Vernon To Get 'Grit' Boxes

Written by Peter McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM Thursday, 28 November 2013 06:01

Vernon residents will be part of a trial project to prevent pedestrians from falling on icy sidewalks. Mayor Rob Sawatzky says the city will be taking part in the 'Yellow Grit Box' pilot, subject to getting a $10,000 grant from Interior Health. "The public can spread grit from these yellow marked boxes in areas that are slippery, on sidewalks, and communities that have done it are reporting positively in terms of reducing falls and injuries," says Sawatzky. Ten boxes will be located at sites close to steep hills and with high pedestrian volumes, starting next winter. The proposed locations are 27 Ave at 35 Street, 27 Ave at 38 St, 30 Ave at 37 St, 30 Ave at 35 St, the Schubert Centre, Gateby Place, Centennial Dr (3), and 32 Ave at 35 St. As long as the city gets the grant, the program won't initially have any budget implications, but it could in future years if the program is expanded to more sites.