Few people have left a bigger mark on Okanagan folklore than Eddy Haymour. Depending on who you ask, he was either a visionary entrepreneur, a stubborn dreamer, or one of British Columbia's most controversial characters. Whatever your opinion, his story is unforgettable.
Born in Lebanon and later settling in Canada, Eddy Haymour purchased Rattlesnake Island in Okanagan Lake in the early 1970s. His ambitious dream was to transform the island into a Middle Eastern-themed tourist attraction complete with a giant camel, miniature pyramids, restaurants, rides, and other attractions that would celebrate his heritage and attract visitors from across the province.
What followed was a years-long battle with government officials, regulators, and local opposition. Haymour believed he was being treated unfairly and fought relentlessly to keep his dream alive. The dispute eventually escalated into court proceedings, and years later a judge ruled that government actions against him had been highly improper, awarding him damages.
The most dramatic chapter of his life came in 1976 when, frustrated and desperate, Haymour became involved in a hostage-taking incident at the Canadian Embassy in Beirut. The event made international headlines and forever cemented his reputation as one of the country's most unusual and polarizing figures.
Despite setbacks, Eddy Haymour never gave up on his vision. He later built the distinctive Peachland Castle overlooking Okanagan Lake, another reminder of his larger-than-life personality and determination.
Haymour passed away in November 2026 at the age of 96. He leaves behind a legacy filled with ambition, controversy, resilience, and a story that continues to fascinate people throughout the Okanagan and beyond. The remains of his island project can still be found on Rattlesnake Island, standing as a monument to a dream that was never fully realized but never forgotten.
Sometimes history is made not by those who succeed, but by those who refuse to stop dreaming. Eddy Haymour was undoubtedly one of those people.
