Published: April 28, 2009 7:00 PM Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star
A major facelift has been given the green light for Vernon’s civic grounds. Council has approved the preliminary design for the $530,000 Spirit Square project, which will go from city hall to 32nd Avenue, between the library and museum. “It’s got a nice vision to it,” said Coun. Patrick Nicol. It’s anticipated the work will go to tender June 15 and it will be completed by Nov. 1. It will include a large boulder water feature with a flume, gardens, seating areas and preservation of existing trees. Part of the plan is to increase the visibility of city hall. “For the casual visitor, city hall is tucked in to the back of the block,” said Bob Evans, with Site 360, a landscape architecture and engineering firm. The flag poles will be relocated and the fountain in front of city hall will be removed, while crumbling stairs and walls will be taken out. “You go to other cities and they have wide open spaces and lots of green spaces. It’s old and tired and we need to modernize,” said Coun. Jack Gilroy of the civic grounds constructed in 1967.
Of the $530,000, half is coming from the city and half from the provincial government. But the changes may not just stop there. City staff has been directed to review potential grants and other funding sources so the Civic Plaza project, between 30th and 31st streets and in front of the museum and library, can proceed this year. The projected price tag for this initiative is 670,000. The Civic Plaza would include a performance stage, a garden area and water features. Because the plaza could host events that draw large crowds, the fountain in front of the museum could be demolished. “It’s too large and in the wrong space,” said Evans. However, Nicol points out that people frequently sit along the fountain and read or eat their lunch and getting rid of it may be unpopular with residents.
Long-term, the consultants are calling for the 30th Street parking lot between city hall and the library to be replaced with grass and a public gathering area. That would have a price tag of $550,000 and no decision on that project has been made. “There would have to be a lot of studies from staff on where that parking would go,” said Gilroy. Beyond the $530,000 Spirit Square project, a $320,000 expansion of council chambers will proceed this year.
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Morning Star Editorial: Civic upgrades must be reviewed Published: April 28, 2009 7:00 PM
Anyone who visits Vernon city hall knows the first impressions aren’t spectacular. Paving bricks are broken, walls are falling apart and the actual building is hidden by a flag pole and plants. It’s not an appropriate image for a vibrant community. So the $530,000 Spirit Square refurbishment project — with a water feature, gardens and seating areas — is welcome. But why does the city want to spend $670,000 on a Civic Plaza project in front of the museum and library? Yes senior government grants are being sought, but it’s still taxpayers’ money. And what is wrong with the area along 32nd Avenue? There are several mature trees and places for people to sit and relax. What more is needed? Perhaps most disturbing is the consultants wanting to rip out the fountains constructed in 1967. Not only are they popular with residents in the summer, but they commemorate the centennial of our country.
The consultants claim the fountain by the museum prevents crowds from gathering for special events, but for the few times that may occur, is it necessary to rip out a landmark? And long-term plans for the civic grounds grow even more questionable when the consultants suggest replacing the parking lot behind the library with grass. Not only would precious parking be gone but the price tag would be $550,000. There is nothing wrong with fixing up the gateway to city hall as it’s the official face of the community, but the rest of the projects need to be placed on hold so costs can be reviewed and the public — not just select stakeholders — can be consulted.
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