Predator Ridge.

How Predator Ridge took shape

Predator Ridge is a golf resort community on the Commonage grasslands south of Vernon, inside city limits. It opened in 1991 with two nine hole courses by Les Furber, hosted the Telus World Skins Game in 2000 and 2008, was bought by Wesbild in 2007 and added the 18 hole Ridge course in 2010.

Predator Ridge sits on a height of land between Okanagan and Kalamalka lakes, in the rolling country Vernon has long called the Commonage. In the early 1900s this was mixed farming land along Commonage Road. One ranch, known locally as Windmill Johnson's for the windmill on its barn, raised dairy cattle, fruit, chickens and grain, much like its neighbours. Golf arrived in 1991, when the resort opened two nine hole courses designed by Les Furber, the Osprey and the Red Tail. The BC Open followed in 1993. A third nine, the Peregrine, opened in 2000, the same year the resort first hosted the Telus World Skins Game, which returned in 2008. Wesbild Holdings acquired the community in 2007.

Architect Doug Carrick later created the Predator course by building nine new holes and renovating the Peregrine, and the 18 hole Ridge course opened in July 2010. That spring, in April 2010, Sparkling Hill Resort opened on a granite bluff within the community. Built by Gernot Langes-Swarovski of the Swarovski crystal family, it has 149 rooms and a 40,000 square foot spa, and Predator Ridge owners can buy day access to its KurSpa. The resort covers about 1,200 acres. Homes range from cottages and golf course homes to lake view custom estates and condos, grouped in neighbourhoods such as Ellison Landing, Wildsong, Commonage and Outlook. Below on the lake is Ellison Provincial Park, established in 1988 and named for rancher and MLA Price Ellison. The developer says the community is exempt from BC's Speculation and Vacancy Tax and lists Ritz-Carlton Residences as an upcoming release.

The homes & their setting

Built from the 1990s on, with most homes added since Wesbild's 2007 purchase: resort cottages, golf course homes, custom estate homes, lodge suites, condominiums and executive townhomes. Custom homes are freehold and condos are strata titled.

Building age, tenure, amenities and permitted uses vary by address. Explore the actual property documents with Elaine and the appropriate specialists.

Places with a story

• Ellison Provincial Park — Lakeside park established in 1988 and named for pioneer rancher and MLA Price Ellison. History source
• Commonage Road — Route through the early 1900s Commonage farming district where Predator Ridge now sits. History source