Vernon, BC
16 acres
Residential Land, Commercial Land, Commercial Development, Resort Development
Land Acquired: 2019
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Port Okanagan, or The Port, is a new community located in a unique area on the waterfront of Okanagan Lake. This area is identified in the City of Vernon’s Waterfront Neighbourhood Centre Plan as a new and significant development along Lakeshore Drive adjacent to Lakeshore Park and Beach.
This mixed-use village-style development may contain retail stores and various types of residential housing such as condominiums and rental apartments. In addition, offices, restaurants, coffee shops, and other stores will help shape the development. To complement this site and the entire area, a resort-type vision is planned, which includes a high-end hotel. This lake-front development has the potential to be a hub of activity for those living and visiting Vernon and the North Okanagan area.
The Port is named such as it was in this area where the roads, rail, and ships all met. People would come by train and then board large paddle-wheelers to travel down Okanagan Lake. It was a gathering place 100 years ago, and will be again soon. The Port contains approximately 8 acres of wetlands and creeks and is adjacent to Okanagan Lake. Much of the development plan is to not only retain but enhance the wetlands so it is sustainable for fish, wildlife and natural fauna.
Currently, Avillia is finalizing the studies and approvals required to proceed with land development. In 2022, the City of Vernon passed the third reading of our proposed development, bringing us closer to making The Port a reality. Once all approvals are received, the development of the land will commence – this includes grading, wetland enhancements, installing underground services and upgrading roads. Once the land development is complete, the remaining 8 acres will be subdivided into parcels – yet all will remain part of the village. These subdivided parcels include the resort hotel, commercial spaces and also parcels suitable for multi-family condo and apartment builders/developers to purchase and build upon.
Multi-Family Parcel Purchase Opportunities
Port Okanagan
The Port Okanagan lakefront development is situated in the historical Okanagan Landing area of Vernon at the intersection of Okanagan Landing Road and Lakeshore Road.
Vernon Waterfront
Neighbourhood Centre Plan
The City of Vernon has had a vision for the Okanagan Landing Area for quite some time. In 2008, City Council approved a bylaw known as the Vernon Waterfront Neighbourhood Centre Plan that presented the vision for the area and set out what they believed would serve the community the best at the time as well as in the future.
The City of Vernon has been working towards increasing the public spaces and direct lake access adjacent to Lakeshore Road. In 2019, the City completed the first phase of Lakeshore Park and Beach.
Conceptual Drawing of Lakeshore Road from
Vernon Waterfront Neighbourhood Centre Plan
Key Features of the
Waterfront Plan Include:
- Caters to residents and visitors through a mix of compatible land uses, that provide various opportunities for living, commerce, community services, recreation, and tourism.
- Is characterized by pedestrian orientated shopping streets
- Maintains the quality of the water in Okanagan Lake by enhancing wetlands and Vernon Creek and preserves sensitive habitat for threatened species
- Enables visitors to walk, bicycle and take transit to their destinations
- Provides public access to Vernon’s lakeshore and opportunities for public interaction in a variety of locations, including park, streets, and businesses
- Is integrated with surrounding neighbourhoods.
Historical Significance
& Indigenous History
When the trains came to Vernon, the steamships came too. Okanagan Landing was home to the shipyard that constructed the SS Aberdeen – the first Canadian Pacific Railway steamship on Okanagan Lake. Launched in 1893, the SS Aberdeen anchored the success of the port at the north end of the lake. This port was key to connecting the SS Aberdeen, luxury vessels, and a variety of passenger and freight boats with the train service. Further, the Okanagan Landing area was key for the movement of commercial goods throughout the Okanagan.
Though this area served Okanagan Lake passengers well for decades, the last steamship, the SS Sicamous was retired from the lake in 1936. Even without passengers, Okanagan Landing continued to be a home to ship repairs up until 1960. In 1971, the Okanagan Landing and District Community Association purchased part of this land, which is now known as Paddlewheel Park. This park also houses a variety of educational, recreational, and cultural activities.
Vernon is located within the traditional territory of the Syeelhwh nation. Okanagan Lake and Okanagan River were the traditional transportation routes of the people and their traditional boundaries encompassed this area. Avillia has met with the Okanagan Indian Band during the development of the Port Okanagan plan and acknowledges that we are conducting our business on the territory of sqilxw/syilx (Okanagan) peoples.
Vernon is located within the traditional territory of the Syeelhwh nation – meaning, “the people who live here.”
Vision & Theme of Port Okanagan
Building off the foundation of both the Waterfront Neighbourhood Centre Plan and the rich history of Okanagan Landing, Port Okanagan will become a true destination and gathering place for those living in the North Okanagan and those who visit the region. While the site will be developed in a series of stages, they will form an overall vision featuring true connectivity and complementary styles and design.
Becoming a destination true to its roots, this area will become affectionately known as The Port.
Development Plan
Port Okanagan spans 16 acres. This mixed-use village consists of multi-family residential, commercial and resort hotel parcels intermingled amongst existing wetlands with a network of pedestrian pathways and direct access to the Okanagan Lake shoreline.
Connectivity,
Natural Spaces & Parks
Port Okanagan is as much about open space and nature as it is about a diversity of uses and quality buildings. This village integrates over 7-acres of retained wetlands, creeks and other existing natural features. The wetlands, beach space, mature foliage and open spaces provide a natural setting for living, shopping, entertainment and vacationing.
The weave of this natural amenity provides a peaceful flow and connectivity through the parcels creating walkable spaces and contributing to an enjoyable experience. With meandering boardwalks and pathways throughout Port Okanagan, those living in or visiting will embrace the opportunity to set out and explore making the most of their time at this destination.
The weave of this natural amenity provides a peaceful flow and connectivity through the parcels creating walkable spaces and contributing to an enjoyable experience.
Commercial Highlights
Commercial spaces are an integral feature of Port Okanagan. As a true mixed-use development, a vibrant commercial presence will bring much-needed shops and services to the area.
Retail companies that may choose Port Okanagan to offer their goods and services could include:
- Sporting Goods Rental
- Coffee Shop, Ice Cream
- Shop & Bakery
- BrewPub & Sit down
restaurant - Souvenir Shop
- Healthy Fast Food
- Personal Beauty
Services - Boutique Pet Store
- Drycleaner & Tailor
- Grocer & Pharmacy
- Liquor & Wine Store /
Wine tasting
- Medical
- Paramedical
- Dental
- Lawyer
- Accountant
- Realtor
- Elected Official
- Insurance Company
Resort Highlights
The resort hotel in Port Okanagan will serve as an anchor in the village. Commercial and resort spaces will work together to create the destination for locals and visitors alike. The welcoming resort will attract year-round tourism to the Vernon area.
A recent hotel market study concluded that there is market demand for a waterfront resort hotel in Vernon. The resort is expected to appeal to year-round leisure, business and sport travelers. Those local to the Vernon area will enjoy the amenities that come along with the resort such as the conference space, dining and recreation opportunities, making the resort hotel an integral part of Port Okanagan. Though the details are yet to be finalized, the plan includes a 4 – 4.5 Star resort hotel.
110
Approx. Rooms
400
Person Event Center
Residential Highlights
The three parcels dedicated to residential uses in Port Okanagan will allow for a variety of homeowners and renters to call Port Okanagan home. The parcels are suitable for condominiums, vacation condominiums or rental apartments where each site will have many units with stunning views of Lake Okanagan, surrounding mountains and wetlands. Residents will feel at home in The Port with walking access to the beach, park spaces, the resort, shops and services.
