Vernon's Role Housing Syrian Refugees Remains Unknown

VERNON – Despite speculation the Vernon Army Camp could be used to house Syrian refugees, the official word is nothing has been decided yet.

Vernon Mayor Akbal Mund says the provincial government has been in touch, but any discussion about the city taking in refugees has been very preliminary so far.

“It was more of a cold call than anything else letting us know the Province of B.C. will be receiving Syrian refugees starting in December,” Mund says. “Nothing has been confirmed that we’re taking refugees.”

He says there’s been no official mention of the Vernon Cadet Training Centre being used, although he has heard local rumours it.

“That is the logical place,” he says. “But no, nothing has been decided at all.”

Aside from the army base, Mund isn't aware of any other local facilities that could accommodate a large group of refugees.

No one at the Vernon Army Camp would comment on the possibility of the barracks being used due to communications policy. A statement from the Department of National Defence says it is working to support the government with accommodations, transportation and logistical support, however no details have been determined.

“As a matter of prudent planning, the Canadian Armed forces are currently reviewing accommodations available at bases and wings should the CAF be called upon to provide assistance in that regard.”

To contact a reporter for this story, email Charlotte Helston at chelston@infonews.ca or call 250-309-5230. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.