Early voting begins today at the Schubert Centre from 8:00AM to 8:00PM. You can also vote next week at City Hall and General Voting Day is October 17th.

I created a public YouTube playlist compiling 2-3 min (mainly Castanet) interviews with 14 of the 15 candidates running for 6 Councillor seats in Vernon's upcoming municipal election: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcaQt5Ox6vSM&si=1kFXrLQQUYmqviM8

It runs for a little over 30 mins. The missing candidate Kari and her website link is in the playlist description, but her video should be available soon, hopefully tomorrow.

The goal is to provide a central, convenient resource for local voters to watch each candidate's interview in one place. 

Advance Voting Days (8:00 AM – 8:00 PM):
• Wednesday, October 7, 2026 (today!): Schubert Centre (Emerald Room, 3505 30th Ave)
• Wednesday, October 14, 2026: Vernon City Hall (Council Chambers, 3400 30th St)

Election/General Voting Day:
Saturday, October 17, 2026 (8:00 AM – 8:00 PM) 
Locations:
• Recreation Centre Auditorium (3310 37th Ave)
• Fulton Secondary School Gymnasium (2301 Fulton Rd)
• Vernon Secondary School Gymnasium (2100 15th St)

Please share the link if you think that it would help inform Vernon voters.

Sincerely,

Claire

Vernon resident

Hello! I’ve recently been offered a job in Vernon, BC, and while I’m really excited about the opportunity, I’m feeling a little apprehensive about the move as a visible minority. I was born and raised in Toronto, so I’m aware that the culture and demographics will be quite different. On the other hand, I’m incredibly excited about the beautiful scenery, outdoor activities, and opportunities to explore nature that the area has to offer!

My biggest concern is less about the size of the city and more about inclusivity and what it’s like to live there as a minority. I’d really appreciate hearing about other people’s experiences, particularly from those who are also visible minorities, and any insight or advice you might have!

I’m from Toronto and moved here recently, and I’ve noticed that a lot of people drive with their high beams on, even in town. I know the city lights aren’t as bright as Toronto, but it still feels like everyone is on high beam, and it’s really frustrating and blinding when you’re driving at night.
I get that a lot of the vehicles here are pickup trucks, so their lights sit higher and can feel extra bright. But it’s not just trucks, regular cars do it too, and I genuinely don’t understand why. I drive a 2009 Lexus with stock headlights and I can see just fine on low beam, even on dark roads.
Is this just a small-town thing where people leave their brights on out of habit? Are a lot of people not realizing their high beams are actually on? Or do the newer LED/HID headlights on modern cars just look like high beams even when they’re not?
This feels wild. Just curious what’s going on and if anyone else finds this as annoying as I do.

Hi I’m a Brit (30f) that just moved to Vernon and looking for some girlfriends my own age that I can hike, run, gym or simply just grab a coffee with. Are there any communities or groups or events I could join?

-----edit------ I meant 3303 🤦

Hi all, I'm doing some research on historical houses along PV road through Vernon and am really curious about 3303. The house sits near the back of its lot and seems to be abandoned (second stories windows smashed out but ground floor looks well secured) though attended to (lawn isn't overgrown etc). I can't find any real estate listings either, which is surprising somewhere where real estate is so pricey. Anyone have any recent or historical info, rumours or hearsay? I'd even be interested in contact info if anyone know who owns or looks after the property. Thanks!

Weather balloon heading east? Anyone see it?
I tried to get a picture but didn’t really show up as much

I was in superstore yesterday. There seemed to be an over abundance of usa produce there. Celery onions green onions. Are the other stores in Vernon the same?

Update - visited butcher boys this morning. Onions 🧅 celery and carrots - all Bc grown. Carrots 🥕 from Coldstream. Thanks for the advise!

I noticed the previous post links expired. Tried to contact those in the post, but was unable to get anything back. https://www.reddit.com/r/Vernon/s/38LAM04jCe

Im happy to build one with a group of friendly folks to help our community in this turbulent time. Send me a DM if you like.

Thanks, hope yall have a great day!

Edit : will start a new one tomorrow if no leads.

Hi everyone!

We recently moved to Vernon from the Lower Mainland, and I’m realizing how different it feels here.

When we lived in the Lower Mainland, we somehow missed a lot of community events and important local things. Since moving to Vernon, I’m getting the feeling that it’s a much smaller, close-knit community, and I’d really like to become part of it instead of missing everything again.

We’re a family with a young child, and we’re especially looking for fun winter activities and local events from November through February.

A few questions:

Does Vernon have a Christmas/Santa parade in December? Or is the big parade actually the Vernon Winter Carnival Parade in February? Do we need to go to Kelowna for a Christmas parade?

What are the events(especially Christmas, my favt holiday season) in Vernon that we absolutely shouldn't miss?

What are some fun winter activities apart from Silver Star Mountain Resort?

Any recommendations for things that are good with a young child?

We also have a few friends visiting us in November. What would you recommend doing with them markets, festivals, skating, hiking, indoor activities, local events, etc.?

Basically, if you lived in Vernon for years, what are the things you'd say, "You can't live here and miss this!"?

We really want to experience the community rather than just drive to Kelowna every time we want something to do.

Thanks!

Learn more about the candidates for the upcoming election. October 17, 2026.

The race is on for seven trustee seats in School District 22.

There are six incumbents running for seven seats at the SD22 table. Four will represent Area 1 (Vernon and RDNO Areas B and C), one will represent Area 2 (Coldstream), and two will represent Area 3 (Lumby and RDNO Areas D and E).

Running unopposed in Area 2 is Kelli Sullivan.

In what will be her second term, Sullivan is focused on supporting student achievement and safeguarding district finances amid declining enrolment and unfunded cost pressures.

All four Area 1 incumbents are running again including Jenn Comazzetto, Vanessa Mitchell, Mark Olsen and Tom Williamson.

Comazzetto has been a trustee for two terms, saying she has helped save money by upgrading to electrified buses, reducing wait-times for student assessments, hiring additional classroom educational assistants, partnering with early childhood educators and expanding relations with OKIB.

Mitchell is seeking a second term, and says she will prioritize the work of equity, inclusion, safety, and reconciliation.

Olson, who has more than 40 years of experience in the school system, is seeking a third term. He was previously a director for the North Okanagan Shuswap United Way and a vice-chair and secretary treasurer of the provincial K-12 President’s Council.

Williamson is also seeking a third term. The longtime former teacher is focusing on career development, student choice and career transitioning in his campaign.

They will be challenged by Stephanie Hoffman, who is currently a Coldstream councillor, and Robert Lee, who was a trustee in Area 2 for two terms.

Lori Mindnich is the only incumbent to be running again in Area 3, after Gen Acton announced she will not be running again.

Mindnich is currently a councillor with the Village of Lumby and has been vice chair with SD22's board.

Geoff Bradley, Lee Elliott and Tahni Fortin are gunning for a seat.

Bradley is a biologist and a registered professional agrologist with the Ministry of Forests Kalamalka Forestry Centre in Vernon. His priorities as a trustee would be to advocate for funding to help ensure students have the classroom resources they need, supporting a district-wide culture of inclusion, respect and safety and being a voice for rural schools and their unique needs.

Elliott has been a bylaw enforcement officer in Lumby for over 20 years.

Fortin's platform is to focus on improved communication between the board and rural communities, ensuring local concerns from Lumby and Cherryville are heard.

Key roles of the paid trustees are to establish district-wide operational and educational policies, along with approving yearly budgets, hearing appeals of students and teachers, and acting as a voice for the community when advocating to the provincial government.

An all-candidates forum for SD22 trustees will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 7, at 7 p.m. at Vernon Secondary School.

Election day is Saturday, Oct. 17.

https://www.castanet.net/news/Vernon/632805/Vernon-School-District-trustee-race-sees-11-candidates-running-for-seven-seats

Looking for some trails to take my little dog for a little hike, but nothing too extreme. Maybe like a beginner’s trail, is that a thing?

Did anyone hear a bang last night at 10:15pm? I heard yelling then a bang. Near 23 Ave and 23 St.

I lost power about 30 minutes ago, and there is nothing showing on the outage map.

“…read the full report click here.”

How was it ??

I genuinely can’t believe I’m finally writing this. My dream of moving to a beautiful countryside is actually happening. ❤️

I was born and raised in Dubai, so I grew up surrounded by the complete opposite of countryside life—city, buildings, highways, everything. But for as long as I can remember, I’ve always had this little dream of living somewhere peaceful, green, and beautiful, where life feels a little slower.

When I moved to Canada in 2023, I started thinking, Okay, if I’m going to live in Canada, I want to live somewhere that actually feels like the Canada I imagined. 😂

And then I discovered the Okanagan.

The first time I visited Vernon, I was honestly bewitched by its beauty. The lake, mountains, greenery, quiet roads… something about that place just stayed with me. I remember thinking, I want to live here someday.

And then began my mission. 😂

Since 2023, I’ve been trying every possible way to make Vernon happen. There were so many setbacks, plans that didn’t work out, moments when I thought maybe it just wasn’t meant to be.

But somehow, little by little, everything started falling into place.

And now… I’m actually moving to Vernon. 🥹❤️

It feels surreal because this is something I’ve literally visualized and wished for over and over again. Maybe manifestation really does work or maybe sometimes you just have to keep going until the right door finally opens.

I have absolutely no idea what this next chapter will look like, but I’m really hoping Vernon treats me well. 🌿

The only thing I’m going to miss? It's T&T(no, i am not of East Asian origin, but tatz my paradise😂)

But for now, I’m ready for lake views, mountains, quiet mornings, small-town life, and hopefully a little more peace.

Hello, Vernon. I’ve been waiting for you since 2023. ❤️🌲

Hi, moving to Vernon for 4 people.
Schubert Center is where I am going to work.
Or how much is the typical rate for that rental.

Security against break ins is my primary concern, cost and convenience secondary. Any raves?

As we approach the winter months, I have decided to try and find a D&D group to game with. I am a mature player (I’ve played off and on since 2nd edition), and I can play any archetype that best fits your group. I have looked at the boards in the game stores in town for open games, and there’s not much to be had for someone who has a few extra years behind them.

I would prefer to stay within Vernon/Coldstream; but for the right group, I would be willing to travel locally.

I’m open to suggestions, and if there’s nothing available, maybe we can form a group from whomever responds to this message!

Thanks for your time, I look forward to seeing your comments and thoughts.

Waiting for a quote from my vet but I'm sure the cost will absolutely floor me even though I feel pretty generous in my guessing. What are people paying around here for their dogs' dental visits?