Change in leadership for Vernon Land Trust Society

Aug 26, 2021 | 5:00 PM

The Vernon and District Community Land Trust Society has announced a change in leadership.

Kari Gares, a business owner and Vernon city councilor, has stepped down as the chair, and long-time vice chair Margaret Penner is taking on the volunteer positon.

Gares said as an elected official for the city, it is her duty to advocate on behalf of residents.

“With years of work history within the housing sector, coupled with years of advocacy on a non-profit housing board, I bring immense knowledge to the table, knowledge that is essential if we are going to work through the issues that many of our residents are experiencing at both the local, regional, provincial and federal level,” said Gares.

“To do this, I must be completely unencumbered from other duties that may take away my ability to lead us through this housing crisis, which is why I feel it is necessary to step down from my position as chair.”

Budget Cuts

Regional library loses nearly $46K in provincial funding

3h ago

High Risk of Overdose

Drug alert issued for fake tablets in Vernon

20h ago

Crashout Getaway

Vernon RCMP searching for thief who stole vehicle, broke down fence

21h ago

Gares, who runs a mortgage business, said she has complete trust and confidence in the strength of the board.

“The wide experience the board holds will ensure a positive cohesive, and well integrated policy approach that will see many of Vernon’s residents housed. It has been an absolute honor working side-by-side with each of you over the years,” Gares remarked.

Penner said she and the other board members are extremely grateful to Gares for her years of dedication to the board and to affordable housing in this community

“After being on the board for several years, I look forward to this new role on the board,” Penner commented.

Society executive director Cindy Masters said there are exciting things happening at the Land Trust and she is thankful to Gares for her wisdom and guidance.

“As our community struggles with this housing crisis, we look forward to soon be accepting applications for affordable housing in the new project on PV [Pleasant Valley] Road,” said Masters.

The Land Trust is a non-profit society with a goal to provide affordable housing in the North Okanagan for individuals and families with low to moderate incomes.

The society works with local government and business leaders to develop a permanent inventory of housing for the “forgotten population,” which includes minimum wage and entry level working individuals and their families.

For more information about the Land Trust, visit www.communitylandtrust.ca.

by Pete McIntyre

View Comments