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(Image Credit: Lisa Mazurek Photography)

By Graham Turnbull

Vipers

Vipers to open home schedule vs. West Kelowna

Jun 29, 2026 | 9:05 AM

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VERNON – The Vernon Vipers will kick off the home portion of their schedule with a date with a division rival.

The Snakes will welcome the West Kelowna Warriors to Kal Tire Place on Saturday September 26.

Vernon was the BCHL leader in attendance in the 2025-26 season.

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

Vernon

Fire Being Held

Vernon wraps up response to Bradley Creek wildfire

The City of Vernon has concluded its emergency response to the nearby wildfire.The Bradley Creek wildfire sparked August 1, and over the following weeks the city worked alongside regional, provincial and local partners to support evacuees, coordinate resources, and keep the community informed.However, after several day...

Health and Wellness Award

New Business Excellence Award category to recognize health and wellness

A new award will be going to recognize local businesses and organizations that promote community well-being and prioritize employees health.As part of the 42nd annual Business Excellence Awards, the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce has introduced a new Health and Wellness category.The new award will recognize busines...

Drought Level 5

Concerns for fish health increasing as drought and water scarcity persists

The ongoing drought and water scarcity issues in the Okanagan have raised concerns about fish populations.The B.C. River Forecast Centre gave the Okanagan Drought Level 5 and High Water Scarcity ratings on Thursday, which were the highest ratings on both those scales. Those also marked the fourth and third weeks where ...

Always Wear a Lifejacket

Don't forget - always wear a life jacket 👙 ☀️ 🛟 Check out the video below #beachmorningswithbrianandrebecca #vernonbc #watersafety #beachradiovernon #tryittuesday

What Matters

Fire Being Held

Vernon wraps up response to Bradley Creek wildfire

Sponsored Content

A better, brighter location

Drought Level 5

Concerns for fish health increasing as drought and water scarcity persists

Always Wear a Lifejacket

Sponsored Content

All new pollinator sanctuary!

Local organization supporting businesses facing losses from wildfires, more

Wildfire Update

Firefighting efforts continue as Bradley Creek fire remains held

Fire Being Held

Vernon wraps up response to Bradley Creek wildfire

Drought Level 5

Concerns for fish health increasing as drought and water scarcity persists

Always Wear a Lifejacket

Registration for fall recreation programs now open

People looking to stay active and take part in activities this fall have a chance to register ahead of the weekend.The City of Vernon has opened registration for its fall recreation programs for residents, and will expand that to all communities Friday, August 21.The city said it will have hundreds of programs, activit...

Local organization supporting businesses facing losses from wildfires, more

As wildfire and water scarcity issues continue to persist, a local organization is stepping up to support local businesses.Community Futures North Okanagan (CFNO) has launched an Economic Disaster Response Program for local businesses.The program will provide loans for businesses needing urgent working capital, payroll...

Wildfire Update

Firefighting efforts continue as Bradley Creek fire remains held

Fire crews continue their operations at the fire located on Okanagan Indian Band land.The B.C. Wildfire Service said crews assigned to the Bradley Creek wildfire were out today patrolling the boundary and extinguishing hot spots. The BCWS also had heavy equipment on standby to be deployed should their assistance be nee...

Former Vernon Mayor looking to retake seat

A two-term Mayor of Vernon is looking to get back into local politics.Wayne Lippert announced he will run in the fall election, seeking to retake his Mayor's seat.Lippert said Vernon needs practical leadership focused on issues residents care most about."Vernon is a city with incredible potential, but many residen...

Lumby Councillor and SD22 Trustee seeking re-election

A Village of Lumby Councillor and School District 22 Trustee will look to serve another term.Lori Mindnich announced she will seek re-election for both those seats in the fall municipal election."I have spent the last few years advocating for Lumby at the School District and Municipal level," Mindnich told Ve...

Arson charges laid in Commonage area fires

A 33-year-old woman faces numerous charges in relation to two fires in Vernon's Commonage area earlier in the month.At 1:23 p.m. on Aug. 4, police and fire crews responded to a grass fire on Commonage Road near Bench Row Road, and shortly after that, they were again called to another grass fire by Carlson Park.The init...

Local housing construction remains down

Housing construction activity in Greater Vernon saw an uptick in July, but it wasn't enough to close the year-to-date gap.Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) reported a total of 13 housing projects were started locally in July.That was the same number recorded this June as well as the same figure reported in...

Persistent Risks

RDNO urges preparation amid ongoing wildfire risk

The Regional District of North Okanagan has urged people to be prepared as wildfire risks persist in the area.The RDNO reminded people that Emergency Alerts are issued when there's a potential risk, and Evacuation Orders go out when people need to leave their homes due to a threat to life and safety.Even before these e...

Wildfire Update

Flare-ups expected but no growth forecasted at Bradley and Quilipituk Creeks wildfires

Both fires on the northwest side of Okanagan Lake remain contained but some flare-up and smoke activity could take place.The B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS)said hot, sunny weather today, coupled with gusting winds, could cause some flare-ups and increased smokiness at the Bradley Creek and Quilpituk Creek wildfires. Thund...

Recognizing Economic Leaders

Nominations open for Business Excellence Awards

People looking to recognize local businesses, entrepreneurs and economic leaders have the chance to set them up for a prize.Nominations are now open for the 42nd annual Business Excellence Awards."Through challenging and changing circumstances, businesses and organizations across Greater Vernon continue to show up...

New candidate looking to bring leadership experience to Vernon City Council

A third-generation Vernonite is looking to take on a leadership role within the city.Kari Statham announced she will run for a seat on Vernon City Council in the fall municipal election.In a press release, Statham said she was running to ensure the city is safe, vibrant and thriving for generations to come."No loc...

Stand Up For Charity Paddle

Annual paddle up Kal Lake to support youth mental health services

The annual event that sees paddleboards raise money for a worthy cause will go at the end of the month in support of local youth mental health services.The ninth edition of the Stand Up For Charity Paddle on August 29 will see sisters Kristin and Linsey mount their boards and travel the nearly 18 kilometre length of Ka...

Former teacher looking for seat on Vernon City Council

A long-time resident, retired teacher and community volunteer will run for a seat on Vernon City Council.Barry Dorval announced his candidacy for the fall municipal election.Dorval moved to Vernon with his wife, Anna, in 1999. The couple raised two children in Vernon, and over the years Dorval taught and held leadershi...

Wildfire Update

Some evacuation orders downgraded as Bradley Creek wildfire still burns

More people have been able to return home after being evacuated due to the Bradley Creek wildfire.The Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) downgraded evacuation orders to alerts for 570, 576, 590, 610, 614, 620, 640, 644, 664, 668, and 678 Irish Creek Road.The Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB) also downgraded orders to...

Ongoing Wildfire Concerns

State of Local Emergency being extended

Due to ongoing concerns with the Bradley Creek wildfire, the Regional District of North Okanagan will keep its State of Local Emergency in place.The designation (SOLE) will remain in effect for RDNO Electoral Area B until August 28.The extension allows the RDNO to continue to use its powers to support wildfire response...

Wildfire Damages

Work ongoing to restore power at Okanagan fire areas

Progress has been made restoring power to areas ravaged by summer wildfires.B.C. Hydro said work was ongoing in the Okanagan Indian Band land, where power had already been restored to around 2,700 customers impacted by the Bradley Creek wildfire and area windstorms.Crews had also installed nearly 200 new power poles in...

Driver, Resident Safety Improvement

Traffic calming measures going up at the Kidston Road curve

A traffic calming construction project will begin in Coldstream next week.On Monday and Tuesday, August 17 and 18, crews will be installing three speed tables, along with updated signage to reflect the new traffic calming features, along the sharp curve of Kidston Road. The section of Kidston Road where three new speed...

Work Starts Monday

Downtown Parkade getting upgrades, will mostly remain open

Vernon's major parking structure will be getting some upgrades.Starting Monday, August 17, crews will be working to repair and maintain the Downtown Vernon Parkade on 31st Avenue.The work will go weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and see the deteriorated concrete and stairwell repaired and waterproofed, so as to ensure th...

Cause Under Investigation

Water Quality Advisory issued due to increased turbidity in Kalamalka Lake

A Water Quality Advisory has been issued for the Kalamalka Lake water source.The Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) and Interior Health issued the advisory Friday, Aug. 14, due to increased turbidity in the lake water.Turbidity indicates the amount of fine particulate matter in the water, which can cause cloudi...

Wildfire Update

Bradley Creek fire holding, but could see some flare ups Friday

The wildfire in the Okanagan Indian Band lands is still being held, though there was a risk of some flare-ups Friday.The B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS) said the fire was contained and still estimated at 2,658.1 hectares as of Aug. 14.However, the BCWS warned that sunny and hot weather could dry out fuels Friday, and that...

Automatic Aid Program

Vernon and Coldstream launch new pilot to better respond to significant fires

Vernon and Coldstream have developed a new pilot program to better respond to significant fire incidents.The two-year Automatic Aid program will, unlike traditional agreements, see neighbouring resources dispatched immediately when qualifying incidents are reported.The project will see Coldstream fire crews deployed fo...

Tennis Courts Reopnened

Resurfacing of Kalavista tennis courts complete

A community recreation space in Coldstream has been upgraded.The municipality said the resurfacing of the Kalavista tennis courts is now complete and the courts are open for public use. The courts were closed July 6 for the work to take place; it was done in two phases. The first stage saw the existing surface removed,...

Wildfire Update

Quilpituk Creek wildfire holding while firefighting efforts continue

The wildfire burning south of Fintry was classified as 'being held' Thursday. The designation Aug. 13 indicated the fire was unlikely to spread beyond the current perimeter.The B.C. Wildfire Service said it was continuing work at the site of the 1,275.7 hectare blaze. That consisted of mopping up hot spots along Westsi...

Continued Drought Conditions

Okanagan's drought, water scarcity ratings remain extremely high

Extreme drought conditions continue to persist in the Okanagan.The B.C. River Forecast Centre said Thursday, August 13, that the region was at Drought Level 5 with a High Water Scarcity Level, both of which were the highest ratings on their respective scales.The agency's weekly report stated concerns of limited to no w...

by Graham Turnbull

Other Matters

hampering efforts

Theft of wildfire fighting equipment

The theft of wildfire equipment is affecting firefighting efforts on the Bald Range wildfire near Summerland.The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) said the BC Wildfire Service has reported stolen pumps and other critical suppression equipment.The equipment is marked as BC Wildfire Service or Government o...

Fire Being Held

Vernon wraps up response to Bradley Creek wildfire

The City of Vernon has concluded its emergency response to the nearby wildfire.The Bradley Creek wildfire sparked August 1, and over the following weeks the city worked alongside regional, provincial and local partners to support evacuees, coordinate resources, and keep the community informed.However, after several day...

Cultural gateway

Plaza Landing unveiled in downtown Kelowna

Drivers and pedestrians entering downtown Kelowna will now see a revamped public space called Plaza Landing.Formerly known as Anchor Park, the area is designed to link the Cultural District with nearby streets, neighbourhoods and destinations.The City says the improvements are meant to strengthen downtown as a place fo...

Health and Wellness Award

New Business Excellence Award category to recognize health and wellness

A new award will be going to recognize local businesses and organizations that promote community well-being and prioritize employees health.As part of the 42nd annual Business Excellence Awards, the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce has introduced a new Health and Wellness category.The new award will recognize busines...

Drought Level 5

Concerns for fish health increasing as drought and water scarcity persists

The ongoing drought and water scarcity issues in the Okanagan have raised concerns about fish populations.The B.C. River Forecast Centre gave the Okanagan Drought Level 5 and High Water Scarcity ratings on Thursday, which were the highest ratings on both those scales. Those also marked the fourth and third weeks where ...

Bald Range wildfire grows as crews battle heat, wind and rugged terrain

Hot, dry weather and strong winds are making it more difficult for crews battling the Bald Range wildfire near Summerland.The B.C. Wildfire Service says fire activity has increased as winds of up to 30 kilometres an hour are expected to keep the blaze active, with stubborn fire behaviour reported in the southern and we...

Threats targeting youth

Police warn about online sextortion

Kelowna RCMP is warning young people about sextortion, an online crime where someone threatens to share intimate images unless demands are met.Police say victims should not send money or more images, and should save messages and screenshots before blocking the offender.Anyone being sextorted is encouraged to tell a tru...

Always Wear a Lifejacket

Don't forget - always wear a life jacket 👙 ☀️ 🛟 Check out the video below #beachmorningswithbrianandrebecca #vernonbc #watersafety #beachradiovernon #tryittuesday

Registration for fall recreation programs now open

People looking to stay active and take part in activities this fall have a chance to register ahead of the weekend.The City of Vernon has opened registration for its fall recreation programs for residents, and will expand that to all communities Friday, August 21.The city said it will have hundreds of programs, activit...

What Matters

Fire Being Held

Vernon wraps up response to Bradley Creek wildfire

Sponsored Content

A better, brighter location

Drought Level 5

Concerns for fish health increasing as drought and water scarcity persists

Always Wear a Lifejacket

Sponsored Content

Check out the True Rhythm Music Festival!

Local organization supporting businesses facing losses from wildfires, more

Wildfire Update

Firefighting efforts continue as Bradley Creek fire remains held

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