# Vernon 2026 municipal council race

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/vernon-2026-municipal-council-race
> Updated: 2026-07-27T17:00:00.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

In late July 2026, the field of candidates for Vernon, British Columbia's October 17 municipal council election expanded rapidly. Local entrepreneurs Stuart Anderson and David Scarlatescu announced their bids, emphasizing fiscal responsibility, infrastructure development, support for small businesses, senior‑meal programs, and community services. Their campaigns joined those of fellow business owner Distin Griffin and incumbent councilor Kari Gares, while mayor Victor Cumming prepared to seek re‑election.

A few days later, former mayor and physician Ron Sawatzky entered the race, highlighting his prior achievements such as a dedicated infrastructure levy, a multi‑year asset‑management plan, and city‑wide service audits. Sawatzky framed his medical and public‑service background as evidence of fiscal discipline and effective communication for council work.

Together, the snapshots illustrate a diverse slate of candidates—business leaders, a former mayor, and current council members—all focusing on managing Vernon’s growth, infrastructure needs, and community well‑being ahead of the October election.

## Claims

- Ron Sawatzky will run for a seat on Vernon City Council in the October 2026 municipal election. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Sawatzky served as Vernon mayor from 2011 to 2014. (corroborated by 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. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Sawatzky oversaw an external audit of city services to guide budgeting decisions. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Sawatzky worked to improve relations with neighboring communities during his mayoralty. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Before moving to Vernon, Sawatzky practiced family medicine in Dalhousie, New Brunswick, and taught at McGill Medical School. (corroborated by 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. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Sawatzky has worked for the BC Mental Health Review Board for six years. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-07-27: Former Vernon Mayor Ron Sawatzky Announces Candidacy for City Council

Former Vernon mayor Ron Sawatzky is running for a council seat in the October 2026 election, citing his infrastructure levy, asset‑management plan and extensive public‑service background.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/former-vernon-mayor-ron-sawatzky-announces-candidacy-for-city-council

### 2026-07-24: Vernon business owners launch campaigns for city council seats

Vernon business owners Stuart Anderson and David Scarlatescu are running for city council, promising fiscal responsibility, support for small businesses, and sustainable growth ahead of the Oct 17 election.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vernon-business-owners-launch-campaigns-for-city-council-seats

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Cite as: Vernon 2026 municipal council race. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/vernon-2026-municipal-council-race