At its September 3, 2024 Committee of the Whole meeting, Vernon City Council participated in a Strategic Foresight Workshop as part of the ongoing development of new Official Community Plan (OCP) and Transportation Plan (TP).
The workshop provided Council with an opportunity to explore how drivers of change might affect Vernon’s future. Key focus areas included zoning, transit, housing, and infrastructure, with discussions on how factors such as electrification, Indigenous resilience, emerging technologies, and population growth might influence these areas.
“Workshops like these are critical in ensuring that we build a sustainable and thriving community,” said Mayor Victor Cumming. “By taking a deep dive into the expected external drivers of change that could dramatically shape our city's future, we can make better informed decisions that balance growth, housing, and economic challenges. It's about creating a roadmap that addresses the needs of today but also positions Vernon for a resilient and prosperous future.”
“We recognize that there will be challenges ahead—whether it's managing population growth, ensuring housing affordability, or navigating economic uncertainties. But through strategic planning and collaboration, we can meet these challenges head-on and make Vernon an even better place to live, work, and grow.”
Insights from this workshop, along with public feedback and ongoing technical studies, will guide the next steps in planning the OCP and TP. During Phase 2 of public engagement, which will take place later this fall, the public will have the opportunity to review and provide input on how we plan for growth in our community.
The development of the OCP and TP is on an accelerated timeline and must be completed by December 2025 to comply with provincial mandates.
The workshop video is available for viewing on the City’s website?. For more details on the Official Community Plan and Transportation Plan, please visit engagevernon.ca/oct-tp.
The workshop was facilitated by Future Focus.
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