Profile
Year Established: 1978 – previously a sub-division of Vancouver Division – encompassed the geographic area extending from Shuswap Lake to the US border.
1997 – Shuswap Division formed encompassing the geographic area from Grindrod north.
1998 – Penticton Division (now South Okanagan) formed encompassing that area south of Peachland.
2018 Membership: A total of 229 members, including 10 associate members, three honourary members, and 10 Life members.
Meetings: Executive meetings – held the second Thursday of each month at various locations around Kelowna.
Division Annual General Meeting – held in November to elect the new Executive for the coming year, and appoint the division auditor. All members are welcome and encouraged to join us at these meetings.
Social Gatherings: Except June to August, we meet for a social luncheon on the second Saturday of each month alternating between Vernon and Kelowna. If you are from out of town and would like to join us for our luncheon, please contact the Secretary Mike Dornian
Coffee Klatches: Are held at the following locations:
- Kelowna on weekdays from 9:00 to 11:00 am at Smitty’s Family Restaurant (Ramada Hotel) in Kelowna weekdays. Everyone welcome.
- Cranbrook every Thursday morning at 9:30 am at MacDonalds in the meeting room.
- Nelson Monday to Friday mornings in Finley’s Irish Bar & Grill at 8:00 am. Every Wednesday they meet for breakfast.
Inter-Divisional Luncheons: The three Okanagan Divisions and Kamloops Division have held inter-divisional socials once a year alternating between the Divisions. Frequent exchanges occur with South Okanagan Division including BBQ’s, potlucks, tours and other social activities.
Communications: Division newsletter and emails
Contact:
Mike Dornian-Secretary
Tradition and Heritage Events
- We award an annual 1-2 $1000.00 Awardd for Education Assistance at recognized University or College Programs to a child or grandchild of an Okanagan member in good standing.
- We support the local RCMP ‘Cops for Kids“ program providing with an annual donation.
- The Division holds an annual Memorial Service to honour our deceased members with a solemn program, a Book of Memoriam and a Table of Honour.
- The Division has an active Advocacy Program, e.g. updates on veterans issues and benefits, assistance to widows when spouses pass, use of Benefit Trust Fund and RCMP Veterans’ Foundation when social or medical emergencies arise with severe financial ramifications, through our Advocate program.
Activities
Sick and shut-in visits
Visitations to veterans and members, and get-well offerings.
Law enforcement/community
- Remembrance Day and police/peace Officer memorial services.
Bi-Annual Veterans’ Award to deserving serving members of local Detachments within our Division, who best reflect the Mission, Vision and Values of the R.C.M.P.
Association programs/services
The Division has an active Advocacy Program, e.g. updates on veterans issues and benefits, assistance to widows when spouses pass, use of Benefit Trust Fund and RCMP Veterans’ Foundation when social or medical emergencies arise with severe financial ramifications, through our Advocate program.
Special events
- Annual Christmas Dinner (widows are our guests)
- Sell/auction RCMP memorabilia
- Guest Presentations on topics related to the Good of the Association
- Annual inter-division luncheon with Kamloops, Shuswap, and South Okanagan Divisions.
- The Division has hosted three (3) AGMs: 2007 (Kelowna); 1996 (Penticton); and 1987 (Kelowna), and co/sponsored with Mission Lions Club the RCMP Musical Ride (2001) in Kelowna.
Updated May 2024.