By Vernon Matters Staff

RDNO playgrounds closed, but Athletic Park and & other facilities still open

Mar 24, 2020 | 11:30 AM

The Regional District of North Okanagan has issued the following information about how its facilities and services are impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Parks, Trails and Natural Spaces

All playgrounds in RDNO parks in Electoral Areas B & C (including N’Kwala Park, Gibbs Road Park, BX Community Park, Cedar Ridge Park) and White Valley playgrounds will be CLOSED effective immediately.

The parking lot and washrooms at the Greater Vernon Athletic Park will be closed to reduce the number of users. The track itself remains open as of now.

All RDNO dog parks (BX Dog Park and Mutrie Dog Park) remain open. The Okanagan Rail Trail remains open, but active construction is still occurring at the north end (KM 2.5 to KM 12), so we still ask people to respect these closures. The Kickwillie parking lot has been closed by the District of Coldstream, so we encourage people to park at other accesses, or to walk to the rail trail if possible.

Possible firearm involved

One person apprehended in connection with suspicious activity in Coldstream

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Fatal Collision, Highway Closed

One person dead in crash near Revelstoke

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Salaries

Vernon Council to discuss lesser pay increases

Dec 12, 2025

RDNO’s Main Office only Available by Appointment

In light of the evolving COVID-19 pandemic, the RDNO has moved to an appointment only operational status. The RDNO continues to take direction from the Provincial and Federal authorities and recognizes that changes are happening rapidly.

Essential services, like fire protection, diversion and disposal facilities, and clean, safe water, will be maintained throughout this pandemic with the goal of having all services operating.

How to Book an Appointment

Call 250-550-3700 to book an appointment with RDNO staff. However, people are strongly encouraged to consider options that don’t include in-person meetings. A list is provided below.

Deliveries and Mail

The RDNO will continue to receive deliveries of parcels and mail, but each item received will be quarantined for 48 hours before being opened by staff. Deliveries must be dropped in the lobby in designated areas.

Couriers picking up packages need to call RDNO reception upon arrival at 250-550-3700.

Planning and Building

Building inspections are still occurring at this time. Inspections are to be booked through the regular channels and there will be extra safety measures and precautions taken, including asking pre-screening questions to customers and maintaining 2 metres of social distancing once on-site. Planning applications and inquiries are still being accepted. Please call or email.

Utilities

Utilities staff will be available by phone or in-person by appointment where necessary. All forms dealing with water are available online and completed forms can be emailed to utilities@rdno.ca. Forms and cheques may also be dropped off at the office, but will be quarantined for 48 hours before opening.

Board and Committee Meetings

As of March 23, 2020, Board and Committee meetings will take place.

RDNO Diversion and Disposal Facilities Remind of Social Distancing on Site

The RDNO’s Diversion and Disposal Facilities (DDFs) continue to be open to serve the residents and businesses of the region during the pandemic. However, the RDNO is asking people to follow the orders of the Provincial Health Officer during their trip and to consider whether a visit is truly necessary.

Follow Social Distancing

Precautions are in place to reduce the spread of the disease, and we implore every customer to follow the clear rules of social distancing.

The Provincial Health Officer has ordered everyone to stay two metres apart from others, unless they are from the same household, to limit transmission of COVID-19. These efforts are temporary but crucial.

Delay non-essential trips

The RDNO asks that residents consider delaying non-essential trips to DDFs until the current pandemic subsides. While we are open regular summer hours, ask yourself if you could wait a couple of weeks to get rid of that old mattress, broken refrigerator, or pile of yard waste.

Essential trips may include refuse that must be disposed of for hygiene and sanitation. We ask that you pay your fees with a credit card or debit card, if possible.

The more we all follow these precautions, the sooner this pandemic will be over. We are all in this together. Please follow the Provincial Health Officer’s orders regarding social distancing to do your part to slow the spread of COVID-19 and to keep yourself and facility workers safe.

RDNO Diversion and Disposal Facilities Remind of Social Distancing on Site

The RDNO’s Diversion and Disposal Facilities (DDFs) continue to be open to serve the residents and businesses of the region during the current Covid-19 pandemic. However, the RDNO is asking people to follow the orders of the Provincial Health Officer during their trip and to consider whether a visit is truly necessary.

Follow Social Distancing

Precautions are in place to reduce the spread of the disease, and we implore every customer to follow the clear rules of social distancing.

Delay non-essential trips

Essential trips may include refuse that must be disposed of for hygiene and sanitation. We ask that you pay your fees with a credit card or debit card, if possible.

Payment Options

Mail us a cheque for any payment, including Municipal Ticket Information

Online Banking – you can pay your utility bill through your financial institution

The Regional District is looking at expanding online banking to other types of payments. Call in to our office to discuss other payment options with finance staff.

Services Available without In-Person Contact

Get your Building Permit application online

Apply for an open burning permit online