Tourist Centre Site Defended

Written by Peter McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM Wednesday, 29 January 2014 11:11

Vernon's new tourist info centre is expected to open in May, but still has one more hurdle to clear. Council's given two readings to rezoning the site on 39th Avenue near the Civic Arena, from commercial to public institutional, with a public hearing set for February 24. Councillor Juliette Cunningham defends the site, despite criticism it's not the most attractive area. "In my experience, the more activity you bring to an area of a city, is more motivation for people to perhaps improve that area." Cunningham feels the centre will draw more visitors to the downtown core. "I understand the concerns around access, but we're working on the left turns (for southbound vehicles turning left off Highway 97 at 39th Ave) with the province." The city has closed the tourist centres at each end of town, in favour of the new centralized facility. Councillor Bob Spiers opposed the two readings of the rezoning bylaw. "I opposed it only because that is the only way that I can see that would stop that being located there. I am opposed to that location." Spiers feels the poor access to the site off the highway, will deter visitors from using the facility that is being upgraded with close to $300,000 in hotel room tax revenue, while $20,000 is budgeted to demolish the info centre across from Stickle Road.