Bypass ignored

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star - October 28, 2007

Vernon’s official community plan review is getting a rough ride because it doesn’t cover a controversial bypass.Numerous politicians used an OCP growth plan scenario workshop Friday to question why the current process doesn’t include the proposed western bypass.“The fact that it will still be in the OCP makes me very uncomfortable,” said Coun. Buffy Baumbrough. Staff recommended that the western bypass not be part of the OCP review because the need for the route will depend on the land use option ultimately selected.“That piece of infrastructure also requires its own public discussion,” said Kim Flick, a long range planner.Flick is concerned debate about the bypass would overshadow public input about land use strategies in the OCP.“It (bypass) also won’t get a fair share of discussion if it’s grouped in with a major policy issue like the OCP,” she said.Flick’s report recommended protecting the corridor for the highway in the OCP subject to public consultation on its ultimate inclusion.

But that didn’t go over well with Coun. Pat Cochrane.“It’s a major flaw in the plan,” he said of not including the bypass in the OCP review process.That was also the view of Coun. Patrick Nicol.“It has such a huge impact on the future and this is about the future. We just can’t ignore it,” he said.The western bypass concept was initiated by the previous council and it would see a new bypass go from the army camp to Swan Lake through the Mission Hill, Okanagan Landing and Bella Vista areas.“It’s been a very contentious issue and it’s created a lot of uncertainty for residents,” said Coun. Juliette Cunningham.

Three draft land use plans for the OCP will be put before council Nov. 13 for consideration, and Flick says that will now include a simultaneous process to look at the western bypass.In November, there will be extensive public consultation on the OCP review and the draft land use plans. It will include open houses, mall displays and information on the city Web site.“It’s beyond precedent in terms of what we’ve done before,” said Leon Gous, chief administrative officer.