Quarterly update from the RCMP
The Vernon North Okanagan RCMP detachment presented a quarterly update to Council, covering policing services, key priorities, and statistics from October to December 2025. The update also noted ongoing work in mental health response, school engagement, and community volunteer involvement in the community. Read the full report
Okanagan Regional Library update
The Okanagan Regional Library presented to Council, highlighting the library’s vital role in Vernon. The presentation emphasized how library services support workforce development, digital access, early learning, and overall wellbeing, while also providing significant value through shared regional resources and programming.
In 2025, the Vernon library loaned 340,000 books and welcomed 226,000 visitors, representing a four per cent increase in annual visits, demonstrating the library’s growing importance as a community hub for residents. Read the full report
City expands digital permitting to improve customer service
Council received an update on the City’s progress in modernizing planning and building processes through expanded digital permitting. Several applications, including business licenses, sign permits, property information requests, and road usage permits, are now available online.
The City will launch online Building Permit applications in March, enhancing transparency and speeding up processing for residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional projects. Later this year, Development Permits will also move online. Read the news release
2026 Infrastructure Open House – March 2
The City invites residents to its annual Infrastructure Open House on Monday, March 2, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Recreation Centre Auditorium. This is a great opportunity to learn about upcoming City infrastructure projects and see what’s planned for construction in 2026. Representatives from Greater Vernon Water, BC Hydro, the Polson Park Revitalization project, and the Active Living Centre project will be on hand to share information, answer questions, and highlight what’s coming in your community. Learn more at vernon.ca/infrastructure
Active Living Centre: quarterly update and accessibility features
Construction at the Active Living Centre is progressing, with major features taking shape as the project moves toward its fall 2026 opening. Recent work includes completed concrete pours, interior framing, tile installation in pools and change rooms, and skylight installation. Exterior glazing and metal siding are advancing, and pool systems, water connections, and storm sewer tie-ins are complete. Interior finishes and building systems continue.
The facility is designed with accessibility and inclusion in mind, targeting Rick Hansen Foundation Gold-level certification. When complete, the Active Living Centre will feature a 50-metre pool, 25-metre pool, leisure pool with slide and rapids, fitness centre, walking/running track, double gym, universal change rooms, and more. Read the full reports
Council endorses guiding principles for airport lease updates
Council received an update on the status of leases at the Vernon Regional Airport and endorsed guiding principles to support upcoming lease renewals, extensions, and new agreements. With many leases expired or nearing expiry, the City is modernizing its leasing framework to improve fairness, transparency, and long-term financial sustainability. Administration will now begin consulting with tenants before bringing forward updated lease agreements and rate structures for Council’s consideration. Read the full report
Council approves wildlife safety upgrades at Vernon Airport
Council has approved funding to enhance wildlife control at Vernon Airport after recent monitoring showed increased deer access, posing a safety risk. Upgrades include raising perimeter fencing in key areas and installing security cameras with automatic wildlife detection. The $80,000 improvements, funded from the Airport Reserve, will boost safety, support aviation regulations, and ongoing monitoring will track their effectiveness. Read the full report
2026–2030 Financial Plan Bylaw adopted
Council adopted City of Vernon 2026–2030 Financial Plan Bylaw 6065, 2026, which confirms the City’s Five-Year Financial Plan and Revenue Policy for 2026-2030, as required under the Community Charter. Read the full report