Council update from UBCM
City of Vernon Council shared an update on their participation at the 2025 Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Convention. Council members engaged in productive meetings with provincial and federal ministers, as well as municipal colleagues, to advance key community priorities and exchange ideas. Discussions centered on strategic advocacy efforts related to housing, infrastructure, emergency preparedness, and sustainable growth.
The Lands Task Force presented a proposal to release provincial and federal properties to local governments and is working with the City’s Innovation and Partnership team. Locally, staff have met with five developer groups about the 69-acre Hesperia Lands and developers value the City’s innovative and hands-on approach.
Council approved the following motions to maintain momentum:
- A letter will be sent to the Ministry of Transportation and Transit regarding exploring expanded transit options within the downtown core.
- Administration will attend a drone demonstration at Knox Mountain in January and will discuss potential economic opportunities in Vernon.
- A letter will also be sent to the Minister of Health and the Minister of Public Safety, requesting increased provincial support relating to the disorder downtown panel discussion. The correspondence will include statistics from the City’s Protective Services Department and Clean Team to highlight impacts specific to Vernon.
Tourism Vernon awarded for business excellence
Tourism Vernon received the Chamber Champion Award at the 41st Annual Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards earlier this month. This award recognizes businesses that demonstrate outstanding commitment to supporting the local community and its ongoing efforts to promote and enhance Greater Vernon as a vibrant destination.
Active Living Centre Launch and Operating Plan
Council approved the Launch and Operating Plan for the new Active Living Centre (ALC), which is scheduled to open in Fall 2026. The plan includes a phased staffing and service approach, a transition strategy from the Vernon Recreation Centre, and a future review of recreation fees to support affordability and long-term sustainability.
To reduce the financial impact on residents, Council authorized the allocation of $4.9 million from City reserves to offset initial operating costs and minimize tax increases during the ALC’s first three years.
Transitioning to the new facility
As the ALC becomes operational, the Vernon Recreation Centre will be strategically scaled down, allowing the City to focus resources where they provide the greatest community benefit. City staff will be working on this transition plan in the coming months and more information will be shared as details are confirmed.
Reports of a three-month pool closure are not accurate. While the exact timing of the transition is still being finalized, the City is committed to minimizing disruptions for all users and will provide user groups and the broader community with ample notice well in advance of any changes.
Recreation fee review
Based on feedback from the community, event organizers and work the City has done with the Vernon Chamber of Commerce, Administration will bring back a review of recreation fees for Council’s consideration in early 2026. The fee review will focus on simplifying membership options, improving affordability, and aligning rates with industry benchmarks.
For more information, visit vernonalc.ca or read the full report.
Clean Team pilot program update
Council received an update on the Clean Team’s first year of operations. As part of a two-year pilot program, the two-person team works from June through September to improve the overall cleanliness and appearance of the downtown area. The team responded to approximately 100 service requests in addition to proactive work to clean sidewalks, boulevards and address litter, graffiti, hazardous materials and vandalism.
The Clean Team’s consistent presence led to noticeable improvements in downtown cleanliness, with overwhelmingly positive feedback from residents, local businesses, and the Downtown Vernon Association, highlighting strong support for continuing the program.
Annexation policy updates
Council rescinded the City’s Annexation Policy as part of an ongoing review of development processes. The policy, originally adopted in 2009, limited application processing to once per year. Moving forward, annexation applications will be reviewed and processed as they are received—aligning with other development application procedures and supporting more timely consideration of housing-related proposals.
Temporary outdoor event space at The Rise Golf Course
Council supported a temporary use area endorsement application from The Rise Golf Course at 8800 Rising View Way, allowing outdoor liquor service for events up to 26 times per year. The proposed event space is located south of The Edge Restaurant and Bar, with a capacity of 450 people. The area is surrounded by a golf course, resort, and park lands with no nearby residences.
Application to change of liquor service hours — Vernon Curling Rink
Council supported the Vernon Curling and Athletic Club’s application to adjust liquor service hours at the Vernon Curling Rink (3400 39 Avenue). The change includes starting service one hour earlier on weekends and extending service one hour later on Sundays. Public notification was completed with no objections received, and no negative impacts are expected.
Q3 Financial Report
Council received the third-quarter financial report outlining budget performance and expenditures.