By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: January 08, 2009
Vernon’s politicians are being urged to keep trail development on track when putting together a budget. As part of Wednesday’s public input session on the 2009 budget, council was told by two residents that there is a need to invest in trails during the economic downturn. “Infrastructure such as multi-use trails has such a lasting value to the community,” said David Kennedy, adding that it bolsters the economy and provides alternative transportation methods. Kennedy is also convinced that the city could access grants from senior government if it made trails a priority. “Our neighbours in Kelowna have been able to attract $1 million in provincial funding for a trail from downtown to UBC,” he said. Previous years have seen about $100,000 a year allotted towards trails although it hasn’t all been spent, and that is a concern for the Ribbons of Green Trails Society.
“A $500,000 commitment would be more appropriate,” said Rob Sawatsky, society president. During his presentation, Sawatsky stated that recreational amenities are among the things people look for when deciding to move to a community. “If we don’t attract people to our community, we die,” he said. Sawatsky acknowledged that times are economically tight but he pointed out that many of Canada’s national parks were developed during the Depression. “What was a make-work project at that time is now part of our national identity and a great source of revenue,” he said. Mayor Wayne Lippert defends the city’s actions regarding trails. “Trails are by no means on the back burner and are ongoing,” he said. “The general public wants these amenities more and more and council understands that.” The proposed 2009 budget includes about $800,000 for trails and sidewalk upgrades.
“Sidewalks are very important especially in the linkages (between areas). Sidewalks are still part of a pedestrian system,” said Lippert. Beyond the city’s activities, Lippert says it contributes to recreational facilities through the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee. “We do look at parks and trails and we are looking at it through our partnership with Greater Vernon.”The remainder of Wednesday’s meeting was dominated by various city departments making budgetary requests including bylaw enforcement, community policing, tourism, operations and the airport.
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Morning Star Editorial: Trails must be made a priority
There's no question that Vernon could use more trails. It's a no-brainer and it's likely city politicians and bureaucrats knew that despite a plea from trail enthusiasts Wednesday. But it certainly doesn't hurt to remind the powers-that-be that trails provide numerous benefits including getting people more active, drawing tourists and new residents to town and creating an alternate mode of transportation so vehicles can be parked at home. The challenge, though, is there is a bottom line to trails like any other service the city provides. And the money the city uses actually comes from taxpayers and many of them are going through challenging times because of the economic downturn. That said, hopefully city officials won't use the economy as an excuse to not push ahead with recreational corridors because even as financial markets tighten up, all of the reasons for trails continue to exist. There is also the likelihood that senior government grants may be available to bolster activities and those projects could act as a stimulus to keep residents working.
The city also needs to realize that construction of sidewalks isn't necessarily the same thing as providing trails. Sidewalks are a critical part of a pedestrian network but they aren't there for the same reasons as recreational trails. Legally you can't ride bicycles on sidewalks and most veteran runners will stay away from them too because concrete is too hard on the legs. Vernon's new official community plan frequently makes mention of trails and particularly as a way of cutting down on traffic congestion. With that in mind, it's time for the city to get down to business and make plans become a reality.
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