GET TO KNOW THE McKINLEY BEACH TEAM
If you’ve ever admired the pristine trails, well-kept courts, or beautifully maintained grounds of McKinley Beach, you have Nicki and Simon to thank! This dynamic duo works tirelessly behind the scenes to keep the outdoor amenities and green spaces in top shape.
Nicki has been with McKinley Beach for 10 years, starting with the trail network at Acacia Lane—a project that has now grown into 10 km of interconnected trails throughout the community. She loves seeing the progression of the neighborhood as it continues to develop and enjoys working closely with builders, trades, and homeowners to ensure a safe, clean, and vibrant community.
Simon Rainey, on the other hand, traded in a 30-year career in the manufacturing sector—including time with a loudspeaker company in England and a kitchen company in Kelowna—for a new adventure working outdoors. He’s found it to be a refreshing and rewarding change working outside. A beloved and familiar face in the community, Simon enjoys the natural beauty of McKinley Beach and takes pride in keeping the landscapes, trails, and amenities in top condition.
No two days are the same for Nicki and Simon! Their mornings often start with assessing the community’s needs, from landscaping and irrigation checks to handling work orders and unexpected surprises—like fallen trees or items left behind. They’re constantly on the move, ensuring that everything is well-manicured, safe, and enjoyable for residents.
Nicki and Simon are here for you. Their goal is to make McKinley Beach a beautiful, enjoyable place to live. They see themselves as part of the community, not just staff members, and they truly care about keeping it looking its best. While they juggle many responsibilities, they hear every request and will do their best to address community needs as they work through their schedules.
So, the next time you see Nicki or Simon, give them a wave or a quick thank-you—they’re working hard to make McKinley Beach the best it can be!
MCKINLEY BEACH COMMUNITY GARDEN LOTTERY – GET GROWING IN 2025!
Are you ready to grow your own fresh produce and flowers right here at McKinley Beach? The McKinley Beach Community Garden Lottery is now open for the 2025 season!
Garden plots are limited and available by lottery, with one plot per household. To secure a spot, residents must return their signed agreement to the Community Manager ([email protected]) by April 25, 2025—or forfeit their plot. The gardening season runs from April 1 to October 31, with plots being reassigned if not properly maintained.
For full guidelines and to apply, contact [email protected]. Happy gardening!
AMENITY FEATURE: THE MCKINLEY BEACH INDOOR POOL!
One of the most exciting features of the McKinley Beach amenities building is our beautiful indoor pool—a space designed for relaxation, recreation, and community connection. With its large windows letting in plenty of natural light, the 14′ x 32′ concave design makes for a unique swimming experience. The deepest part of the pool sits at 4’6″ in the center, while both ends are a comfortable 4′ deep, making it ideal for swimmers of all levels.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to bring swim lessons and aquafit classes to McKinley Beach, offering even more ways to make the most of this fantastic amenity. Stay tuned for updates as we roll out these programs in the coming months!
So, whether you’re looking to splash around with the family, get in some low-impact exercise, or simply unwind, the McKinley Beach indoor pool is here for you to enjoy.
SPOTLIGHT ON YOUR NEIGHBOURS
Hugh and Sherri traded the familiar pace of the Ottawa area (Manotick) for a new life on the sunny shores of Kelowna in the fall of 2018. With a shared love for skiing that had them flying west on annual trips, the couple long envisioned retiring in western Canada. Although they explored many ski towns, they ultimately craved the vibrancy of a larger city combined with a resort-style community—a balance McKinley Beach perfectly delivers.
McKinley Beach stood out to Hug & Sherri, she was charmed by the distinctive style of homes, the extensive trail network, and a wildlife corridor right outside their future door. For Hugh, the marina was irresistible—a perfect spot to relax. Within a day of their visit, they put in an offer on a lot and began their building process just a couple of months later.
This summer, Hugh is excited to launch a tennis club in the community. Drawing on years of membership in tennis clubs, he envisions creating a formalized way for residents of all skill levels to connect—whether through tennis, pickleball, or even basketball. His initiative is a natural extension of his passion for sports and community building, ensuring that neighbours have yet another opportunity to come together.
For Hugh and Sherri, it’s the sense of community that truly sets McKinley Beach apart. They appreciate how newcomers from diverse backgrounds quickly find friends, whether at community events like “Rock the Dock” or through everyday interactions on the trails, beach, and marina.
Their advice for new residents is simple: get out, meet your neighbours, and take full advantage of the amenities that make this community so unique. Whether it’s the annual block parties, memorable wildlife encounters—like front-row seats to bald eagles soaring past or owls in the trees—or just a relaxing day by the water, McKinley Beach is a place where every day feels like a getaway.
2025 AMENITIES BUDGET – COMING SOON
The 2025 McKinley Beach Amenities Budget is set to be released soon, outlining the planned spending, maintenance, and operational costs for the community’s shared spaces. This budget ensures that our landscaping and landscaping maintenance, trails, courts, marina, indoor pool, gym, and other amenities continue to be well-maintained and enhanced for everyone’s enjoyment.
We encourage residents to review the budget once it is published to gain a better understanding of how community funds are allocated. Stay tuned for updates.
MONTHLY COMMUNITY NEWS
Our focus is on establishing consistent and reliable communication. We will continue to roll out monthly community newsletters filled with updates on events, neighbourhood improvements, and all that’s happening around McKinley Beach. Our goal is to keep you connected, informed, and actively engaged in community life. Have questions about upcoming events, community guidelines, or available amenities? The McKinley Beach Residents Website is your ultimate resource. It’s the place to go for the latest updates, important announcements, and helpful resources designed to make your life here even better. Each month, you’ll find the latest community news, event details, and key reminders right at your fingertips.
Visit the website to explore all the available resources and stay updated with the latest news in the Community Chronicles.