Stuart Anderson, standing next to his wife Amanda Mann, has announced he will run for Vernon City Council in the 2026 General Local Election (Image Credit: Stuart Anderson)

By Liam Verster

Municipal Election

Local business owner to run for Vernon City Council

Jun 2, 2026 | 11:23 AM

A local business leader is throwing his hat in the ring to help lead the city.

Stuart Anderson, owner of the Rusty Spur and Briteland in Vernon, announced he would be running for Vernon City Council in the upcoming general local election.

“I am excited to share that I’m running for council. I look forward to bringing my 30 years of experience in business and finance to make a real difference in our community,” Anderson stated.

“I am passionate about Vernon, the North Okanagan, and all aspects of life here. I love to give back where I can and help shape growth, fiscal responsibility, strategy and implementing programs to help all citizens of Vernon.”

The Vernon city council candidate went on to to say many residents had been impacted by a number of issues from housing attainability to homelessness to crime, and said he would not be afraid to ask the hard questions and take decisive action to address those challenges.

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“Now more than ever, during these challenging times—economically and socially—it is paramount that council ask the right and tough questions. Financially, Vernon faces pressure to grow its infrastructure and programs due to growth, both current and projected,” Anderson stated.

“I am a proponent of economic growth. Part of that growth is a buy-local mandate, being business friendly, and ensuring our social programs, facilities and resources grow in step for the overall vibrance and health of the city, our environment, the business community and, most importantly, our residents. Any policy I support shall be measured by four things: transparency, defined goals, fiscal responsibility and accountability.”

He went on to say that he would be releasing a platform with priorities in the coming weeks and months.

Anderson currently serves as a member of the board of directors for Abbeyfield House Vernon, a senior living facility; provides volunteer certified dog therapy to patients and staff at Vernon Jubilee Hospital; and acts as a volunteer advisor on self-employment and small business matters through Community Futures North Okanagan. He also previously served on the Community Futures board, and was named their Volunteer of the Year in 2024.

As of time of publication, Anderson was the only candidate to have confirmed with Vernon Matters that they would be running for office in Vernon.

ElectionsBC will hold its nomination period for the election from Sept. 1 to 11, with the campaign period beginning on the 19th.

Voters will cast their ballots for municipal councillors, mayors and school district board members at the 2026 general local election on Oct. 17.

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by Liam Verster

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