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

Mission hires new leader

May 21, 2019 | 9:54 AM

The new person in charge of Vernon’s Upper Room Mission says she is big on supporting and accepting people.

Nicole Makohoniuk has been hired as the executive director of the non profit social agency on 27th Avenue that helps those in need.

“I’m going to listen, ” says Makohoniuk. “I am here to listen and support the staff and clients to meet the needs of the community and individuals. I am not going to be the type of person who sits in the office; I’ve never been that way. I am going to get to know the guests. I am going to get to know the amazing community around the mission, including the businesses.”

Makohoniuk is a former president and vice president of the Parent Advisory Council of B.C. and spent the past two and a half years as program coordinator with the Teen Junction Youth Centre.

She also has an associate’s degree in not-for-profit management from BCIT, 29-years of experience as an early childhood educator.

Missing person
Public asked for assistance locating missing youth
Jun 17, 2026
Policing
RCMP searching for missing Vernon woman
Jun 17, 2026
Underused Facility
Local MP calls for Vernon cadet camp be used for Armed Forces expansion
Jun 17, 2026

“This is my dream job,” says Makohoniuk. “The Upper Room Mission ties in my faith, which is important to me, along with giving back and supporting people where they are at. We have to build a community and we need community support. We need support from business, other social services and from the individuals, including the
church community. We need to bring everyone together. That is my focus.”

Since 1980, the Upper Room Mission Society has provided respite to whoever is experiencing poverty or scarcity of food or lack of community.

“Nicole’s work with Teen Junction was incredible. That kind of experience is invaluable. Nicole’s past experiences, passion, and love for the community will be a real asset to the Upper Room Mission,” says Sandra Simao, URMboard chairperson.

by Corey Fischer

Other Matters

Preparedness warning
Lake Country urges residents to prepare as wildfire, weather risks rise
The District of Lake Country is urging residents to get prepared now as warmer, drier conditions increase the risk of wildfire and other seasonal emergencies across the Central Okanagan.Fire Chief Darren Lee says preparedness begins at home, encouraging residents to develop emergency plans, build grab-and-go kits, and ...
14h ago
Read More
Road Upgrades
Vernon investing $1.8M in road upgrades through rehabilitation program
The City of Vernon is moving ahead with its annual road rehabilitation program, aimed at improving safety and driving conditions across several key corridors this construction season.The city says it will invest $1.8 million in 2026 to rehabilitate about 4.4 lane kilometres of roadway as part of ongoing infrastructure ...
15h ago
Read More
Fighting back
Mosquito problems
The Columbia Shuswap Regional District is spending reserve money to help fight a growing mosquito problem.Wet weather has led to large numbers of mosquito larvae in areas around Golden, Revelstoke and Scotch Creek.More treatments are planned, with officials warning the mosquito season could get worse before it gets bet...
15h ago
Read More
No injuries
House fire near Vernon
An early morning fire destroyed a duplex in the BX area north of Vernon, leaving four families without a home.Everyone inside escaped, although two people were taken to hospital with smoke inhalation.Firefighters couldn't enter the home because of intense flames and live power lines.
15h ago
Read More
Residents home
Kalamoir Fire evacuation alerts lifted
Residents in Casa Loma and Lakeview Heights can return to normal after evacuation alerts were lifted on Thursday.Officials say fire activity remains under control, with crews continuing cleanup work on remaining hot spots.Kalamoir Regional Park is still closed while firefighting operations continue in the area.
15h ago
Read More
Stepping Aside
Wooldridge not seeking re-election to Kelowna city council
Kelowna city councillor Loyal Wooldridge will not run for re-election in this fall's municipal vote, bringing an end to eight years on council.Wooldridge says the decision comes after careful reflection on the demands of public life and a desire to spend more time with family and focus on personal priorities, including...
18h ago
Read More
Wildfire Detection
B.C. ministers tour UBCO wildfire research as drought risk rises in Okanagan
A B.C. government delegation visited UBC Okanagan this week to tour wildfire research, training and emerging technology aimed at improving fire detection, forecasting and response across the province.The demonstration highlighted artificial intelligence-powered camera systems designed to detect smoke at the earliest st...
18h ago
Read More
Drying Up
Drought tightening across Okanagan as heat, dry weather persist
Dry conditions continue to intensify across the Okanagan, with prolonged heat placing growing pressure on local water systems and keeping Greater Vernon under Stage 3 water restrictions as reservoirs and streams continue to drop.Officials say the ongoing dry spell is also starting to weigh on agriculture, with orchards...
18h ago
Read More
July 1 Party
Enderby hosting all-day Canada Day celebrations
A full day's worth of celebrations will go in the North Okanagan to celebrate the nation's birthday.The City of Enderby will host Canada Day celebrations at Riverside Park July 1.The day will kick off with the Enderby Lions Pancake Breakfast and Classic Car Show registration at 8 a.m.; followed by the Canada Day Parade...
23h ago
Read More

What Matters

Missing person
Public asked for assistance locating missing youth
Jun 17, 2026
Policing
RCMP searching for missing Vernon woman
Jun 17, 2026
Underused Facility
Local MP calls for Vernon cadet camp be used for Armed Forces expansion
Jun 17, 2026
Hot, Dry Conditions & Elevated Risks
Wildfire, drought risks high heading into summer: B.C. Government
Jun 16, 2026
149 Hectare Blaze
Wildfire near Stump Lake Being Held, Evacuation Alerts still in place
Jun 16, 2026