Mayor & Councillors

Mayor Robert Sawatzky

I was born and raised in rural NE Saskatchewan. After graduation from medical school in Saskatoon, I trained in South Carolina and worked there and in New Brunswick before moving to Vernon in 1990. I worked in Family Practice here for 21 years before running for Mayor in 2011. My wife Betsy and I have 2 grown children, Colin and Lauren,  who are both away at university.
I’ve been active in various professional and community organizations over the years. I’ve served as president of the Dalhousie Medical Staff for 2 years, and been on multiple hospital committees, including Continuing Medical Education, and the Intensive Care Unit. I was also a clinical instructor for McGill Medical School for 5 years. I served 4 years on the New Brunswick Medical Society Finance committee. I also was a member of the Dalhousie Rotary Club, and president of the local Boy Scouts chapter. In Vernon I spent 8 years as a member of the Ribbons of Green Trails Society and 4 years as their president.
I  have always enjoyed most sports including softball, hockey, skiing, curling and cycling. In the past, I also had hobby farms in the Vernon area raising either buffalo, cattle or sheep. Age is telling me that jogging, cycling, curling and reading are now more appropriate.

Councillor Patrick Nicol

It is an honor to represent Vernon citizens. Equally it has been a team effort because the best ideas frequently are produced by the citizens I represent. My focus is always on those matters that provide great value for long periods into our future. The fact that I have funded all campaigns personally allows me to listen to both sides of vital neighborhood issues.

If you need help on any local matters please call me at 250-542-7716 at home or on my city cell phone at 250-550-6823. If you are new to Vernon and have questions, don’t hesitate to call.

These are challenging financial times, we are currently going through the Vernon City budget, GREATER Vernon Parks, Recreation and Culture budgets AND THE North Okanagan Regional District budget. I serve on those committees and welcome your input.

My background is in business, I had a very successful 42 year career with Rogers Communications, Canada’s leading radio broadcast company. My roles were as Vice President and General Manager from 1987 to 2010 and Program Director from 1977 to 1986 at Kiss fm Vernon.

My passion is serving the community in a number of roles including Honorary Chair of the Canadian Cancer Society, long time BC President for all volunteer Canada Day Celebrations and our city event.

The teams of volunteers I have worked with allowed me to be honored in many ways and I share these personal awards with my friends and colleagues.

Councillor Catherine Lord

• I was born in Holland, and emigrated with my family to Canada when I was 10. 
• Vernon resident since 1977.
• Married to Harry Lord - we have one child, Jody, who is married to Matt, and they have a son, Jacob.
• Deputy Treasurer - City of Vernon 17 years
• Director of Finance - District of Coldstream 4 years.
• General Manager - Historic O’Keefe Ranch - 3 years.
• Community Involvement 25 years, including Vernon Women’s Transition House, North Okanagan United Way, Boys & Girls Club, Ribbons of Green Trails Society and Community Foundation of the North Okanagan.

Goals for the next 3 years:

• Good fiscal management; a lean and efficient government.
• Better cooperation with NORD; a resolution to the parks debate.
• Water quality and supply - affordable water; work with provincial government towards this goal
• Road infrastructure - balance between vehicles, bicyclists & pedestrians.

Councillor Bob Spiers

• Elected Councillor November 2008
• Lived in Vernon since 1991
• Married 34 years - 3 Children
• Operated Vernonblog for over 10 years – http://vernonblog.blogspot.com/
  

Goals as a Councillor in 2012:

• An external value for money audit of the City’s operation, services delivery and sustainability
• Continued Review of the Reserves at City and RDNO
• A Development Cost Reserve (DCC) Review re: Project Costs at the City
• A Development Cost Update Review on Water and Parks DCC’s at RDNO
• A non-subsidized and sustainable O’Keefe Ranch
• Capital Works projects that address our infrastructure deficit rather than add to it

Councillor Mary-Jo O'Keefe

• Long-time resident of Vernon
• Married to David O'Keefe, Step-mom to three children and seven grandchildren
• Graduated from Vernon Secondary School
• Received Community Recreation Degree, Mount Royal College, Calgary
• Received MBA (Masters of Business Administration),Athabasca University, Alberta
• Over 20 years experience in the tourism industry with a background in destination management, publishing, sales
• Served 6 years with Community Futures, first as Executive Director, then as Community Technology Manager
• Supervises the ongoing development of virtualvernon.com
• Local Business Owner, MJO Communications Inc.
• Served on School Board, District 22; Trustee, (1993-2008); Board Chair, (2002-2005)
• Served as President (2008) & Director of Downtown Business Association (2007-2008)
• Appointed to BC College of Teachers, (2004-2008)