Vernon public meetings in 2024
30 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Public Hearing
The City of Vernon is holding a public hearing to discuss two zoning and official community plan amendments. The meeting includes proposals for a new affordable housing development and changes to development permit exemptions for multi-unit housing.
- Bylaw 6023 and 6024: Proposed redesignation and rezoning of 6545 Okanagan Landing Road for a 96-unit affordable rental building
- Bylaw 6013: Proposed amendment to Development Permit exemptions for multi-unit small-scale housing and Riparian Assessment Areas
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole is discussing updates to the Official Community Plan and Transportation Plan, including a recommended growth scenario. The body is also reviewing a quarterly report for the Active Living Centre and discussing water rates.
- Recommended Growth Scenario report including estimated housing caps by neighbourhood
- Official Community Plan and Transportation Plan Joint Review project management and engagement updates
- Active Living Centre Quarterly Report – December 2024
- Transportation Plan Update including Active Transportation and Transit Gap Analysis
- Discussion on water rates and the Greater Vernon Trails and Natural Spaces 5 year Draft Capital Plan
Regular Council Meeting
The Vernon City Council will adopt the agenda and receive several informational reports, including an interim housing needs report and a memorandum on outstanding highway projects. Council will appoint members to the Climate Action Advisory Committee for 2025‑2026 and approve amendments to the Council Discretionary Grants Policy. A large batch of discretionary grant applications will be approved or denied, with amounts ranging from $2,000 to $14,627.75. The council will also adopt two fee‑related bylaws and consider a zoning amendment for 1600 15th Street that changes the land use from agricultural to multi‑unit and park purposes.
- Zoning Amendment Application ZON00408 to rezone 1600 15th Street from AGRS to MUA and PANS with development conditions
- Appointment of nine members to the Climate Action Advisory Committee for the term Jan 1 2025 – Dec 31 2026
- Council Discretionary Grants decisions – approvals (e.g., $3,000 to Allan Brooks Nature Centre, $10,000 to Archway Society) and denials (e.g., $40,000 to Army Navy and Air Force Veterans Association)
- Amendment to Council Discretionary Grants Policy approved by council
- Adoption of Bylaw 6027 (Recreation and Parks Services Fee amendment) and Bylaw 6028 (Cemetery Fees amendment) for 2025‑2027
Special Meeting
The council will receive for information the memorandum titled “Proposed 2025‑2029 Financial Plan Updates” and related budget documents. It will review and receive the divisional budgets for RCMP, Fire Rescue Services, Operations Services, Planning & Community Services, and other departments. The meeting also includes endorsement of Year 1 (2025) of the Rolling 5‑Year Infrastructure Program.
- Receive memorandum “Proposed 2025‑2029 Financial Plan Updates” (Nov 29 2024) and related budget attachments
- Receive RCMP budget and memo on added support positions (Nov 21 2024)
- Receive Fire Rescue Services budget as presented
- Receive Planning & Community Services budget as presented
- Endorse Year 1 (2025) of the Rolling 5‑Year Infrastructure Program – 2025‑2029
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will adopt the agenda and adopt the minutes from the November 12, 2024 meeting. It will receive for information a memorandum titled “Official Community Plan in Relation to Zoning” dated November 14, 2024, submitted by the Acting Manager, Long Range Planning and Sustainability. No other business is listed.
- Adopt agenda for the November 25, 2024 Committee of the Whole meeting
- Adopt minutes from the Committee of the Whole meeting held November 12, 2024
- Receive for information the memorandum “Official Community Plan in Relation to Zoning” (dated November 14, 2024)
Regular Council Meeting
The Vernon City Council will consider several bylaw amendments, including changes to recreation and parks fees and cemetery fees. It will also vote on funding $176,905 from unexpended balances for community resilience grants and authorize $40,000 grant applications for emergency equipment and training. Additional items include a demolition project for a single‑family dwelling at 3902 29th Street and various administrative updates.
- Approve Recreation & Parks Services Fees & Charges Bylaw amendments for 2025 (Lakers Disc Golf and Civic Memorial Building)
- Approve Cemetery Fees & Charges Bylaw amendments: 3% annual increase and reduced fee for concurrent cremated and in‑ground interments
- Allocate $176,905 from prior‑year unexpended balance to fund 2020‑2021 Community Resilience Investment Program grants
- Authorize $40,000 grant applications for Emergency Operations Centres and Emergency Support Services equipment and training under the UBCM Community Emergency Preparedness Fund
- Direct demolition of the single‑family dwelling at 3902 29th Street, funded up to $50,000 from the Civic Building Reserve
Regular Council Meeting
Council will vote to support Official Community Plan Application OCP00105 to redesignate 6545 Okanagan Landing Road from Residential Low Density to Residential High Density, and Zoning Application ZON00424 to rezone the same lot from Agricultural to Medium Scale Housing. The support is conditional on an affordable‑housing agreement with Okanagan Village Housing Society and a land dedication for a future pathway along Vernon Creek. A public hearing on both bylaws is scheduled for Monday, December 9, 2024 at 5:30 pm. The meeting also includes approvals for an ICBC grant increase, a BC Hydro electric‑vehicle charging station licence, and a new Chief Administrative Officer appointment.
- Support OCP00105 redesignation of 6545 Okanagan Landing Road to Residential High Density
- Support ZON00424 rezoning of 6545 Okanagan Landing Road to Medium Scale Housing
- Approve amendment to OCP Bylaw 5470 for development‑permit exemptions for multi‑unit housing and riparian areas
- Authorize Licence of Occupation Agreement with BC Hydro for 9 EV charging stations at 3800 33rd Street (no cost, 10‑year term)
- Approve $17,200 increase to the Transit and Active Transportation Improvements Capital Project from the ICBC Road Improvement Program Grant
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will adopt the agenda and the minutes from the October 28 meeting. Council will receive the Organizational Asset Management Plan and direct administration to propose a 10‑year, 0.96 % cumulative Infrastructure Levy for the 2028 Financial Plan, and will endorse Year 1 of the 2025‑2029 Rolling Infrastructure Program. Council will also endorse early budget approval for four projects—Pleasant Valley Road at 39 Avenue Roundabout ($4,830,000), Phoenix Drive – Silver Star Road Roundabout ($1,900,000), Rock Slope Stabilization ($520,000), and Forcemain Replacement at Cummins Lift Station to Okanagan Landing Road ($1,200,000).
- Adopt minutes from the Committee of the Whole meeting held October 28, 2024
- Receive Organizational Asset Management Plan and direct a 10‑year 0.96 % Infrastructure Levy for the 2028 Financial Plan
- Endorse Year 1 (2025) of the Rolling 5‑Year Infrastructure Program (2025‑2029)
- Approve early budget for four infrastructure projects totaling $8,450,000
- Mayor will speak on the Kin Beach Pumphouse item
Public Hearing
The City of Vernon will hold a public hearing to consider Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw 6014 and Zoning Amendment Bylaw 6015 for 6092 Okanagan Landing Road. The amendments would redesignate the property and rezone it to permit an apartment building. The hearing will include a bylaw overview, confirmation of publication, and an opportunity for public comment.
- Bylaw 6014 – Official Community Plan amendment to redesignate 6092 Okanagan Landing Road for an apartment building
- Bylaw 6015 – Zoning amendment to rezone 6092 Okanagan Landing Road for an apartment building
- Public hearing presentation of applicant letter, concept site plan, OCP map, and ZON map
- Mayor’s land acknowledgement and call for public representation
- Confirmation of how the hearing was advertised
Regular Council Meeting
The City of Vernon Council is reviewing several funding requests, including a grant application for active transportation infrastructure and a community climate outreach strategy. The body is also deciding on a liquor license for a new brew pub and annual funding for an RCMP youth program.
- Proposed $5,877,000 budget for the Kalamalka Lake Road Capital Project
- Proposed $720,000 for the 2025 Climate Action Community Outreach Strategy
- Liquor primary licence application for BNA brew pub at 1714 Kalamalka Lake Road
- Proposed $8,000 annual funding (3-year term) for the Jean Minguy Memorial RCMP Youth Academy
- Amendments to the Procurement Policy text
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole is reviewing a growth strategy for the City of Vernon over the next 20 years. Council is considering the launch of a Phase 2 community survey and an open house to gather resident input. The body is also reviewing policies regarding council committee appointments.
- Phase 2 Engagement Survey running from October 28, 2024, to November 14, 2024
- Proposed open house on November 7, 2024, regarding the growth strategy
- Approval of the Council Liaison External Committees Policy
- Rescinding of Appointments to Non-City Committees Policy (2001), Council Rep Votes on Committees Policy (1999), and Commissions/Boards - Information Policy (2000)
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will adopt the agenda and the minutes from the September 23, 2024 meeting. Council will receive for information the Vernon Fire Rescue Services and Emergency Management 2025‑2032 Strategic Plan and a study on repurposing the Vernon Aquatic Centre. The council will also hear updates from the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) convention. No formal motions or votes are listed for these items.
- Adopt agenda for the October 7, 2024 Committee of the Whole meeting
- Adopt minutes of the September 23, 2024 Committee of the Whole meeting
- Receive Vernon Fire Rescue Services and Emergency Management 2025‑2032 Strategic Plan (information)
- Receive Vernon Aquatic Centre Repurposing Study (information)
- Receive Council updates from the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Convention (information)
Regular Council Meeting
The council considered a range of items, including a memorial stone for the Vernon Girls Trumpet Band, approval to fly the 4‑H Canada Flag on the community pole, and adoption of several bylaws. It gave in‑principle support to the Official Community Plan redesignation of 6545 Okanagan Landing Road to Residential High Density and to rezoning that site to Medium Scale Housing, subject to affordable‑housing and land‑dedication conditions. These decisions were part of the regular October 7, 2024 council meeting.
- Support in principle for OCP redesignation of 6545 Okanagan Landing Road to Residential High Density
- Support in principle for rezoning of 6545 Okanagan Landing Road to Medium Scale Housing
- Adoption of Bylaw 6009 authorizing drive‑through services and minor fuel stations on existing lots
- Approval to fly the 4‑H Canada Flag on the community flag pole on November 6, 2024
- Council support for a Vernon Girls Trumpet Band memorial stone in Civic Memorial Park and inclusion of its maintenance costs in the Parks budget
Public Hearing
The City of Vernon will hold a public hearing on Bylaw 6005, a zoning amendment to permit drive‑through services and minor fuel stations on lot 24027 at 1501 Highway 6, excluding parcels H14665 and KAP58251. Administration will present an overview of the amendment and confirm how the meeting was publicized. The mayor will invite public comments from anyone affected before the council votes.
- Bylaw 6005 – amendment to authorize drive‑through services and minor fuel stations at 1501 Hwy 6 (LT 1, SEC 26, TWP 9, ODYD, PL 24027, except PLs H14665 and KAP58251)
- Confirmation of publication of the public hearing as required by legislation
- Administration overview of the amendment with attached reports and maps
- Public representation period for affected residents or stakeholders
- Adjournment of the public hearing
Public Hearing
The Vernon City Council will hold a public hearing on September 23, 2024 to discuss Amendment Bylaw 6009, which proposes changes to the zoning text for drive‑through services and minor fuel stations. Administration will present an overview of the amendment and the Corporate Officer will confirm how the meeting was publicized. The mayor will invite members of the public who are affected to speak before the council considers the bylaw.
- Consideration of Zoning Text (Drive-through Services and Minor Fuel Stations) Amendment Bylaw 6009, 2024
- Public representation from individuals affected by the proposed amendment
- Corporate Officer to confirm publication of the bylaw as required by legislation
- Administration to provide overview of the amendment (attachments: 240724_RPT_Overlay_Drive Through_Minor Fuel.pdf; 6009 - Overlay Drive_Thru_Minor Fuel_Station Zoning.pdf)
Regular Council Meeting
The council approved the use of a $200,000 FireSmart grant for community resilience projects and denied an $85,000 funding request for the historic O'Keefe Ranch. It also approved a $613,000 budget increase for the 43rd Street Vernon Creek Crossing and a $5,000,000 grant application for Phase 2 of the Polson Park Vernon Creek Naturalization. Additional items included a timeline change for the 34th Street sidewalk design and construction and support for a temporary bus stop pad at that location.
- Authorize expenditure of $200,000 FireSmart Community Funding grant
- Change timeline for 34th Street sidewalk design (2025) and construction (2026) with temporary bus stop pad
- Deny $85,000 additional funding request for historic O'Keefe Ranch
- Approve $613,000 budget amendment for 43rd Street Vernon Creek Crossing project
- Authorize up to $5,000,000 grant application for Polson Park Vernon Creek Naturalization Phase 2
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole is reviewing the direction of First Medical Response services. Council is considering a proposal to limit these responses to purple and red calls where life-saving intervention is required.
- Proposal to limit First Medical Response to purple and red calls
- Review of Fire Prevention Development Guidelines & Fire Safety Planning memorandum
- Cultural Centre Financing Update
Regular Council Meeting
The City of Vernon Council is meeting to decide on several bylaws, including a road closure for the Vernon Block and fee amendments. The body is also reviewing a zoning application for a fuel station and drive-through, and considering a $185,000 tractor replacement.
- Bylaw 5999: Road Closure and Consolidation of the Vernon Block
- Bylaw 6005: Zoning amendment for Minor Fuel Station and Drive-through Services at 1501 Highway 6
- Expenditure of up to $185,000 for Parks tractor Unit #514 replacement
- Bylaw 6011: 2025 amendments to Recreation and Parks Services fees and charges
- Application for Roster Sports Club at 2319 53rd Avenue to change liquor service opening time to 9:00 am
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will adopt the agenda and the minutes from the August 12, 2024 meeting. Council will receive a memorandum titled "Official Community Plan and Transportation Plan Update" dated August 20, 2024 for information. Council will also receive a presentation from consultants Rebecca Black and Kathy Porter of Future Focus on the Official Community Plan workshop.
- Adopt agenda for September 3, 2024 Committee of the Whole meeting
- Adopt minutes from the August 12, 2024 Committee of the Whole meeting
- Receive memorandum "Official Community Plan and Transportation Plan Update" (dated August 20, 2024)
- Receive Official Community Plan workshop presentation by Rebecca Black and Kathy Porter (Future Focus)
- General Matters item covering the OCP and Transportation Plan update
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will adopt the agenda and the minutes from the July 15, 2024 meeting. It will also receive the Active Living Centre Quarterly Report dated August 12, 2024 for information purposes. No other decisions or actions are listed on the agenda.
- Adopt agenda for the August 12, 2024 Committee of the Whole meeting
- Adopt minutes from the July 15, 2024 Committee of the Whole meeting
- Receive Active Living Centre Quarterly Report – August 2024 (information item)
Regular Council Meeting
The City of Vernon Council will consider closing Snowberry Road and the Vernon Block, approve fee adjustments for planning and recreation services, and authorize the purchase of a property at 3902 29th Street for future housing.
- Adoption of Bylaw 6001 to close Snowberry Road
- Adoption of Bylaw 5999 to close the Vernon Block
- Approval of Bylaw 6006 to amend planning application fees
- Approval of Bylaw 6011 to amend recreation and parks fees
- Authorization to purchase 3902 29th Street for $430,000
Special Meeting
The City of Vernon Council is meeting to review engagement results and recommended values for the Official Community Plan (OCP) and Transportation Plan. The body will discuss goals regarding housing, sustainable growth, and multimodal transportation networks.
- Presentation from Jessica Delaney of Engage Delaney on OCP and Transportation Plan Engagement Phase 1 Results
- Proposed OCP values including housing diversity, agricultural land preservation, and environmental stewardship
- Proposed Transportation Plan values focusing on health, safety, climate-ready infrastructure, and accessibility
- Update on the Official Community Plan and Transportation Plan Fall Workshop
Special Meeting
The Vernon City Council will adopt the meeting agenda as presented. It will pass a resolution to close the meeting to the public under Section 90(1) of the Community Charter for labour‑relations reasons. The council will then reconvene before formally closing the meeting.
- Adopt agenda as presented
- Resolution to close meeting to public under Section 90(1) for labour relations
- Reconvocation of the meeting
- Close of the meeting
Regular Council Meeting
The City of Vernon Council is meeting to discuss fee adjustments for recreation services and various infrastructure and strategic grants. The body is also reviewing road closures and the appointment of a new Approving Officer.
- Proposed 5% increase for 2025 Parks and Recreation fees
- Awarding of Sustainability Grants to 11 applicants totaling $20,161
- Authorization of up to $66,000 for property insurance appraisal of City-owned buildings
- Approval of up to $50,000 for a new multi-year Economic Development Strategy
- Closure of 687 m2 laneway and consolidation of the Vernon Block with costs up to $10,000
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole will adopt the meeting agenda and the minutes from the June 10, 2024 meeting. It will then receive two memoranda for information: a Tourism Vernon brand‑refresh background (dated July 4, 2024) and a draft Vernon Fire Rescue Services and Emergency Management Strategic Plan for 2025‑2032 (dated July 5, 2024). No formal decisions or votes on these items are indicated.
- Adopt agenda for July 15, 2024 Committee of the Whole meeting
- Adopt minutes of the June 10, 2024 Committee of the Whole meeting
- Receive Tourism Vernon's Brand Refresh Background memorandum (July 4, 2024) for information
- Receive Draft Vernon Fire Rescue Services and Emergency Management Strategic Plan 2025‑2032 memorandum (July 5, 2024) for information
Regular Council Meeting
The Vernon City Council is reviewing several community development and land use applications. This includes a funding request for the Rural Community Immigration Pilot and an Official Community Plan amendment for 6092 Okanagan Landing Road. The agenda also features updates on the toxic drug supply and the adoption of new zoning and stormwater bylaws.
- $240,000 total funding request for Rural Community Immigration Pilot ($80,000 annually)
- OCP amendment for 6092 Okanagan Landing Road to Residential Medium Density
- $13,000 discretionary grant to WL Seaton Secondary "Sonics" Football
- Adoption of Bylaw 6000 (City of Vernon Zoning Bylaw)
- Liquor service hour change request for The Rise Golf Course
Public Hearing
The City of Vernon is conducting a public hearing regarding "City of Vernon Zoning Bylaw No. 6000, 2024". This bylaw is intended to manage land use within the city's corporate boundaries. The Mayor will invite representation from members of the public who believe they are affected by the proposed bylaw.
- Public hearing for City of Vernon Zoning Bylaw No. 6000, 2024
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole is reviewing a report regarding the implementation of parks and recreation fees. The proposal includes setting specific subsidy rates and introducing a 2% facility fee starting in 2026.
- Proposed 35% recreation subsidy rate and 81.3% parks subsidy rate
- Five-year phased approach for fee increases exceeding 50%
- Introduction of a 2% facility fee on admission and rental fees in 2026
- Biennial review of parks and recreation fees
Regular Council Meeting
The Council will review new stormwater drainage bylaws and updates on infrastructure costs. They are also considering a resolution to support free transit for youth up to age 18. Additionally, several community discretionary grants will be approved or denied.
- $220,015 for temporary RCMP support positions
- First, second, and third readings of Stormwater Drainage Bylaws 5995, 5996, and 5997
- Endorsement of Canada Day activities in Polson Park
- Resolution to support free transit for youth aged 13–18
- Rezoning for 3916, 3918, and 3920 32nd Avenue
Special Meeting
Council is reviewing the city's current financial situation and 2025 budget survey results. They directed administration to prepare a 2025 budget that stays within a 5.54% tax revenue increase. This includes a 3.5% taxation increase for Active Living Centre debt servicing.
- Direction for 2025 budget target within a 5.54% tax revenue increase
- 3.5% taxation increase for Active Living Centre debt servicing and borrowing strategy
- Review of 2025 Budget Survey Results
- Review of the City's current financial situation
- Mid-term report on the 2023-2026 Council Strategic Plan