a lot is the opioid crisis. There has been an uptick in incidents that are drug-related, but there’s various incidents. We just want to make sure the library is safe,” Hall tells Kiss FM.

Hall estimates the extra security will cost about 25-thousand dollars for Vernon, which will be tried out until next May.

“Most urban libraries in Canada do have full time security. We’ve always had as little as we can because we’d rather spend our money on programs. Our goal is to help people learn and move forward in their lives, it’s not to provide security.”

Two Deaths in May
Fatal drug poisonings recorded locally in May, yearly totals still down
34m ago
Severe Dry Conditions
Okanagan at Drought Level 4 for third week
1h ago
Wildfire, Extreme Heat Preparedness
Special workshop to prepare older adults for emergency situations
6h ago

Hall says the extra security should ensure the building and parking lot are patrolled and safe.

On a more positive note, Hall says the Vernon Library will hold a free financial boot camp for planning for your family’s future Saturday at 11 am, with more details on ORL’s Facebook page.

by Corey Fischer

Other Matters

Two Deaths in May
Fatal drug poisonings recorded locally in May, yearly totals still down
Two people lost their lives to illicit substances in Greater Vernon in May.The preliminary figures from the B.C. Coroners Service indicated there had just been six fatal overdoses in the North Okanagan community in 2026. Those included the two in May, one in March, and three in January.In Kelowna, there were three drug...
37m ago
Read More
Whistleblower
West Kelowna launches confidential whistleblower reporting service
The City of West Kelowna has launched a confidential third-party whistleblower service for employees, volunteers, contractors and consultants to report suspected wrongdoing involving the municipality.The service is operated by independent investigators with Southern Law LLP and is designed to provide a confidential pro...
40m ago
Read More
Sudden Death
Kelowna RCMP: Death near Mill Creek not suspicious
A death reported near Mill Creek is not considered suspicious according to Kelowna RCMP and is not believed to be related to a drowning.Police responded Wednesday afternoon to the 2600 block of Enterprise Way following a report of a sudden death.RCMP said investigators have determined there is no indication of criminal...
45m ago
Read More
Severe Dry Conditions
Okanagan at Drought Level 4 for third week
The Okanagan has again been ranked at Drought Level 4.The ranking, which was given for the third week in a row July 9, is the second-highest drought rating and indicates severe conditions.The B.C. River Forecast Centre said the streams in the region had high water temperatures and declining flows. The agency specifical...
2h ago
Read More
Wildfire, Extreme Heat Preparedness
Special workshop to prepare older adults for emergency situations
A special workshop will be held to ensure people are prepared for emergency situations that arise with another hot, dry summer on the horizon.NexusBC Community Centre in Vernon will host its Emergency Preparedness Workshop for Older Adults July 22.The workshop will teach people how to prepare for emergencies that are c...
6h ago
Read More
Locals Honoured
Two Okanagan industry leaders named to BC Restaurant Hall of Fame
Two prominent names with ties to the Okanagan food and hospitality industry will be recognized this fall with induction into the BC Restaurant Hall of Fame.Kelowna's Christina Ferreira and Okanagan-born chef Ned Bell are among 24 people selected for the 2026 class by the BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association. The ...
22h ago
Read More
Boston Bar Wildfires
Wildfire smoke could drift into North Okanagan, pose health risk
Interior Health has urged people to be prepared for lower air quality as wildfire smoke could drift into the North Okanagan.The B.C. Wildfire Service's forecast said smoke from the fires burning near Boston Bar, south of Lilloeet, could blow east and settle over the North Okanagan and Shuswap, especially around Armstro...
23h ago
Read More
Shamrocks Victorious
Shamrocks Down Tigers to Capture 2026 Rowcliffe Cup
Vernon, BC - The North Okanagan was well represented in the 2026 Rowcliffe Cup Final on Sunday afternoon as the Armstrong Shamrocks and Vernon Tigers squared off at Kelowna Memorial Arena. Armstrong punched its ticket to the championship game with a dominant 21-5 win over the Kamloops Rattlers on Saturday, while Vernon...
23h ago
Read More
Millie Manatee
New milfoil harvester out on Okanagan Lake following naming contest
A new watermilfoil harvester has been christened and named following a public contest.The Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) held a contest to name the new machine designed for chopping, collecting and clearing invasive Eurasian watermilfoil from area lakes.The contest received over 340 submissions, and after reviewing ...
23h ago
Read More

What Matters

Two Deaths in May
Fatal drug poisonings recorded locally in May, yearly totals still down
34m ago
Severe Dry Conditions
Okanagan at Drought Level 4 for third week
1h ago
Wildfire, Extreme Heat Preparedness
Special workshop to prepare older adults for emergency situations
6h ago
Boston Bar Wildfires
Wildfire smoke could drift into North Okanagan, pose health risk
23h ago
Last Seen June 27
Police asking for help locating missing man
Jul 08, 2026