Art Gourley's campaign sign in downtown Vernon (photo by Liam Verster / Vernon Matters)

By Liam Verster

BYELECTION CANDIDATE

Creating a safe city is focus of Art Gourley’s campaign

Nov 15, 2021 | 6:00 AM

Editor’s note:
This is part of a series of profiles on the Vernon council candidates for the Dec. 4th byelection to elect one councillor.
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Art Gourley is running for the council seat in the City of Vernon’s December 4 byelection with a focus on creating a safe city.

In a written statement to Vernon Matters, Gourley stated that crime has always existed in Vernon, and that it needs to be handled properly by the RCMP.

“I want Vernon people to feel safe,” said Gourley in his letter.

Gourley also suggested freeing up an acre of land for the homeless to use. He wrote that trailers could be set up for people to access.

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“Have an eating area plus washrooms and showers, and security would be needed,” said Gourley. “We can’t give free housing, that’s what jail is for.”

Art Gourley (File photo/Vernon Matters)

On the topic of climate change, Gourley suggested moving the airport, saying “we don’t need all these planes flying around and putting gasses in the air.”

In his letter to Vernon Matters, Gourley also stated that there needs to be more things for people to do in Vernon, but then specifically stated that he is opposed to building ice rinks and suggested getting rid of the lawn bowling facility, calling it “a waste of land that’s only used a few days per year.”

Gourley also stated that he didn’t approve of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Gourley was born in Vancouver in 1943. He became a painter/decorator in 1966 and worked for B.C. Ferries until 1970. He then joined the painters union, of which he is still a member.

Gourley moved to Vernon in 2006 and has been operating a painting company here ever since. He ran for mayor in Vernon in the 2018 election, finishing fourth.

by Liam Verster

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