Old Kingfisher School

Due to declining enrollment, Kingfisher Elementary School closed in 2000. It had served the community for decades as a one-room school. In 2006, word was out that the school and grounds might soon be up for sale at current market value. This surprised community members who knew the property had been donated for a nominal fee about 50 years earlier. Community interest in keeping the school and grounds for community use was high. It ultimately resulted in a 2007 referendum victory that transferred ownership to the community through resident’s taxation.

The referendum allowed the Regional District to purchase the property and establish a Bylaw for a 20 year repayment through annual taxation for properties in the Kingfisher Mabel Lake area. The property will be full repaid and is slated to be transferred to the ownership of the Kingfisher Community Society in 2027.

In preparation for this transfer of ownership, a School Planning process was undertaken in 2026. The RDNO, with the support from Community Futures North Okanagan is gathering community input on the future of the building. Feedback is being collected through a survey and engagement activities. A draft summary report will be shared in the fall with a final report by December 2026.