RDNO & VRDBC
Updated - March 29th 2025
On June 14, 2024, a lease agreement was signed between the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) and the Vernon Rowing and Dragon Boat Club (VRDBC), officially executed by Andy Affleck (RDNO), Mackayla Petrie (Club Manager), and John Earle (Club President). The lease is in effect until March 31, 2029.
Key Highlights of the Lease & Site Plans:
VRDBC has applied for exclusive site use during key events such as Lap the Lake and the Dragon Boat Festival.
Trail Development:
RDNO is moving forward with its long-term vision and will be constructing a 500-meter gravel walking/cycling trail connecting Crane Road to Lochdale Road in 2025. This will be completed alongside the fencing project.
Notes:
While the relationship with RDNO remains positive, it’s clear that we are guests on this land. Our continued rent-free status is based on our role as good stewards and contributors to public access and community recreation.
Let’s continue working together to be the kind of club that exemplifies what it means to be a good neighbour.
On June 14, 2024, a lease agreement was signed between the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) and the Vernon Rowing and Dragon Boat Club (VRDBC), officially executed by Andy Affleck (RDNO), Mackayla Petrie (Club Manager), and John Earle (Club President). The lease is in effect until March 31, 2029.
Key Highlights of the Lease & Site Plans:
- In Lieu of Rent: VRDBC is responsible for general site maintenance, including mowing, garbage collection, and invasive weed control.
- Upcoming Fencing: Once RDNO’s budget is approved in March 2025, fencing will be installed:
- Along the south end of the site (Lochdale Road).
- Down the centre of the property, starting near the first row of parking (by where the blue shed used to be), ending at the oar house.
- Access & Parking: The Lochdale Road entrance will be designated as public. Club members will be given codes/keys for secure access. Parking will remain unchanged.
- Access gates will be installed for club use, allowing members to reach the oar house, dock, and boats.
- Security & Amenities RDNO will install:
- Bylaw signage (e.g., dogs on leash),
- Garbage bins,
- Possibly a concrete pit toilet (budget dependent),
- Signage marking private/restricted access to the VRDBC site.
- Dock Usage:
- Rowing docks remain unchanged.
- Dragon boat docks on the public side are no longer for club use. Launching or tying up dragon boats there is strongly discouraged.
- Trench Dredging: RDNO has no plans to pursue dredging or widening the trench. Due to high costs and new regulations (e.g., archaeological surveys), this is not feasible at this time.
VRDBC has applied for exclusive site use during key events such as Lap the Lake and the Dragon Boat Festival.
Trail Development:
RDNO is moving forward with its long-term vision and will be constructing a 500-meter gravel walking/cycling trail connecting Crane Road to Lochdale Road in 2025. This will be completed alongside the fencing project.
Notes:
While the relationship with RDNO remains positive, it’s clear that we are guests on this land. Our continued rent-free status is based on our role as good stewards and contributors to public access and community recreation.
Let’s continue working together to be the kind of club that exemplifies what it means to be a good neighbour.
Volunteer With Us!
Updated - March 29th 2025
VRDBC is working to establish volunteer positions for several key committees to help support club activities and events. We are looking for as many volunteers as possible and need one person to champion each committee. If you’re interested in getting involved, please reach out to [email protected] or sign up here. Your support is vital in making these initiatives a success, and we appreciate any time you can contribute!
Volunteer Committees:
VRDBC is working to establish volunteer positions for several key committees to help support club activities and events. We are looking for as many volunteers as possible and need one person to champion each committee. If you’re interested in getting involved, please reach out to [email protected] or sign up here. Your support is vital in making these initiatives a success, and we appreciate any time you can contribute!
Volunteer Committees:
- Club Days Committee – Assists in planning and organizing social events like BBQs, open house days, and fun paddling or rowing sessions.
- Events Committees (2x) – Supports the organization of rowing and dragon boat events, including logistics and coordination with external teams.
- Community Committee – Oversees participation in local community events and outreach activities to promote the club.
- Beginner Program Committees – Helps with "Learn to Row" and beginner dragon boat programs, including onboarding and mentorship.
Welcome Dyra Pridham to the VRDBC Board
Updated - March 29th 2025
Please join us in welcoming Dyra Pridham as our new Director at Large, appointed on March 5, 2025. Dyra brings extensive experience in financial management and organizational strategy from her career in government and the utilities sector. She holds an MBA from UNBC and is currently pursuing her CPHR designation at Okanagan College.
A passionate paddler since 2012, Dyra has been involved with the Hydro Dragons and Prince George North Breast Passage teams. She’s excited to help strengthen connections between the Board and club members and is honored to support the sport she loves.
Her term runs through 2027 - Welcome aboard, Dyra!
Interested in getting to know the clubs board members? Check out our board to get to know their faces to say hi at the club!
Please join us in welcoming Dyra Pridham as our new Director at Large, appointed on March 5, 2025. Dyra brings extensive experience in financial management and organizational strategy from her career in government and the utilities sector. She holds an MBA from UNBC and is currently pursuing her CPHR designation at Okanagan College.
A passionate paddler since 2012, Dyra has been involved with the Hydro Dragons and Prince George North Breast Passage teams. She’s excited to help strengthen connections between the Board and club members and is honored to support the sport she loves.
Her term runs through 2027 - Welcome aboard, Dyra!
Interested in getting to know the clubs board members? Check out our board to get to know their faces to say hi at the club!
Dragon Boat Docks Season Set Up
Updated - March 29th 2025
Dragon Boat Docks Season Set-Up is scheduled for Friday, April 19 at 2:00 PM. We invite all available members to come down and lend a hand as we prepare the docks and equipment for the upcoming season. Many hands make light work, and this is a great opportunity to reconnect with teammates and kick off the season together.
Please be aware that the parking lot may be wet, so wear appropriate footwear and be prepared for spring conditions. A strong turnout will help us get the job done quickly—and it’s a great way to reconnect with teammates and start the season on a high note.
We hope to see you there!
Dragon Boat Docks Season Set-Up is scheduled for Friday, April 19 at 2:00 PM. We invite all available members to come down and lend a hand as we prepare the docks and equipment for the upcoming season. Many hands make light work, and this is a great opportunity to reconnect with teammates and kick off the season together.
Please be aware that the parking lot may be wet, so wear appropriate footwear and be prepared for spring conditions. A strong turnout will help us get the job done quickly—and it’s a great way to reconnect with teammates and start the season on a high note.
We hope to see you there!
Registration Open March 31!
Updated - March 29th 2025
Registration for the 2025 season at the Vernon Rowing and Dragon Boat Club will open March 31. Whether you're brand new to the sport or returning for another year, we're excited to welcome you to the water. This year’s programs include options for both rowing and dragon boating. For rowers, we offer Learn to Row sessions beginning in May every second Saturday, which include one introductory session followed by two supplemental practices. This is a great way to get started before committing to a full season pass. We also offer junior, recreational adult, competitive, and para rowing programs. For dragon boaters, our May Intro to Paddling Membership runs May 1–31 and includes two practices per week with the team of your choice: Buoyant Buddies (breast cancer survivor and supporter team), Dragon Riders (women’s team), or Silver Dips (mixed team). After May, you’ll have the opportunity to upgrade to a full season membership, which runs until mid-October and includes access to regular practices, club events, and optional participation in regional festivals. New this year, we’re transitioning practice sign-ups to Spond, a user-friendly team management app that replaces our previous Google Sheets system. Each side of the club—rowing and dragon boating—will have its own space in Spond, improving communication and scheduling. Spond is accessible through a mobile app or web browser. If you need help using the platform, you can contact Mackayla at [email protected].
If you're unsure which program is the best fit or would like help with registration, please reach out. We’re here to support you and look forward to another incredible season on Swan Lake.
Registration for the 2025 season at the Vernon Rowing and Dragon Boat Club will open March 31. Whether you're brand new to the sport or returning for another year, we're excited to welcome you to the water. This year’s programs include options for both rowing and dragon boating. For rowers, we offer Learn to Row sessions beginning in May every second Saturday, which include one introductory session followed by two supplemental practices. This is a great way to get started before committing to a full season pass. We also offer junior, recreational adult, competitive, and para rowing programs. For dragon boaters, our May Intro to Paddling Membership runs May 1–31 and includes two practices per week with the team of your choice: Buoyant Buddies (breast cancer survivor and supporter team), Dragon Riders (women’s team), or Silver Dips (mixed team). After May, you’ll have the opportunity to upgrade to a full season membership, which runs until mid-October and includes access to regular practices, club events, and optional participation in regional festivals. New this year, we’re transitioning practice sign-ups to Spond, a user-friendly team management app that replaces our previous Google Sheets system. Each side of the club—rowing and dragon boating—will have its own space in Spond, improving communication and scheduling. Spond is accessible through a mobile app or web browser. If you need help using the platform, you can contact Mackayla at [email protected].
If you're unsure which program is the best fit or would like help with registration, please reach out. We’re here to support you and look forward to another incredible season on Swan Lake.