Sites identified for new library

Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: October 24, 2009 12:00 PM

Possible sites for a new Vernon library have been identified but no details are being revealed.The City of Vernon and Okanagan Regional Library have been holding closed-door meetings to discuss an expanded facility for the community.“We are working with Vernon to identify locations,” said Don Nettleton, ORL’s financial manager.“Because it involves property, I can’t say more than that.”

Mayor Wayne Lippert is also saying little about the process or where a new branch may be constructed.“We want to keep it downtown,” he said of council’s preference.“Ultimately it’s ORL’s decision but they have been working well with us.”

The future of the branch has been uncertain since plans for a civic complex — including a 30,000-square-foot library — was shot down by a majority of city voters during a 2008 referendum.ORL policies have determined that the current branch, at 13,000-square-feet, is only half the size it should be for the population base it serves.Vernon’s library board representative is pleased with the tone of negotiations.“The relationship between the city and ORL has improved and things are moving along,” said Coun. Shawn Lee.

Beyond the city itself, the branch also serves Coldstream and the electoral areas.But since a stakeholders committee ceased, those jurisdictions have had little involvement in the process.“We will have our two cents worth at that point,” said Mike Macnabb, BX-Silver Star director, of any proposal that goes to the ORL board for consideration.While ORL’s goal is for a single branch, Macnabb admits other options have been discussed.“There are instances in Kelowna where they have been putting in satellite branches like Rutland,” he said.