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Individual
Areas
Regional District Of North
Okanagan (NORD)
The North Okanagan Region is an area at the north end of the Okanagan Valley in the Interior of British Columbia.
Well known for its beautiful setting amid valleys, mountains,
rivers and lakes, the region enjoys mild temperatures, a long
growing season and a host of year-round recreation activities.
The region is comprised of a number of communities: Vernon
and Coldstream at the centre of the region, Lumby to the east
of Vernon, and Spallumcheen, Armstrong and Enderby as you
travel north from Vernon.
The Regional District of North Okanagan (NORD) was incorporated
in 1965 and encompasses an area of 787,190 hectares. The Regional District of North Okanagan
is responsible to perform local government functions which transcend
municipal boundaries and provide a federated approach to specific
community services. Based on representation by population, each
municipality and electoral area appoints or elects representatives
from their own ranks to constitute the Regional District Board
of Directors. The Regional District is guided by the provisions
of the Municipal Act and is empowered to provide services required
by the whole Region, services required by a particular area or
municipality, and special contract services. NORD, like other
regional districts, provides three types of services to the encompassing
areas:
General Services - including general government administration,
electoral area administration, development services, and regional
planning services.
Local Services - including community parks and recreation, fire
prevention and suppression, solid waste management and recycling,
street lighting, regional public transit, and water supply and
distribution through the North Okanagan Water Authority.
Extended Services - including animal control, control of nuisances
like noxious weeds, pests, unsightly premises, some inspection
services, promotion of tourism, and economic development.
For a snapshot of the region's community facts and census data
can be found at : North Okanagan Community Facts
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City of Vernon
The largest community and the commercial centre of the North Okanagan,
Vernon has a population
exceeding 34,000. Situated between the northern end of Kalamalka
and Okanagan Lakes,
Vernon
is rich in scenery and recreation opportunities. Incorporated
in 1892, the City of Vernon is
the oldest city in the interior of British
Columbia. A healthy, diversified economy
is based on services, manufacturing, forestry, and tourism. Home
of Silver Star Mountain Resort, a premier ski resort in Western
Canada, the world-class Predator Ridge Golf Course and a myriad of surrounding
lakes and mountains have made Vernon a dynamic destination for
nature lovers and outdoor recreation enthusiasts.
Greater Vernon
is recognized as an attractive area in which to live, and the
steady growth of the community creates an excellent environment
for investment and innovative business. Vernon
is the head office for well-known Far West Industries, Tolko Industries and Kal
Tire.
The City of Vernon
has a vibrant downtown community. The Downtown Vernon Association plays an active role in
business development and business support for enterprises in the
area. (Put DVA info here)
A snapshot of Vernon Community Facts and census data can be found
at: Vernon Community Facts
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The District of Coldstream
The Coldstream District Municipality
is located immediately adjacent to the City of Vernon
at the north end of beautiful Kalamalka
Lake. A primarily
residential population of approximately 9,100, the Coldstream Valley
stretches eastward with picturesque orchards and farms. One of
the first areas settled in the Region was the Coldstream Ranch,
purchased in 1892 by the Earl and Countess of Aberdeen,
and still in operation after 100 years. The eastern part of the
district is home to several major industrial activities including
the Owens - Illinois plant and
a large Tolko Industries lumber mill.
A snapshot of Coldstream Community Facts and census data can be
found at: Coldstream Community Facts
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City of
Armstrong
The City of Armstrong is located
23 kms north of Vernon, in the
Spallumcheen Valley,
and has a current population of approximately 4,200. The city
enjoys a diverse economy, which is supported by forestry and agriculture.
Thousands of acres of rich agricultural land create beautiful
scenes throughout Armstrong. Armstrong is known for its picturesque
setting amid valleys, mountains, streams and lakes. The temperate
climate plus limitless recreation have resulted in a stable productive
workforce servicing the area. Industry and individuals alike have
profited from the quality of life enjoyed here. Satisfied businesses
are the best source of reference - their employees are happy,
community-proud citizens. Many have invested in this community's
vision of the future from major agricultural industry to small
home occupation. Armstrong is a business-friendly community offering
a well-motivated labour force, broad transportation options and
affordable services. Residents of Armstrong have the luxury of
country living with easy access to urban centres. Armstrong has
a strong agricultural base and is best known for the Village Cheese Company and the annual Interior Provincial
Exhibition - the largest agricultural fair in British Columbia.
A snapshot of Armstrong Community Facts and census data can be
found at: Armstrong Community Facts
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Township
of Spallumcheen
Spallumcheen
District Municipality
was incorporated in 1892. Located 12 kms north of Vernon,
positioned between the sunny Okanagan
Valley and the cooler
Shuswap Valley,
the Spallumcheen Valley has some of the finest farmland in British Columbia. Predominantly
agricultural, with a population of approximately 5,400, Spallumcheen
is also home to the famous O'Keefe Ranch;
Rogers Foods,
British Columbia's only flour and cereal mill; and Weyerhaeuser
Canada's
Grandview Reforestation Centre (producing 5 million seedlings
per year).
A snapshot of Spallumcheen Community Facts and census data can
be found at: Spallumcheen Community Facts
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Enderby and District
At the northern gateway to the Okanagan
Valley lies the City
of Enderby and surrounding
areas. The 610-metre-high Enderby Cliffs provide an impressive
backdrop to the city, which is situated on the banks of the Shuswap River.
Today, the area relies largely on agriculture and forestry as
it did in the past, but agri-tourism and manufacturing of value-added
wood products have helped to diversify the economy. Significant
in-migration over the past several years has increased the area
population to almost 7,000.
The surrounding rural area with its pristine natural beauty offers
a lifestyle of year-round paradise for outdoor recreation. An
easy walking par 3 golf course awaits, just 10 minutes north of
Enderby. The Shuswap River
winds through the area, linking a number of rural communities
from the Resorts of Mara Lake to Mabel
Lake, offering
canoeists and kayakers miles of water to explore. The Larch Hills
Cross Country Ski Area provides groomed trails for novice and
advanced enthusiasts as well as excellent hiking and cycling in
the summer months. Snowmobilers will enjoy the Hunter's Range
trail system just east of Enderby.
A snapshot of Enderby Community Facts and census data can be found
at: Enderby Community Facts
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Village of Lumby
The Village of Lumby, located 22 kms east of Vernon on Hwy. 6 is often referred to as
the Gateway to the Monashee. Friendly rural community, scenic
beauty, and a growing diversified economy make Lumby a great destination
point. The community was founded and has traditionally relied
on a forestry and agriculture-based economy. It is now experiencing
significant growth in other areas. With virtually unlimited recreational
opportunities the tourism base is well established and growing
steadily. There has also been an increase in small business and
home based businesses. Lumby's service sector continues to grow,
offering a greater variety of services from banking to hospitality
enterprises. With increasing demands on BC forests, value-added
manufacturing of wood products is rapidly on the increase and
opening many doors of opportunity in the Lumby area.
A local area population of approximately 5,500 has contributed
to Lumby's economic diversification with many innovative and community-minded
individuals.
This area abounds in magnificent wilderness and mountain lakes,
popular with fishermen and hikers. Mabel, Echo, Keefer and Sugar
lakes are easily accessed, along with a myriad of small, jewel-like
lakes throughout the high country. All offer year-round recreational
opportunities in undisturbed surroundings.
A snapshot of Lumby Community Facts and census data can be found
at: Lumby Community Facts
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