The Pride flag being flown outside Vernon City Hall (Image Credit: Liam Verster / Vernon Matters)

By Liam Verster

Provincial Funding

Vernon advocating for province to maintain Pride group funding

Mar 26, 2026 | 11:34 AM

The City of Vernon is taking steps to support 2SLGBTQIA+ groups locally and across B.C.

A letter from Vernon Pride Society stated that the tragic events in Tumbler Ridge had raised concerns about the safety and wellbeing of people in marginalized communities, and asked that the City of Vernon act as an advocate on their behalf to ensure the province continues to provide funding to Pride groups.

“Local governments play an important role in creating welcoming and inclusive communities. Vernon has taken meaningful steps in the past to support Pride and diversity, and we appreciate those efforts,” the letter stated

“The Board of Directors of Vernon Pride Society respectfully urges Vernon City Council to advocate to the Province of British Columbia for increased funding for Pride organizations, resources for Pride event safety, and expanded supports for trans and gender-diverse youth in schools and communities.”

At the regular meeting Monday, March 23, Councillor Kelly Fehr brought forward a motion in support of Vernon Pride’s request.

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“The motion is that council acknowledge the correspondence from the Vernon Pride Society outlining the important role Pride organizations play in fostering safe, inclusive, and welcoming communities, providing cultural events, community education, supports for 2SLGBTQIA+ residents and their need for provincial funding,” Fehr stated.

“And further that council direct the mayor to write to the Province of British Columbia, including the premier, the minister of finance, the minister of public safety and solicitor general, and the minister of education and child care, advocating for the development or expansion of provincial funding programs that support Pride organizations and the safety and wellbeing of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities through best practices, including stable core operating funding, event safety and security funding, rural and small community equity funding, community capacity and partnership grants.”

Fehr also asked that the letter encourage the province to engage with Pride organizations, local governments, and community stakeholders to develop these programs so as to ensure they meet the needs of both urban and rural communities.

Coun. Brian Guy agreed with the motion and also suggested bringing it forward to the Union of B.C. Municipalities’ conference in the fall.

Council voted in favour of having Mayor Victor Cumming write the letter advocating on behalf on Vernon Pride Society.