The 2023 – 2026 Council Strategic Plan serves as a roadmap for prioritizing actions, policies, programs, and partnerships throughout Council’s term. The clear strategies outlined in this plan have guided Council and Administration over the four-year period, providing direction for business planning and budgeting, and enabling both Council and City staff to monitor progress.
The Strategic Plan continues to guide the completion of key priorities and initiatives. Structurally, the Strategic Plan outlines five (5) strategic priorities, each supported by specific areas of focus, projects and initiatives, and a list of guiding documents.
Council has received regular updates on the Strategic Action Plan, with revised versions posted to the City’s website as they became available. These updates highlight progress achieved to date and help inform ongoing planning and priorities in the years ahead.
Strategic Plan Progress Reporting
Council's Strategic Plan provides direction for the City's priorities, projects and initiatives. Progress reporting provides updates on the work being undertaken to advance Council's strategic priorities throughout the 2023–2026 term.
Progress Reports 2023–2026 Council Strategic Plan – Midterm Reports
The Midterm Reports provide updates on progress made toward Council's strategic priorities and highlight key accomplishments and initiatives throughout the 2023–2026 Council term.
In addition to the major projects and initiatives identified in the Strategic Plan, Administration developed a corresponding Action Plan that outlines a more comprehensive list of projects and initiatives undertaken over the past few years. The Action Plan has remained a living document, evolving as projects progressed, were completed, and as Council directed Administration to introduce new initiatives aligned with established areas of focus.
Vision, Mission, Advocacy & Governing Values
The Council Strategic Plan sets out the Vision, Mission, Advocacy Statement and Governing Values for the City of Vernon and its Council.
Vision
We envision a prosperous and sustainable future for Vernon, where green spaces are preserved and protected, housing meets the needs of all, neighbourhoods are strong and vibrant, alternative transportation options are available, the downtown is revitalized, and age and youth friendly activities abound.
Based on Vernon's Official Community Plan
Mission Statement
To deliver effective and efficient local government services that benefit our citizens, our businesses, our environment and our future.
Adopted November 2015
Advocacy Statement
City Council will continue to partner and collaborate with other orders of government to influence policies that support our community, region, and strategic goals.
Governing Values
What guides City Council’s decision-making?
01 Integrity
Our words match our actions.
02 Sound Information
We make decisions based on data and smart growth principles.
03 Principles
We apply common principles to ensure fairness and to increase trust.
04 Fairness
Our decisions are unbiased and focused on equal opportunity.
05 Transparency
We make decisions in a way that builds trust and we are willing to explain our “why”.
Strategic Priorities and Areas of Focus
Areas of Focus
Housing
Continue to encourage housing diversity and development to create a resilient, equitable, and accessible community.
Community Safety
Focus on enhancing the safety of the community by continuing to support emergency services; emergency preparedness; and collaboratively addressing street entrenchment issues.
Proactive Planning
Engage citizens in updates to the Official Community Plan (OCP) to align with their expectations and vision, proportionate to the community.
Projects and Initiatives
- Implement VFRS Eight Year Strategic Plan 2018–2025 (2023–2025)
- Implement Gun and Gang Violence Prevention Strategy (2023–2026)
- Update Official Community Plan (2024–2025)
- Develop new VFRS and Emergency Management Strategic Plan (2024–2025)
- Implement Housing Action Plan (ongoing)
- Additional space for RCMP (ongoing)
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Areas of Focus
Vibrant Downtown
Support strategic initiatives to foster a safe, inviting, and vibrant city core.
Arts and Culture
Acknowledge local culture and history and nurture the arts.
Community Participation and Togetherness
Create meaningful opportunities for residents to participate in and with the community.
Economic Prosperity
Continue to work with organizations and businesses in the community to promote and generate business development and tourism.
Projects and Initiatives
- Historical and structural building assessment for O'Keefe Historical Ranch (2023–2024)
- Active participant in Greater Vernon Cultural Centre project (2023–2026)
- Implementation of Age and Dementia Friendly Community Plan (2023; ongoing)
- Captain Bailey Way development (2024)
- Development of Cultural District (2024–2025)
- Review Downtown parking (2024; ongoing)
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Areas of Focus
Recreation
Ensure the community has the sport, recreation, health, and well-being resources necessary to support residents and attract visitors.
Parks
Maximize the accessibility and usability of parks in the City.
Trails and Natural Areas
Promote and protect Vernon's natural assets through strategic acquisition and responsible stewardship.
Projects and Initiatives
- Lakeview Wading “Peanut” Pool revitalization (2023)
- Civic Memorial Park Phase 2 and 3 (2023–2024)
- Develop and construct Active Living Centre (2023–2026)
- Begin Kin Race Track Athletic Park development (2023; ongoing)
- Polson Park Master Plan (2024)
- Feasibility Study for Vernon Aquatic Centre (2024–2025)
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Areas of Focus
Asset Management
Proactively fund and maintain built and natural assets.
Climate Action
Take responsible steps to implement Vernon's Climate Action Plan.
Building Resilience and Wildfire Management
Protect the community and foster resilience in the face of natural and climate change-related risks.
Transportation
Review and update the Transportation Master Plan to keep residents and visitors moving in a responsible and sustainable way.
Projects and Initiatives
- Silver Star Rd multi-use path Phase 2 (2023)
- Update Building Asset Management Plan (2024)
- Develop new Transportation Master Plan (2024–2025)
- Polson Park Vernon Creek Naturalization Project Phase 1 and 2 (2024–2025)
- Develop Storm Water Control Bylaw (2025)
- Implement Climate Action Plan (ongoing)
- Implement flood mitigation recommendations (ongoing)
- Fuels management for City-owned lands (ongoing)
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Areas of Focus
Good Governance
Lead by example in strong and disciplined decision making.
Reconciliation
Take meaningful steps toward reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and look for opportunities to collaborate.
External Relationships
Work with community groups, neighbouring municipalities, and other orders of government to positively impact our region.
Recruitment and Retention
Ensure we are creating an environment where employees are supported and retained.
Sound Internal Processes
Focus on internal systems and processes that support effective and efficient service delivery.
Projects and Initiatives
- Participate in a regional Accessibility Committee (2023)
- Complete Council Code of Responsible Conduct (2023)
- Online purchase options for monthly parking passes (2024)
- Implement new Respectful Workplace and Anti-Discrimination Policy (2024)
- Redevelop City of Vernon website (2025–2026)
- Seek opportunities to collaborate with OKIB (ongoing)
- Implement Development Approval Process Review recommendations (ongoing)