Active Living Centre construction update
Construction of the new Active Living Centre is progressing well and remains on schedule for opening in the fall of 2026.
Recent milestones include:
- Completion of concrete work for the 25m pool, leisure pool, and family hot tub
- Concrete slabs for the fitness area and running track completed
- Structural steel superstructure completed
- Roofing installed over the pool and gymnasium areas
- Utility connections to 43rd Avenue completed
- Interior build-out and mechanical rough-ins underway
In the coming months, crews will focus on fully enclosing the building, completing structural slabs, and continuing mechanical and interior work.
Follow project progress and watch the fly-through video at vernonalc.ca
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Council approves Community Event Partnership Grant Policy
Council has approved a new Community Event Partnership Grant Policy to support local organizations hosting events in City parks and recreation facilities. The grant will help offset facility-related fees for events that contribute to arts, culture, recreation, sport, or social services. Priority will be given to events that are open to all members of the public free of charge.
Applications will be accepted twice per year, with the first intake scheduled for April 2026. The grant will be funded at $75,000 annually, with a long-term goal of becoming self-sustaining through profits from City-initiated events.
More information about the program will be shared in early 2026 to promote the program and inform potential applicants.
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Free transit for youth — pilot program presented
Council received a report outlining the considerations of a proposed two or three-year pilot program to provide free transit for youth aged 13–18 on Vernon Regional Transit routes. The potential pilot, running from September 2026 to August 2029, would collect data on ridership, costs, and community impact using BC Transit’s electronic fare system.
The estimated cost is $220,000 over three years, representing potential foregone fare revenue. The program would require regional consultation and agreement with the District of Coldstream and RDNO before implementation. Council instructed staff to work with the City’s regional partners towards achieving this pilot program as part of the upcoming 2026 Fare Review and is subject to budget approval.
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City-wide wayfinding and signage branding update
Council has endorsed new, modern wayfinding and signage guidelines that will be visually accessible, easy to navigate and foster a greater sense of community for Vernon. It is anticipated that upcoming projects such as the new Active Living Centre and major transportation and park projects will roll out the new designs next year. Administration will report back on further implementation steps, costing and final designs for facility and trail signage.
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Polson Park Revitalization Plan
Council has approved the initiation of the Polson Park Revitalization Plan by supporting a Phase 1 launch. This first phase will include a comprehensive review of the park’s existing infrastructure, amenities, and conditions. This foundational work will support the development of a long-term vision for the park, including future upgrades, cost estimates, and phased improvements.
This phase of work includes engagement with the public and Indigenous partners to inform priorities and a feasibility study to evaluate the viability of an outdoor ice-skating facility. More information about future public engagement opportunities will be shared in early 2026.
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Official Community Plan – moving forward
Upon completion of a detailed review by Council of the Official Community Plan (OCP) over the summer including review by three Council committees, Council gave first and second reading to the new Official Community Plan (OCP) Bylaw 6200, 2025, and referred it to the Agricultural Land Commission, Regional District of North Okanagan, and Okanagan Indian Band for final review. The bylaw aligns with Council’s 2023–2026 Strategic Plan and supports updated provincial legislation requiring local governments to plan for 20-year housing needs.
The OCP sets a long-term vision for accommodating growth, enhancing housing diversity, advancing climate action, protecting natural areas, and expanding parks and public access to the waterfront. A Public Hearing is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on November 10, 2025, in Council Chambers. The public is invited to attend, or submit written feedback, prior to Council’s consideration of adoption, scheduled for December.
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Zoning amendment approved for 8734 Okanagan Landing Road
Council has approved Zoning Bylaw 6050, 2025, rezoning the property to a combination of Multi-Unit: Small Scale and Parks & Natural Spaces.
This change facilitates future subdivision for small-scale multi-unit housing while securing new public lake access and a safer road connection. The rezoning is subject to the registration of a geotechnical covenant to address rockfall hazards and modelling to confirm that the existing local water infrastructure meets Greater Vernon Water flow requirements. Additionally, the property owner must dedicate the lakefront portion of the land to the City by October 14, 2026, as stipulated in an existing covenant.
This project aligns with Vernon’s long-term vision for residential development in the area and supports housing diversity, efficient infrastructure use, and enhanced public access to the waterfront.
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2026 Permissive Tax Exemptions
The City of Vernon is proposing updates to the Permissive Tax Exemption Bylaw to support community organizations that strengthen Vernon’s social and community services. In total, 164 properties will benefit, including places of worship, social services, and recreational facilities. Ten new organizations have been approved, adding $71,600 in exemptions, alongside adjustments to existing exemptions to better align with current policies.
Council will consider the bylaw at the next Council meeting on October 27, 2025.
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OCP and zoning amendments approved for 6545 Okanagan Landing Road
Council has adopted both Bylaw 6023 and Bylaw 6024 concerning 6545 Okanagan Landing Road. Bylaw 6023 amends the Official Community Plan to redesignate the property from Residential Low Density to Residential High Density, while Bylaw 6024 rezones the land from Agricultural & Rural Small Block (Non-ALR) to Medium Scale Housing. These approvals followed the fulfillment of key conditions, including a housing agreement to ensure affordability, dedication of land for a future pathway along Vernon Creek, relocation of the building to the west side of the property, and inclusion of a noise disclosure clause in rental agreements due to the site's proximity to the airport.
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