Climate action and advocating for housing key issues for Teresa Durning

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“Adapting and mitigating they say are two sides of the same coin and we need to continue to do that work,” stated Durning.

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“Making climate action decisions that align with out [Official Community Plan] is essential and 30 years to reach zero emissions is just not good enough.”

Durning adds that the city can be an environmental leader by acting proactively rather than reactively to future climate crises like fires, flooding and droughts through proper planning and strategies, which she will fully endorse if elected.

On the topic of housing and homelessness, Durning said advocacy work needs to be done to improve access to affordable housing for families, seniors, and people with disabilities.

“My dream is that no one in the City of Vernon goes homeless or is denied the opportunity to have a roof over their head and a home they can be proud of,” said Durning.

She said, if elected, she will encourage the city to press the province and “keep us on the radar” for funding housing projects.

“Young families, seniors and people with diverse abilities shouldn’t have to go homeless or live in their parent’s basement because there is no housing inventory and rental rates are at zero,” said Durning.

“The city needs to take action to mitigate this crisis whenever possible and seek out opportunities with key players and other levels of government to work together in resolving this issue.”

She also stated that housing scarcity is a big issue in Vernon, adding that if more is done to increase supply, it could help bring down the price points and make housing more affordable to more people.

On the top of crime and policing, Durning stated the importance of policing in the community and properly funding the service to keep citizens safe.

“Keeping boots on the ground is essential so our policing can serve at full capacity. We need to keep working with the local detachment in ensuring that staff numbers are where they need to be for each shift.”

On the topic of COVID-19 and action the city could take to help combat the pandemic locally, Durning said the responsibility falls on the province and Interior Health and not the city, but does state that it’s everyone’s responsibility to follow all orders from the Public Health Officer unless an exemption is in place.

Durning is originally from Golden but has lived in Vernon for the past 12 years. She has never held a seat in public office, but has held many leadership roles, serving as either President or Director with Rotary, Toastmasters, Vernon Public Art Gallery, the Regional District of North Okanagan’s Adopt a Stream Program, Vernon Winter Carnival and Greater Vernon 2022 Winter Games. She has also been working for the House of Commons for the past year and a half, and prior to that owned Durning Directions and Service.

She also notes that if elected, she will work to hold this seat in the 2022 election, saying that this is part of a long-term plan to advocate for citizens on council.