More than a dozen events cancelled or postponed

Mar 13, 2020 | 2:49 PM

No fewer than 17 events have been cancelled or postponed in the Vernon area due to new provincial guidelines over the coronavirus pandemic.

The provincial health officer has directed event organizers to cancel any gatherings larger than 250 people.

“This includes indoor and outdoor sporting events, conferences, meetings, religious gatherings or other similar events. This threshold has been selected, as it is much easier to maintain important social distancing to prevent transmission of COVID-19,” Dr. Bonnie Henry said.

The list of cancelled or postponed events includes several hockey tournaments and trades shows at the Kal Tire Place complex.

Here is the list as of Friday, March 13:

Charger rollout

Phased approach planned for EV chargers at Vernon ALC

Apr 24, 2026

Secondary Dwellings

Coldstream considering more housing on agricultural lands

Apr 24, 2026

Wildfire Risks

Okanagan's Fire Danger Rating already up to Moderate

Apr 23, 2026

Community Expo
Vernon Vipers playoffs
Bantam A female provincials
Vernon Spring Home Show
Village Green hockey tournament
Nk’maplqs Challenge Cup hockey tournament
Kal Tire hockey tournament
Vernon Vipers Spring Camp
All BC Hockey sanctioned groups
Seedy Saturday
Punjabi Heritage Society
Greater Vernon Minor Hockey banquet
Shoparama
School District 22 Battle of the Books
Kids Stuff Garage Sale
Vernon Judo Club tournament
Vernon Fish and Game Club banquet

At this time, recreation services programs, lessons and camps are going ahead as planned, and public swimming events will be limited to no more than 250 people.

“The health and wellness of our citizens, staff and visitors is paramount,” a city news release said. “Vernon Recreation Services has been and continues to be diligent with its cleaning of public facilities. Additional measures are being taken to ensure the health and safety of our staff and facility users including bringing in additional staff to increase the disinfection of public spaces, in particular common touch points like light switches, door handles, etc.”

Recreation services has attempted to contact all the impacted event organizers, and is providing a full refund or credit for cancelled events and will be working with organizers to try and accommodate rescheduling where possible.

The city is passing on advice from provincial and federal health authorities to practice sound personal hygiene and keep spaces clean:

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds;
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, especially with unwashed hands;
Practice social distancing, which means to keep one metre (three feet) between yourself and others;
Avoid close contact with people who are sick;
Cough and sneeze into your sleeve, and not your hands;
Stay home if you are sick to avoid spreading illness to others;
Wipe surfaces and objects (e.g., phones, desk tops, door handles, light switches) with disinfectant often.

by Pete McIntyre

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