Downtown Noise Levels Under Review

Written by Peter McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM Tuesday, 12 November 2013 06:03
It will be early next year before Vernon council considers ways to deal with downtown noise levels. Several businesses including the Journey Inn on 28th Ave say they've been impacted by nearby niteclubs and other late night activities. City administrator Will Pearce says staff are getting decibel readings around the clubs, and are looking into what levels are used in other cities. He says the Regional District of North Okanagan is also considering a decibel level, and it might be prudent to await that decision to ensure regional consistency. "In addition, Planning and Economic Development/Tourism will need to be consulted in order to ensure these departments have input into a modified bylaw, as there is potential to affect their interests," writes Pearce in a report to council. Pearce says staff will present a comprehensive report to council by February. Meantime, an idea to use the rail line between Vernon and Kelowna for a community pathway will be outlined to Vernon council today. Brad Clements from Citizens for an Okanagan Rail Trail is seeking council's support, saying the time to act is now as the railway could become available early next month. He says the corridor along the lakefront could provide benefits long into the future, but if nothing's done, it could be sold for private use. Canadian National has started a process to abandon the track, after the former operator Kelowna Pacific went into receivership.