People who like to spend time outdoors have more trails to walk or ride.A new 14 kilometre section of the Splatsin te Secwépemc / Shuswap North Okanagan Rail Trail from Grindrod to Rosemond Lake Bridge has opened to the public, giving people a total of 34 kilometres of new trail between Armstrong and Sicamous to...

The housing market was more in favour of the seller in the North Okanagan last month.The Association of Interior Realtors (AoIR) said the benchmark average prices for single family homes and for townhouses in the North Okanagan rose in June, though apartment and condominium prices declined.Single Family Homes - $784,50...

People in need of access to healthy foods have more opportunities to get their pantries filled.Salvation Army Vernon expanded its Food Bank hours to be open from noon to 6 p.m. on Monday, and open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays. This will allow more flexibility for people who work to still be able to acce...

A range of projects aimed at improving the community and wellbeing of people in the North Okanagan are getting some additional funding.Community Foundation North Okanagan (CFNO) announced at its annual reception June 10 that a total of 68 projects will be getting backed by a combined total of over $437,000 in funding t...

Construction of a major new water plant in Spallumcheen has begun.The township said site preparation was underway for the construction of the North Okanagan Wastewater Recovery Project (NOWRP) at a site on L&A Cross Road.Motorists were advised to be cautious and follow all traffic control measures around the area a...

The woman who was reported missing July 1 was located.Vernon North Okanagan RCMP said the woman was safe and well, and thanked the public for their assistance.

North Okanagan Hospice Society celebrated a milestone year for the Hospice House with a successful Kentucky Derby Garden Party.The organization (NOHS) held the party with around 85 guests adorned in fitting attire for the theme such as elegant hats, beautiful dresses and sharp suits who enjoyed snacks and drinks, parti...

Tennis courts in Coldstream will be closed to the public for several weeks.Starting Monday, July 6, the Kalavista Tennis Courts will be closed to the public for resurfacing work.The project will be done in phases. The work will start with crews removing the existing surface, repairing and regrading the subbase, and ins...

The Lavington Outdoor Pool faces another delay before opening.The pool was slated to open June 27, but mechanical issues were found at the facility that needed to be remedied.The District of Coldstream said at the time that the repairs would be completed in time to reopen the pool by July 6.However, an update from the ...

Significant work on a Coldstream road will begin next week.Starting Monday, July 6, crews will be working on reconstructing School Road between Lavington Way and Learmouth Road. School Road where the reconstruction work will take place (Image Credit: District of Coldstream) The project will include widening the shoulde...

Local firefighters and members of the public surged into action after a grass fire sparked near the Rail Trail Canada Day.Coldstream and Lavington Fire Departments were called out to the trail around 2 p.m. Wednesday after receiving reports of a fast moving grass and brush fire.Crews arrived at the scene of the fire, w...

A City Councillor will be taking a run at the mayor's seat in Vernon's upcoming municipal election.Kari Gares, running for Mayor of Vernon, said in a release that the city's future success depends on creating a community where people can build careers, raise families, and build up the community for generations to come....

The local non-profit that supports people in need has a new person helping advance their efforts.Teresa Durning has been appointed as the Salvation Army Vernon's new Community Engagement Coordinator."The Salvation Army has earned the trust and respect of our community through its unwavering commitment to helping p...

An open water swimmer will try to tackle Okanagan Lake in support of local mental health programs.From July 10 to 12, Jessie Harewicz will attempt to swim the 106 kilometres of Okanagan Lake from Vernon to Penticton as a fundraiser in support of Foundry projects in Vernon, Kelowna and Summerland.The attempt will see Ha...

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch was issued for the North and Central Okanagan Tuesday.Environment Canada said "conditions are favourable for the development of severe thunderstorms that may be capable of producing strong wind gusts, large hail and heavy rain."The agency urged people to seek shelter "when the...

Canada Day celebrations goes at Polson Park Wednesday, and the city will make it easy for people to come out and enjoy the festivities.For July 1, the City of Vernon will offer free public parking in the downtown core, and will also open more public spaces at the City Hall east and west lots.There will also be a bike v...

A new area will be developed over the summer for mountain bikers and outdoor enthusiasts to explore.The North Okanagan Cycling Society announced that it had begun work developing the Vernon Hill recreation area Tuesday, June 30.The area will feature 24 kilometres of trails for riders to explore and enjoy, and the initi...

A youth was killed after being hit by a vehicle near Lumby Saturday.Police responded to a rural property near the North Okanagan community for a report of a crash involving a pedestrian at around 11:50 p.m. June 27.Officers arrived on the scene and learned that two youths had been hit by a pick up truck. One of the vic...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...