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City Of Vernon
City questions regional district over unpaid fire bill
VERNON - There’s some financial confusion between local governments about an unpaid firefighting bill. The City of Vernon invoiced the Regional District of North Okanagan for $78,777 in relation to fire protection services at a devastating landfill fire in August 2013. “The bills are still not paid,” Vernon mayor Rob Sawatzky says. “I’m a bit...
Vernon Mayor calls for MP resignation for ‘disturbing’ homelessness comment
VERNON - Okanagan-Shuswap MP Colin Mayes is under fire for ‘disturbing’ comments he made at a recent homelessness event, with Vernon’s mayor suggesting he resign. In what was meant as a solemn dedication by the community to commemorate and recognize some 14 homeless people who have died on Vernon streets in the past two years,...
Vernon City Hall wouldn’t be the same without Ollie
VERNON - Ollie trots in to work at Vernon City Hall around 8 a.m. and heads to his desk in the engineering department. Well, actually he heads under it, because Ollie is no ordinary city staffer—he’s an office dog. The five-year-old schnauzer spends a lot of his day-job snoozing under owner Ken Juniper’s desk in...
Another candidate in the running for Vernon mayor
VERNON - A prominent local businessperson has announced his intention to run for mayor in the upcoming municipal election. Akbal Mund, known for his involvement in numerous local events and fundraisers, says he’s ready to take on a role at city hall. “One hundred per cent of my focus will be looking after the City...
Jamie Morrow wants to be Vernon’s next mayor
VERNON - Another candidate is in the running for City Hall’s top seat. Jamie Morrow, 54, wants to have a hand in shaping the City of Vernon’s future. The events and program assistant for Okanagan College’s School of Business wants to see Vernon continue to grow as a vibrant and healthy community where future generations...
Governance question snipped from fall election ballot
VERNON - A question about changing how local municipalities are governed has been stripped from the fall election ballot in Vernon. City council voted not to include a question asking voters if they want the city to pursue the creation of a municipal restructuring committee. The committee would study the implications of governance restructuring. The...
Society suspects notice from city was an attempt to win lawsuit
VERNON - There won’t be any horse races at Kin Race Track this summer because of what the Okanagan Equestrian Centre feels is a ploy from City Hall. This spring, the society received a notice from the City of Vernon saying electrical upgrades were required before power was turned on in the grandstands. “The society...
Council pay and expenses revealed
VERNON - Three out of seven Vernon councillors spent 88 per cent of the money given to council for expenses last year. According to a financial statement for 2013, council was reimbursed for a total of $13,356 in expenses — such as mileage and accommodation — related to the job. The three highest reimbursements were...
Vernon’s justification for MMA ban is a secret
POLICE REPORT TO COUNCIL HELD BEHIND CLOSED DOORS VERNON - City officials and the police say their hands are tied when it comes to sharing the information behind allegations that mixed martial arts events are connected to organized crime. Vernon council has asked staff to prepare a bylaw banning mixed martial arts (MMA) events in...
New Vernon visitor centre stalled by approval process
VERNON - People passing through Vernon won’t be able to visit the city’s new tourism centre for at least a few more weeks. The visitor information centre was pegged to open May 1 on 39 Avenue beside Civic Arena, but the Ministry of Transportation’s approval process to rezone the property is taking longer than expected....