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Dustin Griffin announced his run for a seat on Vernon City Council (Image Credit: Dustin Griffin)
By Liam Verster
Election 2026

Lawyer and community leader to run for Vernon City Council

Jul 10, 2026 | 6:00 AM

A lawyer and long time community leader will throw his hat in the ring for a seat on Vernon City Council.

Dustin Griffin announced his candidacy, saying he wants council to be more open to shaping the city’s work around the community’s feedback.

“Of course, I will bring my professional skills and training to the job of city councillor, but it’s not enough to sit through council meetings. Communication is everything. Vernon residents should not only know what decisions are made, but why they are being made,” Griffin said.

“Vernon is an incredible community with many passionate and informed residents. Councillors should be willing and ready to seek out the expertise and experience in the community to inform the decision making for whatever comes before Council”

The candidate said he would want to bring a community oriented vision to the municipality.

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“It’s time for the City of Vernon to focus on the fundamentals,” Griffin stated.

“We have our big projects under way so the next four years should be about working with what we have. Road and trail maintenance, parks and playground revitalization, and knocking down the barriers to development downtown. I want Vernon to be alive with activity wherever you go.”

Livability and affordability are also key focuses.

“We all recognize how special Vernon is and what it can offer residents,” Griffin noted.

“The challenge for the next council is working to realize the promise that Vernon offers – a vibrant city where people can work, play, and raise a family.”

Griffin, a North Okanagan local, has been practicing law in Vernon for over a decade with Kidston Helm Ross Layers LLP.

He has also done a lot of community service with a number of non-profits, including serving on the boards of the Upper Room Mission and the Armstrong Regional Co-op, and spending 10 years with the Junior Chamber International in Vernon where he was also named a Senator of the organization. 

The municipal election will go October 17.

by Liam Verster
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