Council recognizes departing Councillors
As Council gathered for its final regular meeting of the term, Mayor Victor Cumming took a moment to recognize two members of Council who will not be seeking re-election this fall. Councillor Brian Guy has served on Vernon City Council for the past four years, while Councillor Brian Quiring concludes 15 years of dedicated public service after first being elected in 2011. The City extends its sincere appreciation to Councillors Guy and Quiring for their service to Vernon and the contributions they have made during their time on Council.
Climate Action awarded at UBCM
The City of Vernon received two Climate & Energy Action Awards from the Community Energy Association at the 2026 Union of B.C. Municipalities conference. Climate Action Specialist Kevin McCarty was recognized with a Climate & Energy Champion Award for his leadership in advancing climate action and youth engagement, while the Climate Action Ripple Effect (CARE) Program received an award for empowering local students to lead community-based climate and sustainability projects.
Active Living Centre nears completion
Council received the September quarterly update for the Active Living Centre, which remains on track for substantial completion by October 30, 2026, and within budget. Construction is in its final stages, with recent milestones including pool filling and aquatic system testing, installation of the waterslide, spray features, flooring and gym equipment, landscaping, and building commissioning. Following completion, a six-week operational readiness period will support equipment installation, staff training, and facility testing before opening to the public. Community members are encouraged to visit vernon.ca/alc for ongoing information and updates, including membership pre-sales information, coming soon!
New tenants announced at the ALC
Two commercial tenants have been secured for the ALC. ODYNN Performance Therapy will provide health and wellness services and Ratio Coffee & Pastry will operate a satellite café in the community living room. Both are scheduled to take possession of their spaces on November 1 following substantial completion.
Climate action outreach grant
Council authorized Administration to apply for up to $100,000 through the Mental Health and Climate Change Community Action Grants program to support Vernon’s annual Community Climate Action Outreach Strategy. If successful, funding would support the continued delivery and expansion of initiatives including the Community Climate Resiliency Workshop Series and youth climate programming, building on a workshop series that has engaged more than 600 participants since 2005. No matching City funding is required.
43 Avenue Corridor nearing completion
Council received an update on the 43 Avenue Corridor Improvement Project. The new roundabout is open, with the contractor completing landscaping and commissioning the streetlights and pedestrian signal at 35 Street. The project remains on schedule for completion in mid-October, ahead of the opening of the Active Living Centre.
Free transit on Municipal Election Day
The City will offer free transit on Saturday, October 17 to help residents access voting locations for the 2026 Municipal Election. Fare-free service will be available on Vernon local Routes 1 through 9 within the municipal boundary, as well as handyDART. Regional District of North Okanagan Routes 60, 61 and 90 are not included. The voting locations on October 17 for Vernon electors are from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the following locations:
- Recreation Centre (Auditorium) 3310 37 Avenue, Vernon, BC
- Clarence Fulton Secondary School (Gymnasium) 2301 Fulton Road, Vernon, BC
- Vernon Secondary School (Gymnasium) 2100 15 Street, Vernon, BC
Priest Valley Arena condenser replacement
Council approved funding of $1.5-million for the replacement of the condenser at Priest Valley Arena. Funding will come from the Recreation Facility Major Maintenance Reserve ($425,911) and the 2027 Infrastructure Reserve funding envelope (approximately $1.07 million).
Emergency Support Services grant application
Council authorized Administration to apply for $30,000 through the Union of BC Municipalities Community Emergency Preparedness Fund to support Emergency Support Services equipment and training. If successful, the project would be fully funded through the grant with no City contribution required.
Development Cost Charge Bylaw update
Council gave first, second and third readings of the City’s new Development Cost Charge Bylaw 6099. The Bylaw requires approval of the Inspector of Municipalities prior to adoption. Development Cost Charges are fees collected from new development to help fund development-related infrastructure as the community grows.
Sewer fee update deferred
Council deferred consideration of bylaw amendments related to sewer utility fees and charges to November 2026.
Rezoning application – 9188 Tronson Road
Council gave first, second and third readings to a zoning amendment for 9188 Tronson Road to change the property from Multi-Unit Acreage Small Scale to Multi-Unit Small Scale.
Liquor licence application change for Kelly O’Bryan’s
Council supported an application from Kelly O’Bryan’s Neighborhood Restaurant for a patron participation entertainment endorsement to its existing food-primary liquor licence. The endorsement would allow activities such as bingo, trivia and karaoke within the existing licensed area, with no proposed changes to hours of service or occupancy.
Cemetery management software and fee updates
Council approved the purchase and implement of new cemetery management software for Pleasant Valley Cemetery. The new system will integrate with the City’s financial systems, improve records management and operational efficiency, support future cemetery expansion, and replace software that will no longer be supported after 2028. Council also approved first three readings of amendments related to cemetery management fees and charges bylaw.
Public hearing – liquor stores in the CMUN Zone
Council recessed its regular meeting for a public hearing regarding a proposed zoning text amendment that would permit liquor stores as a use within the CMUN – Commercial Mixed-Use: Neighbourhood Zone. Following the public hearing, Bylaw 6091 was scheduled to return to Council for consideration of third reading.