Former Vernon Mayor Ron Sawatzky Announces Candidacy for City Council
Former Vernon mayor and family physician Ron (Robert) Sawatzky has entered the race for a seat on Vernon City Council in the October 2026 municipal election. Sawatzky, who led the city from 2011 to 2014, highlighted achievements from his mayoral term, including the creation of a dedicated infrastructure levy and a multi‑year asset‑management plan that funded road, sidewalk, sewer, park and public‑building upgrades. He also oversaw an external audit of city services to guide budgeting and worked to improve relations with neighboring communities.
Before moving to Vernon in 1990, Sawatzky practiced family medicine in Dalhousie, New Brunswick, taught at McGill Medical School and served on several hospital committees. He has held leadership roles with the Red Cross, Boy Scouts of Canada, the Ribbons of Green Trails Society and other community groups, and for the past six years has worked for the BC Mental Health Review Board. Sawatzky says his medical and public‑service background equips him with fiscal discipline and communication skills needed for council work.
Entities
BC Mental Health Review Board · Ron Sawatzky · Vernon · Vernon City Council
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Sawatzky oversaw an external audit of city services to guide budgeting decisions. www.castanet.net
- [● 2 SOURCES] Before moving to Vernon, Sawatzky practiced family medicine in Dalhousie, New Brunswick, and taught at McGill Medical School. www.castanet.net
- [● 2 SOURCES] Sawatzky served as Vernon mayor from 2011 to 2014. www.castanet.net
- [● 2 SOURCES] Sawatzky worked to improve relations with neighboring communities during his mayoralty. www.castanet.net
- [● 2 SOURCES] Ron Sawatzky will run for a seat on Vernon City Council in the October 2026 municipal election. www.castanet.net
- [● 2 SOURCES] During his mayoral term, Sawatzky established a dedicated infrastructure levy and a multi‑year asset‑management plan for roads, sidewalks, sewer mains, parks and public buildings. www.castanet.net
- [● 2 SOURCES] Sawatzky has held leadership roles in organizations such as the Red Cross, Boy Scouts of Canada, and the Ribbons of Green Trails Society. www.castanet.net
- [● 2 SOURCES] Sawatzky has worked for the BC Mental Health Review Board for six years. www.castanet.net