Vernon, BC — June 30, 2026 — The North Okanagan Cycling Society (NOCS) is proud to announce the establishment of a new recreation area on Vernon Hill, marking an exciting development for mountain bikers, outdoor enthusiasts and the local community.
This new recreation area will provide enhanced opportunities for mountain biking, hiking, and outdoor recreation, while promoting modern sustainable trail development and environmental stewardship in the North Okanagan. Vernon Hill is expected to become a key destination for both residents and visitors seeking high-quality trail experiences.
“This project represents years of planning, collaboration, and community support,” said Chris Crawford, President of the North Okanagan Cycling Society. “We are thrilled to bring this new recreation area to life and to continue fostering a vibrant mountain bike culture in our region.”
The North Okanagan Cycling Society extends its sincere gratitude to the organizations whose support made this project possible:
Recreation Sites and Trails BC, for working with NOCS on the establishment of this new recreational area.
Regional District of the North Okanagan (RDNO), for their ongoing partnership. The RDNO is partnering to upgrade the parking lot and associated infrastructure and has provided NOCS with $50,000 in initial seed funding for the project.
NOCS would also like to thank funding supporters who have provided NOCS with grant money to commence initial trail construction.
BC Games Legacy Fund: $28,000.
Kalamalka Rotary: $7,000.
Community Foundation of the North Okanagan: $5,000.
City of Vernon: $5,000
Lastly, NOCS wishes to provide a standing ovation to all our corporate sponsors who have helped fund our operational capabilities to be able to tackle such a project. Thanks to their on-going support NOCS has been able to establish a sustainable maintenance program for our existing trails, and create a stable foundation to manage, maintain and grow our society.
Funding and collaboration from these partners have provided valuable dollars to kick off initial trail construction. NOCS has partnered with local trail contractor Contour Trails to begin construction immediately on the initial climb trail and the rebuild of the legacy trail “Happy Endings.”
Construction and trail development at Vernon Hill will continue in phases, with additional trails, features and improvements planned over time. The full build out will happen with a mix of trail contractors and local volunteers and will progress as funding allows. The Society encourages the public to stay informed about progress and upcoming volunteer and fundraising opportunities to help shape the area.
NOCS is calling on prospective trail builders to submit applications as it issues a request for proposal for trail building contractors. The club will begin planning immediately for the next two trails to be constructed. According to Trail Director Jason Martin “The goal is to stay ahead on the planning side so that we have trails that are shovel ready as funding allows.”
NOCS encourages all mountain bikers and trail users in the North Okanagan to get annual memberships through its digital membership platform the Hive Pass App. “The easiest way to support this project is to become a member, not only does it help support the club financially with its trail maintenance and trail construction program, but it also strengthens our voice in the North Okanagan and helps the club show strong community support when applying for funding.”
