Testimonials
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I have known Victor Cumming for more than two decades, first meeting him due to our overlapping work in community development, and then 're-meeting' him both as my brother's long-time next-door neighbour and as Vernon's mayor. I have been consistently impressed with Victor's knowledge of planning and economic development, his commitment to community, and his ability to see the 'big picture' and parse it into achievable steps. I believe Vernon is lucky to have Victor as mayor, and I was very happy to hear that he had decided to run for re-election. He certainly has my vote!
Eric Kowalski
MEDes (PLanning) – Specialty in Social Services
Born & raised in Vernon
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I have lived in Vernon for most of my life, returning here with my husband, David, & young family in 1971. We have known Victor Cumming for many years and believe his ethics, professional background, & commitment to the development of the community has made him one of the most effective mayors that Vernon has ever had.
David, M.D. (Retired) & Linda RCC (Retired) Kennedy
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Victor has earned our support through his leadership and results on current key issues. Financial prudence - tough with budgets, broad long-term plans, 580 Commonage tax impact analysis. Water management - regional initiatives such as OBWB and Aberdeen Plateau fire risk mitigation. Recreation - instrumental on Grey Canal and rail trails, Polson Park improvements and the Active Living Centre. Importantly, Victor has demonstrated effective leadership of Council - collaboration, staff oversight, and 8 years of sound civic governance.
Mike Nolan
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As a busy family of four in East Hill, we see and use the results of Victor’s leadership every day. Protected multi-use paths give us more options for commuting to school and work. We love the revitalized Vernon Creek at Polson Park and Lakeview Park’s new wading pool and tree replanting. We’re excited about the upcoming Pottery Road and Hwy 6 connection to Kal Lake Road, and the new Active Living Centre adding even more recreation and transportation options. We also applaud Victor’s hard work in making our community more drought and flood resilient.
Marta Green,
Professional Geoscientist and Ribbons of Green Trails Society director
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As a long-time Vernon resident, what I appreciate most about Victor’s leadership is his capacity and willingness to think beyond the next budget cycle.
Victor’s long-term thinking reflects decades spent as a regional economist and development specialist - work fundamentally about weighing the long-term consequences of policy decisions. That instinct is apparent in the recent trajectory of investment in Vernon and the broader community: the Active Living Centre, Mission Hill Water Treatment Plant, Polson Park naturalization, Peanut Pool revitalization, and continued investment in utility and transportation infrastructure.
The City also pivoted to adopt a new Transportation Plan and Official Community Plan amid significant and rapidly changing provincial planning legislation.
I like the trajectory the City is on under his leadership, and appreciate having someone at City Hall thinking beyond the current election cycle.
Scott Juniper,
Recent UBCO graduate and Vernon Resident
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Victor Cumming is a great champion for Okanagan water. I observed this directly through his work for the Okanagan Basin Water Board, when I was the OBWB Executive Director—first when Victor helped us in his capacity as a strategic planner, and then when he was a Board Director after becoming Mayor of Vernon. I strongly endorse him for re-election.
Anna Warwick Sears,
former Executive Director, Okanagan Water Board
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I am proud of the work we have accomplished in the current council term under the leadership of Mayor Victor Cumming. We have advanced or completed many important projects such as the Active Living Centre, the restoration of Vernon Creek through Polson Park, and improving the transportation system, while addressing social and housing challenges – all while keeping taxes as low as possible. In addition, we have improved collaboration with the Regional District of North Okanagan and the Okanagan Indian Band on key initiatives like the Greater Vernon Cultural Centre and reducing wildfire risk on the Aberdeen Plateau. The Aberdeen Plateau is a key water source for Vernon, and this project has already reduced the risk of fire-related disruption to our water supply.
I sincerely hope that the next council continues moving the city forward in the same direction, under the leadership of Mayor Cumming. Victor is a strong and collaborative mayor and has been an inspiring leader. He has the experience, knowledge, commitment, and passion needed to continue making Vernon an even better place to live.
Brian Guy,
Vernon Councillor (2022-2026)
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Thank you, Victor, for being a supportive advocate of social housing, and smart growth planning. Thank you for finally developing the Cultural Centre, and for providing a voice for Vernon issues provincially. We could use your ongoing stewardship for four more years!
Patrick Allen,
Orchardist, Curlew Orchards
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From chairing meetings, leading organizations, managing events, and stacking chairs, for 25 years we watched Victor be a topnotch community volunteer. He has also been the best mayor Vernon has had in our 35 years living here and our choice for mayor again.
Val and Ron Heuman
(Community Volunteer Leaders)
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I’ve observed Victor at work as our Mayor the past 8 years, which has convinced me he is the best choice moving forward.
Victor’s body of knowledge and body of work for our community proves to me that he is by far the best choice for Vernon’s Mayor.
Juliette Cunningham,
Current 36 year Downtown Vernon business owner. Former 10 year Vernon City Councillor