Sustainability is becoming an election issue as new commercial districts take hold in Vernon. Councillor candidates debated expanded development, and particularly big box retail outlets, during a forum at the Schubert Centre Thursday. “Big box stores come with communities that grow. That we can’t fight,” said Jack Gilroy, adding the city is attempting to encourage commercial and residential growth downtown. Patrick Nicol stated residential housing has occurred next to north end businesses and that creates an enrolment base for schools. “The tax base from Wal-Mart has helped us to do a lot of things and it has provided jobs,” he said. Providing a customer base for businesses is important for Catherine Lord. “I’d like to see a plan developed for the north end end so there is higher density,” she said of residents. Mike Pearson expressed concerns that wetlands can be destroyed and building designs for retail outlets should use space more carefully. “There should be commercial on one floor, offices on the second and then residential,” he said. Brian Quiring has worked on some north end businesses as an architect and he says they have led to land being donated to preserve a creek. “It’s reduced the carbon footprint of people because they used to drive to Costco in Kelowna (to shop),” he said. Discussion also focused on the economy, and Mary-Jo O’Keefe says Vernon must market itself to lure new investors and families to the area. “We have three lakes. No one else has that. That’s what differentiates us,” she said. Juliette Cunningham made a pitch for industrial jobs. “We need to rebuild the partnership with our Greater Vernon neighbours. They have the land base (for industry),” she said. Jonathon McMurray says businesses are looking for communities with widespread amenities. “The ski hill is here and the lakes are here. It’s a great community with great people,” he said. Lily Kerry demanded that the brakes be put on development so there is a focus on infrastructure. “Our water supply can’t keep up with the demand,” she said. James Todd focused on expanding transit routes so residents can leave their vehicles at home. “Instead of huge buses, get some quarter-size buses and run them in a loop,” he said.
The future of the Commonage also dominated the agenda Thursday. “The Commonage should not develop in any substantial way without developers paying for services — water and sewer,” said Bob Spiers, adding that he supports a land-use plan for the area. Shawn Lee pointed out that there is zoning on private lands that allows for development in the Commonage. “The only way to preserve the land is by public purchase,” he said. Another issue that arose is reducing vehicle lanes so bike paths can be installed. “The people most affected by changes must be in agreement. On 43rd Avenue, we have a problem,” said Scott Anderson referring to merchants’ protests. Candidates Kelly Fehr and Ruth Hoyte were not in attendance at Thursday’s forum, which was hosted by the Sustainable Environment Network Society.
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