| Graduating from the curb-side fruit stand on Highway 97 in Vernon, B. C., Swan Lake Holdings Ltd. was incorporated in 1963. The family owned and operated fruit stand had the rustic cedar store built, which became a well known landmark and shopping destination to the community and surrounding areas during the years that followed. | |
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Swan Lake Fruit Market and Garden Centre was established, expanding to offer customers an increasing variety of shrubs, perennials, garden supplies, and, of course, Okanagan fresh produce in season. Seasonal in nature, the store was closed during winter months. It became a clear sign of the arrival of Spring to see Swan Lake open its doors for the new season. |
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By 1989, Swan Lake had become well-established as a supplier of quality garden and related products, as well as an expanded selection of tropicals and produce. The family decided to remain open year-round. Local produce buying was augmented with imported produce to provide customers with fresh fruit and vegetables all year round. To appeal to the return customer base as a year-round shopping experience, Swan Lake expanded once again to include a unique Christmas line, complete with decorations, artificial and live trees and a variety of unique gift ideas. To this day, the store is fully decorated to herald in the festive season. |
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Over the years of operation, the needs and wants of the customer became the focus and the heart of the business. Groceries, fresh baked goods, gift shop and ice cream counter were added to fulfill the needs of the local customer and ever-increasing tourist trade. |
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Tragedy Strikes
| On July 6, 1993, at approximately 10:00 a.m., short minutes after tourists from three travel busses cleared the store, a fire broke out in the landmark cedar building and the store burnt to the ground. On the very same day, the man who built that marvelous edifice, died. It was a sad day for family, friends and the community at large. |
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As all looked on, marvel overcame fear as "Bud", the Nurseryland mascot, replicated in metal and attached to the building via metal frame, continued his stalwart vigilance as the store burned, defying odds, gravity and a host of other destructive elements. Everyone decided that if Bud refused to take the plunge, that all would end well. | He remained... firmly attached and beckoning visitors until the firemen necessarily removed him to continue working on the smoldering ashes. |
| The store burned for three days. Before the fire was out, Swan Lake erected great colourful tents in the yard, filled them full with produce, groceries, and even a small ice cream counter, and business carried on. | |
| The "office" was quickly set up in an old motel unit on the property and, with borrowed computers and printers, the task of rebuilding commenced. There was a great outpour of support; the family and employees still talk about the tragedy with a happy ending. |
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Presently
| Today, housed in the new building, Swan Lake continues to be a delightful shopping experience for the community of Vernon and surrounding area, and a surprising little find for visitors to the area. With keen interest in the wants of the customer, a deli department, floral shop and estate wine shop have joined the list of service-oriented departments. The tourist business continues to grow as more variety is added to the staple items which also give local shoppers something new to come and see. |
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