The city of Vernon has started a search for more office space. An extra 6,100 square feet is needed to meet the demands of the RCMP and city staff. The city will look at adding portables on the Coldstream Hotel site to meet the immediate needs. Mayor Wayne Lippert says council has also approved spending $25,000 for an architect to look at longer terms solutions, such as expanding the police building. "If we can find something that needs to be looked at (by an architect) to build something or if we find something that needs to be renovated, that is what those funds will be for." Councillor Barry Beardsell felt the city should have first formed a committee to look at the needs, before authorizing the spending. He says that's how the civic complex issue got messed up. Councillor Patrick Nicol defends authorizing the spending. "One of the processes we learn through the other process (civic complex referendum) is that it does actually cost money to get good information so the public can make an intelligent decision." The RCMP are the most in need for extra space. They have 117 staff using a building that was designed for 43.
No city support for Star
The city of Vernon won't be supporting municipal status for Silver Star, at this time. The Silver Star property owners association is looking for backing as it makes it's case to the BC government. Vernon council decided to wait until the valley governance issue is settled which could result in major changes to regional districts. Property owners association Ted Pleavin says joining the city is another option, but is not the preferred choice. The association is frustrated with how its being governed as part of Area C in the North Okanagan Regional District.
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