2026 Summerland Legacy Grant Recipients

South Okanagan Recope Society — $15,000

Project: Therapeutic Exercise Programs for Seniors

Recope provides medically designed and supervised therapeutic exercise programs for adults living with health challenges. Its programs help participants improve strength, mobility, and independence while reducing pain and supporting long-term health and wellness.

For 50 years, Recope has served the Summerland community and now supports more than 100 participants. Grant funding will help continue a pilot project providing therapeutic aquatics and land-based exercise programs for seniors in Penticton, helping meet growing demand in the region.

Summerland Museum and Archives Society — $10,000

Project: Museum Staffing and Capacity Building

The Summerland Museum and Archives Society preserves and shares the history of Summerland through collections, research, exhibits, education, and public programming. Its work helps ensure the stories and heritage of the community, including Indigenous history, are accessible for future generations.

Grant funding will help support interim staffing and summer student positions, increasing the museum's capacity to care for collections, support visitors, and deliver programs and services.

Trout Creek Parent Advisory Committee — $20,000

Project: Inclusive Playground Improvements

The Trout Creek Parent Advisory Committee is working to create an inclusive playground at Trout Creek Elementary School that provides a safe, accessible, and engaging space for children of all abilities.

The project will replace aging playground equipment and gravel surfacing with accessible play features and rubberized surfaces, improving safety and promoting inclusion. Grant funding will support accessibility upgrades and new equipment while the committee continues to pursue additional funding for the broader playground redevelopment plan

South Okanagan Sailing Association — $5,000

Project: Sailing School Expansion and Accessibility

The South Okanagan Sailing Association is a volunteer-run sailing club with more than 150 members. Founded in 1960, the organization hosts annual regattas and operates the only Sail Canada-recognized dinghy sailing school in the South Okanagan.

Grant funding will help support sailing school operations, hire an additional instructor, and expand programming opportunities for more students. The association is also working to improve accessibility through the planned replacement of an accessible dock.

Summerland Community Centre Association — $6,560

Project: Facility Upgrades and Community Engagement

The Summerland Community Centre is a gathering place for residents of all ages, offering programs, activities, and events that strengthen community connections.

Grant funding will support facility improvements, including replacing deteriorating building fascia, installing fire-resistant blinds, and adding an electronic display board to promote community events and programs. These upgrades will improve safety, functionality, and the overall visitor experience

About the Community Legacy Funds

Before joining to become Cascadia Credit Union, Osoyoos, Revelstoke, and Summerland Credit Unions each committed $1,000,000 to establish a community legacy fund. This $3 million investment reflects our shared values and long-standing commitment to supporting the people and places we serve.

How the funds work

Each community’s fund generates income over time, with grants beginning once sufficient interest has accrued. Summerland’s contribution was made in 2024, enabling its first intake in fall 2025, while Osoyoos and Revelstoke contributions were made in 2025, with their first intake planned for fall 2026. These funds support charitable initiatives, grassroots projects, and bold ideas that help our communities thrive for generations to come.

The funds from each of the three communities are held within our local community foundations:

• Summerland Credit Union Legacy Fund: Held with the Community Foundation of the South Okanagan Similkameen
• Osoyoos Credit Union Legacy Fund: Held with the Community Foundation of the South Okanagan Similkameen
• Revelstoke Credit Union Legacy Fund: Held with the Revelstoke Community Foundation

All three communities will be accepting applications for these legacy grants in the fall of 2026.

In 2026, Revelstoke and Osoyoos communities received grants through our Community Impact grant program.