A portion of a Vernon property where a reservoir is planned (photo courtesy of the City of Vernon)

By Liam Verster

Water Storage Enhancement

Vernon property eyed as a site of a new reservoir

May 27, 2025 | 12:46 PM

An application is being submitted so a local property is being rezoned to support local water capacity.

At the regular meeting Monday, May 26, Vernon City Council received a request from Greater Vernon Water (GVW) to authorize an Agricultural Land Commission application for to use a section of an Okanagan Avenue property to as a new reservoir.

The property, which includes the 19.5 hectare irregularly shaped parcel of land where the water storage infrastructure could go, falls within the Agricultural Land Reserve, though the majority of that area has steep slopes. It is fenced off from an existing spray irrigation and cattle grazing area.

A site selection study conducted in August of 2024 identified this property to be the most beneficial and cost-effective location for a new reservoir.

The property identified as a good location for a new reservoir in Vernon (image courtesy of the City of Vernon)

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A report from city staff noted the Okanagan College Connector Trail does run through the property, but it would be realigned to maintain connectivity if the reservoir project is approved. It would also have an access point off Bellevue Drive.

Council voted unanimously in favour of supporting the application.

Speaking with Vernon Matters following the meeting Monday, Mayor Victor Cumming said, if approved, the new reservoir would provide additional, much needed storage for Greater Vernon Water the people it serves.

“It just evens the pressure out for both sides of the valley, right up to Davison Orchard on the other side and all the pressure zone. It’s needed,” the Mayor said.

If the application is approved by the Agricultural Land Commission, city staff will report back with more detailed plans for the property and surrounding infrastructure.