Candidate for Vernon City Council
Working Together for Vernon
Rooted in Vernon. Committed to its Future.
“I am running because I care deeply about Vernon and want to give back to the community that has given me so much. I want to bring my experience, collaborative approach and practical leadership to Council as we work together to build an even better Vernon.”
VOTing is on saturday october 17, 2026
Advanced Voting on October 7th, 14th and 17th
What do I care about for Vernon's future?
A vibrant community, the well being of our entire community, environmental stewardship and thoughtful growth.
“There are important issues facing Vernon, but for me, it comes back to a few things that I really care about.
“I care about building a vibrant, safe and welcoming Vernon, where local businesses thrive, people of all ages can find housing and opportunity, and we protect the lakes, waterways and natural spaces that make our community such an incredible place to call home.”
Rooted in Vernon. Proven Leadership.
Why Diana
- Fourth-generation Vernon resident with family roots in our community dating back nearly 100 years.
- More than 30 years of leadership - navigating complex issues, bringing people together, driving change and delivering results.
- Experienced in strategy, governance, and organizational change.
- Past President of the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce, Vernon Paddling Centre, and North Okanagan Cycling Society.
- Proven ability to listen, ask thoughtful questions, understand different perspectives and support informed decision making.
- Certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and Change Management Professional.
Why I Am Running
To Give Back
As a fourth-generation Vernonite, Vernon has always been home. It is where my family’s story began, where I raised my family, built my career, formed lifelong friendships and discovered a deep appreciation for everything our community has to offer. Serving on Council is an opportunity to give back to the community that has given my family and me so much.
Bring Leadership & Practical Experience
For more than 30 years, I have worked in complex environments where success required bringing people together, understanding different perspectives, managing competing priorities and making practical decisions. I believe that experience can make a meaningful contribution at the Council table.
Build an Even Better Vernon
Vernon is already an incredible place to live, and I want to help make it even better. That means building on our strengths and the plans already in place, addressing our challenges, setting thoughtful priorities and making informed decisions that consider the needs of our whole community.
“I do not pretend to have all the answers. What I can promise is that I will do the work.
I will come prepared, ask questions, listen to the people who understand the issues and those affected by them, consider different perspectives, and do my homework before making a decision.”
my council priorities
Building an Even Better Vernon
Throughout this campaign, I’ve spent a lot of time listening and learning—meeting with residents, businesses, community organizations, service providers and people with expertise in the issues facing Vernon.
I won’t come to Council with all the answers, and I won’t be an expert on every issue. But I will do the work. I will listen, ask questions, seek out the right expertise, understand the evidence and different perspectives, and be prepared to make thoughtful decisions.
Vernon also doesn’t need to start over. We have important plans and initiatives already underway. My focus will be on understanding what is working, identifying where we need to do better, setting clear priorities and turning plans into measurable results.
Below are the six priority areas I will focus on as I begin my work on Vernon City Council. Click on the button below to find out more about my priorities and what I will do on Council.
Plan now for the water Vernon will need in the future
This summer reinforced the importance of water security to our community. We need a long-term approach that considers supply, conservation, infrastructure, agriculture, growth and climate change, while planning responsibly for future investments.
Create more housing while protecting what makes Vernon a great place to live
Vernon needs housing for young people, families, workers, seniors and people with low incomes. At the same time, growth needs to make good use of infrastructure, respect our natural environment and agricultural land, and consider the long-term cost to taxpayers.
Build a safer, healthier Vernon by working together to address public safety and wellbeing
Public safety, homelessness, mental health, substance use and accessibility are complex issues. The City cannot solve them alone, but Council has an important role in community safety, planning, partnerships and advocating for the services Vernon needs.
Make Vernon a place where businesses, people and community organizations can thrive
Strong local businesses create jobs, contribute to our tax base and help make Vernon a vibrant place to live. Our downtown, tourism, agriculture, arts and culture, recreation and community organizations all contribute to our local economy and quality of life.
Help make Vernon a community where people can age well
Vernon’s growing seniors population brings changing needs. Supporting people to age well means helping them remain independent and connected for as long as possible, while ensuring they can transition to additional care with dignity and respect.
Be thoughtful about how we invest taxpayers' money
Vernon is growing, and we face significant decisions about infrastructure, water, roads, facilities and community services. Fiscal responsibility is about setting priorities, understanding long-term costs and investing where we can achieve the greatest community benefit.
My Commitment to Vernon
Community
Keeping the bigger picture in mind and considering the needs of our whole community.
Collaboration
Listening, learning, drawing on expertise and working together to find the best way forward.
Results
Making informed decisions, setting responsible priorities and being accountable for progress.