Lumby Community Forest Gets Approval

Written by Peter McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM Wednesday, 12 June 2013 17:00 
 Logging could start this summer in the Monashee Community Forest that the village of Lumby and Splatsin First Nation have got approval to run. Lumby's finance director Ken Klassen says the 25 year deal with the province gives them control over harvesting 21,595 cubic meters of timber each year in the CF area. "Which is basically Trinity Valley up to Putnam Creek (borders the village and Silver Star Provincial Park). There is a potential to make money because we will be harvesting trees and selling them on the open market," says Klassen. Klassen says any profits will be split with the partners, and used to create local employment in the forest industry. He says the 21,595 cubic meters is the equivalent of 400 logging truck loads. RDNO director Rick Fairbairn represents the public at large on the managing committee. "Various permits have been issued and we could see some activity starting as early as July," Fairbairn tells Kiss FM. Fairbairn says he's excited by the deal. "Forestry is one of the main economic drivers in the North Okanagan, and this is a win-win for everybody." The village first started efforts to establish a community forest in the 1990's. The Community Forest will be a partnership between the Village of Lumby and Yucwmenlúcwu (Caretakers of the Land), Splatsin's forest management company. It will be managed by a committee consisting of Lumby Mayor Kevin Acton, Ken Klassen from the village office, Reno Lee and Lawrence Williams from Splatsin and Rick Fairbairn, from the community at large.

Safeway To Sell Canadian Arm To Sobeys For $5.8 Bln.

6/12/2013 5:49 PM ET RTT News:

Supermarket chain Safeway Inc. (SWY: Quote), said Wednesday it has agreed to sell its Canadian division to Canada-based grocery retail giant Sobeys Inc. for C$5.8 billion in cash. Shares of Safeway surged over 34 percent in after-hours trade, following the news. The acquisition includes 213 grocery stores under the Safeway banner in Western Canada, 199 in-store pharmacies, 62 co-located fuel stations, 10 liquor stores, 4 distribution and 12 manufacturing facilities. Safeway's Canadian arm generated sales of about C$6.7 billion and operating profit of C$428 million in the 52-week period ended March 23, 2013. Empire Company Ltd (EMP_A.TO: Quote), the parent company of Sobeys, said the deal will be funded with a combination of equity offering, lease-back of purchased real estate assets, debt and cash in hand. Empire expects the deal to be immediately accretive to adjusted earnings per share. Paul Sobey, President and CEO of Empire said, "The acquisition of Canada Safeway represents an excellent strategic fit, strengthening our presence in Western Canada with the addition of great employees, excellent stores and exceptional real estate." The transaction has been approved by the boards of both companies. The deal is expected to close in the fall of 2013. Marc Poulin, President and CEO of Sobeys, said, "We anticipate capturing annual cost synergies of approximately $200 million within three years, through integrating and modernizing distribution networks, reducing cost in procurement, administration and marketing, and leveraging Sobeys' IT infrastructure."

Band opposes 99-year lease

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: August 26, 2012 1:00 AM
A proposed development along Westside Road has experienced a road block.  On Monday, 56 per cent of the 239 Okanagan Indian Band members who voted in a referendum opposed 99-year leases for a 70-unit project near Irish Creek Road. Forty-three per cent cast ballots in support. “Some people don’t like development on the land base and alienating limited reserve land,” said  Chief Byron Louis. The commercial development is proposed for land held by an individual band member. But under federal regulations, a extension from the customary 49-year lease to 99 years must go before the membership of the First Nation for ratification. Louis understands why developers want to provide customers with as long a lease as possible. “When you move from 49 to 99-year leases, it creates security and increases value in the land,” he said. However, he insists the wishes of the band membership must be considered. “Before development happens, people must determine what the benefit is for the community,” he said. “That will be the determining factor for future development.” Despite the referendum results, Louis says the proposed 70-unit project could still proceed. “It would have to be based on a 49-year lease,” he said.

Business booming for Vernon wooden cutlery company

Kelowna, CHBC News : Thursday, May 17, 2012 7:49 PM

Business is booming for a North Okanagan company that makes disposable utensils out of wood. On Thursday, Aspenware unveiled its new, multi-million dollar facility in Vernon. Its utensils are biodegradable and offer an environmentally friendly alternative to disposable plastic cutlery. “This is a project that is going to change the way that everyone in the world thinks about disposable cutlery,” said Lowry Lund of Aspenware.  North Americans use 100 billion disposable plastic utensils every year; most of the products end up in landfills. The wooden utensils are made out of timber that forest companies do not want. “We use salvage wood, mostly aspen and birch,” said co-founder Terry Bigsby. Aspenware has been making the products for more than a decade but low production levels hampered growth. It was never able to produce more than 35,000 wooden forks, knives and spoons a day. In order to increase production, the company decided to develop its own technology, a $3 million machine that allows Aspenware to produce ten times as much cutlery as before. “We are talking with three or four of the largest fast food chains in the world,” said Doug Frankiw of Aspenware. “We have shipped to Chile and we’re also in Europe right now. Our biggest challenge is we can’t meet the production demands.” Aspenware’s goal is to eventually produce one billion wooden utensils a year. The company also hopes to expand its workface dramatically over the next few years.

Target Confirmed For Vernon Zellers will be renovated

Betty Selin 105.7 SUNFM 2/24/2012

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The  Vernon Target is scheduled to open in spring 2013. Target has confirmed that the Zellers in the Village Green Centre will become a Target.The company says about $10 million will be invested to remodel each store "in order to bring the full Target brand experience to Canadian communities." The store will employ up to 200 people.Target plans to open 125 to 135 stores in Canada, the majority of which will open in 2013.

Revitalization Tax Exemption proposed in Vernon.

Tomorrow at the 1:30 Council Meeting will be a discussion on  Tax Revitalization bylaws in the City Centre Area AND the Waterfront area.

• Agenda Package  (P.177)

To outline two Revitalization Tax Exemption programs to encourage development in the City Centre District and the Waterfront Neighbourhood Centre.
RECOMMENDATION:
THAT Council endorse the two Revitalization Tax Exemption programs for the City Centre District and for the Waterfront Neighbourhood Centre, based on the report dated January 25, 2012 from Rob Miles, Planning Assistant, and authorize staff to prepare the associated bylaws for Council's consideration.

   City of Kelowna Tax Revitalization Bylaw

Penticton Tax Revitalization Bylaw

U.S. firm purchasing Vernon's tekmar Control Systems

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star  Published: January 23, 2012 7:49 AM

A high-profile high-tech company in Vernon is on the verge of being sold.  There is an agreement for Watts Water Technologies of North Andover, Mass. to acquire tekmar Control Systems, with the deal likely being completed within the next week or two. "Tekmar is a very fine company and we have long admired then in the marketplace," William McCartney, Watts Water Technologies chief financial officer, told The Morning Star. Tekmar designs and manufactures control systems for heating, ventilating and air conditioning devices, while Watts Water manufactures water control products. "The future of the plumbing and heating industry requires more electronic controls which tekmar does," said McCartney of his company's interest in the North Okanagan business. Tekmar had annual revenues of about $11 million in 2011, and there are about 65 employees at its Silver Star Road operation. McCartney expects the acquisition will provide opportunities for tekmar long-term. "Hopefully it will grow faster than it has been growing. We remain committed to the facility and the workforce there," he said, adding that no changes are anticipated. "It is a well-run facility and nothing immediate is planned." Tekmar was founded in 1980 by Kurt Knuever, his daughter Ulrike and son-in-law Don Gibbs.Look for more details in Wednesday's Morning Star.

“Local food as economic motor”

Thursday January 26th, 7PM , Schubert Centre, Vernon.
“Local food as economic motor”

Towns and rural communities across Canada are growing and building resilience by shaping their future around local food, adding millions of dollar$ per year to local economies. They are creating jobs in agriculture, tourism, education, the arts, and numerous industrial sectors. Come hear how you can be part of this “creative rural economy” and how our communities can flourish by choosing local food as economic motor. Free, sponsored by SENS - - www.sensociety.org

Kelowna ranked best in B.C. for entrepreneurs

Steve MacNaull  The Daily Courier 2011-10-27 
A study ranking Kelowna as B.C.‘s top entrepreneurial city has opened up a can of worms in the campaign for mayor.  Mayor Sharon Shepherd, who is running for re-election, is delighted with the findings in the recently  released Canadian Federation of Independent Business‘ Communi-ties in Boom paper.  "We‘ve been in the No. 1 position in the past and it‘s nice to be No. 1 again," she told The Daily Courier.  "We have great initiatives in our community from streamlined policies at City Hall to what the Okanagan Valley Entrepreneurs Society and Central Okanagan Economic Development Commiss-ion are doing." Meantime, former radio station owner and former mayor Walter Gray - who wants the job back that he lost to Shepherd in the 2005 municipal election - sees things differently.  "Kelowna is No. 1 based mostly on its entrepreneurs - the people who have created jobs for themselves in this community. We are outstanding in that category," he told The Daily Courier.  "Where Kelowna falls down in the study is how many businesses think local government has good awareness of them. Only five per cent do. The national average is 8.4 per cent, so no city is good at it, but Kelowna is still well below the national average."  Chartered accountant Todd Sanderson, a former council candidate and former president of the Uptown Rutland Business Association, concurs with Gray.  "When you break down the three different sections of the study, yes Kelowna is No. 1 in B.C. and No. 3 in Canada (behind only Grande Prairie and Calgary) when it comes to business startups, number of businesses per capita and number of entrepreneurs with a score of 74 out of 100," he said.  "But in the policy section that is mostly to do with local government Kelowna scores 52 out of 100, which is the lowest in B.C." Gray said his goal, if elected, is to make City Hall business friendly and help those entrepreneurs and small businesses (97 per cent of companies in Kelowna are considered small because they have less than 25 employees) to thrive.  Gray has also been vocal that under Shepherd Kelowna hasn‘t been business friendly.  "It‘s very confusing as to why Walter has make those statements," said Shepherd. "I have a bi-annual breakfast with business to get input and processes have changed at City Hall as a result. We‘ve also moved ahead on the downtown plan and Bernard Avenue revitalization is going ahead. And highrises of up to 26 storeys will be allowed in certain sections of downtown."  Shepherd stressed the downtown plan because her council shot down the so called CD21 (comprehensive development zone), aka the downtown highrise plan, and there was a lot of public complaint afterward. "We‘ve moved on," she said.  "We have a new completed downtown plan that encompasses the entire downtown, not just the four blocks of CD21."  The CFIB city entrepreneurial index puts Kelowna at No. 1 of the 15 cities in B.C. ranked with an overall score in 12 categories of 59 out of 100, ahead of Prince George and Port Alberni, both with 55, Penticton with 54 and Fort. St. John, Vernon and Kamloops, all with 53. Kelowna ranked No. 13 of the 100 cities ranked nationally. Grande Prairie was No. 1 in the country with an overall score of 74. 
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  Communities in Boom Canada's most entrepreneurial cities - 2011

Research Report: Communities in Boom: Canada's top entrepreneurial cities in 2010

Council keys into incentives

Simone Blais - Penticton Western News Published: October 13, 2011 3:00 PM
  Penticton council is in the zone — for economic development, that is.  Council passed three readings of an economic investment bylaw that sets out not only which areas of Penticton it would like to see revitalized but also what types of business it would like to attract to the area.  Anthony Haddad, the city’s director of development services, said staff has developed the new bylaw with more “robust and targeted incentives” to businesses that meet specific requirements.  With the focus on luring in “key tenants”, or predetermined types of businesses, the city will provide a larger incentive for certain “magnet” or “anchor” developments according to the area. For example, in the downtown economic investment zone, key tenants that would be eligible include a grocery store, theatre, cultural facilities, new residences above existing commercial space, high-tech services, live-work units and tourist accommodations. There are limitations to those key tenants: Only one grocery store and one theatre would be eligible for incentives.  For eligible key tenants, the city would offer a 100 per cent reduction in building permit fees, a three-year tax holiday on both land and new improvements and a further tax holiday of two years on new improvements. Key tenants are also afforded an additional year to complete eligible projects.

Penticton adopted its first incarnation of the bylaw last year.  “Since the bylaw’s adoption in 2010, six projects have been commenced which are eligible for incentives,” Haddad said, noting three fall within industrial designations, two were downtown and the final was a hotel renovation project. The downtown economic investment zone is slated to expand to include medium- and high-density residential areas, because, as Haddad explained, they support the downtown. Some parts of downtown are also eligible for façade improvements valued at $50,000 or more. Coun. Andrew Jakubeit said he hoped for innovation in the area of helping small businesses maintain storefronts. “In terms of façade improvements, are there any other innovative incentives we can offer to help businesses do modest or minimal improvements downtown?” he asked, noting it can be difficult for small operations to drum up that much capital. “I have a small business that doesn’t have $50,000 to spend, but I might be able to do something else, something smaller.” Haddad said the economic investment zones typically focus on bigger investments and expenditures, although staff could investigate the potential for smaller programs separate from the bylaw. Waterfront development is also an area of interest for the city. A small waterfront zone has been created to spur development along key areas of Okanagan Lake. It will be seeking four key tenants, including marinas, cultural facilities and tourist accommodations of 20 units or more that are rated three stars or better.  A new technical-educational economic investment zone is proposed for the area surrounding Okanagan College, which includes the Canwood and Canadian Tire​ sites. The hotel-motel economic zone will become the tourism and culture economic investment zone, and lines up better with the city’s Official Community Plan. Industrial areas along the Channel Parkway may also be incorporated into the industrial economic investment zone.

There are also provisions for ineligible tenants in the downtown economic investments. In the downtown, tenants that are “not critical to economic growth,” Haddad said, will not qualify for incentives. Those include businesses of which there is an abundance or they don’t yield a substantial tax return to the city. Council unanimously passed three readings of the economic investment zone bylaw, and a public hearing is scheduled for Monday.

Merchants Protest on 43rd Ave

Written by Peter McIntyre 107.5 KISSM Thursday, 29 September 2011 10:42

A protest march is being held in Vernon today, and it is expected to have an impact on the city's busiest road.  A group of business reps from the north end will be on 43rd Avenue at the Highway 97 intersection for a noon hour rally today.  Harald Kober, owner of Roko Service, says it's all about the city's proposal to reduce 43rd Ave from the current four lanes to three, which city staff say will make it safer and create new space for cyclists.  Some of the merchants say it will have a negative impact on their business. Kober says they will be slowing down traffic in the protest area including on the highway by Vernon Square, as a way of making a statement.  Mayor Wayne Lippert says no decision has been made on the idea, adding it's expected to be on council's agenda Tuesday October 11th.

Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan

Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan

We are the westernmost province in our country and the first port of call for people and goods that come to Canada. We have both the opportunity and obligation to lead our country across the ocean and secure our place in the emerging economies of the Asia Pacific. Read how in Canada Starts Here: The BC Jobs Plan.

Forest Minister Brings Positive Message

Written by Peter McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM Monday, 19 September 2011 12:43

A BC cabinet minister was in Vernon today, to announce an improvement in access to government services.  Steve Thomson, Minister for Forest, Lands and Natural Resources, helped open a Front-Counter BC office at the Forestry office at 2501 14th Ave. "This will provide a single point entry for clients of the natural resource sector, so they'll be able to come in and get all their permit and authorization needs dealt with directly through that one window, so this makes it more efficient for them and saves time." Thomson says before people would have to go to several offices to get the required permits.  The minister, MLA for Kelowna-Mission, says Vernon is a good site for a Front Counter due to the wide range of resource activity here. "Agriculture, forestry, water, all of those kinds of parts of the ministry are here, so this was seen as a centre that would benefit the entire region."  Vernon Mayor Wayne Lippert is pleased the government is expanding the program to Vernon.  "By bringing more government services to our families, the Province is supporting economic growth in our communities." Meanwhile, Thomson is optimistic about the logging/forest industry's future despite what he calls the fragile US market.  "The growth of the market in China has provided real optimism over the last few months. Our exports to China have exceeded those of the US, so it's extremely positive diversifying the markets."  Thomson says a new two year extension of the softwood lumber deal with the US was announced over the weekend, which he says will provide certainty until 2015.  "I think what the industry will also tell you, while they're optimistic and looking forward to the future, it's still fragile and we still need to make sure we work very closely with them to make sure we've have the right policy framework in place."
Photo: Forests, Land and Natural Resources Minister Steve Thomson (left) opens the new Front Counter office in Vernon with Vernon Monashee MLA Eric Foster and Vernon Mayor Wayne Lippert (P.McIntyre)
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Quick Facts:
* FrontCounter BC offers more than 130 natural resource-related permits and authorizations at each location.
* FrontCounter BC provides services on behalf of 16 additional partner agencies.
* Since Jan. 1, 2005, over 38,000 authorizations have been processed.
* The FrontCounter BC call centre handles more than 21,400 inquiries annually.

Downtown Gets Goods

Written by Peter McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM Monday, 19 September 2011 02:48

Efforts to meet the needs of existing businesses are paying off, according to Vernon's mayor.  Wayne Lippert says that's been a focus of a committee led by the city's economic development manager Kevin Poole.  He says "We sat down with Kevin, we took the tack of looking at business that are here and looking to see what challenges they were having so we could make sure we were keeping them here and help them  expand here." Lippert says they're also trying to prevent big holes in the downtown core. He is pleased to hear Shoppers Drug Mart has plan to  expand when City Furniture makes its move to Anderson Way in the next few weeks.

Confirmation Of New Hotel In Vernon - Marriott under development

Kate Bouey 9/13/2011 105.7 SUNFM

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If you've been wondering what's happening on land north of Vernon's Lake City Casino, expect a new hotel. Staff at city hall confirm that a four-storey, 98-room Marriott Fairfield Inn is going to be built on the site. The hotel is currently in the development stage.

City puts tourism, edc contracts up for bid

JOHN MOORHOUSE penticton Herald Wednesday, September 7, 2011
 The City of Penticton is seeking outside input as it looks to a new contract for tourism marketing, visitor information and economic development services.  A request for proposals is due to close Sept. 20. The current five-year contract with the Penticton and Wine Country Chamber of Commerce is due to expire at the end of December.   The new contract will include an annual budget of up to $519,375, with its length to be negotiated with the successful proponent.  City manager Annette Antoniak said Tuesday with the existing contract due to soon expire, it was felt this would be a good time to put the services out for proposals.  “It‘s a significant amount of money,” she said. “It‘s following proper process according to our purchasing policy and a little more specific in terms of what the city is looking for in milestones and deliverables.”  Mayor Dan Ashton emphasized the proposal call should not viewed as any form of dissatisfaction over the quality of service provided through the chamber. “The chamber has done a good job on it, but what else is available? Is there an opportunity for new ideas?” he said. “We‘re encouraging everybody to think out of the box here.”  Chamber manager Erin Hanson said the chamber will definitely be submitting a proposal. Hanson said the chamber is not insulted by the city‘s decision to call for submissions, describing it as good business practice. “We‘ve had the contract for a number of years,” she said. “We have a good track record, all the credibility and we know what we‘re doing, but it‘s good business to go out and get solicitations.” Hanson noted the chamber itself follows the same procedure for some of its longer-standing contracts. In its 2011 budget deliberations earlier this year, city council rejected a chamber request for an extra $70,000 to continue a sports tourism strategy and convention marketing.  Hanson said that is a separate issue from the chamber‘s contract proposal, but noted the chamber still wants to develop a long-range plan. “We‘ll definitely be looking at making sure we‘re doing the right things and going in the right direction, and dovetailing all the necessary organizations in town to make sure that we‘re meeting the needs of the city.”  Chamber president Jason Cox said he also respects council‘s decision to ask for proposals. “If there‘s a model that they think is going to be effective for the tax dollars they put in, then they‘ve got to make the best decision for the community,” he said.  Cox noted the chamber originally obtained the contract economic development, tourism and visitor information several years ago, after the city had called for a request for proposals.  Council is scheduled to approve the new contract in early October.

The final voyage of the Okanagan

by Grant Scott - Castanet  Aug 14, 2011

Photo: Contributed - Submariners Association of Canada

The HMCS Okanagan off Georges Island Nova Scotia

The HMCS Okanagan, an Oberon-class submarine that served in the Canadian Forces for 30 years, is making her final voyage.  However, the Okanagan won't be taking that journey under her own power. Instead, the British-built sub is being carried into a scrapyard in Port Maitland, Ontario, while sitting on a floating drydock. The Okanagan was built at the dockyard in Chatham, England, and launched on September 17, 1966.  She would be commissioned into the Canadian Forces on June 22, 1968, assigned the pennant number 74.  Measuring just over 295 feet long and 26.5 feet wide, the Sub carried a compliment of six officers and 62 crew.  The Okanagan survived a collision with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessel Grey Rover while exercising in British waters in July of 1973. Fortunately, there were no injuries to the submarine's crew.  Seven years later she participated in the filming of a Japanese disaster film called "Fukkatsu no hi,"and one of her officers was given a small speaking role.  Maritime Command (MARCOM) would decommission the Okanagan on September 14, 1998,  after serving her entire career with Maritime Forces Atlantic (MARLANT) in the North Atlantic.  After the sub had been sitting idle for seven years at CFB Halifax, in May of 2005 MARCOM announced it was looking to sell the Okanagan for scrap metal, along with three other Canadian Oberons laid up in Halifax.  There were 27 Oberon class submarines built. The diesel-electric submarine was based on the successful British Porpoise-class.  Thirteen were constructed for the British Royal Navy, while another fourteen were exported to other countries.  Canada took three new with an additional two British submarines later transferred, six went to the Royal Australian Navy, three to the Brazilian Navy, and two to the Chilean Navy.

Modesto council considers changing city slogan - To call Modesto 'Family Owned and Operated'

Monday, Aug. 08, 2011 By Ken Carlson Modesto Bee:

If City Council members give approval this evening, Modesto could be branded as a community with small-town values and a big-city arts and entertainment scene. The brand, "Modesto: Family Owned and Operated," and an associated logo would be incorporated into the city's economic development, government, civic outreach and tourism campaigns. Not everyone thinks the slogan conveys the intended message, however. Developed by Commonwealth Modesto, the marketing tool is supposed to combat the effects of bad press on the city's image; for example, when the city does poorly on national "Best and Worst Places to Live" surveys or is tagged the "Car Theft Capital" of the country. If approved, the logo would be placed on city stationery, business cards, vehicles and tourist promotions, and could be used in campaigns to promote Modesto. For almost a century, Modesto has been identified with the motto on its arch: "Water, Wealth, Contentment, Health." But officials have tried to come up with something more contemporary. "The vision is that Modesto provides its own brand of big city arts, culture and entertainment combined with small town friendliness, family values, an outdoor lifestyle and an intense sense of community," City Manager Greg Nyhoff wrote in his report to the council. The city has not released an estimate on the cost of changing its logo. Employees would use current letterhead and business cards until supplies run out; city vehicles would not carry the logo until they are replaced.

Jim Pattison Checks Out KISS FM, Vernon

Written by Peter McIntyre Thursday, 04 August 2011 15:39

Jim Pattison brought an upbeat message for his first official visit to Vernon in some time.  The BC billionaire from Vancouver was in the city to tour Kiss FM, the station he purchased four years ago, and says he'd like to buy more radio stations.  "We've always liked radio. I've been in it quite a while and I like the business, and we think radio is going to do just fine and we're interested in growing the business."
He already owns 29 FM stations in BC and Alberta, along with three TV stations, just part of his vast empire.  The 82 year old also went on a bus tour of the area with his corporate team, guided by Vernon mayor Wayne Lippert and economic development manager Kevin Poole, to check out future opportunities.  Pattison likes the Okanagan for investment.  "We have recently got involved with Sun Rype in Kelowna, so it just depends on the industry. Some area are more suited for certain types of business than others, but in overall terms, the province of BC, the Okanagan Valley have no where to go but up." Pattison also owns Coopers, Save on Foods and  a distribution system in the Vernon area.  Pattison tells KISS FM, he's taken a close look into the pros and cons of the HST, even hiring independent people to study it.  "I think the HST is the right decision to retain it for the overall long term benefit of the province."  Pattison says keeping the tax will create more jobs. He also owns numerous car dealerships, sign and entertainment companies but doesn't have one company that's most special.  "It's like any family and if you have a number of children...which one do you like the best? I like them all, and in our case, if we don't like it, we can sell it."  Pattison is ranked by Forbes as the 3rd wealthiest person in Canada, and 173rd in the world, with an estimated fortune of 5.6 billion dollars.

Ground Broke on $3.9M Building

Written by Peter McIntyre Wednesday, 03 August 2011 14:39

A groundbreaking has been held for a new four storey commercial building in Vernon's city centre area.  The Sterling Medical Building will be at 3201 25th Avenue across from the Real Canadian Wholesale Club, and beside the Esso gas station and the Green Valley Motel. Construction on the 3.9 million dollar 30 thousand square foot structure will start this month, with completion next March.  Building owner Dr Greg Appelt says five doctors have been confirmed as tenants, and they're also in negotiations with a pharmacy to lease space on the main floor.  He says, "The building will allow for a variety of medical professional, dental and allied health services.  We are thrilled with the location as it is centrally located and provides quick access to Vernon Jubilee Hospital to better serve patients and staff alike." Vernon's Economic Development Manager Kevin Poole says they're pleased to see a project of this magnitude going forward on the periphery of Vernon's City Centre Neighbourhood Area. "We believe the building will help to attract additional health care professionals to the city." Confirmed tenants include Dr. Chris Cunningham, Dr. Steve Friesen, Dr. Nick Half, Dr. Glenn Vaz and Dr. Christine Hatfield. A groundbreaking for the new building was held Tuesday.
Photo: Sterling Centre groundbreaking (from left to right): Dr. Steve Friesen, Dr. Nick Half, Mayor Wayne Lippert, Dr. Chris Cunningham, Dr. Greg Appelt (submitted)