Published: October 17, 2009 12:00 PM Morning Star:
You may have not noticed, because a lot of the work is being done at night, but the northern entrance to the city of Vernon is slowly being transformed. Crews are uprooting the mess that used to be the median along Highway 97 and replacing it with trees, lampposts, small bushes and compacted ground rock through a Communities in Bloom project. The much-needed project came to be because Swan Lake Nurseryland owner Mike Kowaluk wanted to do something significant to honour the business’s 50th anniversary.
So he took the idea to restore the corridor, which had been abandoned by the provincial government several years ago, to city council, complete with an offer of $130,000 to make sure it happens. The city, who for years had decided the provincial government was just downloading and was unwilling to take on the corridor, was suitably motivated by the offer to finally do something about the mess that greeted visitors to Vernon. NORD also chipped in and due to an imposed deadline the work is being done quickly and efficiently thanks to Nurseryland staff and Communities in Bloom volunteers.
It’s a wonderful project that is long overdue and thanks must go out to all parties involved, but especially to Kowaluk for initiating it and ensuring it became a reality this year. When spring comes and the project truly comes to fruition is when the city will see the true benefit of this endeavour. If you want to be a part of it, contact the committee at communitiesinbloom@vernon.ca
--------------
By Roger Knox - Vernon Morning Star Published: October 17, 2009 12:00 PM
Their current project is being worked on under the guise of darkness, but the end result of Vernon’s Communities in Bloom committee’s effort to beautify the north entrance to the city will soon come to light. Starting on Oct. 1, the volunteer committee and workers from Swan Lake Nurseryland have been tearing up the Highway 97 median near the weigh scales. Soon, trees, lampposts, small bushes and compacted rock ground cover will greet residents and visitors.
“We’re working from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. to get the project done a lot quicker,” said Communities in Bloom committee member Kim Nasipayko. “It’s going great and we’re right on schedule. It should take about five weeks to complete. ”The provincial government used to maintain landscaping along the highway but that came to an end in 2003 because of budget cuts.
As a result, concerns about the unsightly, unkept median strip arose at Vernon council and North Okanagan Regional District. Mike Kowaluk, who owns Swan Lake Nursery, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, came forward, saying he had money he wanted to put towards a beautification project. The city talked with its Communities in Bloom committee, who in turn, talked with Kowaluk and the Ministry of Transportation, and the project began.
The city is taking $120,00 from its road reserve, and $110,500 from its casino reserve to help fund the project. Swan Lake Nurseryland donated $130,000, and $1,500 came from the BX-Swan Lake electoral area because that section of highway is located in the regional district, not the city.
The City of Vernon will contract out the maintenance of the strip.
No comments:
Post a Comment