The Vernon Search and Rescue facility off Silver Star Road (file photo by Liam Verster / Vernon Matters)

By Liam Verster

2 Years In New Facility

Vernon Search and Rescue’s new home offers improved response and storage options

Sep 15, 2025 | 5:03 PM

The new facility that Vernon Search and Rescue has been operating from for the last two years has been benefiting the group, according to officials.

The search and rescue group (VSAR) moved into their new facility on Silver Star Road in May of 2023, leaving the old facility located next to the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) building off Aberdeen Road and Highway 6.

Presenting a delegation to Vernon City Council Monday, Sept. 15, VSAR members said the new facility was an improvement from the old one as it has enough storage for equipment; a big enough garage to house all the vehicles; and space to accommodate training including in-house helicopter winch and repel, first aid classes, and more.

“I would say training [is a huge improvement at the new facility],” VSAR member, Sophie Timmerman, told Vernon Matters following the presentation.

“We’re able to do our rope training, inside and out, all year round, so that’s a big one. Medical [training], I’m on a medical team as well, so it’s really beneficial to have the space to be able to do that kind of training indoors.”

Possible firearm involved

One person apprehended in connection with suspicious activity in Coldstream

22h ago

Fatal Collision, Highway Closed

One person dead in crash near Revelstoke

23h ago

Salaries

Vernon Council to discuss lesser pay increases

Dec 12, 2025

The search and rescuers also indicated to City Council that the new facility was able to allow for quicker response times during emergencies.

“It’s more empirical, we don’t really have data to track, but having to pull gear out to get to the gear that you need that’s at the back, and it only fits at the back [in the old building] so you have to move things around, that’s what we used to deal with,” Mark Forsyth, a director with VSAR, told Vernon Matters Monday.

“Now, being able to just go in, hook up and go, allows us to get out to responses, especially rescues where time matters. Searches tend to be a little bit of a more ‘slow down, organize yourself properly,’ but rescues tend to be a little bit more time sensitive.”

Timmerman added that at the last facility they had to push trailers out of the building in order to access certain equipment, and then push those trailers back inside before being able to go respond to a call for aid.

The group members also noted there had been no issues identified in the building over the past two years.

VSAR is in the process of bringing in 12 more volunteers, with the plan of having them trained and part of operations in early 2026. That would bring the groups membership up to 65 volunteers.

Forsyth also told Vernon Matters this summer had been relatively quiet for the group, but added the teams are ready to be dispatched in the case of emergencies.

He reminded the public that search and rescue services are free in B.C., and encouraged people to be prepared for emergencies and to call 911 for assistance if they do arise.