Get the Top, Local stories delivered to your inbox! Click here to join the daily Vernon Matters newsletter.
By Pete McIntyre
Covid-19 impact

Vernon proceeds with projects despite lack of casino grant

Jul 25, 2020 | 2:27 PM

Vernon will not be getting its usual grant amount from casino revenues due to the gambling outlets being closed by the Covid pandemic until further notice. But the city is still going ahead with several projects that were to be funded by that.

Mayor Victor Cumming said they want to continue with the capital projects because they are necessary, and they will provide an economic stimulus as part of the city’s recovery process.

“We’ve taken money from other internal sources, so no impact on taxes, and we’re moving ahead. As you know, the casinos are closed, so there will be no more casino money to the city in 2020 and they’re not aware when they will reopen,” Cumming told Vernon Matters.

One of the projects is converting the city’s streetlights to more energy-efficient LED lights.

Cumming said the $717,000 cost of that, which will come out of the MFA refund and infrastructure reserves, will be gained back over eight to ten years in electricity savings, depending on the final cost.

Reality Check - Life Without a Home
Vernon couple sleep on street as part of homeless awareness initiative
May 02, 2026
Support for the unhoused
Sleeping outside for a cause: Vernon pair backs homeless outreach
May 01, 2026
Youth Mental Health Care
VJH Foundation commits $500K for Foundry North Okanagan
May 01, 2026

“That is good for everybody all around,” he said.

Since 1999, the City of Vernon has received ten percent of the net casino gambling revenue from the Lake City Casino. ln total the city has received $35.5 million as of March 31,2020.

The city had forecast about $2 million this year, much of it committed to one-time projects, and received $342,223 in April, which covers a period when the casino was open.

Council also approved changing the 32nd Avenue road reconstruction project’s budget of $176,168 and the 48th Avenue road reconstruction project’s budget of $380,105 from casino grant reserve funding to gas tax reserve funding.

by Pete McIntyre
View Comments

Other Matters

Reality Check - Life Without a Home
Vernon couple sleep on street as part of homeless awareness initiative
A pair of Vernon residents have already spent over 24 hours on the streets in a bid to raise awareness about what it's like to be homeless.Tracey and Jimmy Miller of the Packman Open Hearts group are on a 72 hours campaign that sees them staying on the streets and sleeping outdoors from noon Friday to noon Monday, for ...
May 02, 2026
Read More
Construction Season
Lakeshore Road reduced to one-way traffic for construction
Construction season is in full swing. Drivers in Kelowna should expect traffic changes on Lakeshore Road starting Monday as a section of the busy corridor is reduced to one-way flow for about a month.The change will affect the stretch between Lanfranco Road and Richter Street, with northbound traffic detoured via Richt...
May 01, 2026
Read More
Support for the unhoused
Sleeping outside for a cause: Vernon pair backs homeless outreach
Representatives from a local homeless outreach group have begun their awareness and fundraising campaign.Tracey and Jimmy Miller of the group Packman Open Hearts began their Reality Check - Life Without a Home initiative Friday, May 1.The pair will spend at least 72 hours sleeping on the streets as a way to raise aware...
May 01, 2026
Read More
Accessible Equipment
Kelowna school getting new playground with provincial funding
A French school in Kelowna is getting new playground equipment thanks to a provincial investment.Through Budget 2026, the province has provided École De L'Anse-Au-Sable with $200,000 for modern, inclusive and accessible playground equipment.The Kelowna school is one of 25 across B.C. benefiting from investments ...
May 01, 2026
Read More
Youth Mental Health Care
VJH Foundation commits $500K for Foundry North Okanagan
A milestone has been hit in enhancing local mental health services thanks to a major contributor.Vernon Jubilee Hospital (VJH) Foundation committed to donating $500,000 towards Foundry North Okanagan.Operated by the Vernon and District branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA Vernon), Foundry will provide...
May 01, 2026
Read More
Theft of Tools, Merchandise
Police searching for suspects in theft investigation
RCMP have asked the public for assistance in a theft investigation.Vernon police said two people entered a business on Anderson Way on April 14 and stole over $1,000 in tools and merchandise.Police released the image of one of the suspects in hopes to identify the person. One of the suspects in the alleged theft of ove...
May 01, 2026
Read More
Scam Alert
Kelowna RCMP warn of rising fraud cases involving impersonation scams
Kelowna RCMP are warning residents to stay vigilant after a rise in fraud cases involving scammers posing as government officials, financial institutions and law enforcement.Police say the suspects are using spoofed phone numbers to appear legitimate and are pressuring victims with urgent claims designed to create pani...
May 01, 2026
Read More
Music Festival
Rock The Lake adds Classified and Hailey Benedict to 2026 lineup
Rock The Lake Music Festival has expanded its 2026 lineup with the addition of Classified and Hailey Benedict, organizers announced Friday.The Canadian hip-hop artist and rising country performer will join the bill at the three-day festival, set for July 10 to 12 at Prospera Place in Kelowna.Organizers said the updated...
May 01, 2026
Read More
Horse Assault
Accused in bestiality case given trial options
The accused in an alleged bestiality case is due back in court later this month.Seth Christian was charged with the count in relation to an alleged assault of a horse at a local equestrian centre in January. He was arrested and charged later that month. CCTV images of Christian assaulting the horse were posted on socia...
May 01, 2026
Read More

What Matters

Reality Check - Life Without a Home
Vernon couple sleep on street as part of homeless awareness initiative
May 02, 2026
Support for the unhoused
Sleeping outside for a cause: Vernon pair backs homeless outreach
May 01, 2026
Youth Mental Health Care
VJH Foundation commits $500K for Foundry North Okanagan
May 01, 2026
Theft of Tools, Merchandise
Police searching for suspects in theft investigation
May 01, 2026
Horse Assault
Accused in bestiality case given trial options
May 01, 2026