Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Public Market Part of Downtown Plan

Vernon city council has backed the idea for a public market in Vernon's downtown. The facility--which would highlight local products and produce year round--could also include a visitor information centre. Councillor Jack Gilroy says a feasibility study has shown strong support from the private sector, and non profit agencies.  "I think its coming to the time when we should do something just to showcase our people and the talents we have in Vernon, from the arts and everything. They could all have little shops in there, and I think it would be a good idea."  The next step will be for city staff to look at possible sites, and funding models.  The feasibility study cost $35,000, with $15,000 from Community Foundation North Okanagan, and the rest from the city's economic development projects budget. Meantime, it's been two years in the planning -- and took three public hearings --but Vernon's new city centre neighborhood plan, has been adopted by council.  Mayor Wayne Lippert says the document received a lot of public input.  "It's a plan for what we we'd like the city centre to look like 20 years into the future, and control redevelopment as it goes that way. I think it's a great plan." Lippert says staff put the idea out to public hearings three times to make sure it got adequate input, and to ensure it's everyone's plan.

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