Relocating to the North Okanagan
Moving to Vernon checklist
Utilities, schools, licences and health care: the things newcomers wish they had sorted before the truck arrived.
Get to know the areas first
Vernon and the North Okanagan feel very different street to street: lakefront Okanagan Landing, family-friendly Middleton Mountain and Foothills, character homes on East Hill, acreages in Coldstream and the BX, and ski-in chalets at SilverStar. Explore Vernon neighbourhoods, Coldstream and SilverStar, and visit at different times of day before you choose.
Utilities and services
- Water: most of Vernon, Coldstream and nearby rural areas are served by Greater Vernon Water (Regional District of North Okanagan); some rural properties use wells or local water systems.
- Natural gas: FortisBC. Electricity: BC Hydro or FortisBC, depending on your address. Ask the seller for recent bills.
- Garbage, recycling and sewer: through your municipality; rural homes may have septic systems.
- Mail: set up Canada Post mail forwarding a few weeks before you move.
Schools
Public schools in Vernon, Coldstream, Lumby and area are run by School District 22 (Vernon). Check catchment boundaries for the specific address before you buy, and register early for September.
Moving from another province
- Driver's licence: ICBC says you have 90 days after moving to B.C. to switch your licence. Ask ICBC about registering and insuring your vehicle in B.C.
- Health coverage: apply for the Medical Services Plan (MSP) as soon as you arrive. New residents usually have a wait period, so keep your previous province's coverage in place until MSP starts.
Finding a family doctor
Register with B.C.'s Health Connect Registry to be matched with a family doctor or nurse practitioner. For health advice any time, call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1.
Moving to the Okanagan from away?
Sean can set up a virtual neighbourhood tour, send listings that fit your life, and connect you with local inspectors, lawyers and movers.