Issues for Vernon
Where do candidates stand on environment and climate?
This election is critical, and who we elect will shape the future of our community for decades to come. We engaged with candidates, and asked them to complete a questionnaire to find out where they stand on climate and environmental policies we care about.
What about other issues?
CFNO's Vital Vote website has a questionnaire for candidates on social, environmental, economic, cultural and health issues that matter to the Vernon community. To reduce the burden on the candidates, we have used Vital Vote's four environmental questions as Questions 1-4 on our Vote4Tomorrow website.
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Policy commitments for Vernon
Summary of candidates' policy commitments, grouped by category. Click on each candidate's name to learn more and read their responses to the questionnaire.
| Candidate | Buildings | Climate Justice | Ecosystems | Land Use | Transport | Watersheds | Zero Waste | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidates for Mayor | ||||||||
| Victor Cumming | ✓ | ~ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Kari Gares | ~ | ~ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Wayne Lippert | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | |
| Candidates for Council | ||||||||
| Wayne Carson | ~ | ~ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Robert Cook | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | |
| Barry Dorval | ~ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ~ | |
| Teresa Durning | ✓ | ~ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Kelly Fehr | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Dustin Griffin | ~ | ~ | ✓ | ✓ | ~ | ✓ | ~ | |
| Dauna Kennedy | ✓ | ~ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | – | |
| Amy Klassen | ✓ | ~ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Sarah Moorhouse | ~ | ~ | ✓ | ✓ | ~ | ✓ | ~ | |
| Akbal Mund | ~ | ~ | ✓ | ✓ | ~ | ✓ | ~ | |
| Rob Sawatzky | ✓ | ~ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| David Scarlatescu | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | |
| Kari Statham | ~ | ~ | ~ | ✓ | ~ | ✓ | ~ | |
| Dawn Tucker | ✓ | ~ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Diana Wilson | ~ | ~ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ~ | |
Candidates for Vernon
Click on each candidate's profile to learn more and read their responses to the questionnaire.
Candidates for Mayor
Victor Cumming
Mayor
My career has focused on regional economics and rural development. I’ve brought that experience to my service as Mayor of Vernon since 2018. I’ve spent many years as a community volunteer, and love to be in nature or enjoying the local culture.
Kari Gares
Mayor
Third-generation Vernonite, UBCO graduate, business owner, mortgage broker, wife and mother. My leadership is shaped by education, experience and relationships - driven by determination, grounded in empathy, and focused on bringing people together.
Candidates for Council
Wayne Carson
Council
Wayne Carson is putting his name forward for a seat on Vernon City Council with a practical record of public service, emergency response experience, and local government leadership. For more information see votewaynecarson.ca
Barry Dorval
Council
A Vernonite since 1999, I’m a retired teacher who has been active in the climate movement for over a decade. I co-founded Climate Action Ripple Effect (CARE) and served two terms on Vernon’s Climate Action Advisory Committee, including one as chair.
Teresa Durning
Council
Teresa Durning cares deeply about the people and community she serves. A lifelong British Columbian and proud member of the Vernon community, Teresa brings a diverse background in business, public service, community engagement, and volunteerism.
Kelly Fehr
Council
Kelly Fehr has served on Vernon City Council and the RDNO Board since 2008. As Operations Director at a large not-for-profit, he leverages his frontline community service to drive evidence-based, resilient, and forward-thinking local policies.
Dustin Griffin
Council
I was born in Vernon and grew up in Spallumcheen. I left to attend law school in Halifax but was fortunate to be able to come back and start my career at home. I joined Kidston Helm Ross Lawyers in 2012 and I have been there ever since.
Dauna Kennedy
Council
35+ years of nonprofit leadership, community service, advocacy & healthy-community initiatives, leading a local charity & serving on Chamber of Commerce Board. Her work includes crisis-line & social-service support, women’s shelter services & more.
Amy Klassen
Council
I’m a Vernon resident with a background in government, agriculture & community work & a formal education in business. I’m Métis, love animals, gardening, kayaking, making art & beadwork. I care deeply about fairness, affordability & the environment.
Sarah Moorhouse
Council
I have been a resident of The City of Vernon for over 17 years, I love our community so much! As an active member of our community I enjoy volunteering wherever I can and am ready to make more significant community change from a council seat!
Been on City Council for three terms. Have been involved in every aspect of the community from arts and culture to sports. As of today I am the Vice Chair of the Armstrong Regional Co-Op and sit on the Board of Vantage One Credit Union.
Rob Sawatzky
Council
I am a semi retired family physician. I have served on boards and in leadership roles in a number of local non profits including ROGTS, Turning Points Collaborative, OLDCA, Kindred Spirits Syrian Refugee Sponsorship,. I also served a term as mayor.
Kari Statham
Council
I was born and raised in Vernon, my husband and I have a blended family we have six children and two grandchildren. My entire career has been based in Vernon. My campaign is built on three simple pillars: listen, learn, act and serve .
Dawn Tucker
Council
Dawn Tucker was born & raised in Vernon, BC, shaped by living multigenerationally, & is employed as an educator with School District #22. Since 2017, Dawn has attended nearly every City Council & Budget meeting, & is seen a ‘Financial Watchdog’
Diana Wilson
Council
Diana Wilson is a fourth-generation Vernon resident with more than 30 years of leadership and change management experience. She has served in community leadership roles. She wants to contribute her experience and collaborative approach to Council.
How to vote
On October 17, 2026, Vernon voters will elect a Mayor and six Councillors.
Are you registered to vote?
Update your voter information such as your residential or mailing address with Elections BC: elections.bc.ca/register
Find out more about how and where to vote from the City of Vernon's Information for Voters webpage.
Voting tip
When you vote, only vote for the candidates you want elected. If that is one mayor and five councillors, only put down those names. For council, the top candidates with the most votes are elected, so if you vote for someone that you don't really want elected, that may bump your preferred candidates off the list.
Voting opportunities
| Date | Type | Location | Start time | End time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, October 7, 2026 | Advanced Voting Day | Schubert Centre (Emerald Room) 3505 30th Avenue | 8:00am | 8:00pm |
| Wednesday, October 14, 2026 | Advanced Voting Day | City Hall Council Chamber 3400 30th Street | 8:00am | 8:00pm |
| Saturday, October 17, 2026 | General Voting Day | Recreation Centre 3310 37th Avenue | 8:00am | 8:00pm |
| Saturday, October 17, 2026 | General Voting Day | Clarence Fulton Secondary School 2301 Fulton Road | 8:00am | 8:00pm |
| Saturday, October 17, 2026 | General Voting Day | Vernon Secondary School 2100 15 St | 8:00am | 8:00pm |
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