Building a Healthier, More Inclusive North Okanagan
The Community Foundation’s Role in Local Progress
How CFNO’s work is aligns with local priorities.
The North Okanagan is a community in transition, balancing growth, environmental challenges, and the need for social connection. The Community Foundation North Okanagan's (CFNO) Vital Signs report provides timely insights into these evolving dynamics and suggests where investment is needed most. Recent events and initiatives in Vernon highlight many of these same themes, emphasizing how CFNO’s work is aligned with community priorities.
Supporting a Growing Population and Evolving Infrastructure
With Vernon expanding rapidly, infrastructure and services are under pressure. New multi-unit developments such as the proposed 96-unit project on Okanagan Landing Road reflect efforts to meet housing demand. However, the Vital Signs report notes that affordability remains a critical issue, especially for lower-income families and seniors.
CFNO has been actively involved in supporting housing-related projects through grants aimed at affordable housing solutions. As growth continues, the foundation sees partnerships with developers and local government as key to ensuring that new projects include affordable units, fostering both inclusivity and sustainability.
Mental Health and Community Well-Being
The importance of mental health services is another focus in the Vital Signs report, resonating with several recent local initiatives. The Emily Dahl Foundation has been active in fundraising for mental health, particularly through events like Canadian Mental Health Association Vernon’s Ride Don’t Hide. Additionally, community groups have started addressing mental health from a preventative angle, focusing on reducing stigma through public awareness campaigns.
CFNO plays a pivotal role in supporting these mental health initiatives by providing funding to non-profits working directly with youth, families, and those at risk. The foundation's goal is to ensure that no one in the community feels left behind, particularly as the mental health system faces growing demand.
Environmental Awareness and Climate Resilience
Climate issues have become a pressing concern, as illustrated by wildfires near Sugar Lake and the broader Okanagan region. The Vital Signs report highlights the importance of sustainable practices and disaster preparedness in building community resilience. CFNO supports local environmental projects that aim to restore ecosystems, reduce carbon footprints, and promote climate action.
With extreme weather events becoming more frequent, the foundation emphasizes the need for public engagement and preparedness. By working with local governments and non-profits, CFNO is helping foster awareness and building the infrastructure needed to protect both the environment and residents.
Fostering Social Connection Through Local Initiatives
As the report suggests, social connection is a vital part of community well-being. CFNO continues to fund projects that strengthen relationships within the community, from cultural events to youth programs. The recent Rail Trail Plein Air event, which combined art and outdoor activity, is one example of how the region is promoting health, wellness, and connection.
CFNO sees these kinds of events as essential in bringing people together, especially after the isolation experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. By investing in events that foster belonging, the foundation aims to ensure that Vernon and the North Okanagan remain vibrant and welcoming places to live.
The Community Foundation North Okanagan is proud to play a role in addressing the region’s evolving challenges, from housing and mental health to climate resilience and social connection. As the Vital Signs report indicates, collaborative action is key to building a brighter future. CFNO will continue to invest in solutions that align with the community’s priorities, helping the North Okanagan thrive both today and in the years to come.
Be part of building a stronger North Okanagan! Visit www.cfno.org to learn how you can make a difference or contact Leanne Hammond at Leanne@cfno.org or 250-542-8655 for more information.
This story has also been featured in local media:
https://www.vernonmorningstar.com/marketplace/building-a-healthier-more-inclusive-north-okanagan-7594504
