The Downtown Vernon Association wants to 
ensure it’s not ignored if a key chunk of land redevelops. The City of Vernon is pursuing private interest to develop the former Coldstream Hotel property, as well as two adjacent lots. That has caught the attention of the DVA. “It’s of great interest to the DVA,” said Earl Hansen, executive director. “The property is in the heart of downtown and there is tremendous potential for the right development.” The association is insisting that it be part of the process. “Development there will set the tone for a lot of other development down the road,” said Hansen. The city is interested in commercial uses, but it’s not demanding residential housing be part of any project. That is of concern for the DVA. “To realize the full potential of downtown, we need to look at residential,” said Hansen, adding that higher density will encourage expanded transit service while more people living downtown will address security concerns. Hansen also wants to see a parking component to any initiative that occurs on the property. The city had originally purchased the three lots for a cultural complex, but those plans fell through because of the costs involved. But some community advocates would still like to see the property devoted to the museum and art gallery, and the city's latest actions are troubling. “To waste this property on commercial is shocking to many of us,” said Anna Cail, a lifelong resident who is involved in and has a keen interest for heritage and culture. Cail hopes the city will reconsider its decision and rejuvenate plans for cultural facilities on the Coldstream Hotel site. "The civic centre is important and we have the land there,” she said.
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