The economic region that includes Vernon saw unemployment continue to rise last month.Statistics Canada said the Thompson-Okanagan region had an unadjusted unemployment rate of 8.1 per cent in April.That was up from the rate of 7.8 per cent in March, and up from the 6.4 per cent recorded in April of 2025.It was also th...

A local group has harnessed public support in opposing a proposed development in Vernon's Commonage area.The Stop Sprawl Vernon group hosted an information night and letter-writing workshop Thursday, May 7, which saw close to 50 attendees put pen to paper and raise concerns about the planned development at 580 Commonag...

The Okanagan is in for another very dry summer as the snowpack level continues to fall.That's according to the B.C. River Forecast Centre, which recorded the Okanagan Basin's snowpack at 31 per cent of normal on May 1.That figure was below the 58 per cent of normal recorded April 1, and well below the most recent provi...

A couple who work with the group Packman Open Hearts had an eye opening experience last weekend.Tracey and Jimmy Miller spent the previous weekend living on the street for their homelessness awareness initiative, Reality Check - Life Without a Home, and through this they gained an interesting perspective on what it's l...

Six entrepreneurs battled it out Thursday night at the finale of 11th annual Enterprize Challenge in a Dragon's Den-style pitch at Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre.The winner, chosen by a panel of 5 local judges, was StrongHER Self-Defense owned by Sarah Draht.The business is described as redefining personal ...

The man who went missing while attempting cycle from Vernon tot he Lower Mainland has been located.Police say the man was found and was safe and unharmed.

Stage 2 Water Restrictions were issued for Greater Vernon properties Thursday.The restrictions were increased May 7 due to concerns about the water available for use heading through the spring and into the summer."These measures are necessary due to low snowpack levels, which have reduced the available stored wate...

The Member of Parliament for Vernon-Lake Country-Monashee has gone overseas to engage with allies and learn of rapidly evolving defence technologies and global threats.Scott Anderson, who is also an Army veteran and member of the House of Commons Standing Committee on National Defence, was tasked with going to Istanbul...

Commuters in the North Okanagan lined up for a rare chance to fuel up for half price Wednesday afternoon.Social media lit up May 7 as the Quilakwa Canco station off Highway 97 started selling regular gasoline at 99.9 cents per litre for a few hours in the afternoon."It was just a fun customer appreciation [kind of...

The City of Vernon and District of Coldstream are putting a ban on open burning.Effective at noon Thursday, May 7, Category 2 and Category 3 open burning will not be permitted within the boundaries of the two municipalities.Category 3 open burning consists of burning piles of material exceeding two metres in height or ...

The Regional District of North Okanagan said it's keeping a close eye on local reservoirs amid concerns about dry conditions heading into summer.In a report released May 6, the RDNO said spring runoff and seasonal rainfall have helped boost water storage levels, but below-average snowpack and ongoing dry weather remain...

The Regional District of North Okanagan is aligning with the province in issuing fire bans.Effective noon Thursday, May 7, Class A and Class B open burning would not be permitted within the RDNO boundaries.These restrictions align with those being put in place by the B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS).Class A (Category 3) op...

Local groups and individuals wishing to launch projects in their communities have just a few days left to shore up some outside funding.Community Foundation North Okanagan (CFNO) will close the applications for its Neighbourhood Small Grant program Friday, May 15.The program will deliver grants of up to $500 in support...

Though still mainly in favour of the buyers, the housing prices in the North Okanagan started to climb in April.The Association of Interior Realtors (AoIR) said the benchmark prices for single family homes and for condominiums and apartments were down on an annual basis, except single homes saw prices rise when compare...

A local school group is raising money to ensure all kids have a place to play.Hillview Elementary Parent Advisory Council (PAC) is running a 50/50 Raffle to raise money for a new accessible playground at the school.The PAC said Hillview "supports many students with diverse learning and accessibility needs, yet the...

The season's first fire bans for the Okanagan and surrounding area come into effect this week.The B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS) will put a ban on Category 2 and 3 open burning within the Kamloops Fire Centre starting at noon Thursday, May 7.The bans for the area that include Vernon, Kelowna and the Okanagan and Shuswap ...

Update May 8The Boil Water Notice for properties on Stepping Stones Crescent and Drive was rescinded Friday.The RDNO said sample testing had been completed and found the water was again safe to drink.-- Original Story --Select properties in an area off Highway 97 have been advised to boil their water before drinking.Gr...

Water will be temporarily turned off for dozens of properties Thursday.Greater Vernon Water and the Regional District of North Okanagan said a water main repair was needed in Coldstream that would cause an outage from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, May 7.The water outage would affect the following properties:10303 Coldstre...

The fundraiser in support of the region's new youth mental health services hub has hit a milestone after opening to the public.The Vernon and District branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA Vernon) will be building and operating Foundry North Okanagan in downtown Vernon to offer a range of health and me...

The City of Vernon is asking people prepare for wildfires and other emergency situations.May 4 marked the start of Emergency Preparedness Week in B.C., and the city suggested that could serve as a reminded for people to take action and ensure they are ready for a serious event.Know the Risks: Understand the hazards spe...

A community celebration will be held in support of the agencies that provide local mental health supports.The Vernon and District Branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA Vernon) will host its annual Block Party Thursday, May 7.The event, held out front of the Museum and Archives building from 12 to 2 p.m...

With dry, hot conditions already felt in the Okanagan, the B.C. SPCA is urging pet owners be prepared in case a wildfire does spark. The agency said the unseasonably dry and warm weather have led to many British Columbians being wary of wildfires this summer, and have put forward some tips so people could ensure the sa...

A major section of the Rail Trail in Coldstream will be temporarily closed later this month.The Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) said the trail would be closed between Kick Willie Road and Kekuli Bay Provincial Park from May 19 to June 5."The closure is required to allow important erosion-prevention work...

A pair of Vernon residents have already spent over 24 hours on the streets in a bid to raise awareness about what it's like to be homeless.Tracey and Jimmy Miller of the Packman Open Hearts group are on a 72 hours campaign that sees them staying on the streets and sleeping outdoors from noon Friday to noon Monday, for ...

Representatives from a local homeless outreach group have begun their awareness and fundraising campaign.Tracey and Jimmy Miller of the group Packman Open Hearts began their Reality Check - Life Without a Home initiative Friday, May 1.The pair will spend at least 72 hours sleeping on the streets as a way to raise aware...

A milestone has been hit in enhancing local mental health services thanks to a major contributor.Vernon Jubilee Hospital (VJH) Foundation committed to donating $500,000 towards Foundry North Okanagan.Operated by the Vernon and District branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA Vernon), Foundry will provide...

RCMP have asked the public for assistance in a theft investigation.Vernon police said two people entered a business on Anderson Way on April 14 and stole over $1,000 in tools and merchandise.Police released the image of one of the suspects in hopes to identify the person. One of the suspects in the alleged theft of ove...

The accused in an alleged bestiality case is due back in court later this month.Seth Christian was charged with the count in relation to an alleged assault of a horse at a local equestrian centre in January. He was arrested and charged later that month. CCTV images of Christian assaulting the horse were posted on socia...