By Tom Mark

Vernon Best Small City In Commuter Challenge

Jul 9, 2018 | 10:49 AM

Vernon is once again the winner of the top small city in Canada in the Commuter Challenge.

The Commuter Challenge takes place annually during Canada’s Environment Week in June in an effort to raise awareness about sustainable modes of transportation.

It involves using any mode of transportation other than driving alone.

Nationally, participants traveled over 1.5 million kilometres and saved over 250,000 kilograms of greenhouse gas emissions.

Vernon edged out last year’s champion Brandon, Manitoba to take first place in Canada in the population category of 25,000 to 50,000.

Smoky Skies

Air quality warning issued for the Okanagan

1h ago

Emergency Disaster Services

Vernon Salvation Army mobile team out supporting vulnerable people

2h ago

Housing Starts

Local housing construction declined in June, down for year so far

7h ago

Participants logged 4,920 km, burning 72,460 calories and saving 795 kg of greenhouse gas emissions.

Cycling and carpooling were the most popular modes of transportation for participants in our city.

Active Transportation Coordinator Angele Broadbent says the city didn’t just beat Brandon, but was competitive with cities twice our size.

“Vernon residents stepped up and showed the rest of Canada that we can compete with the big cities when it comes to being green.”

The top workplace team was The City of Vernon.

The Vernon Jubilee Hospital and W.L. Seaton Secondary came in second and third place respectively and Community Futures of the North Okanagan had the highest participation rate of any workplace.

Mayor Akbal Mund says events such the Commuter Challenge can have a long term benefits for our community by encouraging residents to change their travel behaviour.

“Walking, cycling, transit, and carpooling reduce the number of single occupancy vehicles on our roads, which in turn decreases traffic congestion, saves money by reducing wear and tear on City infrastructure, and helps to build a healthier and more sustainable community.”

by Tom Mark