RDNO buys Camp Hurlburt

Photo: Contributed

It has been a fixture on Okanagan Lake for more than eight decades and the site known as Camp Hurlburt will remain accessible to the public.

The camp had been operated by Trinity United Church for years and when it was shut down, many people speculated it would be sold off and turned into a condo complex.

However, the Regional District of North Okanagan has announced it purchased the approximately two-and-a-half acres of property. The property will offer the public more than 1,000 feet of waterfront recreation area.

Juliette Cunningham, chairperson of the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee, is pleased Trinity United Church presented this opportunity to the regional district, saying she shared similar concerns it would be developed privately and lost to the public.

“Lakefront property is limited and in high demand,” says Cunningham. “We are fortunate the members of Trinity United Church were interested in keeping this property open and available to the community.”

"Camp Hurlburt has been a critical part of Trinity’s relationship with the Greater Vernon community for more than 80 years," says Rev. Jeff Seaton, with the church.

"Since 1931, thousands of young people and families have been blessed by the opportunities available at this beautiful place. The sale of the property to the regional district allows Trinity to maintain that legacy through community-based programs for children, youth and families, while ensuring the entire community can benefit from direct access to this special location."

The development of the property will be subject to a park planning process, following which the park will be opened to the public.