The all-girl rock band came to town after the city won a SiriusXM Music Town contest.

Thousands of free tickets were scooped up for the sell-out show Nov. 27 at Kal Tire Place North.

Sirius greeted guests with glow bracelets, glowing backdrops, and two rock bands performing late into the night.

Their hit Last Girls at the Party drew Vernon Mayor Victor Cumming on stage to dance with the girls.

“Mayor Cumming, I love that man,” lead singer Jordan Miller said on stage.

Locally-born daysormay opened for The Beaches, who performed most from their latest No Hard Feelings.

The Canadian JUNO Award winning ladies formed in Toronto in 2009 and are ade up of Miller, Kylie Miller, Leandra Earl and Eliza Enman-McDaniel.

“The event marked the culmination of a nationwide search that saw over 470 Canadian towns nominated. Vernon earned the top spot thanks to compelling nomination stories, strong community rallying, and unwavering local spirit,” said Emma Weber on behalf of SiriusXM Canada.

“The electric atmosphere was a reflection of Vernon’s vibrant music culture and community pride.”

While in town The Beaches also checked out local shops and eateries.

“We explored a bit, we went to Eatology a lot,” said Jordan of the popular downtown restaurant.

The Beaches are back on tour in February overseas, starting in Netherlands and travelling across Europe, Australia and the U.S. for most of the year, with a trip back home for the JUNO Awards March 29.

All Saints Anglican Church recently received an exact replica of the Book of Kells, which will be on permanent display starting Sunday, Nov. 30.

The original Book of Kells is kept at Trinity College in Dublin, where it costs 25 Euros to see it.

It is a significant artifact in history of medieval (especially Celtic), religion and art.

The origins of the book are unclear. It is traditionally attributed to Saint Columba of Iona (521-597) but was probably written in around 800AD.

It was likely brought to Kells in 878AD by the Abbot of Iona, in order to preserve it from Viking raiders.

It was famously stolen in about 1006AD and found two months later buried “under a sod” near the church, stripped of its gold and silver case.

With church at Kells being destroyed in 1641, the book found its way to Trinity College in Dublin in 1661.

Scholars believe that the Book of Kells was intended for daily use or for study, but for display and ceremonial use.

The Book of Kells is primarily a piece of artwork, the text is secondary to illustrations, evidenced by uncorrected mistakes in the text and missing features.

The images, by contrast, are exquisitely intricate and designed for contemplation. Some images are also quite whimsical, such as cats chasing rodents running away with communion wafers.

In 1990, a set of 1,480 numbered facsimiles were created, each of which has an exact copy, including uneven edges, holes in the parchment, faded inks and so on.

Until now, the nearest replica has been on display at the UBC library in Vancouver.

The replica will be on permanent display in the foyer at All Saints.

Members of the public are welcome to join the church for the dedication ceremony of the Kells display at 11:30 a.m. following the regular service, and to stay for tea and coffee.

The manuscript will be kept under glass for security and preservation purposes.

Upon request, ressearchers may gain access to the manuscript by appointment.

Pacific Group Resorts (PGR) announced Tuesday, Nov. 25, it has acquired SilverStar Mountain Resort in Vernon from POWDR.

The purchase marks a significant milestone in the international company’s continued growth across North America, with two of its six resorts now located in Canada.

“SilverStar is an extraordinary resort with a loyal community and a spirit that aligns perfectly with PGR’s values,” said Mark K. Fischer, PGR president and CEO. “In 10 years of operating Mount Washington Alpine Resort on Vancouver Island, we’ve developed a deep appreciation for what it takes to thrive in the British Columbia mountain resort landscape. SilverStar is a natural extension of our resort family and reflects our long-term commitment to embracing the mountain culture and the communities that make each of our properties unique.”

The addition of SilverStar follows PGR’s acquisition of Powderhorn Mountain Resort in Colorado earlier this year and Jay Peak Resort in Vermont in 2022.

SilverStar joins PGR’s expanding portfolio as one of Canada’s premier mountain resorts, recently ranked the No. 3 Ski Resort in Canada for 2025 by Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards. With over 3,300 acres of skiable terrain, a modern lift fleet, and a vibrant mid-mountain village, SilverStar ranks among the 15 largest ski areas in North America.

Herwig Demschar, general manager of SilverStar Mountain Resort, welcomes the transition with optimism and appreciation.

“We are deeply thankful to POWDR for their stewardship, vision, and significant investment in SilverStar. Their commitment to this mountain set the foundation for its continued success. As we look ahead, we’re excited to join Pacific Group Resorts, whose values and operational philosophy align seamlessly with ours. Our leadership team is staying on, and we look forward to reinforcing what makes SilverStar so special while elevating the guest experience for years to come.”

Fischer has known Herwig for nearly 20 years and has “considerable respect for what he and the rest of the team have built at SilverStar.

“Our approach is to listen, learn, and support the team in doing what they do best” he said. “We’re happily aligned on the objectives of preserving the charm and character that make SilverStar so beloved while helping it continue to grow.”

PGR says no changes are expected to operations for the 2025-26 season. The existing SilverStar leadership team will remain in place, and all current season passes, programs, and resort services will continue uninterrupted. Guests can expect the same warm hospitality, celebrated terrain, and strong community spirit that define the SilverStar experience.

“This mountain fits squarely within our strategy of expanding into high-quality regional destinations with strong local roots. We firmly believe SilverStar is one of those rare places where families and friends can build and renew bonds that enrich their lives in ways few other environments can,” said Fischer. “Our hope is to expand the reach of the resort so more people across Canada and the U.S. can experience SilverStar.”

Justin Sibley, CEO of POWDR also shared, “SilverStar is a special mountain with a passionate community, and we are grateful for the years we’ve had stewarding this destination. On behalf of everyone at POWDR, I want to thank the SilverStar team and the Vernon community for their partnership and pride in the resort.”

A lack of snow has delayed SilverStar’s season opening a week until Friday, Dec. 5.

The provincial government reported the suspected case Monday, Nov. 24 in a deer harvested near Enderby. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has not confirmed that the sample is positive.

The B.C. Wildlife Federation (BCWF) is now asking hunters to submit samples from any deer they harvest to a provincial drop-off location. Sample submissions are currently mandatory in management units in the Kootenays.

“It’s really important that hunters continue to hunt and to submit heads for testing, even outside the mandatory submission zone in the Kootenays,” said BCWF executive director Jesse Zeman. “The more data we collect the better we can manage the situation.”

Consult the provincial government’s surveillance web page for sampling instructions and drop off locations.

CWD affects cervids, including deer, moose, elk, and caribou.

Officials have been watching closely in the high-risk wildlife management areas of southeastern British Columbia adjacent to existing outbreaks in Alberta, Montana and Idaho.

The disease is 100 per cent fatal, with no known treatment. It is not known to affect humans or non-cervid livestock.

CWD is a disease of the central nervous system, caused by infectious agents called prions. As the prions accumulate, they cause cell death in the brain and neurological disease, which is 100-per-cent fatal. Prions also accumulate in other tissues and may be shed by the infected animal into water or on plants and bedding through saliva, urine and feces.

BCWF hosts a webinar on CWD Dec 3 at 7 p.m. with Cait Nelson, Wildlife Health Biologist at the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, on what we are learning and how we are responding together.

Cait will walk through the most recent surveillance results, what they mean for local deer populations, and how the upcoming Cranbrook hunt supports ongoing monitoring and management.

Sign up here: https://bcwf.bc.ca/webinar-chronic-wasting-disease-update-december-2025/

The ownership ban was handed to Sandra Nickolls on Nov. 12 in Vernon court, along with a sentence of 12 months’ probation and 40 hours of community service.

Nickolls entered a guilty plea to causing animals to be in distress, contrary to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act.

In April 2024, the BC SPCA was called to investigate what appeared to be an injured horse on a property near Armstrong. The responding animal protection officer discovered three horses in concerning condition, with the injured horse deemed to be in critical distress.

“All three horses had dramatically overgrown hooves, causing mobility issues,” the BC SPCA reports. “This was further exacerbated by the conditions of their shared shelter, which had piles of built-up feces so high the horses were forced to climb over them to enter and exit the shelter.”

The animal agency says the water was unsanitary, and horses were eating hay from the feces-covered ground.

“The elderly horse deemed to be in critical distress was 26 years old, underweight, and had a severe and untreated leg injury. Her leg was swollen with a bleeding protrusion, and she had sores on her hindquarters. Due to the significant suffering, the attending veterinarian recommended humane euthanasia onsite to alleviate the distress.”

The other two horses, also observed to be in poor condition, were seized from the property and transferred to a foster farm with the hopes of making a recovery.

Unfortunately, despite the incredible efforts of the foster, neither horse’s condition improved.

Both horses were euthanized at the recommendation of a local veterinarian due to their poor prognosis.

“The BC SPCA does not euthanize healthy animals. Many considerations help determine an animal’s care plan, including quality of life and treatability. All medically and behaviourally healthy animals are placed in the best-suited adoptive homes with caring guardians.”

Nickolls’ ban of owning, having custody of, or residing with any animals is with the exception of one spayed or neutered cat.

She must also permit the BC SPCA to inspect her residence to ensure compliance with this term.

Lowan was last in the area in September in a quest to become the leader of the BC Green Party.

She is back today with her new title.

As part of a provincewide tour, Fight the Oligarchs, Lowan is in Vernon on Monday, Nov. 24 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Vernon Public Library. The event is in the Community Meeting Space on the main floor of the library, with lunch available. She is then in Salmon Arm Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Log Bog Friendship Farm Bed & Breakfast.

She will be meeting with community leaders, Green Party members, and general public.

“She wants to chat with you about B.C. politics and what it could look like with more BC Greens in the mix,” the Party’s tour announcement states. “Share with her what you care about, and learn how to get organized to build a more sustainable future.”

Her tour continues to Kamloops where she will meet Thursday, Nov. 27 from 9 to 10 a.m. at The Art We Are Cafe and then 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Pizza Pi.

Several projects have been announced in Cranbrook, Fort Nelson, Smithers, Chilliwack and Vernon.

“Safe, affordable housing is the foundation for strong, healthy communities. These Indigenous-led projects will do more than build homes, they’ll create places where families can connect, culture can flourish and future generations can thrive,” said Harwinder Sandhu, Vernon-Lumby MLA. “By supporting Indigenous housing providers, we’re investing in dignity, community and the strength of self-determination.”

The largest projects are 45 affordable homes in Cranbrook and Fort Nelson as two Indigenous-led housing redevelopments move forward.

The projects, led by ʔAqantⱠanam Housing Society in Cranbrook and Fort Nelson Aboriginal Friendship Society in Fort Nelson, are expected to break ground in spring 2026. Demolitions will start in January 2026. These redevelopments will replace aging housing with modern homes designed by Indigenous organizations to reflect cultural values and community priorities.

“Indigenous housing providers have been leading the way in creating safe, culturally grounded homes,” said Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “These projects show what’s possible when we work in partnership to support Indigenous-led solutions that meet the needs of communities.”

The redevelopments are part of a series of projects made possible through a one-time investment of more than $29 million provided to the Aboriginal Housing Management Association (AHMA) in 2023. The projects were prioritized by AHMA in consultation with its members and communities, reflecting a “for Indigenous, by Indigenous” approach.

“AHMA members have put all of this capital funding to good work,” said Margaret Pfoh, CEO of AHMA. “As urban Indigenous housing experts, AHMA members consistently deliver results at the speed, scope and scale today’s housing crisis demands. We support community needs across B.C. and we will continue this important work as dedicated provincial partners.”

Other projects funded through this initiative include:

• renovations and upgrades by M’akola Housing Society and Vernon Native Housing Society, helping keep existing homes safe and secure for residents;

• the acquisition of a three-unit home by Dze L K’ant Friendship Centre in Smithers; and

• a new housing project by Wilma’s Transition Society in Chilliwack.

The CFIA previously reported the cull of 314 birds and disposal of the ostrich carcasses, eggs and other material, all of which were disposed of through deep burial in an approved British Columbia landfill.

The agency wrapped up work Thursday, and says its actions were completed under the authority of the Health of Animals Act and Regulations. RCMP were also observed leaving the farm Nov. 13.

But Animal Justice says the “horrifying” method of shooting the birds was inhumane and is calling for a review of the process.

“Shooting hundreds of ostriches in full view of one another is a method that would have caused extreme fear and suffering, and it should never have been considered acceptable,” said lawyer and Animal Justice executive director Camille Labchuk.

The farm’s premises are still quarantined under the Health of Animals Act, but the blue fencing has come down, exposing bare pens and enclosure of what once held hundreds of ostriches.

Anyone entering the area requires permsision from CFIA as the quarantined areas are still subject to biocontainment requirements. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is not required unless entering designated zones related to the quarantine.

The CFIA says all equipment was disinfected when leaving designated zones.

An avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak was declared at the farm in December 2024 and a full cull of the entire herd was ordered by the CFIA. The farm fought the order at every level of court, hence the delay, but did not win the case.

The ostriches were killed on Nov. 6.

“Every HPAI infected premises must follow a standardized path to resuming operations including completion of CFIA-approved cleaning and disinfection before CFIA quarantine restrictions are lifted,” the agency said. “A fallow period with CFIA oversight may also be required after cleaning and disinfection.”

The farm has been provided with documentation about the requirements for cleaning and disinfection and the ongoing requirement for permits until the quarantine is removed.

Any formal request for compensation will be reviewed in accordance with the Health of Animals Act and the Compensation for Destroyed Animals and Things Regulations (CDATR).

“The CDATR are the regulations that set the parameters and eligibility for compensation that may be provided to owners who have been ordered to destroy their animals or things,” the CFIA said. “The objective of the CDATR is to encourage the early reporting of animal disease, and the cooperation of owners in eradication efforts.”

Animal Justice, Canada’s leading national animal law organization, has filed a formal complaint with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) over its conduct during the Nov. 6 cull.

Reports of the ostriches confined in a single enclosure and killed by gunfire in front of each other over several hours in the dark is being called out.

“Ostriches are intelligent, social animals with particularly strong night-vision and killing them in an enclosed space, conscious and aware of their companions’ deaths by loud, repeated gunshots, would have undoubtedly caused abject terror and suffering,” Animal Justice said. “Killing animals in front of one another is inherently cruel, particularly when the animals are part of a cohesive social group.”

Animal Justice claims CFIA’s actions likely violated both the federal Criminal Code, which prohibits causing animals unnecessary suffering, and British Columbia’s Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, which bans causing distress when killing animals except under reasonable and generally accepted practices.

“The CFIA had nearly a year to plan for this killing, and yet the method they chose was shocking,” said lawyer and Animal Justice executive director Camille Labchuk. “Instead of prioritizing the welfare of these intelligent, sensitive animals, it appears the CFIA’s focus was on optics, hiding the slaughter from public view, rather than ensuring it was carried out in a humane and controlled way. Shooting hundreds of ostriches in full view of one another is a method that would have caused extreme fear and suffering, and it should never have been considered acceptable.”

The mass slaughter followed a lengthy court battle that began after avian influenza was detected in the ostriches late last year.

Animal Justice references the case of the Whistler sled dog cull, where a dog sled operator killed off dogs who were no longer useful after a decline in business. The court considered killing the dogs in view of one another to be an aggravating feature when convicting and sentencing the operator for criminal animal cruelty.

Animal Justice is calling on the CFIA to investigate the conduct of those who directed and carried out the killing, and to take all appropriate action to hold them accountable and prevent similar suffering in the future.

“While the courts confirmed the CFIA had legal authority to act in this circumstance, that does not shield them from scrutiny, especially considering the horrifying method the agency chose to kill these animals. The CFIA does not get a free pass from complying with animal protection laws simply because it was carrying out a lawful order,” Labchuk said. “The CFIA must restore public trust by conducting a thorough review of what happened and taking concrete steps to improve its approach to animal welfare.”

Before the mass cull, Animal Justice urged the CFIA to halt the planned killing and conduct renewed testing to determine whether the ostriches still carried avian influenza.

Independent infectious disease experts had suggested that months-later testing could reveal the birds’ current health status, potentially showing that a mass killing was unnecessary.

BC Hydro has energized its first-ever portable skid-mounted fast charging station in Lumby, marking a breakthrough in how electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure can be deployed quickly and flexibly across British Columbia.

The skid-mounted station is a fully self-contained unit built on a metal frame and is designed for rapid deployment with minimal civil construction.

Power is delivered via overhead service from a nearby transformer pole – eliminating the need for underground excavation.

“This design is ideal for sites with complex permitting, northern regions with short construction windows due to winter weather conditions, or temporary installations for events and emergencies,” BC Hydro reports.

The site was installed in a paved parking lot at the Lumby Curling Rink and is adjacent to a power pole.

“Thanks to its unique design, which eliminated the need for traditional construction, the site was fully operational within days instead of weeks,” said Hydro, adding it features one 180-kilowatt charger, which can add up to 180-kilometres of driving to an average EV in about 10 minutes.

“In addition to being faster, the unit also offers dual charging or power sharing, which allows two customers to use the same charger.”

A second 100-kilowatt charger is also available, offering additional capacity for drivers.

The adoption of EVs across British Columbia has increased significantly with more than 215,000 EVs on the road in B.C.

As BC Hydro continues to build its fast-charging network, it plans to focus on building more hub sites with multiple chargers along highway corridors and highly populated areas to provide a faster and more convenient experience for its customers.

BC Hydro is working to build a robust EV charging network across the province.

In the past year alone, BC Hydro has tripled the size of its public charging network, adding 418 new charging ports.

About two-dozen new hubs have opened in every region of the province, each featuring eight to 22 charging ports, to help minimize wait times for drivers.

BC Hydro deployed new 350-kilowatt chargers at some locations, capable of delivering up to 100 kilometers of range in just five minutes.

With fast chargers placed about every 150 kilometers along major routes, the Government of B.C. completed the Electric Highway in September 2024. BC Hydro operates 114 of the highway’s 155 charging locations, making up more than 70 per cent of the network.

BC Hydro’s provincewide fast charging network currently includes 729 charging ports at 163 sites in communities throughout B.C.

BC Hydro is looking to reach 800 charging ports in its network by spring 2026.

Later this year, BC Hydro will debut its first 400-kilowatt charger, offering 100 kilometres of range in just three minutes.

The chargers are funded in a partnership with the Province of B.C. and Natural Resources Canada.