Controversial housing development project not going ahead in Vernon

Jun 1, 2026 | 5:51 PM

A major housing project in the hillside looking down onto Vernon will not be going ahead.

At a special meeting Monday, June 1, Vernon City Council received an updated lifecycle cost analysis for the 3,500 unit housing development proposed for the Commonage area.

The study found the project would have a deficit of approximately $5.45 million annually after taking into account operations, infrastructure and service delivery, versus property tax revenues. This would represent a need for property taxes to be increased by 7.7 per cent.

However, the developer Kerkhoff Develop-Build, argued in an emailed statement that the analysis did not take into account revenues from the Development Cost Charges (DCCs), which it said could be around $100-million.

Many in attendance at Monday’s special council meeting cheered and applauded the 4-3 decision not to proceed with the proposed development. (Image Credit: City of Vernon)

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During the meeting, the consultant who undertook the lifecycle cost analysis said the DCCs would not be significant, but would only be available to be used for incremental capital costs related to the development.

Vernon City Council received the new analysis Monday, June 1, in the council chambers, which were filled with members of the Stop Vernon Sprawl group, who opposed the proposed development.

After receiving the report, council was given an option to give second reading to an Official Community Plan amendment for the development, then schedule a public hearing for the company and city staff to answer questions from the public.

However, Council ultimately voted four to three against giving second reading, halting the development from moving forward. Councillors Teresa Durning, Kelly Fehr and Brian Guy, alongside Mayor Victor Cumming, voted against the motion, while Councillors Kari Gares, Akbal Mund and Brian Quiring voted in favour.

The decision sparked a round of cheers and applause from the Stop Vernon Sprawl group.

by Liam Verster

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