Committed to Community
For more than 20 years, Teresa Durning has been dedicated to making Vernon an exceptional place to live, work, and visit. As a business owner, community volunteer, and passionate advocate for the North Okanagan, she has built a reputation for bringing people together, solving problems, and delivering results.
Teresa and her family moved to Vernon from Golden in 2007 when she accepted the role of Manager of the Vernon Visitor Centre, representing the North Okanagan. She later founded Durning Directions & Service Ltd., where she continued leading Visitor Services for Tourism Vernon while helping strengthen the region's tourism industry through innovative marketing strategies, stakeholder collaboration, and community partnerships.
Her commitment to Vernon extends far beyond her professional career. Teresa has been recognized numerous times for her outstanding volunteer service, her support of local organizations, and her unwavering dedication to making Vernon a stronger, more connected community.
Over the past five years serving on Vernon City Council, Teresa has earned a reputation for honest, transparent, and accountable leadership. She believes that effective leadership begins with listening. By engaging with residents, understanding their concerns, and working collaboratively to develop practical solutions, she has remained focused on representing the interests of the entire community.
Looking ahead, Teresa is committed to building a Vernon that is financially responsible, economically resilient, and prepared for the future. Her priorities include thoughtful and sustainable growth, supporting local businesses, expanding attainable housing options, strengthening community partnerships, improving public safety, and protecting the quality of life that makes Vernon such a special place to call home.
When she's not serving the community, Teresa enjoys spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren while taking full advantage of everything the Okanagan's incredible outdoors has to offer.