The Rise Sells 40 Home Sites in 90 Minutes in Upper Okanagan

June 15, 2005, Vernon –The Rise (www.TheRise.ca), a $1-billion master planned resort community located 3.5 km away from the city centre of Vernon, B.C. announced today that it sold 43 out of 52 home sites and sold 40 sites in 90 minutes at its first selection date on Saturday June 11th.

Leona Snider, President and CEO, Okanagan Hills Development Corporation says, "Vernon is the real star here. Selling 40 home sites in ninety minutes is a testament to the area’s appeal. As people discover the natural beauty of the Upper Okanagan, it is easy for them to imagine living here."

"Demand for The Rise has been high and Saturday’s event proved our early success is just the tipping point of many more successes at The Rise," says Warren Baxter, Playground Regional Director, Pacific Northwest, "People recognize that this is a true ground floor opportunity in a growing market."

Playground Real Estate Inc. has been contracted by Okanagan Hills Development Corporation to manage the sales and marketing efforts for The Rise.

The Rise is a planned $1 billion development with 1210 development units consisting of 660 resort residential homes, hotels and villas offering 550 resort commercial units, a winery, and the Fred Couples Signature Golf Course. The project has an estimated eight-year build out.

The Rise will start taking reservations for its second release in July. Those who are not registered may do so at www.TheRise.ca. Those who register receive notification of the reservation policy and additional release dates.The Rise also launched an interactive map that provides details of the first release, panoramic photo images, and a full map of the master planned resort development. This can be viewed at: http://www.therise.ca/masterplan.php