Tourism location panned

by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Jan 31, 2014 at 1:00 AM
Relocating Vernon’s tourist information centre is generating some debate. Coun. Bob Spiers is the lone opponent to rezoning 3004 39th Avenue, next to Civic Arena from commercial to public institutional to allow for a tourism booth. “I cannot support this going forward,” he said. Spiers believes the location could put motorists at risk because it will require left-hand turns off 32nd Street (Highway 97). It’s a concern that has been raised by many residents. “I can’t find anyone who agrees to the location,” said Spiers. However, Coun. Juliette Cunningham insists council has already made the decision on where the tourism centre will go and rezoning is just a procedural matter. “This is something put forward by council and staff is just following due process,” she said. The city will shut down the existing tourist booths at the north and south ends of the community and centralize them at the city-owned property on 39th Avenue by May 1. About $292,215 in renovations will be needed. The proposed rezoning will be the focus of a public hearing Feb. 24 at 5:30 p.m. at city hall. Council’s final decision on rezoning would occur after receiving public feedback. “Should council deny the rezoning, I would suggest we would be back to square one,” said Kim Flick, manager of community development.