Highlights of the June 23 Council Meeting

Parks and open spaces policy updates
Council received a presentation outlining the proposed policy direction for new parks in Vernon, as part of the new Official Community Plan and the ongoing review of the Development Cost Charge Bylaw. An important component of this work is establishing a clear and measurable approach to parkland planning. Based on Council’s feedback, staff will refine the proposed policies and return with an updated report for Council’s consideration this fall.

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Traffic studies presented
Staff presented an update on the Transportation Plan, summarizing findings from two key studies: the City-wide Traffic Modelling Study and the Highway Crossings Study. The traffic study assessed 40 intersections under current and future horizons (5, 10 and 20 years), identifying 21 for improvements including new or upgraded signals, roundabouts, and other safety enhancements. The crossings study reviewed 15 sites along Highways 97 and 6, highlighting safety issues and gaps in connectivity, with proposed partnership opportunities with the Ministry of Transportation and Transit. Findings will be integrated into the updated Transportation Plan and shared with the public on engagevernon.ca for further input.

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2024 Annual Report – public feedback
People who attended the public input session shared their thoughts on the 2024 Annual Report. Council accepted the report as it was presented. Staff will review all feedback and update Council at the next meeting.

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Greater Vernon Museum and Archives update
The Greater Vernon Museum and Archives provided an update on current projects and future plans. The presentation included details about relocating the archives to the new Greater Vernon Cultural Centre once it is built, as well as the review process for the over 23,000 artifacts in the collection.

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Primary liquor licence application – Commons Racquet Club
Council supported the application by Wesbild Golf Holdings Ltd. for a liquor primary licence at the Commons Racquet Club, located at 30 Predator Ridge Drive South. If approved the licence would allow alcohol service for up to 30 people, indoors and outdoors, from 9 a.m. to midnight daily. The application will be referred to the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch for final approval.

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Active Living Centre borrowing
Council approved borrowing $45 million for the Active Living Centre project. This is the second of three planned loan draws for the new facility. The loan will be borrowed through the Regional District of North Okanagan from the Municipal Finance Authority and paid back over 30 years. This borrowing is part of the City’s approved financial plan and Loan Authorization Bylaw 5908, 2022.

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Impact on construction costs
Council received a report showing road, curb and sidewalk construction costs fell 3.1% from 2024 to 2025 but since 2014, construction costs for road infrastructure increased by 118% compared to 2025, significantly.

Council will consider a 10-year 0.96% cumulative Infrastructure Levy during the 2026 budget process to address these rising costs and further infrastructure projects.

The City will continue to monitor costs and use strategies like early tendering, combining projects, and partnering with other municipalities to boost competition and reduce cost pressures.

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Downtown parking changes during Cultural Centre construction
Council received an update on downtown parking during construction of the Greater Vernon Cultural Centre. Construction, led by the Regional District of North Okanagan, is expected to begin later this summer. As part of the project, the 31st Avenue parking lot will be reduced from 162 stalls to approximately 50, which will remain available for hourly and daily use. More information will be shared with the public ahead of construction to ensure residents are informed in advance.

There are many other parking options to choose from as the downtown offers 978 on-street spaces and 556 surface lot spaces, with 444 surface lot stalls available during construction. To learn more about parking options, visit vernon.ca/parking. 

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