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By Liam Verster
Recognition

Vernon recognized for climate action with two awards

Sep 17, 2026 | 2:30 PM

Vernon has been recognized for its ongoing environmental work.

At the Union of B.C. Municipalities conference, Vernon was awarded a Climate and Energy Action Award for the Climate Action Ripple Effect (CARE) program.

The CARE program sees local youths in grades five through 12 work with mentor on real, community based climate and sustainability projects.

In the 2025-26 school year, nearly 1,800 students, teachers and mentors from Greater Vernon and Kelowna participated in over 400 projects that ranged in focus from regional water resources to climate adaption, and from community awareness of local climate initiatives to environmental stewardship.

Additionally, Kevin McCarty, the City of Vernon’s Climate Action Specialist, was named of the inaugural recipients of the Climate and Energy Champion Award. His work with the city has been focused on advancing climate action initiatives and encouraging youth to engage in and pursue careers in climate action and environmentalism.

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“Climate action is a priority for our community, and these awards recognize the practical work happening in Vernon and across the Central Okanagan,” Vernon Mayor, Victor Cumming, stated.

“The CARE Program is a great example of what can be achieved when we engage young people, build strong partnerships and take action at the local level. I also want to congratulate Kevin McCarty on being named one of the inaugural Climate & Energy Champions. Kevin has played a key role in advancing climate action in our community, bringing people together, supporting innovative projects and creating opportunities for youth to get involved. We’re proud to see both the CARE Program and Kevin’s leadership recognized through these awards.”

by Liam Verster
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