Vote leaves agencies in a tight squeeze

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star - January 30, 2008

Agencies are scrambling to handle tight quarters after voters shot down plans for a civic complex. During Saturday’s referendum in Vernon, 3,984 people, or 71.1 per cent, voted against borrowing up to $30 million for a civic complex. There were 1,619 yes votes, or 28.9 per cent of the ballots cast. Voter turnout was 20.4 per cent. The complex would have provided space for city hall and RCMP staff, and Mayor Wayne Lippert insists that situation must still be addressed. “We will have to lease, buy or build something,” he said. Insp. Steve McVarnock is urging the city to look after the needs of the RCMP detachment. “We need a long-term plan for about five to six years with about three to four officers coming on board a year,” he said. The civic complex would have also included space for a 30,000-square-foot library, and Saturday’s defeat means that option has been scuttled. “We are back to square one,” said Carol Williams, Okanagan Regional Library chairman. ORL officials have stated the current branch does not have sufficient space for books, Internet terminals or programs. “Greater Vernon is not getting the library service it’s paying for and it’s up to ORL to make a plan for that,” said Williams.

City policies force a library to be downtown, but Lippert believes it’s time to reconsider that concept. “If they can find a piece of land (elsewhere), we should look at it,” he said. The referendum results mean the art gallery will remain in the parkade and not move into larger facilities. “We will make the best gallery we can whereever we are,” said Marion Morrison, gallery president. The gallery receives operating funds from the Greater Vernon Services Committee and that largely dictates issues such as location. “We are at the mercy of the governing bodies,” said Morrison. With the RCMP and city hall needing space, the Vernon Taxpayers Association is recommending that rental offices be found. In terms of any future capital projects, spokesman Tony Stamboulieh says the city must involve the public in planning.“They need to connect with the community and develop a vision with real public hearings,” he said.

Coun. Barry Beardsell, who also opposed the referendum, believes the space needs of the various agencies should be considered. “In the long-term, where should the RCMP be and what do you do with the library? We need input from the community?” he said. The referendum is just the latest installment in the civic complex saga. Last summer, 6,000 people signed a petition blocking the borrowing of funds. “Voters have spoken yet again. They are saying the project was not one they were convinced by,” said Stamboulieh. Lippert defends the referendum process and the proposed facility that was put before residents. “Overall, we did everything we could. We put out the information and we answered questions,” he said. “Council brought forward an idea generated from input gathered over the years from citizens and user groups.” Lippert disputes suggestions that council is out-of-step with residents.“I don’t think it was council that lost, it was the project,” he said, adding that he accepts the outcome of the referendum. “I thought it would be closer but I’m glad there was a clear decision. It gives us a definitive answer.”