Automated Gate Installations in Vernon BC: Which automated gate is best for you?
- Wyatt Olsen
- May 28
- 8 min read
What do you want to know about automated gates for your residential or commercial property in the Okanagan?
Wyatt from Blue Rhino Fence gets a dozen or so inquiries per week about automated gate installations in Vernon and the surrounding areas, but the most commons questions he gets are: 1) How would an automated gate benefit me? and
2) What type of automated gate would be best for my property and my needs?
Today, we're going to answer those questions and many more in this comprehensive guide to choosing the best type of automated gate for your property, be it residential or commercial.
To begin with—and to answer that first question—an automated gate is one of those upgrades that feels fancy—maybe even unnecessary—until you have one! Then, suddenly, you wonder why you ever questioned installing an automated gate in the first place.
Kind of like heated seats. Or an automated garage door opener. Not to mention not having to get out of your truck in sideways rain or sleet just to open a gate.
Whether you want better security for a business yard, easier and faster access to your property, or a cleaner entrance for a strata, farm, acreage, or commercial property, automated gates can make your fence system more functional, secure, and convenient.
Blue Rhino Fence installs three types of automated gates in Vernon and throughout the surrounding Okanagan and Shuswap regions. If you're looking at automated gate options (for a residential, commercial, industrial, or strata property) here is what you need to know before choosing the right setup.
Automated Gate Options Installed by Blue Rhino Fence
We install three main types of automated gate systems:
1. Automated Single Swing Gates
An automated single swing gate opener is used when one gate panel swings open and closed. This is the most common type of swing gate in residential settings. Single swing automated gates are commonly used for residential driveways, smaller private entrances, acreages, and lower-traffic access points.
What are Electric Single Swing Gates Best Used For?
Residential driveways
Acreages (going between fields, accessing from the rear of the property, etc.)
Private entrances in larger or shared properties
Lower-use gates (such as with chain link compounds that hold equipment that isn't used often)
Wood, vinyl, chain link, ornamental metal, or corrugated metal-style fences
A single swing gate opener is often the simplest automated gate option when the gate opening is not overly wide and there is enough room for the gate to swing inward or outward safely.
2. Automated Double Swing Gates
An automated double swing gate opener is used when two gate panels meet in the middle and both swing open. This option is popular because it gives an entrance a balanced, polished look while also allowing for wider openings for larger vehicles and equipment to pass through.
Electric double swing gates are commonly used for residential properties, estate-style entrances, strata properties, farms, and some commercial sites.
What are Electric Double Swing Gates Best Used For?
Wider residential driveways
Acreages and rural properties
Strata entrances
Commercial entrances with moderate traffic
Properties where a sliding gate is not practical
Electric double swing gates can also be paired with extra security features, such as a keypad or mag lock, depending on the property’s needs. A mag lock is basically a giant magnet that helps hold the gate shut. Think of it like giving your gate a very stubborn handshake.
For commercial buildings or properties where break-ins are a concern, the mag lock add-on is a solid extra security feature on both single and double swing gates.
3. Automated Sliding Gates
An automated sliding gate opener is used for gates that move horizontally along the fence line instead of swinging open.
It's important to note that Blue Rhino Fence and gate installations, automated sliding gate openers are only used with metal fence systems (chain link, ornamental metal, and corrugated metal) and must be installed on a cantilever gate.
A cantilever gate does not roll directly along the ground. Instead, it is supported by rollers, so it looks like it's "hovering" and moves across the opening like it's floating.
Automated electric sliding cantilever gates are a popular option for many commercial and industrial properties, especially where security and durability matter.
What are Automated Sliding Gates Best Used For?
Commercial properties that need large openings with large gates
Industrial yards that need extra security
Chain link security fences
Corrugated metal fences
Ornamental metal fences
High-security access points, such as in prisons, government spaces, etc.
Properties where a swing gate would take up too much space or cannot be used at all.
Sliding electric gates are not typically used with wood or vinyl fence systems. They are best suited for metal fencing, especially chain link, ornamental metal, or corrugated metal fence systems designed with the proper gate structure.
Residential vs. Commercial Automated Gates
Choosing the right automated gate system depends on how the gate will be used. A quiet residential driveway has very different needs than a busy commercial yard with trucks, staff, deliveries, and security concerns.
Best Automated Gates for Residential Properties
For most residential properties, single swing and double swing gate openers are the most common options.
They work well for:
Driveways
Acreages
Private homes
Rural properties
Lower-use entrances
A solar-powered gate opener may be an option for some residential properties, but only when the gate does not get used heavily.
Helpful Tip: Be careful with solar-powered automated gate openers in Winter
Solar gate openers can sound appealing, especially if trenching power to the gate is difficult, but in Vernon BC and the North Okanagan, winter can be a bit rude.
Short days, grey skies, snow coverage, and cold temperatures can all affect how well solar batteries hold a charge. Solar may work for a lightly used residential gate in the warmer months, but it is generally not the best choice for frequent use or commercial sites or during the winter months.
In other words, solar is great when conditions are right. But asking a small solar setup to power a busy gate through an Okanagan winter can be like asking a Chihuahua to carry a 60-lb backpack up a mountain.
Best Automated Gates for Commercial and Industrial Properties
For commercial and industrial properties, hardwired systems are usually the better choice.
Commercial properties often need:
More reliable daily operation
Better security
Heavier-duty gate systems
Keypad access
Remote access
App-based control
Mag lock options
Stronger gate materials
Sliding cantilever gates are often a great fit for chain link commercial and industrial fencing because they are strong, practical, and efficient for secure access points.
Double swing gates can also work well for some commercial properties, especially when paired with a mag lock for added security.
What Type of Automated Gate Works With Each Fence Type?
Not every gate opener works with every fence. The fence material, gate structure, opening width, slope, clearance, and usage all matter.
Here is a general guide to automated gate options for the types of fences Blue Rhino Fence installs.
Chain Link Fencing works well with:
Single swing gate openers
Double swing gate openers
Sliding cantilever gate openers
Chain link is one of the most practical choices for commercial, industrial, and security gates. As we've mentioned a "few" times already, a chain link cantilever sliding gate is especially useful for business yards, storage compounds, strata properties, utility areas, and other secured spaces.
Ornamental Metal Fencing works well with:
Single swing gate openers
Double swing gate openers
Sliding cantilever gate openers (when designed as a compatible metal gate system)
Ornamental metal is a strong option when you want security without making the property look like a prison yard. It is sturdy, clean-looking, and works well for both residential and commercial entrances.
Corrugated Metal Fencing works well with:
Single swing gate openers
Double swing gate openers
Sliding cantilever gate openers (when built with the proper metal gate frame)
Corrugated metal fencing is a popular option for privacy and durability. For automated gates, the build out of the gate frame and supporting structure are especially important so the automated gate opener can function optimally over time.
Wood Fencing works best with:
Single swing gate openers
Double swing gate openers
Wood gates can be beautiful, but they need to be built properly for automation. Weight, sagging, post strength, gate framing, and long-term movement all need to be addressed and planned for. Adding an electric gate opener to a poorly supported wood gate is likely going to cost you time, money, and frustration in a short period of time.
Vinyl Fencing can work with:
Single swing gate openers
Double swing gate openers
Like wood gates, vinyl gates need proper support and structure before automation is considered. The gate system must be strong enough to handle the movement and force of an opener. A site assessment by Blue Rhino Fence is the best way to determine whether an automated gate is a good fit.
How is Automated Gate Power Set Up?
Most automated gate openers installed by Blue Rhino Fence are hardwired to the home or business building. This typically involves trenching underground to run power to the gate location.
Blue Rhino Fence handles the gate installations, including the trenching and programming for the automated gate system, but the electrical wiring must be completed by a ticketed electrician.
This keeps the installation safe, code-compliant, and properly set up for long-term use.
What About Remote, App, Keypad, and Security Add-On Options for Automated Gate Systems?
Automated gates come with a variety of options for opening.
Additional automated gate options may include:
Wireless Remote
A simple remote lets you open and close the gate from your vehicle.
App Access
App access allows you to operate the gate from your smartphone, depending on the selected opener system and setup.
Keypad Entry
A keypad can be added so approved users can enter a code to open the gate. This is helpful for homes, employees, tenants, service providers, delivery access, and commercial sites.
Mag Lock
A mag is especially useful for commercial buildings, industrial yards, and properties where security is a major concern. To open the gate, an access control device (like a keypad, fob scanner, or exit button) temporarily cuts the power to the magnet and allows the gate to open.
Automated Gate Base Pricing from Blue Rhino Fence
Every automated gate installation is different. Pricing can vary depending on gate size, opener type, power access, trenching requirements, add-ons, site conditions, and whether an electrician is needed to complete wiring.
Blue Rhino Fence provides full, detailed quotes for automated gates as part of our site assessment and quoting process, but we have outlined the most common costs of automated gate systems in our blog about the cost of building a fence in the Okanagan.
Alternatively, you can get in touch with us and we'll be happy to get you a quote for an electric gate with all the trimmings!
Helpful Tips Before Installing an Automated Gate
Lastly, before choosing an automated gate system, consider the following automated gate FAQs:
How often will your automated gate be used?
A lightly used residential gate has different needs than a business gate opening dozens of times per day.
Should you use hardwired power or solar power for your electric gate?
Hardwired power is usually the best choice for frequent use, commercial properties, and winter reliability.
Is your gate structure strong enough for automation?
Automation only works well when the gate itself is properly built, supported, and aligned. Make sure the framing for the gate is set up properly or call a professional automated gate installer like Blue Rhino Fence to install it all for you.
Who needs access to your automated gate?
Think about who needs to use the gate. Homeowners, staff, tenants, deliveries, emergency access, and service providers may all need different access options.
Do you need a site assessment before installing an automatic electric gate?
Yes, we believe you do! Gate width, slope, drainage, post placement, available power, snow buildup, and vehicle access all matter. A proper assessment helps prevent headaches later.
Automated Gate Installations in Vernon BC and Surrounding Areas
Blue Rhino Fence installs automated gates in Vernon BC and throughout the surrounding Okanagan and Shuswap regions.
Our gate installation service areas include:
North Okanagan
Vernon
Coldstream
Armstrong
Enderby
Lumby
Lake Country
Falkland
Central Okanagan
Kelowna
West Kelowna
Surrounding Central Okanagan communities
Shuswap
Salmon Arm
Sicamous
Surrounding Shuswap-area communities
Whether you need a residential driveway gate, a commercial security gate, or an industrial sliding cantilever gate, we can help you choose the right automated gate options for your property.
Contact us today to get started!
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