Council Strategic Plan
The 2023 – 2026 Council Strategic Plan serves as a roadmap for prioritizing actions, policies, programs, and partnerships throughout Council’s term. The clear strategies outlined in this plan have guided Council and Administration over the four-year period, providing direction for business planning and budgeting, and enabling both Council and City staff to monitor progress.
The Strategic Plan continues to guide the completion of key priorities and initiatives. Structurally, the Strategic Plan outlines five (5) strategic priorities, each supported by specific areas of focus, projects and initiatives, and a list of guiding documents.
In addition to the major projects and initiatives identified in the Strategic Plan, Administration developed a corresponding Action Plan that outlines a more comprehensive list of projects and initiatives undertaken over the past few years. The Action Plan has remained a living document, evolving as projects progressed, were completed, and as Council directed Administration to introduce new initiatives aligned with established areas of focus.
Council has received regular updates on the Action Plan, with revised versions posted to the City’s website as they became available. These updates highlight progress achieved to date and help inform ongoing planning and priorities in the years ahead.
2023 – 2026 Council Strategic Plan Snapshot
Strategic priorities and areas of focus
The updated Action Plan highlights significant achievements in the following areas:
Building a Connected and Livable City
Council investments in public spaces and transportation infrastructure have enhanced connectivity, accessibility, and overall livability.- Civic Memorial Park Completion — A revitalized public space that supports recreation, community events, and year-round activity.
- Lakeview Wading “Peanut” Pool Renewal — Improved accessibility and family-friendly amenities enhance quality of life for residents and visitors.
- Silver Star Road Multi-Use Path (Phase 2) — Expanded active transportation routes strengthen neighbourhood connections and support healthier, more sustainable travel choices.
These investments reflect a long-term vision for a city where residents can move easily, gather comfortably, and access high-quality public spaces.
Advancing Environmental Stewardship and Climate Readiness
Council has advanced initiatives that protect natural systems, reduce environmental impacts, and support climate resilience.
- Climate Action Plan Implementation — Ongoing initiatives support emissions reduction and climate adaptation.
- Floodplain Management Bylaw — Establishes clear standards to guide sustainable development and environmental protection.
- Polson Park Vernon Creek Naturalization Project — Delivered in two phases, transforming a concrete-lined channel into a naturalized watercourse with improved fish habitat, enhanced water quality, and increased flood capacity.
- Fuel Management Initiatives — Ongoing work to reduce wildfire risk on publicly owned lands through effective fuel treatment and management.
These efforts demonstrate a continued commitment to environmental responsibility and climate readiness.
Strengthening Foundations for Sustainable Growth
Strategic planning initiatives are providing a strong framework for responsible growth and long-term decision-making.- Transportation Plan — A strategic framework guiding investment in a safe, sustainable, and connected transportation network.
- Official Community Plan Update — The City’s long-term land use plan guiding where and how growth and development will occur.
- Flood Mitigation Initiatives — Ongoing work includes proactive sediment and debris management, structural mitigation projects, and implementation of the Flood Response Plan.
Together, these initiatives support informed decision-making and a resilient, future-focused community.
Click here to see the most recent copy of the 2023 – 2026 Action Plan, last updated May 11, 2026.
Focus on policies and systems that provide residents a community where they can thrive:
Guiding Documents
Focus on building a community where businesses prosper, arts and culture thrive, and residents and visitors can gather:
Guiding Documents
Focus on providing amenities (natural and built) to offer opportunities for connection, health and well-being:
Guiding Documents
Focus on protecting and enhancing local built and natural environments as a core community strength:
Guiding Documents
Focus on leading by example in how Council operates to provide excellent cost-effective services:
Guiding Documents
Vision, Mission, Advocacy & Governing Values
The Council Strategic Plan sets out the Vision, Mission, Advocacy statement and Governing Values for the City of Vernon and its Council:
We envision a prosperous and sustainable future for Vernon, where green spaces are preserved and protected, housing meets the needs of all, neighbourhoods are strong and vibrant, alternative transportation options are available, the downtown is revitalized, and age and youth friendly activities abound.
Based on Vernon’s Official Community Plan
To deliver effective and efficient local government services that benefit our citizens, our businesses, our environment and our future.
Adopted November 2015
City Council will continue to partner and collaborate with other orders of government to influence policies that support our community, region, and strategic goals.
What guides City Council’s decision-making?
- INTEGRITY: Our words match our actions
- SOUND INFORMATION: We make decisions based on data and smart growth principles
- PRINCIPLES: We apply common principles to ensure fairness and to increase trust
- FAIRNESS: Our decision are unbiased and focused on equal opportunity
- TRANSPARENCY: We make decisions in a way that builds trust and we are willing to explain our “why”