Vernon Active Living Centre unveils nsyilxcən name as opening nears

October 8 2026 - The City of Vernon and the Okanagan Indian Band have unveiled the nsyilxcən name for the Active Living Centre as the facility nears completion.

The centre will be known as snyaʕ̓tán, “where they gather and play”, alongside its English name.

The name was suggested by OKIB Elders Pauline Archachan, Herbert Bonneau, Virginia Gregoire and Doreene Kaye after they were briefed on how the community would use the building.

The name is already displayed in large letters on the exterior.

Syilx culture is also incorporated in the design: the building’s form reflects the hills of the Okanagan, entrances carry a nsyilxcən welcome message, and translations and educational signage appear throughout.

A salmon display in the lobby casts rainbows along its length.

“The City of Vernon has worked with our community to make sure our language, culture and identity are reflected in this new facility,” Chief Dan Wilson said. “Our people have been here since time immemorial, and it is important that the places we share recognize both our history and our continued presence here.”

Mayor Victor Cumming said the project has always been about a welcoming place to gather, connect and be active, and thanked the band for its collaboration on the name.nsyilxcən is the language of the syilx/Okanagan people, spoken across syilx territory in what is now British Columbia and Washington State.

The Active Living Centre is the city’s largest capital investment. It includes a 50-metre pool, a 25-metre pool, a leisure and wave pool, a waterslide, hot tubs, a cold plunge, a double gymnasium, and fitness, wellness and multi-purpose spaces.

Substantial completion is expected Oct. 30. Recreation staff will then spend about six weeks on training, facility testing and final preparations.

Membership presales are scheduled to begin Nov. 1, ahead of a planned public opening in December 2026.

Vernon Active Living Centre unveils nsyilxcən name as opening nears