Dustin Griffin
2026 Election Candidate
Environmental
A core principle of Vernon's Official Community Plan is to prevent sprawl and limit growth to within the urban containment boundary.
a) Under what conditions do you think Council should make an exception to this core principle?
b) Please give local examples of existing 'good' and 'not good' building development in Vernon, and explain why.
a) In order to consider breaching the urban containment boundary (UCB) the proposal must be a true exception. The OCP outlines on what grounds consideration should be given to an exception to the UCB including meeting housing needs, conservation or restoration of environmentally sensitive areas, and improved infrastructure etc. For me, any proposal outside the UCB must not just check the box. It would have to be an exceptionally substantive benefit to even make it to public hearing. Then the public will tell council if the proposal is worth it.
b) The Hamlets in Downtown Vernon is a good example of development. A large residential building with mixed use. More multi-story buildings in our urban centers should be the priority. Another multi-use building with residential is going in on Anderson Way. I was skeptical of the development occurring in the north end of Vernon, but when you look at the nearby amenities such as grocery stores, it makes a lot of sense to introduce residents. As for ‘not good’ development, I’m concerned about further expansion in our hillside areas. The drought has increased the risk for interface fire and fire preparedness will be critical for these areas.
Vernon has a Climate Action Plan (CAP) that aims to reduce GHG emissions in transportation, buildings and waste, and prepare for climate impacts like wildfires, heat domes, floods, severe weather events.
a) What aspects of this plan are most important and urgent and how will you ensure implementation?
b) The CAP will undergo a review process in 2027. What would you like to see in a revised CAP?
a) The most important aspects of the Plan are the land use vision for future development and the need to ensure our community can adapt in the face of the changing climate. Multiple climate change and greenhouse reduction goals can be pursued through densification with easy access to services. A better reduction in our per person GHG emissions with smarter buildings and closer proximity to work. It also takes pressure off our sensitive ecosystems. With the climate already changing, we need to prioritize improvements and adaptations to our infrastructure and have systems in place to respond to climate emergencies. Council is responsible for setting the expectations of City staff and driving the change that the city needs. My role is to vote to advance bylaws and policies that further these goals and to push back against proposals that take us away from our OCP and CAP.
b) Our recent experience in the North Okanagan demands a renewed focus on adaptation. A revised CAP needs to zero in on real action for improving the resilience of the City of Vernon such as water and sewer modernization, reclaimed water for agriculture and other non-potable uses, and fire resistance.
Do you support the use of public funds to contribute to acquiring natural lands for environmental conservation purposes? Under what conditions would the perceived need for more housing, businesses, roads and other infrastructure prompt you to trade away natural lands with high ecological value for urban expansion?
Yes, acquiring natural lands for conservation is an appropriate use for public funds. But I would not consider it a priority for the City. For me, this means being open to assisting on high value acquisitions or once in a lifetime opportunity to acquire unique land parcels. It would not be the City’s role to actively seek out properties to acquire on its own initiative given the pressing needs on the public purse, particularly now, during this affordability crisis.
There really should not be any need to trade off away natural lands with high ecological value for urban expansion if we keep to our urban containment boundaries. But if we are going to consider such a trade, then the benefits must be substantial and not achievable by other means or with different development locations in the City.
Our water reservoirs are at critically low levels. No longer can we count on having the water resources we enjoyed even a few years ago. Drought, contamination, increasing demand are just some of the water issues. What actions would you prioritise to protect our creeks, lakes, aquifers, and groundwater for home and agricultural water sources, habitat for fish and wildlife, and human recreation?
There are two things I would pursue and support. First, riparian and other areas that contain or are adjacent to our lakes and rivers must be protected. Whether it is new development, maintaining existing riparian zones, or restoration of natural waterways (like Polson Park) the City has a role standing as steward over these areas. This is something we can take the lead on ourselves.
The second requires us to work with our regional partners through the provision of water by Greater Vernon Water and the Regional District. It more important than ever that each jurisdiction come together as a water availability is a pan-community problem. I would rely upon the great level of expertise available to us through the various professionals and experts in this area to advise on the necessary steps to safeguard our water system. A personal area of interest is the improvement and development of our reclaimed water systems. Agricultural users got hit hard this year and if agriculture is going to be a viable part of our Greater Vernon community, we need to improve access to water to which the reclaimed system should have a greater role to play.
Social
What personal and/or professional experience has most shaped your understanding of Truth and Reconciliation, and how would it influence your decisions as a municipal elected official?
As a practicing lawyer, Truth and Reconciliation has been a priority for the BC Law Society and as such new education requirements came out for all lawyers which helped me better understand how our society has begun working towards meaningful truth and reconciliation. Through the Law Society I was able to partake in a full education program which helped me deepen my understanding of the significant challenges involved in creating lasting change. Not everyone has the opportunity for such an education.
What I have come away with is an appreciation that we must meet people where they are. It is not for anyone to assume what experiences any one of us has had and there are many residents of Vernon who have had traumatic experiences or have suffered intergenerational trauma, often as a result of actions of elected officials in the past. In making decisions I would strive to be open to other ways of doing things and engage with people in ways they are comfortable so everyone’s voice can come through.
What is one action the municipality should take to strengthen our local food system and improve access to healthy, affordable food? Why that action?
Vernon should pursue a permanent public market. More consistent and reliable access to local food will help residents access local food products and help our local food system find economic success. Food affordability is outside the scope of what a municipality can tackle, but it certainly can help facilitate a local food and agriculture scene where residents support each other in growing and consuming healthy whole foods that come with a low carbon footprint.
A public market would have knock on effects for the benefit of our community including tourism, vibrant public spaces, and it could also inspire more residents to take up small scale agriculture like personal or community gardens.
What is one specific change you would make to better support local non-profits, and do you have personal experience (e.g. volunteer, board member, staff, and/or passion for a specific issue) that informs that action? Please include one brief example.
Non-profits need more variety and more affordable options for venues. Whether it is regular meetings, conferences, or community wide events, not-for-profits struggle to find venues within their means. There are very few non-commercial spaces in the Vernon area and the City can turn an eye to including such spaces when developing city amenities.
I have been a part of organizing large regional and national conferences in Vernon through Junior Chamber International and we had to get really creative to do anything outside of a hotel conference center. Cost is always a challenge, but variety in venue options is a big limitation on what we can do locally.
There would be further benefit to the community if we focus on better community venues. Residents of Vernon can use these spaces as well for family reunions, weddings, and other events.
Should the municipality continue to secure and provide land for affordable housing projects? Why or why not? If yes, how would you handle any neighbourhood concerns brought forward to Council?
While I would hope that affordable and attainable housing projects would be something attractive to private developers and therefore would not need the municipality to secure and provide land, I recognize that in some cases we’re working against market forces. The OCP goes to great lengths to identify where types of housing are appropriate in the City and should remain our guide. If there is an opportunity that comes up that will provide significant community benefit that would otherwise not occur if not for the City’s intervention, then securing the land should be considered by council.
As far as individual proposals, it would be my expectation that any proposed project, if it adheres to the principles stated in the OCP, would find acceptance in the neighbourhood. If not, then something was missed along the way and Council will have to take the concerns of that neighbourhood back and have them addressed wherever possible.
Cultural
Vernon does not have a dedicated public art policy to guide how public art is selected, funded, maintained, or removed, while regional cultural direction sits with the RDNO through the Greater Vernon Cultural Plan. Do you support developing a public art policy for Vernon, and how would you coordinate the City's role with the Plan?
I would support a public art policy for Vernon, however, this would not be an immediate priority for me as a councillor. The affordability crisis, the ongoing drought and water restrictions, and smart growth and development are all larger challenges that need to be the focus of council for the time being.
With more than 75 arts and culture groups active in the region, how would you work to remove barriers and strengthen City partnerships so that public spaces and facilities are accessible and equipped for community programming and gatherings?
A vibrant community needs venues to come together and celebrate the arts and culture of the area. As councillor I would support the increase of a diverse inventory of venue options in the City so groups can find a space that works in a cost-effective manner for a program or event of any size. Further, the city needs to maintain the existing public spaces so they are safe and useable for all groups.
Arts and culture help shape who we are as a community. As Vernon continues to grow, how do you see our identity changing, and what kinds of arts and culture initiatives would you support to strengthen that future?
It is my hope that as Vernon grows, it does so in a manner that creates a greater vibrancy and diversity of arts and culture offerings in the City. To that future, I would support the development of more venues and places for residents to gather and enjoy the great number of artists and performers that live and work in the Vernon area. Our parks, public spaces, and venues need to be welcoming and accessible while, at the same time, a focus on densification will allow a greater number of people to partake in the cultural life of our community.
Artists make up as much as 12% of the North Okanagan population and the sector generates over $126 million in direct economic activity and $46 million in GDP, how will you strengthen the role arts and culture play in our local economy, tourism, and community wellbeing?
Arts and culture is an economic driver like any other industry in our community. It deserves the same consideration by the City as other important economic drivers. Artists need space to work, an ability to connect with the market for arts and culture, and controlled costs so they have certainty for the future.
I see the role for arts and culture increasing with a City council focused on the development of densified housing options and a vibrant downtown which will attract the audience our artists and performers need to thrive.
Economic
The business tax base is critical to the provision of services at the municipal level. How would you support business retention and expansion in the City of Vernon?
Businesses will thrive in a City that can provide an environment that lets them focus on their product or service and not on just keeping the doors open. I would push for the development of diverse and attainable housing options so businesses can recruit and attract the talent they need. I would also support the City’s efforts to ensure the infrastructure can support growing industries including connectivity with the world.
There are also financial issues that can be addressed to support businesses in Vernon. I would pursue a greater level of control over tax increases in the City so business can have more predictable costs expectations. Costs of development both in time and money need to be managed at the City level so as to limit the barriers to growth of business in Vernon. Anything about barriers to getting proposals through or is that less a business concern and more a building concern?
Finding employees has consistently been identified as a top challenge by Vernon businesses in the City of Vernon Business Walks surveys. How should the City support businesses in meeting their workforce needs?
The City can support businesses in meeting their workforce needs by improving Vernon’s affordability and liveability. Attainable housing options, focused development, multimodal transportation options, and strong recreational amenities will make Vernon a more attractive place to attract the workforce we need. This is all supported by the Official Community Plan. The bottom line: the more liveable and attractive we make our city, the easier it will be for businesses to find the talent they need to grow and innovate.
What role does the City have with supporting growth-oriented sectors like manufacturing and agricultural processing?
The City’s role is facilitating the environment needed for such industries to establish and grow without running into conflict with non-compatible land uses. Manufacturing and agricultural processing needs space and so first the City needs to identify and maintain the appropriate land zoned for these uses. Second, the City needs to ensure the adjacent land use and developments will not put negative pressure on these industries. For example, manufacturing and agricultural processing can involve noise or odd smells which would make high density housing an incompatible neighbouring use. I saw this when I worked for the Ministry of Agriculture – conflict between established agriculture and new housing developments was a real problem for famers who were just trying to keep to best practices for their crops and livestock.
Considering the recent water and fire crisis, how should the City assist businesses to become more resilient to future risk?
Each resident and each business has a stake in the resilience of our City. The most straightforward action the City can take to assist our businesses is providing access to the knowledge and advice in how they can take individual actions to improve their operations to be more resilient to things like fire risk and water restrictions.
Naturally, with sufficient resources, it would be best if the City could offer financial incentives to help mitigate the cost of the actions businesses may have to take to ready their operations for the future. Actions to safeguard land from fire or invest in new systems to reduce water use have financial impacts on businesses. The City alone does not have the necessary resources, so we must advocate to the senior levels of government to fill the gap.
Additionally, if the city works towards managing fire risk and water shortages within the infrastructure of the municipality then these effects will trickle down to be protective of both businesses and residents alike.
Health
As Mayor / Councilor, how would you work to attract and retain medical professionals in Vernon?
I am no expert in the field of health care, and even less so in how to attract medical professionals, but I am acutely aware we need more medical professionals locally. Finding a family doctor is still impossible for many of our residents.
Thankfully there are organizations and skilled professionals tasked with this very assignment and as Councillor I would simply ask them for what they need and do my very best to give them what they ask for.
Otherwise, all the things we talk about in how to attract a skilled workforce to Vernon apply to medical professionals. Doctors and Nurses and other medical professionals thinking of making a move want what everyone would want: They want good schools for their families, vibrant public spaces, beautiful parks and trails, available space for practicing their business, and a dynamic arts and culture scene. The things I want for Vernon residents today is what will help us attract medical professionals in the future.
If elected, what specific actions would you take within the authority of your municipal office to improve access to in-person mental health supports and services in our community, and how would you work with other levels of government to strengthen support for those services?
There is precious little that the authority of the municipal office can offer for assisting people with access to in-person mental health supports. We can lower barriers to building new facilities and offices and help people find easier ways to get to those in-person services through effective and affordable transportation options.
The best action we can take as municipal officials is be loud and persistent in the ears of senior levels of provincial and federal governments and make sure they cannot turn away from the needs of our community. We can use our platform as Mayor and Council to bring attention to the true reality of what residents are facing in our City and demand action. It may feel like a futile effort at times, but that is no reason to back down.
How will you ensure that our planning of our built environment, our programs and our policies are accessible, and support the physical and mental health needs of our population?
The City has already invested a great deal of time and effort into this question and for me, I can best serve the physical and mental health needs of our residents by holding to the overall vision of the Official Community Plan. Equitable access to public services, review of our civic assets for accessibility issues, and policy reviews are all apart of this plan and should be applied rigorously by council as matters come forward.
What would you do to support the physical and mental health of members of our community against the effects of climate change, especially those who are most vulnerable?
It’s a difficult question to answer as the City’s tools to help are limited. What we can do are already a part of the Climate Action Plan and Official Community Plan. Robust Fire Smart preparations, drought resilience projects, and improved emergency preparedness and communications will all help support the physical and mental health of residents particular in times of crisis.
Helping the most vulnerable among us does demand more effort on the part of the City. I will want to ensure all those climate resilience efforts are applied equitably over the City regardless of neighbourhood. I would also want to see as a part of our emergency planning, various responses to time of heightened stress that may not raise to the level of a community wide emergency. For example, during critical cold, hot, or smoky periods, where vulnerable residents may be more at risk, that the City has a response planned for providing opportunities to stay safe until conditions improve.
