Refugees may be coming to Vernon

VERNON — Syrian and other international refugees could be coming to the Vernon area — and if they do, a process will be in place to help them get settled.

A group called the North Okanagan Refugee Committee has been formed by citizens and community groups.

Annette Sharkey from the Social Planning Council says Canada will be getting pre-screened Syrian refugees who are in camps in Lebanon, Turkey and Jordan.

“The RCMP and CSIS have reviewed this process and stated that Syrian refugees can be brought into our country without compromising safety. I think that’s really important,” says Sharkey.

Mayor Akbal Mund says the province has indicated that some refugees may be headed to Vernon, but he has no idea how many or when.

He says his one concern is the city’s lack of affordable housing.