The City of Vernon is committed to supporting community events that bring people together, build local pride, and contribute to cultural and economic growth. In light of recent public commentary and news coverage regarding facility fees, the City wishes to provide clarity on what has happened, what is happening now, and its commitment for the future.
What Has Happened
Over the past decade, Vernon’s Parks and Recreation facility fees have been updated:
- In 2014, the City assumed responsibility for Recreation Services from the Regional District of North Okanagan
- In 2018, the Recreation Master Plan identified a review of fees and charges as a medium-term priority.
- In 2023, the City completed an in-depth Fees Assessment, consulting with user groups, rightsholders, and residents.
- Based on public input, the City introduced clear, equitable fee categories in 2023:
- Community Rate – for weddings, meetings, and non-revenue events
- Private-Sponsored Rate – for fundraising and ticketed events
- Commercial Rate – for for-profit ventures
To support event organizers, some rates are being phased in gradually over five to ten years.
What is Happening Now
Fact Check: No single-year fee increases of 32%
Recent headlines have reported a 32% fee increase for some groups in 2025. This figure is misleading without context. The updated rates reflect the phased implementation and aligns fees consistently across event types and venues. Event organizers continue to benefit from subsidized rates and City support.
The City provides support to event organizers through grants, transitional pricing, subsidies, while also working with event partners to identify the most affordable and appropriate option for the event.
Record of Tourism Marketing
Between 2022 and 2024, the City of Vernon and Tourism Vernon invested over $540,000 to support events and facility use, including:
- $316,000+ through the Sport and Culture Event Attraction Contract
- $75,000 toward Recreation Event Coordinator staffing
- $100,000 in in-kind marketing and promotion
- $ Co-operative marketing funds
Commitment for the Future
As part of the 2023 Parks and Recreation User Fees Assessment, an Event Hosting Grant Program will be introduced by Council in fall 2025 to further assist eligible events. This grant will provide further in-kind financial assistance to qualifying events with local economic and cultural benefit. The City will continue to host annual user group meetings and work directly with organizers to ensure the best value for local events. The new Active Living Centre, once complete, will also offer enhanced event-hosting capacity.
A Message to Community Event Organizers
The City recognizes and values the role events play in shaping Vernon’s identity and quality of life. While there have been suggestions that the City has reduced support, rather, we are evolving our approach to make it more equitable and sustainable.
The City will continue to support events in different ways including financial and in-kind contributions. Every step taken has been grounded in consultation, community feedback, and a common goal to see events flourish in Vernon.
The City looks forward to continuing our relationships with all our event partners, big and small, and welcome input.
For more information, visit vernon.ca/eventplanning or contact the Recreation Services Department at 250-550-3673.
