Finding solutions through research a key part of Flora Evans’ platform

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In an email to Vernon Matters, Evans said that immediate action must be taken to address climate change. She noted this can be through establishing more electric vehicle charging stations, by researching and adapting strategies from other municipalities and jurisdictions, and by creating a fire break around Okanagan Lake.

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She also has a hard stance on crime, but is also concerned about the cost of policing. Evans told Vernon Matters that the city may have to reconsider keeping the RCMP and examine the costs of having a municipal police force. She also notes that the RCMP’s third quarter report noted large increases in crime rates compared to 2020, and said police need to be proactive not reactive while also suggesting that more research be undertaken to find the root cause of rising crime rates.

Evans also wants to see action taken to address the homelesness problem in the city, saying the time for talking about the issue is over.

“We need to find permanent solutions for people who are homeless. We need to find out why they are there and how to help those who want help,” said Evans.

Evans also noted that housing in Vernon is expensive and the vacancy rate is very low. Both those issues can be resolved by increasing the housing stock. Evans stated that outside-the-box ideas should be considered, such as 3-D printed houses. She also notes that both short- and long-term rentals must be looked over to find ways to make it more affordable for people to work and live in Vernon.

On the topic of COVID-19, Evans said she would like to see a vaccine mandate put in place at city hall that includes councillors.

“If there are some people opposed, then a modified mandate might be necessary like testing them [three times] a week, but new hires need to be vaccinated,” wrote Evans. “I think it is a moral duty to protect each other.”

Research on these and other matters are a big component of Evans’ platform, as she stated numerous times that the City of Vernon can look at other jurisdictions around the world to find alternative ways to address the aforementioned issues and others that crop up in the future.

In her release, Evans also noted that she wants to work hand-in-hand with business leaders to find ways to bolster the economy.

She also stated that she will fight for no tax increases to help businesses and those on fixed incomes during the economic recovery process.

Evans is originally from Toronto but said she has lived as far north as Nunavut, the Northwest Territories and Yukon. She moved to the Okanagan Valley in 2003, and currently works part-time at Vernon Secondary School as the library assistant.

She has never ran for office before, but said she has experience working with politicians, as Evans spent 15 years working for CBC North and spent a lot of time interviewing and talking with politicians.