Teresa Durning

I believe in protecting Vernon’s natural environment and preparing our community for a changing climate are important responsibilities of local government.

My commitment to environmental stewardship extends beyond City Council. I was the founder of the Friends of BX Creek Society, working with residents, businesses, and community organizations to promote awareness and protect the BX Creek and its watershed. I have advocated and stewarded Reach 8 of BX Creek for nearly 20 years

As a member of Vernon City Council,I have supported the City’s Climate Action Plan and advocated for practical steps that can reduce emissions while preparing Vernon for climate-related risks. Her focus has included encouraging active and public transportation, supporting energy-efficient municipal vehicles, advancing greener building practices, and incorporating smart-growth principles into future community planning.

I have also identified wildfire and its potential impact on Vernon’s water supply as a significant concern. I believe climate action must include both reducing emissions and preparing our community for the environmental challenges we are already experiencing.

For me, environmental stewardship is about protecting the places that make Vernon special while building a community that is resilient, responsible, and prepared for the future.

I believe the Urban Containment Boundary should remain the rule, not the exception. Vernon needs to grow, but we need to grow thoughtfully, protecting the agricultural land, hillsides, natural areas, and rural character that make our community special.

I would only consider an exception in truly exceptional circumstances, and only where there is a compelling community benefit that cannot reasonably be achieved within the existing urban containment boundary.

Any proposal to expand beyond the boundary should demonstrate that:

There is a clearly established community need that cannot be accommodated within the existing boundary.
Existing opportunities for infill, redevelopment and increased density have been reasonably considered first.
That there is adequate water, sewer, transportation, emergency services and other infrastructure can be provided without placing an unreasonable burden on existing taxpayers.
important agricultural, environmental and watershed areas are protected;
The proposal contributes meaningful housing diversity and, where appropriate, attainable or affordable housing.
There is a clear transportation and connectivity plan that does not simply create automobile-dependent sprawl;
The development provides significant and lasting community benefits.
The decision is consistent with Vernon’s long-term climate, environmental and infrastructure objectives.

Okanagan Village Housing Society's stacked-row housing on Okanagan Landing Road is an example of a good Project. It is in alignment with the OCP
The highly controversial Commonage Project would have been a development that does not meet the OCP objectives, is sprawl and had a high cost to taxpayers, had probable high water demands, and was proposed in a highly sensitive area.

The emission of green house gas caused by transportation is 63% of our total. Advocating for better use of active transportation and public transportation, car pooling and environmental friendly practices such as allowing idle reduction and trip mapping for efficiency need to be a priority for Vernon. In 23

The implementation of a more on demand public transportation model might also be something Vernon could look at for the future.

If elected I will continue to vote yes on fleet purchases that are energy efficient and push City initiated public communication to educate the citizens of Vernon on transportation options and benefits for the climate.
In the 2027 CAP I would like to make wildfire resilience a major climate-action pillar & protection of Vernon Water supply. I would also like to create a better strategy to protect Vernon's trees during continued drought in an effort to keep the City cool. Doable steps to improve Vernon's natural infrastructure, such as BX Creek.

1- Yes to the use of public funds to acquire natural land for use by the citizens who own it.
2- No, not likely - Housing for the taxpayers might convince me, but I can't think of a circumstance that I would choose to trade away these lands. The closest I can think of is the site where the Kin Race Track wetland areas. I was highly opposed to a sports field, and luckily the province addressed it.

Increase the infrastructure needed for increased reclaimed water use, Education around other opportunities to explore technologies that preserve water, continueupport of replacing aging infrastructure to improve efficiency. Continue supporting the RDNO on water conservation initiatives and support the city in doing the same. Continue working with the province to protect our water Kal Lake , Aberdeen Plateau.

Personally, I have supported difficult decisions at council that negatively impact the environment and do not support CAP - We use rain barrels, plant drought-resistant and pollinators. I also support creek-cleaning initiatives and have cleaned Reach 8 of BX for 20 years and encourage others to do the same.

Fire - Fire can destroy our water source - I will keep supporting the City and region to advocate for partnerships and funding to reduce risks. I will make sure to advocate for continuing that work.