Get the Top, Local stories delivered to your inbox! Click here to join the daily Vernon Matters newsletter.
By Corey Fischer
Dueck Leads Cross Canada Run

Dueck Leads Cross Canada Run

Apr 10, 2019 | 1:22 PM

Vernon Paralympic champion Josh Dueck is one of the ambassadors for a cross Canada fundraiser and awareness campaign.

The gold medal winning sit skier and eight other men affected by spinal cord injuries are leading the Wings For Life World Run, an effort to cumulatively run 5,550 kilometres.

Dueck will lead a group of runners from the boat launch at Kekuli Bay Provincial Park along the Okanagan Rail Trail on Sunday May 5th.

Click here for more information.

HOW THE WINGS FOR LIFE WORLD RUN WORKS
Through the use of an app, anyone, anywhere can join the global movement. By activating the App, runners can take part in the Wings for Life World Run, chased by a virtual Catcher Car, at the same time as all Wings for Life World Runners across the globe.

Development
Parking variances granted for new seniors housing
Jul 24, 2026
Community Sport Hero Awards
Okanagan's leaders in sport recognized at special event
Jul 24, 2026
Air Conditioners for Seniors
Organization asking for public aid to protect seniors from extreme heat
Jul 24, 2026

People can set out their own course when running individually with the App or locations around the world by registering for Organized App Run where they can run as a group. The format is fun and unique, with a “CatcherCar” that chases runners as a moving finish line.
Download the free app here (https://app.wingsforlifeworldrun.com/download)

The other ambassadors include:
Humboldt survivor Ryan Straschnitzki (Calgary)
Sledge hockey Paralympian Kevin Rempel (Toronto)
Paraplegic turned Marathon runner Robert MacDonald (Toronto)
Former professional wakeboarder Ben Leclair (Montreal)
Former proffessional skier Mike Shaw (Vancouver)
Former professional mountain biker Andrew Cho (Vancouver)
Race car driver Pauly Plewa (Dunnville)

by Corey Fischer

Other Matters

Standing by
Evacuation Alert for La Casa Wildfire
Saturday 7 p.m.Due to a nearby wildfire, residents in the La Casa area (including La Casa Lakeside Resort and La Casa Cottages) on the northwest side of Okanagan Lake are on Evacuation Alert. BC Wildfire Service said they were responding with ground and aerial resources alongside North Westside Fire Department. Skimme...
1h ago
Read More
Development
Parking variances granted for new seniors housing
City council has given initial approvals for a proposed senior supportive housing development in Vernon's north end, despite some discussion involving parking at the property.A developer wants to build a five-storey, 126-unit supportive senior housing building at a vacant lot at 5,000 24th Street. The development would...
Jul 24, 2026
Read More
Community Sport Hero Awards
Okanagan's leaders in sport recognized at special event
Okanagan sports heroes were celebrated at a special event in Vernon.On July 20, Sport BC recognized 18 volunteers in the Okanagan with 2026 Community Sport Hero Awards.The awards celebrated the individuals who make amateur sports possible in their community."Volunteers are the backbone of sport in British Columbia...
Jul 24, 2026
Read More
Air Conditioners for Seniors
Organization asking for public aid to protect seniors from extreme heat
A local organization has asked for aide in making sure seniors stay cool and safe during the summer.Some seniors in B.C. are eligible for provincial assistance accessing a portable air conditioner.However, to fill the gaps and ensure seniors who do not qualify for the provincial program, NexusBC runs its own operation ...
Jul 24, 2026
Read More
Low Levels
Low water levels impacting Okanagan Lake boat launches
Low water levels on Okanagan Lake are creating challenges for boaters, with several launch sites facing reduced access due to ongoing drought conditions.The City of Kelowna is warning boaters to plan ahead before launching or retrieving watercraft, saying lower lake levels are increasing the risk of damage to boats, tr...
Jul 24, 2026
Read More
Election 2026
Vernon business owner looking to win seat on City Council
A local business owner will throw his hat in the ring for the upcoming municipal election. David Scarlatescu, owner of the Fig Bistro and co-founder of Millennium Valley Productions, announced he would run in the Local General Election for a seat on Vernon City Council.Scarlatescu has lived in Vernon for the last 20 ye...
Jul 24, 2026
Read More
Clearer Forecast
Air quality improves across Okanagan after wildfire smoke blankets region
Air quality conditions are improving across the Okanagan after wildfire smoke blanketed much of the region Thursday, creating hazy skies and unhealthy conditions for some residents.Smoke from multiple wildfires burning across British Columbia moved into the Southern Interior, affecting communities throughout the valley...
Jul 24, 2026
Read More
Municipal election
Local media business leader to run for city council
Local businesswoman Nikki Csek is taking a run at Kelowna City Council in the October election.The founder and CEO of Csek Creative and NowMedia Group, said her campaign isn't the beginning of her service to Kelowna but simply the next way she hopes to serve.She's served on boards, chaired organizations, and volunteere...
Jul 24, 2026
Read More
Water Shut Off Response
Fruit Growers Association call for plan to support farmers amid water shortage
The province's fruit industry advocacy group has called for a halt in the current water management approach for local agricultural properties. As of July 13, Greater Vernon Water (GVW) was authorized to shut off water service to agricultural properties that had reached their seasonal water allocation limit.B.C. Fruit G...
Jul 23, 2026
Read More

What Matters

Development
Parking variances granted for new seniors housing
Jul 24, 2026
Community Sport Hero Awards
Okanagan's leaders in sport recognized at special event
Jul 24, 2026
Air Conditioners for Seniors
Organization asking for public aid to protect seniors from extreme heat
Jul 24, 2026
Election 2026
Vernon business owner looking to win seat on City Council
Jul 24, 2026
Water Shut Off Response
Fruit Growers Association call for plan to support farmers amid water shortage
Jul 23, 2026