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

Vipers to Open Home Schedule Sept. 26 vs. West Kelowna

Jun 29, 2026 | 9:05 AM

VERNON – The Vernon Vipers will kick off the home portion of their schedule with a date with a division rival as they will welcome the West Kelowna Warriors to Kal Tire Place on Saturday September 26.

Vernon was the BCHL leader in attendance.

The rest of the schedule is expected to be released in early July.

Vernon

Vipers
Vipers to Open Home Schedule Sept. 26 vs. West Kelowna
VERNON - The Vernon Vipers will kick off the home portion of their schedule with a date with a division rival as they will welcome the West Kelowna Warriors to Kal Tire Place on Saturday September 26. Vernon was the BCHL leader in attendance. The rest of the schedule is expected to be released in early July.
1h ago
Read More
2025 Annual Report
Coldstream to hold special Annual Report meeting
Coldstream residents will have a chance to have their say about the work done over the past year.A special meeting will be held to review the 2025 District of Coldstream Annual Report.The meeting will see Coldstream Council accept input and answer questions about the report from the public before receiving it for infor...
Jun 28, 2026
Read More
Paws welcome
Coldstream makes Pumphouse Beach permanent off-leash dog area
A pilot project in the North Okanagan has led to a permanent change at the waterfront, with the District of Coldstream officially designating Pumphouse Beach as an off-leash dog beach.The site will allow dogs to run, swim and play alongside their owners after the district determined the pilot program was successful.Dur...
Jun 26, 2026
Read More
High Fire Danger Rating
Reminder: Fireworks not allowed in Vernon
The City of Vernon reminds residents that fireworks and sky lanterns are not permitted within the municipal boundary.The reminder came ahead of Canada Day and as Vernon's fire danger rating was increased earlier in the week."With the current high fire danger rating in the city, it's critical that everyone takes ex...
Jun 26, 2026
Read More

What Matters

2025 Annual Report
Coldstream to hold special Annual Report meeting
Jun 28, 2026
Road Safety At Work
Drivers urged to be cautious around road workers with summer travel
Jun 26, 2026
Assault of A Horse
Bestiality case to be tried by Supreme Court judge
Jun 26, 2026
Due July 2
Less than a week to file property taxes
Jun 26, 2026
Offsetting Infrastructure Costs
Coldstream considers joining call for agricultural cost supports
Jun 25, 2026
2025 Annual Report
Coldstream to hold special Annual Report meeting
Jun 28, 2026
Road Safety At Work
Drivers urged to be cautious around road workers with summer travel
Jun 26, 2026
Assault of A Horse
Bestiality case to be tried by Supreme Court judge
Jun 26, 2026
Assault of A Horse
Bestiality case to be tried by Supreme Court judge
A local bestiality case will be tried by a Supreme Court judge.Seth Christian faces the charge in relation of an alleged assault of a horse at a local equestrian centre in January.Christian appeared in Vernon court Thursday, June 25, where he elected for the trial mode, instead of being tried by a judge and jury, or in...
Jun 26, 2026
Read More
Due July 2
Less than a week to file property taxes
Vernon property owners have less than a week to fully pay their taxes.Property taxes are due Thursday, July 2, and anyone who does not pay their dues in full could face a 10 per cent penalty.Additionally, people have until July 2 to submit documents confirming they have successfully applied for the provincial Home Owne...
Jun 26, 2026
Read More
Offsetting Infrastructure Costs
Coldstream considers joining call for agricultural cost supports
A local municipality has been asked to join a call for the province to aide communities that have large swaths of agricultural properties.At the meeting Monday, June 22, Coldstream Council received a presentation from Summerland Mayor, Doug Holmes, asking to join a proposed Agricultural Municipality Initiative (AMI).AM...
Jun 25, 2026
Read More
Level 4
Drought level still elevated
The regional drought rating stayed flat on a weekly basis and remained at a very high level.The B.C. River Forecast Centre said the Okanagan was at Drought Level 4 Thursday, June 25, indicating severely dry conditions for the region.The Okanagan was one of seven basins at Level 4. Others include the Kettle River, Nicol...
Jun 25, 2026
Read More
Crime watch
Vernon "drug house" raided
Police raided a home in Vernon as part of a drug trafficking investigation Wednesday.At around 1 p.m. June 24, Vernon North Okanagan RCMP and the RCMP Southeast District Emergency Response Team executed a search warrant at a house in the 3900 block of 24th Avenue.Area residents told Vernon Matters the property was know...
Jun 25, 2026
Read More
Splash Around & Cool Down
Lakeview Pool opening with extended hours Friday
A spot where people can splash around and beat the heat opens up ahead of the weekend.The Lakeview Outdoor Pool opens Friday, June 26.Through to August 1, the Peanut Pool will be open until 8 p.m. on weekdays, giving people more time to enjoy the water, participate in evening programs, and book the pool for private eve...
Jun 25, 2026
Read More
Water challenges
More Lavington, Coldstream properties moved to different water source
In order to preserve water supply while supporting the local agricultural sector, dozens more properties are having their water source changed.Greater Vernon Water is switching customers onto the Antwerp Depp Well source.Those include addresses on Brewer Rd., Highway 6 from Brewer Rd. to Buchanan Rd., Aberdeen Rd. N, a...
Jun 25, 2026
Read More
Biophilic Design
Local filmmaker exploring impacts of certain interior design models
A local interior designer is putting her passion of developing spaces that benefit people's quality of life onto the screen.Jenelle Stanley, who lives in Armstrong, has been granted $10,000 from the Telus StoryHive program to make a six-part docu-series called Design for Healing, exploring the concept and benefits of b...
Jun 24, 2026
Read More
500 KM of Trails
New trail map released to emphasize Trail Capital of B.C. designation
A new map outlining the trails throughout Greater Vernon is now available.Tourism Vernon put out the new map outlining the more than 500 kilometres of trails and pathways where people can walk, hike or ride to emphasize the community's designation as the Trails Capital of B.C. ahead of the summer tourism rush.Created i...
Jun 24, 2026
Read More
Requirements for Major Developments
Vernon Councillor calls for policy to determine when a lifecycle cost is needed for developments
In the wake of a failed massive housing development proposal in Vernon, a member of council has asked that the city develop a policy to determine when a lifecycle cost analysis is needed.A proposed 3,500 unit housing development in Commonage was deemed unfit and the proposal to build the new neighbourhood was defeated ...
Jun 24, 2026
Read More
Slow Smoke Gold BBQ Sauce
Local BBQ sauce maker earning more respectable awards
A local barbecue aficionado has received significant praise for a new sauce.Vernon-based House of Q earned second place in the International Flavour Awards' Mustard Sauce Category for their Slow Smoke Gold BBQ Sauce."Our first award was in 2007 for Apple Butter and more recently for Five Star BBQ Sauce, but it's t...
Jun 23, 2026
Read More
Interior Provincial Exhibition
IPE turns 125
The Armstrong Interior Provincial Exhibition and Stampede will celebrate a milestone year.The IPE marks its 125th exhibition in early September, welcoming family, fairgoers, rodeo fans and agricultural enthusiasts to a weekend of activities in the North Okanagan.Organizers said this year's exhibition would spotlight th...
Jun 23, 2026
Read More
Free Window Install
Window installed at local home through Community Give Back program
A local company has continued its work giving back to the community.KT Fairglass installed a brand new bay window for free at a house on 43rd Street as part of its Community Give Back Program Tuesday, June 23.Todd Embley, owner of KT Fairglass, said the window was at least 20 years old and was no longer functioning as ...
Jun 23, 2026
Read More
RCMP HQ Expansion
Vernon okay's initial plan for RCMP detachment expansion
Mounties in Vernon could be getting new headquarters in the next few decades.At the regular meeting Monday, June 22, Vernon City Council was presented with plans on expanding the local detachment for the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP.A study of the local facility was undertaken and found that, with population growth and a...
Jun 22, 2026
Read More
Longtime Lions Club Member
Enderby resident recognized for decades of community work
A longtime community member has been recognized for his work in the North Okanagan.Peter Gilowski was given the Lifetime Civic Merit Award from the City of Enderby Friday, June 18.Gilowski moved to Enderby in 1966, and in 1968 joined the Enderby and District Lions Club.Over the following six decades Gilowski served in ...
Jun 22, 2026
Read More
Local and B.C. Rowers Shine
Milestones reached at rowing event in Vernon
Two milestones were reached at the annual rowing regatta at Swan Lake.Sierra Munroe and Cole O'Connor of the Vernon Rowing and Dragon Boat Club secured the overall victory and the Founders' Cup in the Mixed Double race at the Lap the Lake regatta held over the weekend.The event drew in competitors from all over, and fo...
Jun 22, 2026
Read More
Food Garden Watering, Some Pool Refilling Allowed
Vernon restrictions modified to preserve water, meet public need
Greater Vernon Water's water restrictions have been modified to best maintain the supply while meeting the needs of the citizens.Stage 3 Water Restrictions were issued June 4 with the goal of reducing the community water use by 50 per cent in order to ensure a sufficient supply of water in the reservoirs to last throug...
Jun 22, 2026
Read More
Mechanical Issues
Lavington Outdoor Pool opening pushed back
One of the spots people can cool off in the North Okanagan is still not ready for use.The Lavington Outdoor Pool was expected to open Sunday. However, mechanical issues were uncovered during the facility's startup process, so the pool was not able to open.The District of Coldstream said crews were tasked with repaired ...
Jun 22, 2026
Read More
Two Vehicle Crash
Impaired driving blamed in Lake Country head-on crash
An impaired driver is facing penalties after a head-on crash in Lake Country.Police say it happened on Tuesday and sent one person to hospital. It left two vehicles heavily damaged, according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.Police say officers were called to Glenmore Road at Shanks Road at about 9 p.m. on June 16,...
Jun 19, 2026
Read More
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 ...
Jun 18, 2026
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 ...
Jun 18, 2026
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...
Jun 18, 2026
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...
Jun 18, 2026
Read More
Missing person
Public asked for assistance locating missing youth
Police have put out a call for assistance in locating a missing youth.Vernon North Okanagan RCMP said 14-year-old Zaharah Walker was last seen at her residence on Bryden Road in Vernon on June 16.Police believed the girl left her home on foot and was possibly attempting to hitchhike to Lilooet.Zaharah was described as ...
Jun 17, 2026
Read More
See More
by Graham Turnbull
View Comments

Other Matters

Vipers
Vipers to Open Home Schedule Sept. 26 vs. West Kelowna
VERNON - The Vernon Vipers will kick off the home portion of their schedule with a date with a division rival as they will welcome the West Kelowna Warriors to Kal Tire Place on Saturday September 26. Vernon was the BCHL leader in attendance. The rest of the schedule is expected to be released in early July.
1h ago
Read More
Global Affairs
B.C. premier visiting China to pitch LNG project as province's 'really big fish'
VANCOUVER - British Columbia Premier David Eby says his first-ever trade trip to China will focus on pitching the province's forestry products and energy sector around LNG development, and that he approaches the mission with both excitement and caution.Eby spoke to reporters Saturday at Vancouver International Airport ...
21h ago
Read More
2025 Annual Report
Coldstream to hold special Annual Report meeting
Coldstream residents will have a chance to have their say about the work done over the past year.A special meeting will be held to review the 2025 District of Coldstream Annual Report.The meeting will see Coldstream Council accept input and answer questions about the report from the public before receiving it for infor...
Jun 28, 2026
Read More
Paws welcome
Coldstream makes Pumphouse Beach permanent off-leash dog area
A pilot project in the North Okanagan has led to a permanent change at the waterfront, with the District of Coldstream officially designating Pumphouse Beach as an off-leash dog beach.The site will allow dogs to run, swim and play alongside their owners after the district determined the pilot program was successful.Dur...
Jun 26, 2026
Read More
Road Safety At Work
Drivers urged to be cautious around road workers with summer travel
With summer weather here, a road safety advocate group is urging people to be safe and cautious of workers when travelling through the Okanagan.The group Road Safety at Work said the hustle and bustle of summer vacation often means travellers have to juggle schedules, ferry reservations, campsite check-ins and fuel sto...
Jun 26, 2026
Read More
New Sign
Kelowna unveils new waterfront Signature Sign in Stuart Park
Kelowna officially unveiled its new waterfront Signature Sign Friday morning in Stuart Park, marking the launch of a new landmark designed to celebrate the city's identity and bring people together along the shoreline.The unveiling, led by Mayor and council, took place from 10 to 11 a.m. near the Kelowna Yacht Club, wh...
Jun 26, 2026
Read More
Festival Returns
Denim on the Diamond returns to Kelowna with strongest lineup yet
Denim on the Diamond is set to return to City Park this September with its strongest lineup yet, marking a comeback year for the three-day festival after a one-year hiatus.The Kelowna-based event runs Sept. 11 to 13 and will feature headliners Portugal. The Man, Nate Smith and Ian Asher, alongside artists including Gol...
Jun 26, 2026
Read More
High Fire Danger Rating
Reminder: Fireworks not allowed in Vernon
The City of Vernon reminds residents that fireworks and sky lanterns are not permitted within the municipal boundary.The reminder came ahead of Canada Day and as Vernon's fire danger rating was increased earlier in the week."With the current high fire danger rating in the city, it's critical that everyone takes ex...
Jun 26, 2026
Read More
Assault of A Horse
Bestiality case to be tried by Supreme Court judge
A local bestiality case will be tried by a Supreme Court judge.Seth Christian faces the charge in relation of an alleged assault of a horse at a local equestrian centre in January.Christian appeared in Vernon court Thursday, June 25, where he elected for the trial mode, instead of being tried by a judge and jury, or in...
Jun 26, 2026
Read More

What Matters

2025 Annual Report
Coldstream to hold special Annual Report meeting
Jun 28, 2026
Road Safety At Work
Drivers urged to be cautious around road workers with summer travel
Jun 26, 2026
Assault of A Horse
Bestiality case to be tried by Supreme Court judge
Jun 26, 2026
Due July 2
Less than a week to file property taxes
Jun 26, 2026
Offsetting Infrastructure Costs
Coldstream considers joining call for agricultural cost supports
Jun 25, 2026