NOCS Candidate Questions – 2026 Civic Election
With the 2026 civic election approaching, we reached out to local candidates in Vernon and Coldstream to ask about their views on mountain biking, trails and outdoor recreation in our community.
NOCS works with volunteers, community partners and local governments to develop and maintain trails, support youth programs and create more opportunities for people to enjoy the outdoors. As trail use continues to grow, we believe it is important to have a conversation about the future of trails and cycling in our communities because we cannot rely on Membership alone to support the trails.
We asked candidates three questions:
What is your vision of mountain biking, trails and outdoor recreation in our community?
Have you had any involvement, support or interest in mountain biking and cycling that our members may be interested in?
If elected, what support would you provide to NOCS and trails in the area? Please be specific.
NOCS is not endorsing any candidate. The responses below are presented as submitted by the candidates. They have been lightly formatted for readability, but the candidates' answers have not been edited or changed.
Kelly Fehr
What is your vision of mountain biking, trails and outdoor recreation in our community?
My vision is deeply aligned with our Official Community Plan: Greater Vernon is the Trails Capital of BC, and the City of Vernon is the 365-day adventure capital of the Okanagan. I view mountain biking, trails, and outdoor recreation as critical green infrastructure that drives our climate resilience and our local economy. I envision a fully connected, accessible network that links our neighbourhoods to regional routes like the Grey Canal Trail, the Okanagan Rail Trail, and provincial parks, supported by accessible community skill-building facilities. This network must support healthy, active lifestyles for our residents while acting as a major draw for four-season tourism.
Have you had any involvement, support, or interest in mountain biking and cycling our members may be interested in?
Over my past two terms on City Council, my support for cycling and trail development has been rooted in practical, evidence-based policy and tangible infrastructure investments. I am incredibly proud of what we have delivered recently, most notably the completion of the Becker Bike Park. By collaborating with the cycling community, we brought a world-class, paved pump track, dirt jumps, and skill zones directly into the heart of the city. Beyond recreational parks, I have consistently championed the expansion of our active transportation networks. This includes successfully delivering major projects like the $6.8 million Silver Star Road multi-use path (Phase 2), which provides a safe, active route connecting residents toward our mountain recreation areas. My voting record demonstrates a steadfast commitment to investing in the infrastructure that makes Vernon a premier cycling destination.
If elected, what support would you provide to both NOCS and the trails in the area (please be specific)?
If re-elected, you can count on my support in the following specific areas: Sanctioned Municipal Trails: I recognize the critical need for sanctioned mountain bike trails within city limits. Building on the momentum of Becker Park, I am committed to working collaboratively with NOCS to identify and support land-use options for developing new, sanctioned trails within the City of Vernon.
Stable Funding Advocacy: Volunteer organizations require stable funding to survive, especially with new projects like the Section 56 trail development on Vernon Hill. I will advocate for the City to strongly partner with NOCS on provincial and federal grant applications, providing the municipal backing necessary to help secure trail building and maintenance funding.
Regional Collaboration: The outdoor recreation boom and our designation as the Trails Capital of BC have put tremendous pressure on our trail networks. Through my role on the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) Board, I will push for continued collaboration between local governments, BC Parks, and NOCS to manage this user growth and ensure maintenance burdens do not fall solely on volunteers.
Development Contributions: I will continue to enforce our mandate to secure new parkland as the city grows, ensuring that any new hillside developments contribute to trail connectivity rather than restricting access.
Rob Sawatzky
What is your vision of mountain biking, trails and outdoor recreation in our community?
The mountain biking, trails and outdoor recreation you have mentioned are a prime example of, and an essential component of, my vision of what are Vernon's assets and our niche! They are an integral part of what makes us attractive to those who can choose where they work and live.
We have a beautiful 4 seasons recreation natural environment, and I have stated that the provision of those assets is an essential part of what we have to do to fulfill our niche. If we don't, those communities that do will "eat our economic lunch".
Have you had any involvement, support, or interest in mountain biking and cycling our members may be interested in?
I have long been an avid cyclist, and in fact have crossed North America by bike, and last year climbed Mt Ventoux in France, which is considered the third hardest climb in The Tour. The year before, I finished a ride from the mouth of the Loire to Vienna and then on to Prague. All of our holidays are fashioned around whether we can cycle. I suspect that I am known as that "crazy old man on a bike", as we purposely live close to downtown so that we can live our lives using our bikes for most things.
I freely admit that I am not, and never will be, a mountain biker. I envy my many friends who are, as it always gives them immense pleasure, and a focus for trips and holidays. I like to daydream and gawk around as I ride, and my experience mountain biking is that my habits would be a recipe for painful injury and disability...Mountain bikers are clearly better bike handlers than us road bikers, but I have too much fear, and experience with injuries as a doctor to learn the handling lessons. In other words, ...I'm a chicken.
If elected, what support would you provide to both NOCS and the trails in the area (please be specific)?
My understanding of the issues, from reading your website, is that it is hard work to develop the trails that I think are such an asset to what makes our community attractive, because of the fragmented nature of ownership, administration, and regulation. I would hope that as a council we could receive advocacy from those with expertise and vision, (like NOCS) for developing our mountain biking infrastructure that could help guide council in making decisions that utilize our opportunities to the maximum possible.
NOCS and mountain biking are integral to who we are, and to what we can best become. I don't have clear, detailed solutions, but I think my career shows that I can be a quick learner about solutions, and an effective leader to achieve goals. I absolutely would advocate for the shared goals to which NOCS aspires, for the benefit of our community.
Sarah Moorhouse
What is your vision of mountain biking, trails and outdoor recreation in our community?
Mountain biking and cycling is such a popular activity to so many in our community. I was thinking of all my family members and friends who enjoy the activity and lost count so my vision would be seeing consistent support provided to your organization whether that be via funding, education &/or encouraging members to join and volunteer to help. Connecting with residents and having them 'buy-in' on the cities plans and holding council and the city responsible for promises is so important to me. I'd love to see you at council meetings asking for our support, I would be happy to vote in your favor on funding and other trail support requests.
Have you had any involvement, support, or interest in mountain biking and cycling our members may be interested in?
I do not personally mountain bike or cycle but my 11 year old son and his Dad enjoy local trails regularly and I was unaware that there are no sanctioned mountain bike trails in our area, especially with being the 'Trail Capital'. My son has been thinking about joining your Trail Ninja's group next year so what you are doing for our community hits home for me and I appreciate the information provided.
If elected, what support would you provide to both NOCS and the trails in the area (please be specific)?
I answered this a bit in the first question but I think education and 'buy-in' from residents is so important. The popularity of cycling and mountain biking is obvious and prevalent in our community so it needs to be supported. We are a city with an award winning Climate Action Plan that is promoting these activities so I think it is not unreasonable to expect council to support the sanctioning of trails in our city limits.
Christopher Moore
What is your vision of mountain biking, trails and outdoor recreation in our community?
Cycling is a healthy, accessible and enjoyable sport. The ideal situation for cycling in Coldstream is to be involved with cycling initiatives on its boundaries (Rail Trail, Noble Canyon, Kal Park) while working to make the community as cyclist-friendly as it can be WITHOUT damaging the existing vehicle experience. There must be a balance, because as enjoyable as cycling can be, most members of the community drive everywhere and expect roads to be primarily for cars.
Have you had any involvement, support, or interest in mountain biking and cycling our members may be interested in?
I've been both a cycling commuter and a hobby mountain biker for my whole life, and only recently have pulled back from riding because life has become more busy. Until late last year, I rode into Vernon multiple times per week, commuting to work (my current record for the ride from the far end of Coldstream up to Davison Orchards is under 35 minutes), and frequented Kal Park regularly on my mountain bike.
I worked at Sun Country Cycle in 2023 for nearly a year, and have tried to set up a shop of my own near Noble Canyon several times.
If elected, what support would you provide to both NOCS and the trails in the area (please be specific)?
When a proposal comes forward that builds up the cycling community without obstructing normal life for residents of Coldstream, I'm all for it. For instance, I love the idea of a new trail system on Vernon Hill, but I don't know much about the idea yet.
At the same time, I oppose the raising of taxes for the purpose of starting a new project. Unless the funds are available, I am strongly against expanding the number of projects on the go.
In short, I'm a cyclist and understand cyclists, but in terms of policy, biking is not the number one policy. Community quality of life and basic services must come first, no matter how much fun an expansion of the cycling network would be.
Josiah Pulst
Thank you for the email. Often when I use a trail for hiking I think about the people who put the sweat in to build and maintain it. Most recently I was up Mt Fostall and there was a lot of impressive trail work.
In high school I was in the mountain biking club and I've enjoyed doing downhill in the Lower mainland as well. With 3 kids, business and an old home to renovate I haven't had much time to dedicate towards biking; but one day!
I definitely believe that the local government can help facilitate trails. People love to contribute to their community, and so I believe publicly honoring and connecting the organizations like NOCS to local businesses is a way for the local government to facilitate trail development. As a landscape business owner I know I would be open to contributing a manageable amount of machine labor for a cause like this. As a fiscal conservative, I would do my best to uncover these opportunities before dedicating tax payer funds. From an approvals perspective, I certainly wouldn't oppose trail development when it aligns with a neighbourhood's interest.
I also believe it's in the long term interest of a community to include bike lanes wherever feasible when roads are developed to encourage active living and safety for those practicing it.
Scot McNair
On outdoor recreation generally: I am very much in favor of outdoor recreation in our community and surrounding areas. I strongly believe outdoor activity of all kinds is good for the mind and body. At this point, I don't have a specific vision for mountain biking, but I am very much a supporter of a trail system that serves all users.
On cycling: I'm not a mountain biker myself, but I am a strong proponent of cycling as I regularly ride the rail trail and commute to work by bike.
On third-party funding: I'm not familiar with the District of Coldstream's policy around third-party funding, so it would be inappropriate for me to comment on potential financial contributions at this stage. My support for any trail initiative would depend on a proper presentation or plan being brought to Council including where the trails would be located, the cost to construct and maintain them, what (if any) responsibility the district would be expected to take on, and the specific location. As you can see, there are several factors that would go into a decision to support any trail project.
Thanks again for reaching out, and I'm happy to continue the conversation as more details take shape.
Dionne Lane
I’m 100% supportive of anything that gets people outside and active — whether that’s mountain biking, running, road cycling, hiking or just getting kids outdoors.
I was married to Kevin Lane, who completed over 20 Ironman races, so I spent a lot of years around cycling and endurance sports. I was usually the one running aid, driving around and supporting him through all of it! So while I’m not a mountain biker myself, I definitely appreciate the amount of time and commitment that goes into these sports.
As far as NOCS and the trails in our area, I’ll be honest, I don’t know enough about what you currently need or what kind of support you’re looking for from the District. I’d really like to learn more about that.
If proposals came to Council regarding trails, access, funding or other ways the District could help, I would absolutely be open to looking at them and hearing what NOCS has to say. I think we’re very lucky to live where we do, and anything that gets people outside enjoying it is a good thing in my books.
Dawn Tucker
What is your vision of mountain biking, trails and outdoor recreation in our community?
Vernon is the Trails Capital of BC — but that title should mean something for every resident, not just experienced mountain bikers. I want to build on the incredible work groups like the North Okanagan Cycling Society have done maintaining over 100km of trails across Kalamalka Lake, Ellison, and Silver Star, by making sure our outdoor recreation investments serve everyone: families with young kids, seniors, walkers, and casual riders — not just advanced riders chasing black diamonds. That means more beginner-friendly and accessible trail options, better connectivity between neighbourhoods and our trail network, and continued support for projects like Becker Bike Park and the new Vernon Hill recreation area. Outdoor access shouldn't be a privilege for the fit and experienced — it should be a shared community asset for every stage of life.
Have you had any involvement, support, or interest in mountain biking and cycling our members may be interested in?
Yes I own a mountain bike and have ridden a number of the trails from Silver Star to Kal Park to Ellison and around town. I’ve been a NOCs member and grew up cycling in Vernon. Cycling was my first way to travel as a kid where my longest ride was from Lumby to the waterslides in one day. I’ve also as a kid rode from Coldstream to Adventure bay both done in 40 degree heat with no water, we never thought of that as kids. We certainly loved freedom though as Gen X kids we just went for it. That is often true for today it’s important to create opportunities for younger generations to be able to ride and ride safely.
If elected, what support would you provide to both NOCS and the trails in the area (please be specific)?
I would certainly be willing to advocate locally on council and provincially and federally to push for grants and other monies to provide for more opportunities for kids. I also think events that bring people to our community would be great and should be supported. I would be willing to offer social media support on my socials and to offer time to help if I could especially if it helped raise the profile of vernon and brought kids out to ride.
Jim Garlick
What is your vision of mountain biking, trails and outdoor recreation in our community?
I believe that there is a need to expand mountain bike access to wider areas to avoid overuse of existing sites such as Kal Park.
In addition, as a Coldstream representative on the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee I supported the direction to be the trails capital of BC. In order to achieve these goals, we will need to continue work with the province and NOCS to identify potential sites and assist by building trails, parking or transportation connections.
As a member of the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee, I supported the trails and open space plan to advocate for connections to provincial lands through our local trails structure and negotiations with the province.
Have you had any involvement, support, or interest in mountain biking and cycling our members may be interested in?
During the last term as a Coldstream representative on the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee, I supported the construction of the Cypress park and trail access through the existing Grey Canal Trail. This was done keeping in mind the need to preserve sensitive ecosystems and to promote responsible use of access roads and trails. We want to preserve the adjacent Coldstream Ranchlands ecosystem and ensure safe driving through the neighborhood to reach the parking and access. This will require educating users that everyone benefits if we can promote respect and responsible use. This is a good reason to work with your organization to promote the sport in a responsible manner and educate your members.
In this same role, I also supported the construction of the Upper BX trail through Greater Vernon Parks.
If elected, what support would you provide to both NOCS and the trails in the area (please be specific)?
I would work with regional and provincial politicians to support the expansion of the sport into new provincial areas as well as continue developing connectivity between Greater Vernon and those lands.
Diana Wilson
What is your vision of mountain biking, trails and outdoor recreation in our community?
I see trails and outdoor recreation as an important part of what makes Vernon such a great place to live. They contribute to healthy and active lifestyles, provide opportunities for youth and families, connect people with nature, and support our local economy and tourism sector.
Greater Vernon promotes more than 500 kilometres of trails across the region, and being recognized as the Trails Capital of BC is something we should build on. At the same time, increased use puts pressure on existing trail networks, so our approach needs to include responsible planning, sustainable funding and ongoing maintenance - not simply building more trails.
This aligns closely with my priorities of building a vibrant community, supporting community wellbeing, protecting our natural environment and planning thoughtfully for the future. I would like to see Vernon continue working with the RDNO, neighboring jurisdictions, the Province, First Nations, landowners and organizations such as NOCS to identify opportunities for sustainable trail development and better connections between our communities and the broader regional trail network.
Finding locations for significant new mountain-bike trails within Vernon itself can be challenging. Much of the City is developed or planned for growth, some natural areas are environmentally sensitive, and many potential trail areas are not owned or controlled by the City. New trails also need to consider access, neighboring properties, environmental impacts, wildfire risk, maintenance and the needs of different trail users.
But that doesn't mean there aren't opportunities. Becker Bike Park demonstrates what can be accomplished when the City and NOCS work together. I would support looking strategically at City-owned lands, future park planning and acquisitions, development opportunities and connections to the regional trail network to determine where additional trails could appropriately fit.
My vision is to continue building on what makes Greater Vernon such an exceptional place for outdoor recreation while ensuring our trails are well planned, well maintained and sustainable for the future.
Have you had any involvement, support, or interest in mountain biking and cycling our members may be interested in?
Absolutely. I am a NOCS member, an avid mountain biker and previously served as President of the North Okanagan Cycling Society. I regularly enjoy the trails that NOCS works so hard to build and maintain.
My experience on the NOCS board gave me a very real appreciation for both what NOCS contributes to our community and how much work happens behind the scenes. Trail planning, land-use agreements, environmental considerations, fundraising and grant applications, maintenance, relationships with land managers and coordinating volunteers all take considerable effort.
I also saw first-hand the extraordinary contribution made by NOCS volunteers. So much of what the organization accomplishes depends on people who give their time, expertise and energy because they care about trails, outdoor recreation and our community.
My involvement with NOCS also reinforced something that is central to my approach: community organizations can accomplish a great deal when governments, volunteers, businesses and other partners work together around a shared goal.
I have a high regard for NOCS, its volunteers and the contribution the organization makes to recreation and our community in the North Okanagan.
If elected, what support would you provide to both NOCS and the trails in the area (please be specific)?
Having served as President of NOCS, I understand first-hand both the contribution the organization makes to our community and the challenges of building and maintaining a growing trail network. If elected, I would be a strong advocate for NOCS and the programs it provides.
One of my priorities would be strengthening the relationship between NOCS and the City, with more regular dialogue around parks, active transportation, tourism, land-use planning and opportunities for trail connections. I would also support looking strategically for appropriate locations for additional sanctioned trails within Vernon.
Vernon Hill is an exciting opportunity, and I would support exploring how the City can help with access, connectivity, funding opportunities and collaboration with NOCS, the RDNO and the Province.
If we are promoting Greater Vernon as the Trails Capital of BC, we also need to think about the long-term sustainability of our trail network and how we support the organizations and volunteers who build and maintain it. That includes exploring funding opportunities through the City and other partners.
I’m also a huge supporter of Trail Ninjas. It gets young people outdoors while teaching stewardship, teamwork and the value of giving back to their community—exactly the kind of program I would like to see continue to thrive.
Dustin Griffin
What is your vision of mountain biking, trails and outdoor recreation in our community?
Outdoor recreation opportunities is one of the great attractions of living in Vernon. I support the ongoing development and maintenance of these outdoor amenities for the use of as many Vernon residents as possible. I don't think it is enough to just build a trail and then walk away - they need to be maintained so people will be able to enjoy them for many years. We could also do better in marking our trails - the trail heads, where to park, that sort of thing. As low of barrier as possible.
Have you had any involvement, support, or interest in mountain biking and cycling our members may be interested in?
I have to admit, cycling is not my thing. Sure as a kid I rode my bike around the neighbourhood, but as an adult I find bicycles of any sort not to agree with me. But we'll just call it a personal choice. I'm glad so many others get great joy out of cycling and mountain biking.
If elected, what support would you provide to both NOCS and the trails in the area (please be specific)?
That's really something NOCS will have to tell me. I am not that familiar with the specific needs of the mountain biking community. It would be best for NOCS to take the lead any given proposal and put it before council. What I can tell you, if you want to develop trails and build on the outdoor recreation options for Vernon, I'll be a friendly face. I'm not going to promise anyone money. What I am going to promise is take any proposal seriously and that I will push for innovative ways the City can support you - including seeking senior government and private grants and looking at land options within the city's control.
Dauna Kennedy
What is your vision of mountain biking, trails and outdoor recreation in our community?
You are doing it! I have worked for Non Profits my whole 35+ years and what you have accomplished together is such a benefit to our community. Volunteer run organizations are difficult to maintain and your group has accomplished so much. A big thank you from me.
Have you had any involvement, support, or interest in mountain biking and cycling our members may be interested in?
I have had the benefit of riding on some of your trails, I have many friends who have as well. I strongly believe that to have a healthy community we need a balanced well rounded community, recreation is a key element and in Vernon we are so lucky to have so many outdoor options. When I see groups like yours accomplishing so much on so little, it resonates with me as I have been involved with many groups like yours over the years and those are the ones we need to pay attention to!
If elected, what support would you provide to both NOCS and the trails in the area (please be specific)?
I will be as specific as I can based on the information you have provided us. I do think that when a government body seeks a designation like the Trail Capital, it comes with some fiscal responsibility, but further to that as there is limited dollars and many competing priorities, there are other things we can do as well to work with groups like yours to support the growth of your organization. Without having a deeper understanding of your strategic direction it is difficult to be too specific, but from a municipal perspective ensuring your projects are on the radar of other groups such as Tourism Vernon to open the door to opportunities that might be available for collaboration. Advocacy at the senior levels of government, providing project support documentation in securing grant funding from other levels of government, making sure our policies are friendly to not for profits not more cumbersome. Working on communication and coordination between the City of Vernon and Greater Vernon jurisdictions which can at times make projects more difficult. As someone who has navigated many of the same funding & advocacy trails you are navigating I would use my experience to help clear the way for you to continue the great work you are doing for our community.