Get the Top, Local stories delivered to your inbox! Click here to join the daily Vernon Matters newsletter.
By Kate Bouey
Tough Decision as Ex Mayor Bows Out

Tough Decision as Ex Mayor Bows Out

Aug 23, 2018 | 12:42 PM

Former Vernon mayor Wayne Lippert has decided not to make a run for his old job in the October 20th municipal election.

Some months ago, Lippert said he would run for mayor this fall but now cites a recent death in the family, his father-in-law, for the reason for his change of heart.

“Everything that’s going on there in my personal life, with family and things for me to look after, I don’t feel I have the time to dedicate to run for mayor,” Lippert told Beach Radio News. “Family comes first so I’ve decided to not run.”

Lippert admitted to disappointment, calling it a tough decision.

He said he’s been reaching out to supporters to let them know of his change of heart.

1.5 Hectare Blaze
Crews battling wildfire near Cherryville
3h ago
Too Hot for Dogs
Don't leave pets alone in hot vehicles: RCMP
4h ago
Smoky Skies
Air quality warning issued for the Okanagan
5h ago

“It’s a tough decision because I really love Vernon and the North Okanagan and believe we could make some changes to improve things but…family comes first.”

Lippert said he hasn’t ruled out a run in politics in the future.

Two people have declared they will run for Vernon mayor, including economist Victor Cumming and local businessman Darrin Taylor.

Current mayor, Akbal Mund, has not yet stated his intentions.

by Kate Bouey

Other Matters

1.5 Hectare Blaze
Crews battling wildfire near Cherryville
A wildfire that sparked in the North Okanagan Friday is being actioned by provincial crews.The B.C. Wildfire Service (BCWS) said a lightning strike ignited a 1.5 hectare fire in the Fairbrother Creek area near Cherryville.As of time of publication the fire was not contained. The BCWS said it had a team of 17 firefighte...
3h ago
Read More
More Construction
Road work to close parts of Gordon Drive and Lexington Drive in Kelowna
Drivers in Kelowna should expect delays and detours as paving work gets underway on parts of Gordon Drive and Lexington Drive.The work runs from July 19 to July 29, weather permitting, as part of the city's road renewal program.Gordon Drive, between Cook Road and Lexington Drive, will be reduced to single lane traffic ...
3h ago
Read More
$115K Raised
Midsummer's Eve of the Arts raises record funds for public art gallery
Vernon Public Art Gallery's milestone annual fundraiser was a great success.The 40th edition of the Midsummer's Eve of the Arts raised a record-breaking over $115,000 dollars for the art gallery (VPAG).This was the fourth year in a row that the major fundraiser for the gallery broke its fundraising record."The suc...
4h ago
Read More
Too Hot for Dogs
Don't leave pets alone in hot vehicles: RCMP
With temperature soaring to the mid- to high-30s, police are reminding people to not leave their pets in their cars.Vernon North Okanagan RCMP said vehicles can heat up very quickly, even when parked in the shade or with the window open, creating conditions that can be dangerous for an animal and put them at risk of se...
4h ago
Read More
Smoky Skies
Air quality warning issued for the Okanagan
Wildfire smoke led to an air quality warning being issued for the Okanagan Friday.Environment Canada issued the warning saying the smoke settling over the valley was expected to increase through the day and into the night, causing poor air quality and reduced visibility."During a wildfire, smoke conditions can cha...
5h ago
Read More
Emergency Disaster Services
Vernon Salvation Army mobile team out supporting vulnerable people
Salvation Army in Vernon will take its operations on the road as a heat wave hits the Okanagan.The organization's Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) team will be sent out through the community to provide bottled water, nutritious snacks, and juice to vulnerable people experiencing or at risk of homelessness and housing ...
7h ago
Read More
Structural Fire
Workshop destroyed in early morning West Kelowna fire
A workshop near Gellatly Bay was destroyed in an early morning fire Thursday.West Kelowna Fire Rescue responded to reports of a structure fire on Harding Road at about 4:50 a.m.Crews arriving at the scene found the workshop fully engulfed in flames and launched a defensive attack to contain the blaze.Four fire apparatu...
7h ago
Read More
Plan Approved
Regional growth strategy consultation plan approved by Central Okanagan board
The Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO) board has approved a plan to gather public input on a new regional growth strategy.The consultation plan was adopted July 16 and will guide how the RDCO engages residents, municipalities, First Nations, community organizations and government agencies during the developme...
7h ago
Read More
Housing Starts
Local housing construction declined in June, down for year so far
The housing construction sector saw another decline in June.Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) reported 13 housing starts in Greater Vernon this June.That was down from the 19 housing starts in May, and from the 22 starts recorded in June of 2025.As of the end of June, there had been 88 housing projects sta...
12h ago
Read More

What Matters

1.5 Hectare Blaze
Crews battling wildfire near Cherryville
3h ago
Too Hot for Dogs
Don't leave pets alone in hot vehicles: RCMP
4h ago
Smoky Skies
Air quality warning issued for the Okanagan
5h ago
Emergency Disaster Services
Vernon Salvation Army mobile team out supporting vulnerable people
6h ago
Housing Starts
Local housing construction declined in June, down for year so far
12h ago