City earns Canadian award for financial reporting
Mayor Cumming recognized the Director of Financial Services, on behalf of the Finance Division, for receiving the Canadian Award for Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024. Council congratulated the team for their commitment to excellence in financial reporting and transparency.
Next steps set for 580 Commonage Road OCP amendment
Council gave first reading to the 580 Commonage Road Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw 6067, 2026. Before considering second reading, Council directed that a comprehensive lifecycle cost analysis — prepared by a qualified asset management professional and aligned with Council approved terms of reference — be submitted.
Community input sought for Polson Park’s next chapter
Public engagement for the Polson Park Revitalization Plan will begin March 30, with an online survey at letstalkvernon.ca/polson and an Open House on April 9 at the Vernon Museum. Feedback will help shape the park’s long-term vision.
Construction for remaining works of Phase 2 of the Vernon Creek Naturalization Project will resume in late March, including topsoil placement, pathway preparation, site cleanup, and wildlife protection plantings, ahead of paving work in April.
Exploring a year‑round downtown Clean Team
Council received an update on the potential expansion of the Downtown Clean Team program. At the March 9, 2026 Regular Meeting, Council directed staff to prepare a report outlining the costs of extending the program year-round. Staff are completing this analysis, and a full report will be presented at the April 13 Regular Meeting.
Strong progress toward provincial housing targets
Council received the six-month Housing Target Progress Report for the period of September 1, 2025 to February 28, 2026. The report shows the City achieved 258 net new housing units, reaching 93 per cent of its first-year provincial housing target within the first six months. Progress was primarily supported by three major multi-family developments that reached occupancy during this period, and continued development permit approvals indicate the City is on track for year one.
Council supports FireSmart grant application
Council authorized Administration to apply for up to $200,000 through the 2026 UBCM Community Resiliency Investment FireSmart Community Funding & Supports – Closed Intake program. If successful, the grant will support FireSmart staffing, community education, training, and wildfire risk reduction activities. Council also approved Administration to execute the agreement and amend the 2026–2030 Financial Plan as needed.
Strong financial performance reported for 2025
Council received the City’s 2025 Financial Report to December 31, 2025, which outlines divisional revenues and expenses and confirms an overall annual surplus of $3,064,523. The report highlights stable building and development activity, steady investment performance amid shifting interest rates, and operating results that largely aligned with budget expectations. The surplus — driven primarily by RCMP contract savings, wage slippage, and lower operating costs due to mild weather — will be allocated to the City’s Prior Year Unexpended Uncommitted Balance Reserve, with a significant portion previously committed to future funding for the Active Living Centre.
Capital projects progressing into 2026
Council received the memorandum outlining 2025 to 2026 carryforwards for capital infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects. The report details year end project status and identifies the budget amounts required to continue in progress work into 2026. In 2025, the City invested $25.3 million in capital infrastructure, with $13.65 million requested as carryforward, and spent $5.56 million on non-infrastructure projects, with $5.52 million carried forward. Several major projects were completed or substantially completed during the year, including the Polson Park Vernon Creek Naturalization, roundabout upgrades, trail connections, and sewer system renewal projects.
Reserve levels and budget amendments set for 2026
Council received an update on the City’s projected 2026 reserve balances and emerging financial considerations. Administration outlined planned reserve activity, including major capital investments that will reduce total reserves to a projected $42.9 million by year end. Council approved several 2026 budget amendments, including funding two additional RCMP members through the RCMP Contingency Reserve, replenishing the Emergency Mitigation and Preparedness Reserve with $91,614, and providing a $25,000 grant to Foundry North Okanagan to compensate for their ineligible permissive property tax exemption application during the construction phase. These adjustments will be incorporated into the 2026–2030 Financial Plan.
Community Flagpole to feature Vernon Comic Con flag
Council approved a request from Vernon Comic Con to fly its event flag on the Community Flagpole from April 2 to May 4, 2026, in accordance with the City’s Corporate Flag Policy. The flag will recognize the upcoming Comic Con event on May 2, with removal occurring on May 4 due to the weekend schedule.
New sewer connection fees outlined for Klinger Road residents
Council received the Okanagan Landing Sewer Area No. 6 Connection Charge Bylaw, which establishes the municipal fees for Klinger Road residents who wish to connect to the new sewer main. With project costs now finalized, Council gave the bylaw first, second, and third readings. The bylaw includes an annual interest rate of 3.99 per cent, consistent with Municipal Finance Authority rates, and offers a 10-year payment option for property owners in the first year following adoption.
Advocacy for provincial funding for Pride Societies
Council received a Notice of Motion from Councillor Fehr proposing that the City write to the Province of British Columbia advocating for stable funding and supports for Pride organizations. The motion responds to correspondence from the Vernon Pride Society and highlights the role these organizations play in fostering safe, inclusive, and welcoming communities. The proposed letter would encourage the province to develop or expand funding programs for core operations, event safety, rural and small community support, and community partnership initiatives, developed in consultation with Pride organizations and local governments across B.C.