By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: November 14, 2008
Vernon’s civic centre will go through a transformation in the new year. The provincial government announced Friday that it is contributing $250,000 towards a $500,000 upgrade to the area around city hall, the museum and the library. “It will be a new focal point for citizens,” said Tom Christensen, MLA, adding that the funds are coming from the government’s Spirit Squares program. Construction is expected to begin in the spring and be wrapped up late next year. It will include a large performance area, removable seating, increased wheelchair accessibility, new landscaping, lighting improvements and power upgrades for audio. “It’s something we’ll all be proud of,” said Mayor Wayne Lippert. Lippert believes the revitalized area will help transform downtown. “We all look forward to a spectacular opening in a year,” he said.
As designs are developed, public consultation will be sought. But the goal is for the project to fit in with the existing civic buildings. “It will enhance the original plan and restore its historic significance,” said Edmund Lee, a local architect involved in the Spirit Square initiative. With a Spirit Square going ahead, it’s likely that any long-term plans for a new civic building on the site have been dashed. “I have learned never to say never because with the previous civic complex, it was envisioned to have a strong corridor. But we are already looking at other space for the RCMP, city staff and library,” said Lippert. Last January, a majority of voters shot down a referendum to borrow up to $30 million for a civic complex to be constructed between city hall and the museum. It would have included a new library and office space for city hall workers.
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