Teresa Durning
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- When there is a demonstrated need and all land that can accommodate needed housing for rising population is exhausted
B- A project that was essential that provided exceptional housing diversity and a fully funded infrastructure plan The Vis is an excellent project and Commonage would have certainly been sprawl.
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 Wildfire and extreme-heat resilience - Measurable outcomes and make sure we find the money to fund the initiative with a dedicated staff -
B- Protection strategy for the existing trees within the city during extreme heat and implementation of the City strategy to increase that inventory. Protection and daylighting of the cities natural infrastructure ie streams and creeks that run through the city
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?
Public funds get used now for parks and trails and growing that portfolio increases enjoyability and a healthier public. Trading the natural lands would only be considered if the city was unable to house its citizens due to critical overbuilding within the city boundary - highly unlikely and an absolute last resort
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?
It is essential that Vernon identify, monitor and manage all of its water sources over the long term and protect them from overuse, drought and contamination. This should include strong enforcement of municipal bylaws and provincial health and environmental legislation, as well as protecting natural vegetation and riparian areas that help prevent erosion, filter pollutants and maintain healthy watersheds. Water use restrictions should be maintained and strengthened when necessary, with clear triggers based on reservoir, streamflow and groundwater levels. The City should work closely with the agricultural community to support water-efficient technologies, improve irrigation practices and encourage seasonal water-use management that reflects available water supplies. Vernon should also invest in infrastructure that makes greater use of reclaimed and recycled water for appropriate purposes such as irrigation and other non-potable uses. Reducing demand for treated drinking water through water reuse can help protect our reservoirs and groundwater resources.
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?
My friend Jenelle has helped me better understand the importance of Truth and Reconciliation and the lasting impacts that past experiences and decisions can have on her, her community, and Indigenous people in our area. Understanding the gravity of these impacts means that we have a responsibility to continue listening, learning and being sensitive to the experiences of Indigenous people. We need to put that understanding into practice by ensuring that our decisions, policies and actions are inclusive, respectful and informed by meaningful engagement.
What is one action the municipality should take to strengthen our local food system and improve access to healthy, affordable food? Why that action?
Food security needs to be an important part of Vernon's water and climate planning. We need to prioritize reliable water for food production and identify safe, suitable spaces and infrastructure for urban and community food production. Vernon should also be open to technologies and innovative practices that can help protect our food sources from increasing drought and wildfire Risks.
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.
One specific change I would make is to create a more consistent process for local non-profits to access City owned spaces, facilities and resources. Many organizations are volunteer-driven ( seniors) and do not have the capacity to navigate complicated booking, permitting, insurance and funding processes. A dedicated City contact and a clear process for community organizations could remove some of those barriers. My experience and conversations with people involved in our community have shown me how much local organizations contribute, often with limited resources. I have seen the passion and commitment that volunteers bring to making Vernon a stronger community. The goal would not be for the City to take over the work of non profits, but to remove barriers and make it easier for volunteers and community organizations to do good work in our community. Regular collaboration with this sector would help the City better understand their needs, identify challenges early and work together on practical solutions.
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?
Yes we should continue securing City owned land for affordable housing projects. Access to suitable land is one of the biggest barriers to creating affordable housing, and the City has the ability to use its land assets to help make these projects possible. At the same time, neighbors need to be genuinely consulted and, importantly, actually heard. This is especially important with larger projects that significantly increase housing density in a small area or where there is already a high concentration of vulnerable residents.
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 requested a plan in this term and was told there was not capacity to get it done. I look forward to the discussion again in the next term.
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?
I do believe the City could work to strengthen its partnerships with the arts and culture sector. The Cultural Centre will further strengthen our arts and culture profile and provide opportunities for the community. I also believe in the future there may be underused or suitable City owned spaces that could be allocated for arts, cultural activities, exhibitions, workshops and community gatherings. Making these spaces easier and more affordable for community organizations to access could remove an important barrier. Its not the cities job to lead the sectore but it is the cities job to be a good partner and support.
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?
I think there is an opportunity to develop an artist collaborative that brings arts and cultural experiences directly into our neighborhoods and public spaces, rather than expecting people to always travel to traditional brick and mortar facilities.
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?
A strong arts and culture policy should provide a framework for how the City works with the sector, including access to public spaces and facilities, partnerships, funding opportunities, community programming .
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?
I believe we need to provide better support to the businesses currently operating in Vernon. Businesses need to feel that the City is listening and responding when they raise concerns, particularly around public safety, vandalism, property damage, disorder and the impacts they may experience from street-entrenched individuals and homelessness. There is also significant room to improve communication between the City and the business community. I would like to see more regular engagement, with a clear way for businesses to raise concerns and receive follow up from the City. The economic development data currently being collected by Community Futures could provide Council with valuable information about where businesses are at, what challenges they are experiencing and where the greatest opportunities or gaps exist. I want Council to use that information to make evidence-based decisions moving forward.
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?
To address labor shortages, the City should strengthen partnerships with the College and local employers to support training, apprenticeships and opportunities that connect people with the jobs available in our community. Housing is also an important part of the equation we need affordable housing. Reliable transit and a vibrant community that encourages youth to stay and attracts young families.
What role does the City have with supporting growth-oriented sectors like manufacturing and agricultural processing?
Less red tape and easier to navigate processes. We have made progress but have work to do.
Considering the recent water and fire crisis, how should the City assist businesses to become more resilient to future risk?
Now that we are in stage 3 restrictions maybe we need to continue on that path until things improve. Businesses have done a great job preserving water this summer. Ongoing fuel management education for citizens by the city would also be a big help.
Health
As Mayor / Councilor, how would you work to attract and retain medical professionals in Vernon?
Support Housing diversity and continued amenity growth suitable for those families or individuals ie cultural Centre and ALC
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?
Advocacy is essential - That's our job on council. We have many opportunities to do that through our council work and through our connections with Provincial and Federal levels of government. We also have many opportunities to advocate through council delegations nd presentations ie Interior Health and RCMP
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?
Be mindful of these needs when planning and designing the future of Vernon. Engage with those individuals in the decision making process to identify their needs through collaboration and inclusion of appropriate representation on committees and in planning activities.
Apply accessibility best practices / legislation and make sure we weave these into all future decision making processes
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?
Identify community organization ie social planning council, nexus senior action network ect and ensure City supports their work and programming so we are prepared to assist our most vulnerable.
