Vernon officials take aim at former councillor

Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: April 15, 2010 6:00 PM

The City of Vernon is fighting back over accusations made by a former politician. In an unprecedented move, council has released classified documents that indicate the city has a long standing interest in acquiring property on the corner of 30th Avenue and 29th Street. “We want to provide clarity to the public and this allows council to speak to the issues brought forward by a former councillor,” said Mayor Wayne Lippert. “I don’t think it’s wise for people to put out information that is incorrect.” Barry Beardsell, a former councillor, has been critical of current council selling a lot on 28th Street to Okanagan Regional Library. He claims that will block a proposed 25th Avenue extension. But Lippert says council, including when Beardsell was at the table, has discussed the Marona lands, where the New Delhi restaurant sits.“Since 2001, council has always had the intent to purchase property for that (25th Avenue) alignment.”

Beardsell defends his comments, and says they have been backed up by three other former councillors. “I can assure you we didn’t need to buy any other property (for the 25th Avenue extension) although we did look at buying the Marona property,” he said. According to Beardsell, the Marona property was considered for purchase for possible future uses like parking. “It’s he (Lippert) who has been putting out misinformation about a time in history he knows nothing about,” said Beardsell referring to the fact that Lippert was first elected to office in 2005. Beardsell says selling land on 28th Street to ORL for a new library branch is shortsighted given the need to improve traffic flows in Vernon from east to west. “If council would look at the original plan for the extension, it goes right through the library property,” he said. Discussions around buying land are generally kept behind closed doors so as to not influence prices. However, Lippert isn’t concerned about council’s decision to identify the Marona site. “The owner of the property knows it’s of interest,” he said.