Canadian Mental Health Association Provides Update on Foundry North Okanagan
Council received a presentation from the Canadian Mental Health Association Vernon & District with an update on the progress of Foundry North Okanagan — a new integrated wellness centre that will provide mental health, primary care, peer support, and social services for youth aged 12–24. The presentation outlined how the centre will improve timely, coordinated support for young people and their families and highlighted opportunities for community involvement. Foundry North Okanagan is currently at 49 per cent of its fundraising goal and is actively seeking donations. The project is expected to break ground in spring 2026.
Work has begun on the 43 Avenue Corridor Improvement Project
Council received an update on the 43 Avenue Corridor Improvement Project (Project 2026-01), which began construction in the first week of March 2026. Traffic has been reduced to two lanes after the Kal Tire Place signals to support construction activities, and local detours are in place for affected residents. The project is scheduled for completion in summer 2026, aligning with the planned opening of the Active Living Centre.
Update on Priority Drainage Improvements
Council received an update on Priority Drainage Improvements — Smith Creek (Project 2025-02), noting that the new directionally drilled storm main between Kokanee Road and Smith Road has been successfully installed, with paving and surface restoration scheduled for completion in spring 2026.
Protective Services 2025 Year in Review
Council received the Protective Services 2025 Year End Report, highlighting continued improvements in community safety through proactive enforcement, expanded volunteer support, and strong collaboration with partner agencies. In 2025, the Community Safety Unit grew to 46 volunteers contributing over 5,000 hours, public programming reached 1,500+ residents, and increased daily presence of Bylaw Compliance Officers downtown supported a 14.7% reduction in calls for service. Increased monitoring in parks also improved cleanliness and contributed to more positive activity in public spaces.
Boundary Extension Application for Silver Star Road
Council received a boundary extension request initiated by the property owner/developer for 5217 Silver Star Road to enable a proposed 152-unit multifamily development. Council supported moving the request forward for public consultation, an Alternative Approval Process, and referral to the Province, with all costs to be covered by the applicant.
O’Keefe Ranch & Interior Heritage Society Grants
Council approved a three-year capital works grant request from the O’Keefe Ranch & Interior Heritage Society to support upgrades to the historic O’Keefe House. Funding will be provided through the Grant in Aid budget, consistent with the City’s 2026–2030 Financial Plan.
Pride Flag to fly on Community Flagpole this June
Council approved the Vernon Pride Society’s request to fly the Vernon Pride flag on the Community Flagpole from June 1 to June 30, 2026, in recognition of Pride Month and Vernon Pride Week.
City Advances Updated Airport Fee Structure for 2026
Council gave three readings to the Fees and Charges (Airport Services) Amendment Bylaw 6064, 2026, updating airport fees to support cost recovery and align with market rates. Changes include increases to short term parking, winter operations fees, aircraft tiedown rates, and the Commonage Repeater Site fee, along with minor category adjustments to simplify the fee structure.
Readings Rescinded for 6092 Okanagan Landing Road Bylaws
Council rescinded first, second, and third readings of Bylaw 6014, 2024 and Bylaw 6015, 2024 related to 6092 Okanagan Landing Road, which had proposed an Official Community Plan amendment redesignating the property from Public & Institutional to Residential Medium Density and a zoning amendment from Community to Multi Unit Medium Scale.