Out with the old medical clinic, in with a pedestrian walkway, grass and a temporary parking lot. Vernon council gave unanimous approval to the city’s planning and building services department’s request to amend phase one of construction at the old Vernon Medical Clinic building on 31st Avenue, which is currently being torn down. Work will begin by the end of October on a pedestrian walkway across the site between 31st and 32nd Avenues. Grass and irrigation will be added to the site. Temporary lane closures will prohibit through-traffic in the lane, pending discussions with impacted businesses, and a temporary parking lot will be put in. “The proposed concept, in conjunction with the civic complex and Cenotaph Park, creates a significant public space within the heart of the city that not only acts as a destination point but also serves to enhance the experience of visiting the city centre,” wrote Kim Flick, manager of planning and building services for the City of Vernon, in her report to council.
Since council originally looked at the proposed first phase, a decision has been made to relocate the B.C. Transit terminus from its current location on Coldstream Avenue to 31st Avenue, between 30th and 31st Streets. The goal is to have that particular roadway used for strictly buses, meaning all parking in that block would be lost. Couns. Bob Spiers and Mary-Jo O’Keefe expressed concerns about the loss of parking with the amended plan. In her report, Flick said that because the area can’t be landscaped or significantly altered pending the confirmation of any future development, the amended first phase includes the temporary installation of public parking spaces. “...This portion of the site has the potential to accommodate a total of 36 parking spaces, which includes eight spaces which are currently dedicated for use by (Vernon Flower) the flower shop,” said Flick. “This temporary solution will help address some of these concerns until more permanent solutions can be implemented.” Flick added that 17 on-street parking spots will be lost when 31st Avenue between 30th and 31st Streets is closed for the bus terminus, but 33 public parking spots will be gained with 25 of them coming on Coldstream Avenue (angle parking) and eight more on 30th Avenue.
Coun. Patrick Nicol requested that some benches be included in the new plan, which staff has agreed to look at. The budget estimate for phase one, including temporary parking, is approximately $88,000. Originally, $199,500 was allocated in the 2010 budget. Flick asked for, and received permission, any remaining funds be carried over into next year’s budget to address outstanding items following the transit terminus design process.
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