After two years of planning, and extensive public input, Vernon's new official community plan is one step from being adopted. The document is a blueprint for future land use and growth, and was developed after extensive public and council input. Barry Beardsell was the lone council member to vote against third reading. He had some harsh words for his colleagues who supported it. Beardsell told the media, "I am extremely disappointed in this council. This is the worst council I've seen since I've lived in Vernon and that's since 1973, so it doesn't surprise me. And when I say the worst council. that's collectively. We've had some very progressive councils in Vernon and this one doesn't stack up at all in comparison to previous ones." Beardsell had a long list of concerns with the OCP, including not protecting a corridor for a highway bypass, and not outlining new space for parks.
Mayor Wayne Lippert says the document will allow the city to keep its character, while encouraging controlled development. " It's not just going to be wholesale development and fast tracking as has happened in the past. This is a new look. We want controlled development and good development and we want to be able to protect our environment and out hillsides."
Councillor Juliette Cunningham says the OCP is not perfect, but is a very good document. "It gone a long way to address the concerns of our community in terms of rampant development. I think we have to do development differently and this is certainly going to address that."The OCP could get final approval at council's October 14th meeting.
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