Kari Gares will run for the mayoral seat at the upcoming election (Image Credit: City of Vernon)

By Liam Verster

Mayoral Campaign

Kari Gares running for Mayor of Vernon

Jul 2, 2026 | 10:44 AM

A City Councillor will be taking a run at the mayor’s seat in Vernon’s upcoming municipal election.

Kari Gares said in a release that the city’s future success depends on creating a community where people can build careers and raise families, and her campaign will be putting a focus on economic resilience, infrastructure planning, and creating opportunities for youth to stay in Vernon.

“Our young people need reasons to stay,” Gares said.

“That means building a community where innovation is encouraged, businesses can grow, and meaningful careers are available.”

She added there was an opportunity to build a community where families, entrepreneurs and businesses can succeed, and that ‘the decisions we make today will shape the Vernon future generations inherit.”

Mayoral Campaign

Kari Gares running for Mayor of Vernon

1h ago

Youth Mental Health Supports

Swimmer to traverse Okanagan Lake in support of Foundry projects

Jun 30, 2026

Weather alerts

Thunderstorm Watch issued for the Okanagan

Jun 30, 2026

The mayoral candidate believed economic development to be connected to thoughtful planning, reliable infrastructure, and a municipality that supports investment and growth beyond the city core, but into other neighbourhoods and areas.

To accomplish that, the candidate said there would need to be a focus on investing in roads, utilities and services, and working with area municipalities and the province to tackle these projects and address other challenges such as with water and transportation.

Gares also said there should be more focus put on recognizing Vernon as a destination community, saying Predator Ridge and other lifestyle developments and resorts “are economic contributors that attract residents, visitors, businesses and investment from across Canada.”

Gares was the first candidate to announce her bid for the mayor’s seat.

The general local election goes October 17.

by Liam Verster

View Comments