Showing posts with label OCP. Show all posts
Showing posts with label OCP. Show all posts
Thursday, October 13, 2016
Vernon politicians not satisfied with long-term plans
by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Vernon posted Oct 13, 2016 at 6:00 AM
Some Vernon politicians still aren’t satisfied with long-term visions for parks and roads. On Tuesday, the master transportation and parks plans were incorporated into the city’s overall official community plan. However, some council members used the opportunity to challenge the fine details. “There’s still a lack of a bypass,” said Coun. Bob Spiers of why he raised his hand in opposition. Spiers insists there should be some mention of a possible highway bypass through Vernon in the transportation plan. On another front, Coun. Scott Anderson expressed concerns that the parks plan restricts dog access at Marshall Field. “The plan designates the strip along the creek as a on-leash dog park,” he said. “In practise, everyone uses it as an off-leash dog park, and I would like to see the latter formalized. I have fought for that every step of the way through the parks process, and this was a last kick at the cat.” Anderson says there is also a need for the transportation plan to include a bypass reference. Staying with the parks plan, Coun. Catherine Lord pointed out that the document only indicates a park being built where Civic Arena is. “We could still do something with the building,” she said, adding that there is a need for public consultation to determine the future of the arena. Coun. Juliette Cunningham was clearly frustrated with the debate over the parks and roads master plans, which have already been adopted and are just being added to the OCP. “It’s a blueprint. It doesn’t mean we’re committed to anything but we won’t get anywhere without a plan,” she said. Cunningham added that the master plans were developed after consultation with residents. “We’re supposed to be leaders of the community and to put down what we heard from the community. We’re not signing any cheques,” she said.
Wednesday, July 13, 2016
Apartment plan gets the nod
by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Jul 13, 2016 at 7:00 AM
An apartment complex is being rebuilt on Vernon’s Hospital Hill five years after a devastating blaze. City council went against a staff recommendation Monday and approved in principle a change in land use designation from medium density residential/commercial to residential high density for 1803 31A St. “They will be using the same footprint. There were 30 units and they are proposing 42,” said Coun. Catherine Lord. In February 2011, fire roared through the Skyline Manor, forcing 52 tenants into frigid temperatures. On Monday, city staff had wanted the official community plan amendment application denied and they urged council to proceed with a review of land use designations on Hospital Hill. Initially, many council members backed staff’s call for a mix of residential and commercial activities on the site. “There’s a hub around the hospital that has commercial viability,” said Coun. Scott Anderson. Coun. Juliette Cunningham insisted that sustainable communities requires neighbourhoods having more than homes. “If someone needs to access services, they don’t have to get into their vehicle,” she said. Lord challenged those comments. “It’s not three kilometres out of town. They are close to a lot of amenities right now,” she said of nearby downtown Vernon. Mayor Akbal Mund also slammed the need for commercial uses. “There’s a lot of commercial a five-minute walk down the hill,” he said. “What kind of commercial would you put in there that doesn’t already exist?”
When it came to a vote to deny the application, it died in a tie-vote with Anderson, Cunningham and Coun. Bob Spiers in favour and Mund, Lord and Coun. Dalvir Nahal opposed (Coun. Brian Quiring declared a conflict as his architectural firm is involved in the development).A motion was then made to approve the land use application, with only Cunningham opposed.
As part of the motion, city staff will also prepare a process to review land use designations in the Hospital Hill neighbourhood.
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Don Quixote Note: (correction to article in today's paper)
The motion to approve the land use application, was opposed by Cunningham & Spiers..
see page 100 for actual report: https://www.vernon.ca/sites/default/files/docs/meetings/agendas/160711_regular.pdf
An apartment complex is being rebuilt on Vernon’s Hospital Hill five years after a devastating blaze. City council went against a staff recommendation Monday and approved in principle a change in land use designation from medium density residential/commercial to residential high density for 1803 31A St. “They will be using the same footprint. There were 30 units and they are proposing 42,” said Coun. Catherine Lord. In February 2011, fire roared through the Skyline Manor, forcing 52 tenants into frigid temperatures. On Monday, city staff had wanted the official community plan amendment application denied and they urged council to proceed with a review of land use designations on Hospital Hill. Initially, many council members backed staff’s call for a mix of residential and commercial activities on the site. “There’s a hub around the hospital that has commercial viability,” said Coun. Scott Anderson. Coun. Juliette Cunningham insisted that sustainable communities requires neighbourhoods having more than homes. “If someone needs to access services, they don’t have to get into their vehicle,” she said. Lord challenged those comments. “It’s not three kilometres out of town. They are close to a lot of amenities right now,” she said of nearby downtown Vernon. Mayor Akbal Mund also slammed the need for commercial uses. “There’s a lot of commercial a five-minute walk down the hill,” he said. “What kind of commercial would you put in there that doesn’t already exist?”
When it came to a vote to deny the application, it died in a tie-vote with Anderson, Cunningham and Coun. Bob Spiers in favour and Mund, Lord and Coun. Dalvir Nahal opposed (Coun. Brian Quiring declared a conflict as his architectural firm is involved in the development).A motion was then made to approve the land use application, with only Cunningham opposed.
As part of the motion, city staff will also prepare a process to review land use designations in the Hospital Hill neighbourhood.
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Don Quixote Note: (correction to article in today's paper)
The motion to approve the land use application, was opposed by Cunningham & Spiers..
see page 100 for actual report: https://www.vernon.ca/sites/default/files/docs/meetings/agendas/160711_regular.pdf
Friday, October 02, 2015
Future of Civic Arena unclear if Vernon’s ice sheet referendum succeeds
October 02, 2015 - 6:30 PM By Charlotte Helston INFOTEL.CA
VERNON - As the conversation around a new ice rink in Vernon continues to move ahead, some are wondering what that means for the historic arena it would be replacing. When the Civic Arena was constructed in 1938, it was the first indoor ice rink in the Okanagan Valley. In April of that year, the Vernon Curling Club held its first annual Okanagan Valley Bonspiel in the newly constructed arena. It was the first time local curlers played on artificial ice. And while it was modern then, it’s now starting to show its age. An engineering report released in March of 2014 revealed a number of problems with the building and the expensive renovations required to keep it running. The report also noted the facility is liable to fail at any time. Local government is now looking at twinning — adding a second ice sheet — at Kal Tire Place and decommissioning the Civic Arena. A referendum on the matter was delayed last year, and while it's still awaiting approval from the provincial government, it could likely be put to voters this November. As for what happens to Civic Arena in the event the referendum goes ahead and is endorsed by the public, Coun. Juliette Cunningham says it’s too soon to say. “Once it’s decommissioned as an arena, we’d like to look at different options and probably with some community consultation look at what the potential might be,” Cunningham says. “We haven’t put too much energy into it until we know it won’t be used as an arena.” The conversation is three years away at least — even if the referendum passes — the Civic Arena would be needed until the new ice sheet is built around the fall of 2018. But, ideas have already been thrown around, Cunningham says, like using it for a permanent indoor market or gymnastics centre. The city’s Official Community Plan calls for the property to eventually be used as park space once the rink is relocated, but that’s not set in stone either. “I don’t disagree we should always make every effort to conserve heritage buildings,” Cunningham says. “It’s been a part of our community for a long time.” Recreation services manager Doug Ross says one possibility is using the building as a field house — a large, open space of multi-court surfaces for sports like indoor volleyball and pickle ball. Whatever it’s possible functions, Ross says, the old building would likely need extensive renovation work. “The possibilities are endless, but they all come with price tags,” Ross says. Civic Arena has already served the community for 77 years, and Ross is counting on it to hold on for a little longer.
“People of the day had the foresight to build a facility like that, that’s what we’re hoping for again this year, that people in the community will have the foresight to build this twin sheet, and that it will give us many years of service moving forward.”
VERNON - As the conversation around a new ice rink in Vernon continues to move ahead, some are wondering what that means for the historic arena it would be replacing. When the Civic Arena was constructed in 1938, it was the first indoor ice rink in the Okanagan Valley. In April of that year, the Vernon Curling Club held its first annual Okanagan Valley Bonspiel in the newly constructed arena. It was the first time local curlers played on artificial ice. And while it was modern then, it’s now starting to show its age. An engineering report released in March of 2014 revealed a number of problems with the building and the expensive renovations required to keep it running. The report also noted the facility is liable to fail at any time. Local government is now looking at twinning — adding a second ice sheet — at Kal Tire Place and decommissioning the Civic Arena. A referendum on the matter was delayed last year, and while it's still awaiting approval from the provincial government, it could likely be put to voters this November. As for what happens to Civic Arena in the event the referendum goes ahead and is endorsed by the public, Coun. Juliette Cunningham says it’s too soon to say. “Once it’s decommissioned as an arena, we’d like to look at different options and probably with some community consultation look at what the potential might be,” Cunningham says. “We haven’t put too much energy into it until we know it won’t be used as an arena.” The conversation is three years away at least — even if the referendum passes — the Civic Arena would be needed until the new ice sheet is built around the fall of 2018. But, ideas have already been thrown around, Cunningham says, like using it for a permanent indoor market or gymnastics centre. The city’s Official Community Plan calls for the property to eventually be used as park space once the rink is relocated, but that’s not set in stone either. “I don’t disagree we should always make every effort to conserve heritage buildings,” Cunningham says. “It’s been a part of our community for a long time.” Recreation services manager Doug Ross says one possibility is using the building as a field house — a large, open space of multi-court surfaces for sports like indoor volleyball and pickle ball. Whatever it’s possible functions, Ross says, the old building would likely need extensive renovation work. “The possibilities are endless, but they all come with price tags,” Ross says. Civic Arena has already served the community for 77 years, and Ross is counting on it to hold on for a little longer.
“People of the day had the foresight to build a facility like that, that’s what we’re hoping for again this year, that people in the community will have the foresight to build this twin sheet, and that it will give us many years of service moving forward.”
Sunday, August 09, 2015
Items on Monday's Council Agendas
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE COUNCIL CHAMBERS MONDAY, AUGUST 10, 2015 8:40 AM
REVISED PARKSMASTER PLAN (P. 15)
A. THAT Council receive the revised Parks Master Plan, shown as Attachment 1 and outlined in the report titled Revised Parks Master Plan and dated July 27, 2015 from the Parks Planner for consideration;
AND FURTHER, that Council direct Administration to bring forward the revised Parks Master Plan to the Regular Meeting of Council on September 14, 2015, for direction.
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REGULAR OPEN MEETING OF COUNCIL COUNCIL CHAMBERS CITY HALL MONDAY August 10, 2015 At 1:30 p.m.
RECONSIDERATION OF MOTION — COUNCILLOR NAHAL
THAT Council, pursuant to Section 33, of Council Procedure Bylaw Number 4840, reconsider the two motions adopted at the July 13, 2015 meeting in regards to the 25 Year Master Transportation Plan.
Report dated July 2, 2015, titled "25 Year Master Transportation Plan Update Endorsement", submitted by the Transportation Engineer. (P. 92) (for background information and original recommendation)
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PROPOSAL TO CHANGE BYPASS LANGUAGE AND INSERT WESTERN BYPASS CORRIDOR PROTECTION MAP IN THE ENDORSED 2015 25 YEAR MASTER TRANSPORTATION PLAN (P. 168)
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REVISED PARKSMASTER PLAN (P. 15)
A. THAT Council receive the revised Parks Master Plan, shown as Attachment 1 and outlined in the report titled Revised Parks Master Plan and dated July 27, 2015 from the Parks Planner for consideration;
AND FURTHER, that Council direct Administration to bring forward the revised Parks Master Plan to the Regular Meeting of Council on September 14, 2015, for direction.
----------------------
REGULAR OPEN MEETING OF COUNCIL COUNCIL CHAMBERS CITY HALL MONDAY August 10, 2015 At 1:30 p.m.
RECONSIDERATION OF MOTION — COUNCILLOR NAHAL
THAT Council, pursuant to Section 33, of Council Procedure Bylaw Number 4840, reconsider the two motions adopted at the July 13, 2015 meeting in regards to the 25 Year Master Transportation Plan.
Report dated July 2, 2015, titled "25 Year Master Transportation Plan Update Endorsement", submitted by the Transportation Engineer. (P. 92) (for background information and original recommendation)
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PROPOSAL TO CHANGE BYPASS LANGUAGE AND INSERT WESTERN BYPASS CORRIDOR PROTECTION MAP IN THE ENDORSED 2015 25 YEAR MASTER TRANSPORTATION PLAN (P. 168)
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Wednesday, July 15, 2015
Plan may get bypassed
by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Jul 15, 2015 at 1:00 AM
A U-turn could be pulled on a controversial Vernon highway route. Coun. Dalvir Nahal was among four council members to vote Monday to add the western bypass to the 25-year master transportation plan. However, by the end of the day, she was putting staff on notice that she will ask her colleagues to reconsider the matter Aug. 10. “I thought about it and it’s something that may or may not happen so it’s not fair to restrict people’s property,” said Nahal of the reason for her sudden turn-about. If council agrees to reconsider the issue, it’s possible the previous 4-3 vote in favour of including the bypass in the plan could be overturned based on Nahal’s changed vote. The western bypass extends from Mission Hill through Okanagan Landing to Swan Lake and would replace 32nd Street as the main highway route in Vernon. A previous council scrapped the concept in 2008 after significant public opposition. On Monday, city staff called for a bypass to be referenced in the transportation plan but it wasn’t site specific and that concerned some politicians. “Simply referencing it is almost throwing it away if we don’t have some details. My intent is to make it more specific,” said Coun. Scott Anderson. Coun. Bob Spiers, who also voted for the western bypass with Coun. Brian Quiring, insists a potential corridor for a bypass must be protected if traffic demands grow long-term. “If it never happens, we will have a nice trail or a local road,” said Spiers. However, staff warned that pinpointing a specific route for a possible bypass could negatively impact the ability of property owners to develop their land. “We will be damaging people’s property values,” said Coun. Catherine Lord. Also opposing the naming of the western bypass were Mayor Akbal Mund and Coun. Juliette Cunningham. “I’m concerned that by identifying it, we may sterilize people’s property before we need to,” said Cunningham.
A U-turn could be pulled on a controversial Vernon highway route. Coun. Dalvir Nahal was among four council members to vote Monday to add the western bypass to the 25-year master transportation plan. However, by the end of the day, she was putting staff on notice that she will ask her colleagues to reconsider the matter Aug. 10. “I thought about it and it’s something that may or may not happen so it’s not fair to restrict people’s property,” said Nahal of the reason for her sudden turn-about. If council agrees to reconsider the issue, it’s possible the previous 4-3 vote in favour of including the bypass in the plan could be overturned based on Nahal’s changed vote. The western bypass extends from Mission Hill through Okanagan Landing to Swan Lake and would replace 32nd Street as the main highway route in Vernon. A previous council scrapped the concept in 2008 after significant public opposition. On Monday, city staff called for a bypass to be referenced in the transportation plan but it wasn’t site specific and that concerned some politicians. “Simply referencing it is almost throwing it away if we don’t have some details. My intent is to make it more specific,” said Coun. Scott Anderson. Coun. Bob Spiers, who also voted for the western bypass with Coun. Brian Quiring, insists a potential corridor for a bypass must be protected if traffic demands grow long-term. “If it never happens, we will have a nice trail or a local road,” said Spiers. However, staff warned that pinpointing a specific route for a possible bypass could negatively impact the ability of property owners to develop their land. “We will be damaging people’s property values,” said Coun. Catherine Lord. Also opposing the naming of the western bypass were Mayor Akbal Mund and Coun. Juliette Cunningham. “I’m concerned that by identifying it, we may sterilize people’s property before we need to,” said Cunningham.
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
BYPASS POLL
107.5 KISSFM Poll Results as at 6:30 PM
Do you agree with city council including plans for a future bypass in Vernon's 25 year transportation plan?
| Yes | |
|---|---|
| No |
Vernon resurrects controversial western bypass
by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Jul 13, 2015 at 4:00 PM
A contentious traffic bypass is back on the books in Vernon. In a 4-3 vote Monday, city council voted to add the western bypass to the 25-year master transportation plan. "There should be some language about the protection of a western corridor," said Coun. Brian Quring. The western bypass extends from Mission Hill through Okanagan Landing to Swan Lake and would replace 32nd Street as the main highway route in Vernon. A previous council scrapped the concept in 2008 after significant public opposition. On Monday, city staff called for a bypass to be referenced in the transportation plan but it wasn't site specific. "Simply referencing it is almost throwing it away if we don't have some details. My intent is to make it more specific," said Coun. Scott Anderson of identifying the western bypass. Opposition came from Mayor Akbal Mund and Councillors Catherine Lord and Juliette Cunningham. "That (designation) will start affecting all development from now on," said Lord of the potential implication for private property along the corridor. Look for more in Wednesday's Morning Star.
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Bypass debate keeps going
by Darren Handschuh CASTANET- Jul 13, 2015 / 7:30 pm
The controversial bypass issue in the city's 25 year master transportation plan just won't go away. Vernon city council once again spent a portion of Monday's meeting debating whether to include provisions for a future city bypass in the long-range plan. The latest version of the plan was presented to city council without a provision for securing land for a possible bypass, launching another debate on the subject. Coun. Bob Spears said a bypass is not currently needed, but it seems like a good idea to protect the land should one be needed in the future. Coun. Scott Anderson agreed there should be some wording to protect a section of land for a western corridor should one be needed. However, Coun. Catherine Lord questioned the timing, noting once the wording is in place, the city would have to start protecting the corridor land. “Do we want to do that now?” Lord asked. But Anderson rebutted, “If not now, when?” Spears said if the land is protected now, it could be used as parkland or other temporary uses until a corridor is needed – if ever. “Let's just put the darn thing in the plan,” Spears implored. Coun. Juliette Cunningham, who was once opposed to the corridor plan, said after looking at the situation more closely, she now agrees it is needed because the current highway will not be able to handle an expected increase in traffic over the coming years. In the end, council passed a resolution 4-3 to look at protecting land for a corridor. Among the no votes was Mayor Akbal Mund, saying he was against putting the 2008 idea back into the plan that generated controversy due to concerns over property on the proposed route, but will abide by council's decision. But Mund said people should not worry. “It's in the plan, but that does not mean it will happen,” he said.
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Bypass Back In City's Plan
Posted on 7/13/2015 by Pete McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM
The plan for a highway bypass is back on Vernon council's radar -- even though it could still be 20 to 40 years away. Council voted 4-3 Monday to add the western bypass to the city's 25-year transportation plan. The proposed route would go through parts of Swan Lake, Mission Hill and Okanagan Landing, and faced widespread criticism before being scrapped by council in 2008. Mayor Akbal Mund says residents on the route shouldn't be concerned. "We're talking 25 years. It's in the plan, but that doesn't mean it's going to happen. It may never happen for all we know. I mean if we look back, we were discussing this ten years ago and nothing's happened," says Mund. Councillor Juliette Cunningham was against the move, saying it should be the province's responsibility. "I think it's important to make the jurisdiction that's actually going to be responsible for that to draw the line on the map," Cunningham tells Kiss FM. Councillor Catherine Lord also voted against the move, agreeing the onus to protect the corridor should be on the province, which would build and fund the route. Councillor Scott Anderson feels the city has to preserve a corridor now, and says some properties could be impacted. "Potentially as development comes on line, but that's down the road, and it's not anything drastic that's going to happen today." Councillor Bob Spiers led the Yes side, saying the city doesn't need a bypass now, but it does need to protect land for one. "If worse comes to worse, we will have a nice trail or a local road," says Spiers. The Transportation Ministry is not even considering a bypass at this point.
A contentious traffic bypass is back on the books in Vernon. In a 4-3 vote Monday, city council voted to add the western bypass to the 25-year master transportation plan. "There should be some language about the protection of a western corridor," said Coun. Brian Quring. The western bypass extends from Mission Hill through Okanagan Landing to Swan Lake and would replace 32nd Street as the main highway route in Vernon. A previous council scrapped the concept in 2008 after significant public opposition. On Monday, city staff called for a bypass to be referenced in the transportation plan but it wasn't site specific. "Simply referencing it is almost throwing it away if we don't have some details. My intent is to make it more specific," said Coun. Scott Anderson of identifying the western bypass. Opposition came from Mayor Akbal Mund and Councillors Catherine Lord and Juliette Cunningham. "That (designation) will start affecting all development from now on," said Lord of the potential implication for private property along the corridor. Look for more in Wednesday's Morning Star.
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Bypass debate keeps going
by Darren Handschuh CASTANET- Jul 13, 2015 / 7:30 pm
The controversial bypass issue in the city's 25 year master transportation plan just won't go away. Vernon city council once again spent a portion of Monday's meeting debating whether to include provisions for a future city bypass in the long-range plan. The latest version of the plan was presented to city council without a provision for securing land for a possible bypass, launching another debate on the subject. Coun. Bob Spears said a bypass is not currently needed, but it seems like a good idea to protect the land should one be needed in the future. Coun. Scott Anderson agreed there should be some wording to protect a section of land for a western corridor should one be needed. However, Coun. Catherine Lord questioned the timing, noting once the wording is in place, the city would have to start protecting the corridor land. “Do we want to do that now?” Lord asked. But Anderson rebutted, “If not now, when?” Spears said if the land is protected now, it could be used as parkland or other temporary uses until a corridor is needed – if ever. “Let's just put the darn thing in the plan,” Spears implored. Coun. Juliette Cunningham, who was once opposed to the corridor plan, said after looking at the situation more closely, she now agrees it is needed because the current highway will not be able to handle an expected increase in traffic over the coming years. In the end, council passed a resolution 4-3 to look at protecting land for a corridor. Among the no votes was Mayor Akbal Mund, saying he was against putting the 2008 idea back into the plan that generated controversy due to concerns over property on the proposed route, but will abide by council's decision. But Mund said people should not worry. “It's in the plan, but that does not mean it will happen,” he said.
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Bypass Back In City's Plan
Posted on 7/13/2015 by Pete McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM
The plan for a highway bypass is back on Vernon council's radar -- even though it could still be 20 to 40 years away. Council voted 4-3 Monday to add the western bypass to the city's 25-year transportation plan. The proposed route would go through parts of Swan Lake, Mission Hill and Okanagan Landing, and faced widespread criticism before being scrapped by council in 2008. Mayor Akbal Mund says residents on the route shouldn't be concerned. "We're talking 25 years. It's in the plan, but that doesn't mean it's going to happen. It may never happen for all we know. I mean if we look back, we were discussing this ten years ago and nothing's happened," says Mund. Councillor Juliette Cunningham was against the move, saying it should be the province's responsibility. "I think it's important to make the jurisdiction that's actually going to be responsible for that to draw the line on the map," Cunningham tells Kiss FM. Councillor Catherine Lord also voted against the move, agreeing the onus to protect the corridor should be on the province, which would build and fund the route. Councillor Scott Anderson feels the city has to preserve a corridor now, and says some properties could be impacted. "Potentially as development comes on line, but that's down the road, and it's not anything drastic that's going to happen today." Councillor Bob Spiers led the Yes side, saying the city doesn't need a bypass now, but it does need to protect land for one. "If worse comes to worse, we will have a nice trail or a local road," says Spiers. The Transportation Ministry is not even considering a bypass at this point.
Friday, June 12, 2015
Vernon city council prepares decades ahead for future highway bypass
By Charlotte Helston INFO-TEL Multimedia June 12, 2015 - 10:34 AM
VERNON - It wouldn’t be built, or required, for another 25 to 65 years, but Vernon council is starting to plan for a potential bypass around the city. It’s been talked about for years, but today’s council is taking a firm stance on the need to start planning, and protecting a corridor for it, now. “We know it’s not going to happen in our lifetime,” Mayor Akbal Mund says. “If you don’t put it in, you’re not thinking about the generations ahead.” The city estimates by the time Vernon’s population hits 67,000 (around the year 2080) the city’s current road network will no longer be able to accommodate the volume of traffic — assuming current driving trends continue. A 2008-2031 transportation plan for the city looked at three possible highway bypass routes to relieve congestion on Highway 97: using the existing rail corridor for an elevated highway (now deemed unfeasible) or going around the city via the west side or east side. The cost identified in 2008 for a western bypass route was between $500 million and $625 million. While the city can set land aside for a future corridor, the Ministry of Transportation has the final say about when, and if, a highway bypass will be constructed around Vernon. A bypass could be used by locals and visitors alike, but Mund isn't worried about tourists bypassing Vernon altogether. “Vernon is a destination stop, people plan to stop here,” Mund says, adding he doubts what happened in Oyama when the new highway was built around the community would happen in Vernon. “A small community would be impacted by that change more than a large community, and Vernon is not a small city.” Council has asked transportation staff to look into options for where a bypass could go, and Mund says the planning will go from there. “You’ve got to look at it now, not 20 years from now, when… that land is already gone,” Mund says.
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Don Quixote Note: From 2008 discussions are the options examined at that time
http://www.vernon.ca/ocp/transportation_plan.pdf (2008 p.29)
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PAGE 5 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE – JANUARY 28, 2008
Ms. Kim Flick, Long Range Planner provided an overview of the Transportation Plan. Mr. Lorne Holowachuk, Transportation
Specialist, covered the 0 – 10, 10 – 25, and 25+ Year Strategy. Mr. Holowachuk reviewed the three Bypass options. (West Bypass, Railway Overpass and East Bypass) and further presented a No Bypass Option.
Moved by Councillor Beardsell, seconded by Councillor Gilroy:
THAT Council endorse the draft Transportation Plan for the purpose of public consultation, as outlined in Sections 2, 3 and 4 of this report.
1. 10 year strategy to provide increased capacity on existing routes and new connections between key routes;
2. 10 – 25 year strategy to include the extension of 27 Street and new connections on key routes; and
3. 25+ year strategy which includes protection of the West Bypass corridor and MacKay Connector corridor, and other
links which would serve development, as required; or the alternative “no Bypass option”.
AND FURTHER, that Council endorse the public consultation program for the Transportation Plan as outlined in Section 6 of
this report, with the consultation period held from February 11 to 25, 2008 and the presentation of the results at the March 10, 2008 Regular meeting of Council.
CARRIED.
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Where the $500-$625 million came from.
http://www.vernon.ca/council/documents/2008/agenda_080609_pkg.pdf (p.79)
VERNON - It wouldn’t be built, or required, for another 25 to 65 years, but Vernon council is starting to plan for a potential bypass around the city. It’s been talked about for years, but today’s council is taking a firm stance on the need to start planning, and protecting a corridor for it, now. “We know it’s not going to happen in our lifetime,” Mayor Akbal Mund says. “If you don’t put it in, you’re not thinking about the generations ahead.” The city estimates by the time Vernon’s population hits 67,000 (around the year 2080) the city’s current road network will no longer be able to accommodate the volume of traffic — assuming current driving trends continue. A 2008-2031 transportation plan for the city looked at three possible highway bypass routes to relieve congestion on Highway 97: using the existing rail corridor for an elevated highway (now deemed unfeasible) or going around the city via the west side or east side. The cost identified in 2008 for a western bypass route was between $500 million and $625 million. While the city can set land aside for a future corridor, the Ministry of Transportation has the final say about when, and if, a highway bypass will be constructed around Vernon. A bypass could be used by locals and visitors alike, but Mund isn't worried about tourists bypassing Vernon altogether. “Vernon is a destination stop, people plan to stop here,” Mund says, adding he doubts what happened in Oyama when the new highway was built around the community would happen in Vernon. “A small community would be impacted by that change more than a large community, and Vernon is not a small city.” Council has asked transportation staff to look into options for where a bypass could go, and Mund says the planning will go from there. “You’ve got to look at it now, not 20 years from now, when… that land is already gone,” Mund says.
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Don Quixote Note: From 2008 discussions are the options examined at that time
http://www.vernon.ca/ocp/transportation_plan.pdf (2008 p.29)
PAGE 5 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE – JANUARY 28, 2008
Ms. Kim Flick, Long Range Planner provided an overview of the Transportation Plan. Mr. Lorne Holowachuk, Transportation
Specialist, covered the 0 – 10, 10 – 25, and 25+ Year Strategy. Mr. Holowachuk reviewed the three Bypass options. (West Bypass, Railway Overpass and East Bypass) and further presented a No Bypass Option.
Moved by Councillor Beardsell, seconded by Councillor Gilroy:
THAT Council endorse the draft Transportation Plan for the purpose of public consultation, as outlined in Sections 2, 3 and 4 of this report.
1. 10 year strategy to provide increased capacity on existing routes and new connections between key routes;
2. 10 – 25 year strategy to include the extension of 27 Street and new connections on key routes; and
3. 25+ year strategy which includes protection of the West Bypass corridor and MacKay Connector corridor, and other
links which would serve development, as required; or the alternative “no Bypass option”.
AND FURTHER, that Council endorse the public consultation program for the Transportation Plan as outlined in Section 6 of
this report, with the consultation period held from February 11 to 25, 2008 and the presentation of the results at the March 10, 2008 Regular meeting of Council.
CARRIED.
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Where the $500-$625 million came from.
http://www.vernon.ca/council/documents/2008/agenda_080609_pkg.pdf (p.79)
Friday, May 22, 2015
DRAFT 25 Year Master Transportation Plan at COW Meeting Monday
http://www.vernon.ca/images/uploads/council/agendas/packages/150525_1.pdf (P.4)
On Monday at the 8:40 COW Meeting Council will be asked to receive for information the DRAFT 25 Year Master Transportation Plan.
'TRANSPORTATION PLAN - A. THAT Council receive the draft Master Transportation Plan WORKSHOP/PRESENTATION for information and table consideration of the Plan to the (P.4) Regular Meeting of June 22, 2015. '
'TRANSPORTATION PLAN - A. THAT Council receive the draft Master Transportation Plan WORKSHOP/PRESENTATION for information and table consideration of the Plan to the (P.4) Regular Meeting of June 22, 2015. '
Sunday, June 01, 2014
Drive for Peachland highway bypass now fueled by $70,000 transportation study
Posted: Sunday, June 1, 2014 11:06 am Ron Seymour The Daily Courier - Kelowna
Advocates of a highway bypass around Peachland hope for another big turnout when the group holds its annual general meeting June 12. “Last year, we were somewhat astounded when more than 60 people showed up,” Bruce Letendre, president of the Highway 97 Task Force, said Sunday.
“That definitely shows the interest there is in Peachland for a bypass around the town, rather than eventually widening the existing highway,” Letendre said. Those who attend the AGM will hear some particularly good news, Letendre says. “Just six weeks ago, we received official confirmation the the Ministry of Transportation has provided $70,000 to study the bypass option,” he said. Bypass advocates have been campaigning for close to a decade for a bypass around Peachland, but this is the first time the government has put money toward such a study. “I've been around a lot of political campaigns over the years, and I know a government will revisit an issue if there's a body that squeaks loud and long enough,” Letendre said. “Maybe we've just squeaked enough.” Peachland has the only two-lane stretch of Highway 97 from north of Vernon to south of Penticton. In recent years, new traffic lights have been installed along the corridor, raising concerns that rising traffic volumes are building pressure for four-laning of the highway. Opponents say widening the highway would increase the divide between lakeside and hillside neighborhoods, lead to more car-oriented commercial enterprises like those up the hill in nearby Westbank, and undermine Peachland's scenic and tourist charms. Bypass advocates have proposed a 17-kilometre long route, most of which could be built on Crown land west of the town. “It would be longer than the existing highway, but not that much longer, and travel could travel faster,” says John Abernathy, president of another Peachland group that's pushing for a bypass.
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Population: 2011 Census, 5,200
Peachland area in hectares: 1,575
Peachland elevation: 1,125 (343 m)
Advocates of a highway bypass around Peachland hope for another big turnout when the group holds its annual general meeting June 12. “Last year, we were somewhat astounded when more than 60 people showed up,” Bruce Letendre, president of the Highway 97 Task Force, said Sunday.
“That definitely shows the interest there is in Peachland for a bypass around the town, rather than eventually widening the existing highway,” Letendre said. Those who attend the AGM will hear some particularly good news, Letendre says. “Just six weeks ago, we received official confirmation the the Ministry of Transportation has provided $70,000 to study the bypass option,” he said. Bypass advocates have been campaigning for close to a decade for a bypass around Peachland, but this is the first time the government has put money toward such a study. “I've been around a lot of political campaigns over the years, and I know a government will revisit an issue if there's a body that squeaks loud and long enough,” Letendre said. “Maybe we've just squeaked enough.” Peachland has the only two-lane stretch of Highway 97 from north of Vernon to south of Penticton. In recent years, new traffic lights have been installed along the corridor, raising concerns that rising traffic volumes are building pressure for four-laning of the highway. Opponents say widening the highway would increase the divide between lakeside and hillside neighborhoods, lead to more car-oriented commercial enterprises like those up the hill in nearby Westbank, and undermine Peachland's scenic and tourist charms. Bypass advocates have proposed a 17-kilometre long route, most of which could be built on Crown land west of the town. “It would be longer than the existing highway, but not that much longer, and travel could travel faster,” says John Abernathy, president of another Peachland group that's pushing for a bypass.
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Population: 2011 Census, 5,200
Peachland area in hectares: 1,575
Peachland elevation: 1,125 (343 m)
Friday, March 21, 2014
Lake bypass
posted Mar 21, 2014 at 1:00 AM Vernon Morning Star
John Davis’ letter to the editor astounded me. He has it backwards- his is the small town attitude in thinking that there are any benefits in bringing all of that polluting through traffic into the downtown area of any city in the north and central Okanagan. Tourists usually travel with a destination in mind and will divert their route if need be, not drive through congested local traffic looking for what? We have limited access to the lakes, plenty of sports facilities and Silver Star for winter sports. Also, what kind of high paying businesses is there that we can attract that is clean? We had a high-tech park set aside here for about 10 years which attracted nothing, and when the one business already here relocated, he went out of the city limits. As for the catastrophic accident waiting to happen on Mission Hill, will it happen tomorrow, next week or month? Do you not remember what happened in Kamloops with run-away trucks before they made their bypass? Losing the railway through the valley just puts more pressure on our already overcrowded roads. Let’s look at this traffic problem from another point by getting a bypass back in the OCP and working on relieving the traffic pollution. The west side of Okanagan Lake makes perfect sense, just as it did back in 1942 when the American engineers surveyed an inside route up to Alaska or even further back, the fur brigade trail. They knew the best way to traverse this beautiful valley back then and now it’s up to us in the North Okanagan to promote this bypass once again.If you believe that a bypass should be put back into the official community plan, write rmiles@vernon.ca with your comments so council can debate and include it.
Joanne Georgeson Vernon
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Don Quixote Note: Reposted with permission of author. The transportation section of OCP is still outstanding and will be brought back in a few months for Council and public input. In advance you can send any comments on a potential bypass and/or route as suggested in the letter to rmiles@vernon.ca
http://vernonblog.blogspot.ca/2013/09/city-plan-should-include-bypass.html
John Davis’ letter to the editor astounded me. He has it backwards- his is the small town attitude in thinking that there are any benefits in bringing all of that polluting through traffic into the downtown area of any city in the north and central Okanagan. Tourists usually travel with a destination in mind and will divert their route if need be, not drive through congested local traffic looking for what? We have limited access to the lakes, plenty of sports facilities and Silver Star for winter sports. Also, what kind of high paying businesses is there that we can attract that is clean? We had a high-tech park set aside here for about 10 years which attracted nothing, and when the one business already here relocated, he went out of the city limits. As for the catastrophic accident waiting to happen on Mission Hill, will it happen tomorrow, next week or month? Do you not remember what happened in Kamloops with run-away trucks before they made their bypass? Losing the railway through the valley just puts more pressure on our already overcrowded roads. Let’s look at this traffic problem from another point by getting a bypass back in the OCP and working on relieving the traffic pollution. The west side of Okanagan Lake makes perfect sense, just as it did back in 1942 when the American engineers surveyed an inside route up to Alaska or even further back, the fur brigade trail. They knew the best way to traverse this beautiful valley back then and now it’s up to us in the North Okanagan to promote this bypass once again.If you believe that a bypass should be put back into the official community plan, write rmiles@vernon.ca with your comments so council can debate and include it.
Joanne Georgeson Vernon
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Don Quixote Note: Reposted with permission of author. The transportation section of OCP is still outstanding and will be brought back in a few months for Council and public input. In advance you can send any comments on a potential bypass and/or route as suggested in the letter to rmiles@vernon.ca
http://vernonblog.blogspot.ca/2013/09/city-plan-should-include-bypass.html
Sunday, December 08, 2013
Directors want terms clarified
by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Dec 8, 2013 at 1:00 AM—
A full understanding of terminology is needed before two communities send a message about genetically modified food.The Electoral Area Advisory Committee is holding back temporarily on proposed policies regarding the growing of genetically modified organisms in Cherryville and rural Lumby.“We want a further definition on the wording,” said Rick Fairbairn, rural Lumby director.“The policy referred to genetically engineered and is genetically modified organisms the same as GE or are they independent from each other? ”But once terms are clarified, the goal is to proceed with an official community plan change because residents in both areas have asked for it. However, Cherryville director Eugene Foisy points out that referencing GMOs does not mean the products are banned. “It (OCP) will encourage people to get into non-GMO stuff but we don’t have any power to stop it,” he said. Recently, the Regional District of North Okanagan board asked the federal government to establish the appropriate agency to regulate, test and assess the safety of GMO foods in Canada.
A full understanding of terminology is needed before two communities send a message about genetically modified food.The Electoral Area Advisory Committee is holding back temporarily on proposed policies regarding the growing of genetically modified organisms in Cherryville and rural Lumby.“We want a further definition on the wording,” said Rick Fairbairn, rural Lumby director.“The policy referred to genetically engineered and is genetically modified organisms the same as GE or are they independent from each other? ”But once terms are clarified, the goal is to proceed with an official community plan change because residents in both areas have asked for it. However, Cherryville director Eugene Foisy points out that referencing GMOs does not mean the products are banned. “It (OCP) will encourage people to get into non-GMO stuff but we don’t have any power to stop it,” he said. Recently, the Regional District of North Okanagan board asked the federal government to establish the appropriate agency to regulate, test and assess the safety of GMO foods in Canada.
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Bypass Poll at KISSFM
107.5 KISSFM Poll Results FINAL http://www.1075kiss.com/
Do you think Vernon needs a highway bypass? |
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|---|---|---|
| Yes | ||
| 33- | 78.6% | |
| No | ||
| 9- | 21.4% | |
| Number of Voters | : 42 |
City Plan Should Include Bypass
Written by Peter McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM Wednesday, 11 September 2013 10:39
A Vernon councillor is still pushing for the city to think about protecting land for a future highway bypass. Bob Spiers would like to see the issue addressed in the city's official community plan which is being updated. "I feel we should have something about a bypass. I don't give a darn which one it is. We've got to look at the future and say 'We need a bypass. Let's put it in there,'" says Speirs. While Spiers earlier felt a route on the west side of Okanagan Lake might work best, he says a specific area for the route doesn't have to be clarified at this point. "Whether it's west, east, or an overpass type of deal, there should be something in the OCP that we need a bypass," he tells Kiss FM. A plan for a western bypass through parts of Bella Vista and Mission Hill, was shelved by council in 2008 due to opposition. OCP's provide a longer term vision for the community, and according to the Local Government Act, an OCP is a statement of objectives and policies to guide decisions on planning and land use management.
A Vernon councillor is still pushing for the city to think about protecting land for a future highway bypass. Bob Spiers would like to see the issue addressed in the city's official community plan which is being updated. "I feel we should have something about a bypass. I don't give a darn which one it is. We've got to look at the future and say 'We need a bypass. Let's put it in there,'" says Speirs. While Spiers earlier felt a route on the west side of Okanagan Lake might work best, he says a specific area for the route doesn't have to be clarified at this point. "Whether it's west, east, or an overpass type of deal, there should be something in the OCP that we need a bypass," he tells Kiss FM. A plan for a western bypass through parts of Bella Vista and Mission Hill, was shelved by council in 2008 due to opposition. OCP's provide a longer term vision for the community, and according to the Local Government Act, an OCP is a statement of objectives and policies to guide decisions on planning and land use management.
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
BEYOND THE HEADLINES: Spinning wheels
By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning StarPublished: August 21, 2013 1:00 AM
It’s interesting to note that the Vernon politician pushing for a highway bypass hasn’t actually faced gridlock himself. Coun. Bob Spiers has never been comfortable behind the wheel of a car so he leaves driving to others. But what Spiers does is walk, and while doing that, he has become extremely aware of the growing traffic problem facing Vernon. “We are getting more and more traffic right through town. The truckers would prefer not to come right through town,” he said. Along with those truckers are tourists just passing through as well as local residents on daily errands. As a result, 32nd Street (Highway 97) is virtually clogged from Hospital Hill to the overpass, while 27th Street is bumper-to-bumper at times. Many side roads are also extremely busy as motorists jockey for space.
Concerned that the situation is escalating, Spiers is looking west for the solution. “It could be a potential long-term bypass,” he said of a route on the west side of Okanagan Lake, whether it is the existing Westside Road or something new between the Okanagan Connector, near Peachland, and O’Keefe Ranch. Spiers isn’t the first person to suggest this concept but the challenge with a new, high-level highway is that it would be extremely expensive to construct and maintain. Also, while it would divert some through traffic, much of it would likely remain as tourists and commercial trucks in Kelowna would head this way if going north or east. As for Westside Road, there probably isn’t enough money in provincial coffers to take the two-lane trail and transform it into something that can accommodate highway volumes. There is also the fact that North Westside residents contend daily with traffic and it’s unlikely they want Vernon’s conditions improved at their expense. Spiers insists there’s no choice but to look to the other side of the lake because a previous council shelved the designation of a bypass corridor in Vernon in 2008. “If we had kept it in the plan, it still would be possible,” he said. True enough, but the western bypass, as it was known, would have disrupted existing neighbourhoods from Mission Hill to Bella Vista. Life would have never been the same for those residents either displaced by the route or contending with truck noise and changed traffic flow.
What was obvious during the debate five years ago is that any viable transportation alternative is long gone. Vernon and the rest of the Okanagan have sprawled out too much over the past two decades and carving out a new highway is impossible given the investment made in residential neighbourhoods, businesses and community assets. Nobody wants a freeway next to them. The time for planning was 30 or 40 years ago when Okanagan Landing or East Vernon were largely rural and land was relatively inexpensive. Besides Vernon, Kelowna, Westbank, Enderby and virtually every other community in the valley are struggling with the lack of foresight. Spiers deserves credit for reigniting discussion on the perennial problem of traffic, but no matter which direction you go, there is no easy solution. The sad reality is that congestion is only going to get worse.
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Don Quixote Note: All past postings on the 'Western Bypass' discussion dating back to 2007 can be found at this category Link: western bypass
It’s interesting to note that the Vernon politician pushing for a highway bypass hasn’t actually faced gridlock himself. Coun. Bob Spiers has never been comfortable behind the wheel of a car so he leaves driving to others. But what Spiers does is walk, and while doing that, he has become extremely aware of the growing traffic problem facing Vernon. “We are getting more and more traffic right through town. The truckers would prefer not to come right through town,” he said. Along with those truckers are tourists just passing through as well as local residents on daily errands. As a result, 32nd Street (Highway 97) is virtually clogged from Hospital Hill to the overpass, while 27th Street is bumper-to-bumper at times. Many side roads are also extremely busy as motorists jockey for space.
Concerned that the situation is escalating, Spiers is looking west for the solution. “It could be a potential long-term bypass,” he said of a route on the west side of Okanagan Lake, whether it is the existing Westside Road or something new between the Okanagan Connector, near Peachland, and O’Keefe Ranch. Spiers isn’t the first person to suggest this concept but the challenge with a new, high-level highway is that it would be extremely expensive to construct and maintain. Also, while it would divert some through traffic, much of it would likely remain as tourists and commercial trucks in Kelowna would head this way if going north or east. As for Westside Road, there probably isn’t enough money in provincial coffers to take the two-lane trail and transform it into something that can accommodate highway volumes. There is also the fact that North Westside residents contend daily with traffic and it’s unlikely they want Vernon’s conditions improved at their expense. Spiers insists there’s no choice but to look to the other side of the lake because a previous council shelved the designation of a bypass corridor in Vernon in 2008. “If we had kept it in the plan, it still would be possible,” he said. True enough, but the western bypass, as it was known, would have disrupted existing neighbourhoods from Mission Hill to Bella Vista. Life would have never been the same for those residents either displaced by the route or contending with truck noise and changed traffic flow.
What was obvious during the debate five years ago is that any viable transportation alternative is long gone. Vernon and the rest of the Okanagan have sprawled out too much over the past two decades and carving out a new highway is impossible given the investment made in residential neighbourhoods, businesses and community assets. Nobody wants a freeway next to them. The time for planning was 30 or 40 years ago when Okanagan Landing or East Vernon were largely rural and land was relatively inexpensive. Besides Vernon, Kelowna, Westbank, Enderby and virtually every other community in the valley are struggling with the lack of foresight. Spiers deserves credit for reigniting discussion on the perennial problem of traffic, but no matter which direction you go, there is no easy solution. The sad reality is that congestion is only going to get worse.
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Don Quixote Note: All past postings on the 'Western Bypass' discussion dating back to 2007 can be found at this category Link: western bypass
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Vernon bypass sought
By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: August 14, 2013 1:00 AM
One politician insists an alternate route must be found before Vernon is paralyzed by permanent grid-lock. Coun. Bob Spiers told his colleagues Monday that a
bypass around Vernon is needed and he is suggesting the west side of
Okanagan Lake. “It could be a potential long-term bypass,” he said of
the option which could see traffic not needing to stop in Vernon
diverted off Highway 97 altogether. The options for the west side of Okanagan Lake could
include the existing Westside Road or a new high-elevation road from the
Okanagan Connector, near Peachland, to Highway 97, near O’Keefe Ranch. Spiers says he is increasingly concerned about traffic volume in Vernon. “We are getting more and more traffic right through town. The truckers would prefer not to come right through town.” A long-standing concern is that a large truck could go
out of control on Hospital Hill and careen into downtown Vernon,
placing residents at serious risk. While the west side of Okanagan Lake is outside of
Vernon’s jurisdiction, Spiers says such a transportation corridor should
be supported in the city’s official community plan and the provincial
government should be made aware of the concept. The issue of an alternate route has been on the
backburner since 2008 when a majority of then-council voted to shelve a
proposed western bypass, which would have gone through Mission Hill,
Okanagan Landing and Bella Vista neighbourhoods before linking back up
with the highway at Swan Lake. Instead, the city decided to focus on long-term traffic
issues through aggressive transportation demand management, such as
transit, walking and bicycling. Spiers, who was not on council in 2008, believes scrapping the western bypass was a mistake. “If we had kept it in the plan, it still would be possible,” he said.
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Don Quixote Note: All past postings on the 'Western Bypass' discussion dating back to 2007 can be found at this category Link: western bypass
 |
| http://vernonblog.blogspot.ca/2008/02/true-western-bypass.html |
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Don Quixote Note: All past postings on the 'Western Bypass' discussion dating back to 2007 can be found at this category Link: western bypass
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Foothills plan stalls
By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: February 13, 2013 1:00 AM
Land use planning for a Vernon neighbourhood is getting a rough ride. City council was highly critical of a draft Foothills neighbourhood plan presented by staff Tuesday. “There’s too much of a gap between what the community wants and what the plan gives them,” said Coun. Brian Quiring. “We’re not there yet with the plan. Residents are feeling that they haven’t been heard as much as they felt they should have been heard.” Prior to Tuesday’s meeting, council members received a letter from some Foothills residents expressing concerns about the draft plan. “They think we have missed critical elements — a large park and one of the medium density areas being in the wrong location,” said Coun. Patrick Nicol. A primary concern is a shift from single-detached housing to multi-family units. “With the community against row housing, is there another way to achieve density? We don’t want to lose the look and feel of the community,” said Coun. Mary-Jo O’Keefe. Staff insisted that the draft plan was developed based on input from Foothills residents. “Is it everything the public wants, no. Is it what we believe is the best compromise to provide services and amenities, yes it is,” said Kim Flick, community development manager. Staff says that residents have asked for transit and there is a need for sewer and water lines, but a higher population base is required to make those services financially viable for developers and city taxpayers. Ultimately, council instructed staff to go back to the drawing board and hold another public input session before a bylaw process begins. “Having one more meeting with the residents will be a benefit. If we don’t, a public hearing could be a gong show,” said Quiring. O’Keefe believes more needs to be done to address residents’ concerns.
Land use planning for a Vernon neighbourhood is getting a rough ride. City council was highly critical of a draft Foothills neighbourhood plan presented by staff Tuesday. “There’s too much of a gap between what the community wants and what the plan gives them,” said Coun. Brian Quiring. “We’re not there yet with the plan. Residents are feeling that they haven’t been heard as much as they felt they should have been heard.” Prior to Tuesday’s meeting, council members received a letter from some Foothills residents expressing concerns about the draft plan. “They think we have missed critical elements — a large park and one of the medium density areas being in the wrong location,” said Coun. Patrick Nicol. A primary concern is a shift from single-detached housing to multi-family units. “With the community against row housing, is there another way to achieve density? We don’t want to lose the look and feel of the community,” said Coun. Mary-Jo O’Keefe. Staff insisted that the draft plan was developed based on input from Foothills residents. “Is it everything the public wants, no. Is it what we believe is the best compromise to provide services and amenities, yes it is,” said Kim Flick, community development manager. Staff says that residents have asked for transit and there is a need for sewer and water lines, but a higher population base is required to make those services financially viable for developers and city taxpayers. Ultimately, council instructed staff to go back to the drawing board and hold another public input session before a bylaw process begins. “Having one more meeting with the residents will be a benefit. If we don’t, a public hearing could be a gong show,” said Quiring. O’Keefe believes more needs to be done to address residents’ concerns.
Sunday, December 16, 2012
City to review plans with public’s input
By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: December 16, 2012 1:00 AM
It’s time for Vernon residents to determine the future of their community. A review of the official community plan and the transportation plan are being initiated. “It will be an opportunity for the community to
say what’s working well and what aspects warrant further review,” said
Rob Miles, long range planner. The OCP, which was last reviewed in 2008, outlines land use and where specific activities should occur. Consultation with the public will occur between
January and May and it’s hoped there will be a draft OCP by June. There
could be a draft transportation plan by September. The provincial government has also mandated municipalities to create integrated sustainability plans. Coun. Catherine Lord questions spending $110,000 on the OCP process. “We haven’t been in a high development era in the last five years so I am not sure why we need to do it,” she said. “Other than complaints of narrowing roads, I haven’t had any complaints about how the OCP is working.” But Lord’s colleagues insist there is a need to proceed with planning. “Because we are in an economy that is a challenge, it is a good time to do an OCP review,” said Coun. Brian Quiring. “Maybe there are things we can do to stimulate the economy. Hopefully we can turn the economy back on.
Monday, October 22, 2012
Two Big Referendums Next Spring?
Greater Vernon ratepayers could be deciding the fate of two publicly funded projects next spring. Vernon's economic development committee is seeking council support
for holding referendums on a proposed sports complex by Okanagan
College, and one for a new Vernon Public Art Gallery, at the same time. Mayor Rob Sawatzky says the committee members say combining facilities that may be complimentary have been successful elsewhere. "In their experience, other communities were successful by adding,
say a sports complex referendum to a culture referendum to kind of have balance for the citizens to make a decision about," says Sawatzky. The sports complex vote to borrow $8.5 million will be held next
April 6, and Sawatzky isn't sure if there's enough time to hold one for
the Art Gallery at the same time. "It would take a lot of work and energy on the part of the Art Gallery folks to get themselves to that stage, but they very well may. I
don't really know." The Art Gallery is proposing a $7 million facility on a city-owned site next to Cenotaph Park. The committee's recommendation is before Vernon council today for support.
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KISSFM Daily Poll:
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KISSFM Daily Poll:
Friday, October 05, 2012
Coldstream re-examines plans for agricultural land
By Jennifer Smith - Vernon Morning Star Published: October 05, 2012 1:00 AM
After being met with considerable opposition, Coldstream has scrapped its original efforts to retain larger parcels of agricultural land. The district had initially proposed to create a 10-hectare minimum for future subdivisions of Agricultural Land Reserve property. Among others, members of the Coldstream Acreage Owners’ Association spoke out against the proposed limitations. With the current land prices and economic situation, the association points out that many farmers cannot afford to purchase, or manage, large parcels of land. Therefore smaller parcels are sought and also provide opportunities for aging farmers to cut down their work load while giving interested future farms the chance to grow their own. In light of the concerns over proposed limitations, Coldstream is going back to the drawing board on its agricultural plan. Instead of rezoning lands, Coldstream is renewing dialogue about the appropriate size for agricultural lands – as part of an upcoming review of Coldstream’s almost 20-year-old Official Community Plan. The recommendation is for each non-farm use, subdivision or exclusion application to be considered on its own merits and based on a number of factors such as soil capability, land use, topography, utilities and roads, etc. But not everyone is eager to rework the plan. “This is like taking two steps forward and one step back,” said Coun. Maria Besso. “But maybe it’s a necessary step back.” Besso sticks by Coldstream’s efforts to retain large parcels of agricultural land, as she points out that there aren’t many. “93.2 per cent of the parcels within Coldstream are already less than 10 hectares. That’s a point that wasn’t made clearly enough.” Coldstream’s new director of development services, Mike Reiley, adds: “It is a bit of a dance but I understand it was a bit of a contentious issue here in the community.” Coldstream will begin to initiate dialogue with residents and property owners in December and throughout 2013 as part of its OCP review.
After being met with considerable opposition, Coldstream has scrapped its original efforts to retain larger parcels of agricultural land. The district had initially proposed to create a 10-hectare minimum for future subdivisions of Agricultural Land Reserve property. Among others, members of the Coldstream Acreage Owners’ Association spoke out against the proposed limitations. With the current land prices and economic situation, the association points out that many farmers cannot afford to purchase, or manage, large parcels of land. Therefore smaller parcels are sought and also provide opportunities for aging farmers to cut down their work load while giving interested future farms the chance to grow their own. In light of the concerns over proposed limitations, Coldstream is going back to the drawing board on its agricultural plan. Instead of rezoning lands, Coldstream is renewing dialogue about the appropriate size for agricultural lands – as part of an upcoming review of Coldstream’s almost 20-year-old Official Community Plan. The recommendation is for each non-farm use, subdivision or exclusion application to be considered on its own merits and based on a number of factors such as soil capability, land use, topography, utilities and roads, etc. But not everyone is eager to rework the plan. “This is like taking two steps forward and one step back,” said Coun. Maria Besso. “But maybe it’s a necessary step back.” Besso sticks by Coldstream’s efforts to retain large parcels of agricultural land, as she points out that there aren’t many. “93.2 per cent of the parcels within Coldstream are already less than 10 hectares. That’s a point that wasn’t made clearly enough.” Coldstream’s new director of development services, Mike Reiley, adds: “It is a bit of a dance but I understand it was a bit of a contentious issue here in the community.” Coldstream will begin to initiate dialogue with residents and property owners in December and throughout 2013 as part of its OCP review.
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