Infrastructure demands force Vernon to examine priorities

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: March 02, 2012 1:00 AM
The City of Vernon cautions that it can’t be everything to everybody.  Staff informed council Monday that the city’s ability to meet public demands for infrastructure could be impacted by the ability to pay for those projects.  “We’re going to look at what we have, what we require and what it costs the city,” said Ed Stranks, engineering development manager. “Do we need all of these things or are we just following along because it’s in a book?” Stranks says some residents, including in established neighbourhoods, have expectations of sidewalks, street lights and curb and gutter, but those expectations place financial pressure on city taxpayers. “Mission Hill is a nice area and it has no sidewalks, no curbs and few lights. East Hill is the same thing but it’s still an attractive area.” In terms of extending sewer, Stranks says the ability to provide the service is impacted by density and location, meaning costly lift stations may be needed to pump material. Even if development pays for the infrastructure to be installed, the city takes over maintenance. “It’s nice and well that they (residents) require it, but are we creating a long-term problem that we can’t keep it up?” said Stranks. “We’re not reducing standards but targeting where there is a need. Cul-de-sacs and local roads have less facilities because there is less need but collector roads could have more.” City staff will be reviewing bylaws to see if changes can be made — such as not requiring sidewalks in all instances. Developers and residents will be consulted. “We’re talking about sidewalks or no sidewalks or no boulevard trees or more trees. We want to hear what people think,” said Rob Dickinson, engineering manager. Coun. Juliette Cunningham questions if residents are demanding services or if they have been imposed by the city’s regulator process. “We don’t have sidewalks and we get along. I don’t want sidewalks in my neighbourhood,” she said. Coun. Brian Quiring says there is a need for looking at activities in a specific area instead of treating all neighbourhoods the same. “A blanket approach discourages smart growth if you are a developer trying to do something in an area with lesser services,” he said.