Author: Gordon Wilson

Campfires Reported on Okanagan Lookout Loop

Report All Suspicious & Dangerous Activity

Recent reports from residents of Predator Ridge noted we are having a problem on our Okanagan lookout loop with people starting fires, drinking on the trail and leaving behind quite a mess.
We encourage all residents to help keep an eye on this to catch the individuals responsible. This is an extremely dangerous situation.  If someone sees or knows anything we ask they report the concern to the Predator Ridge front desk team 250-542-3436

Breanne Tripp reports “We now have a sign on order that advises Fires are not permitted at Predator Ridge and will post it in the parking lot by Havencrest and also at the look out point.”

She has also updated the Vernon Fire Chief and Security as well, so they are aware of the location in the event of an emergency.

Fire Danger Rating

Weather has a significant impact on wildfires – in how they start, how aggressively they spread, and how long they burn. Find out the current fire danger rating in your area and other information about fire weather.

Find out more about Fire Danger on the Provinces Fire Danger Site.

Community Forum Well Attended

The Predator Ridge Community Forum held on May 13th was a big hit with residents, with well over 175 people attending the Forum.
PRCEMC Coordinator, Jim Popowich, moderated the event with opening remarks from Jason Kelder of Wesbild Holdings.

Presentations were made to attendees beginning with an overview from Colleen Scott discussing the PRCEMC’s History, Current Activities and Future Plans. As well, PRCEMC organizations gave the following reports:

Chief David Lind Vernon Fire Department

The City of Vernon provided an excellent overview of the City’s Emergency Management Program with presentations by Chief David Lind – Vernon Fire Department and Sue Saunders – Emergency Program Coordinator.
As well, Trevor Honigman of Vernon Search and Rescue provided a very interesting discussion on the role they play in the event of an emergency.

One really important item Sue Saunders discussed was the Vernon Connect App that anyone can download and Install on their smartphone. Just go to the App Store for your device and search for – Vernon Connect. The App is a free download and once installed on your phone you are able to customize the app settings to receive notifications from the City of Vernon. Of particular importance is the ability to receive Emergency Alerts from the City directly to your smartphone device. This is an excellent App to get.

……. Jane Toppozini from the Commonage Road Improvement Committee presented an excellent update on their efforts to improve the overall safety and maintenance of Commonage and Bailey Roads. Learn more by reading Jane’s CRIC presentation here.

Jane also gave an update on the newly formed: “The Ridge Riders Cycling Club” Their mandate is to promote and encourage all levels of cycling – from experience to novice. They support the development of a multi use trail between Predator Ridge and Kekuli Bay / Rail Trail and to link Predator to Vernon & Coldstream trails etc.

Gord Wilson announced the new PRCEMC website is now launched and he provided brief overview of the website and its functionality. He also noted the website is mobile responsive and works great on any mobile device such as smartphones and tablets.
The website can be accessed at www.prcemc.ca or through the Predator Ridge Homeowner Intranet site by clicking the logo –

The Forum wrapped up with a robust Question and Answer period followed by a number of draws for door prizes such as First Aid Kits and Fire Extinguishers. A big thanks to Jim Popowich for getting all those prizes organized.

A GREAT BIG THANKS GOES OUT TO ALL OF YOU WHO ATTENDED THE COMMUNITY FORUM. YOUR SUPPORT IS WHAT MAKES ALL OF THIS SO WORTHWHILE.

Save your pet’s life by being prepared!

If disaster strikes, will you be prepared?

May 11th is National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day, a good time to consider if you are prepared for the unexpected. Good planning can make all the difference in the event of a fire, flood, earthquake or other disaster. Don’t forget to include your pets in the plan – this free BC SPCA emergency checklist outlines everything you will need to ensure your furry family members are safe if disaster strikes.

Get the free emergency checklist.

Don’t wait until it is too late.

Building Climate Resilience in the Okanagan: A Homeowners Guide

Recent flooding and wildfire events have strained the resources of Okanagan residents to adapt to climate change. Homeowners are facing environmental changes and struggling to understand the best ways to respond. The looming question is “How ready are private property owners to cope with impacts of climate change?”

The South Okanagan Real Estate Board in partnership with the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen, South Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Program and Okanagan Nation Alliance have produced a new outreach document – Building Climate Resilience in the Okanagan: A Homeowners’ Resource Guide to address these pressing issues.
The guide explores topics such as Climate, Flood, Drought, Fire, Energy Efficiency, Invasive Species and Food Security, this guide provides practical hands on information and advice about actions each of us can take to make the places we live more robust in the face of climate change.

This Meadowlark Festival presentation will include several experts highlighting key issues in the guide including Fire, Flood and Insurance which will be followed by question period. Plan to attend this very informative presentation on May 18, 2019 from 1-4 pm in Penticton at the En’owkin Centre. All attendees will receive a complimentary copy of the Resource Guide.

Admission is free but you must REGISTER to attend:  Please feel free to share this post with your network.

If you are unable attend the festival, the guidebook is available at the following link: GET THE GUIDEBOOK

Or read about the guidebook in the news

PRCEMC Website Launch

The Predator Ridge Community Emergency Management Committee is excited to announce the launch of its new website planned for May 15, 2019. The website will be accessible to the public … Continue reading “PRCEMC Website Launch”

The Predator Ridge Community Emergency Management Committee is excited to announce the launch of its new website planned for May 15, 2019. The website will be accessible to the public at www.prcemc.ca as well as through the Predator Ridge Home Owner Intranet.

Jim Popowich, PRCEMC coordinator says “this will be a huge benefit to the Predator Ridge community, with up to date information regarding Emergency Planning, Block Watch, FireSmart and Commonage Road Improvements and Safety.

Check us out at www.prcemc.ca and/or through the link on the home owner intranet. Enter the online Quiz to win a great prize!

PRCEMC Town Hall Meeting May 13, 2019

The Predator Ridge Community Emergency Management Committee (PRCEMC) will hold a town hall meeting on Monday, May 13, 2019 in the lower ballroom of the clubhouse from 6:30 to 8:30 … Continue reading “PRCEMC Town Hall Meeting May 13, 2019”

The Predator Ridge Community Emergency Management Committee (PRCEMC) will hold a town hall meeting on Monday, May 13, 2019 in the lower ballroom of the clubhouse from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.

Plan to attend to hear more about what the PRCEMC is all about and learn more about it’s organizations such as FireSmart, Block Watch and the Commonage Road Improvement Committee (CRIC).

NEW SIGNATURE MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL

The new signature bike trail, the Granite trail is now open. This 4.1km trail was built by acclaimed local trail builder Cam Sorensen and has it all, a fast flowing descent, … Continue reading “NEW SIGNATURE MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL”

The new signature bike trail, the Granite trail is now open.

This 4.1km trail was built by acclaimed local trail builder Cam Sorensen and has it all, a fast flowing descent, smooth rock slabs,  snappy berms, punchy climbs and views worth packing a picnic lunch.

The name does not say it all in this case but yes there are a few great rock slabs to ride!  Granite will become the showcase trail for Predator Ridge if not the Okanagan.  Once the word is out people will come far and wide to ride the trails Predator has committed to building.  

Granite is set as a primary down trail but it you have the skills and lungs of steel it could be climbed.  There is some exposure on the trail so look before you leap as some of this trail is built on a cliffs edge, literally. This is a big factor on why it is getting the expert designation,  most the hard slabs do have go around but this trail is definitely for the discerning of mountain bikers.