Tourist Centre Moves Ahead Despite Concerns

Written by Peter McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM Monday, 24 February 2014 21:30
Opponents greatly outnumbered supporters at a public hearing to rezone the new site for Vernon's centralized visitor information centre. About 35 people were on hand for the session at City Hall which lasted two and a half hours. The site at 3004 39th Ave would change from C4 street oriented commercial, to P2, public institutional. Resident Roy Heinricks says tourist vehicles won't easily be able to get to the city-owned site near the Civic Arena. "So what's the purpose of rezoning this to a tourist booth when you can't get access to it, and when you leave, how do you get out of there?" Nearby resident Maury Deaton was concerned about increased traffic in her neighborhood. "So what I'm asking you to do today is reconsider the needs of the residents in this neighborhood. There's a lot of them. You're asking for 16-thousand people to be in their back yard, with their dogs, and their kids, and their dog's poop." Silver Star Road resident Mike Mattinson says it will impact bed and breakfast's like his. "It is with great regret that if this rezoning goes ahead, I will lose my business. I believe there are 24 other (B and B) establishments in this area that will also go under if this is rezoned." Mattinson says he relies on referrals from the centre and he feels the new site won't be near as busy as the previous two at each end of the city. Others felt there won't be enough parking, or that the current info centres at each end of town should be kept. Ingrid Baron was the lone person to speak in favour, feeling it will draw tourists. "It will be a catalyst to beautify the area. Usually, once you start beautifying buildings, the others take suit." Baron also felt nearby hotels would prosper from the centre's location. After the input session, council voted 4 to 1 to give third reading to the rezoning, with those in favour (Lord, Quiring, Cunningham and Sawatzky) calling it a tough decision. Bob Spiers was the lone opponent, opposed to the site primarily over traffic and accessibility issues.