Exploring Vernon

June 22, 2015 12:00 pm Published by Jeremy Woo 1 Comment

There is a common misconception that life in a smaller centre like Vernon means giving up the lively culture of the city. However, spending some time back in Vernon made me realize that this city has a plethora of its own unique cultural opportunities, steeped in over 100 years of rich history. On a sunny Okanagan weekend, I drove around town to explore just a few of the historical and cultural sites around Vernon.

Beairsto School

We start our whirlwind historical tour just one block down the street from Tolko at the stunning Beairsto School. The four-storey brick building was constructed as Vernon Central School in 1905. Today, it continues to operate as one of Vernon’s largest elementary schools with over 700 students, all enrolled in a French immersion program. Rumours allude to the ghost of Mr. Beairsto that wanders the fourth-floor library.

Powerhouse Theatre

One place to catch a glimmer of the spotlight in Vernon is the Powerhouse Theatre. The converted utility building now serves as this centre for the dramatic arts. Dozens of expertly-directed productions have graced the stage at the Powerhouse; right now, “Fiddler on the Roof” is playing. My personal favorite Powerhouse Production was Shakespeare’s comedy “The Taming of the Shrew.” The liveliness of the theatre ensures that fresh, new productions constantly invigorate Vernon’s cultural scene year after year.

Historical Buildings – Vernon Community Music School

I could write an entire book on Vernon’s charming historical buildings, but I think others have already done so. One such building houses the Vernon Community Music School. Many young musicians have been schooled at this historic home, including me! The quaint carriage house features a stage that serves as a platform for students of music and accomplished pianists alike.

Caetani Centre

The history of the Caetani Centre is bittersweet in nature – once home to a happy family of Italian royals, the patriarch of the family died of cancer, leaving his mistress, Ofelia, and his daughter, Sveva, alone in the expansive Caetani House. Mentally and physically ill following the loss, Ofelia forbade Sveva from leaving the house. Sveva was left without any connection to the outside world. Sveva was held prisoner for nearly 30 years until Ofelia died. Finally, she pursued her dreams and attended the University of Victoria to become an art teacher. She taught at a local high school for many years. When she died 21 years ago, she left her house and collection to the City of Vernon for use by the Vernon Public Art Gallery. Today, the beautifully manicured Caetani Centre serves as a refreshing centre of artistic excellence, housing numerous studios for local artists, while Vernon’s Public Art Gallery is located in downtown.

Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre

Vernon’s more recent history includes a state-of-the-art performing arts centre, suitable for high-profile performances and local artists alike. The Okanagan Symphony Orchestra makes regular appearances here, and Bryan Adams recently held a concert as well. Fresh, new, and exciting material means that there is always something to look forward to.

I must mention the dazzling Tolko Millennium Foyer located in the Centre, filled with stunning artwork on display. It makes me proud that my employer is so engrained in the communities it operates in, and continues to support initiatives on a local scale.

Grey Canal Trail

Vernon has a sprawling network of trails, but the Grey Canal Trail deserves special mention in its own right. Although I am not particularly outdoorsy, I have grown a great appreciation for the Grey Canal Trail. This collection of trails along Vernon’s perimeter follows what was once British Columbia’s longest irrigation network, high above the valley floor. Along the path, placards share Vernon’s rich agricultural history if you’re not too distracted by the breathtaking views.

#lifesbetter here at play

There are so many other cultural and historic places to see in Vernon, but with 30-degree heat, clear blue skies and lake views, the patio beckons. Before you brush off The Greenest Workforce as relegation to a culture-less, sleepy, and unexciting town, be sure to check out the veritable cornucopia of cultural opportunities available in places like Vernon – you might be surprised to learn that #lifesbetterhere.