Tents in Vernon Parks

Why Are There Tents in Vernon’s Public Parks? Here’s What You Need to Know

VERNON, B.C. — If you’ve walked through a Vernon park early in the morning and noticed tents tucked between trees, you’re not alone—and you’re not seeing anything illegal.

Why Are There Tents in Vernon’s Public Parks? Here’s What You Need to Know

Under the City of Vernon’s Parks and Public Places Bylaw No. 5057, individuals experiencing homelessness are allowed to temporarily shelter in most public parks overnight—but only from dusk until 9 a.m. 

The tents must be packed up each morning, and no permanent structures or damage to public property is allowed.

This bylaw is designed to strike a balance between public access to parks and the needs of those without a home, especially when no shelter space is available. However, not all parks are open to this use.

Camping is strictly prohibited in several locations, including:

• 25th Avenue Linear Park

• Cenotaph Park

• Spirit Square

• Civic Memorial Park

• Outside the Vernon Recreation Centre

• Kal Tire Place/Kin Park

Alongside this, Vernon’s Good Neighbour Bylaw No. 4980 outlines rules around public behaviour—such as bans on noise, aggressive panhandling, and obstruction of sidewalks—to maintain community standards while still allowing for basic sheltering rights.

These local rules have been further shaped by provincial legislation. In late 2023, the B.C. government passed Bill 45, which restricts municipalities from dismantling encampments unless adequate alternatives—like shelter beds, bathrooms, and meals—are available to those being displaced.

Despite ongoing challenges, city officials report that bylaw-related complaints tied to park encampments have declined over the past few years. For instance, calls related to camps in

Becker Park dropped nearly 50% between 2021 and 2023.

So, while the sight of tents in parks may raise questions, it’s largely a reflection of Vernon’s current approach: balancing compassion with regulation, and complying with both local bylaws and provincial law.

Tents in Vernon Parks