Greater Vernon Signs Could Come Down

Written by Peter McIntyre 107.6 KISSFM Monday, 09 March 2015 06:00

Sign on Highway 6 needs some repairs (Kiss FM)

They are the signs nobody seems to want. The "Welcome to Greater Vernon" signs on Highways 97 and 6 were put up about eight years ago, but have fallen into disrepair and need some funding. Greater Vernon Advisory Committee vice chair Jim Garlick, who is also Coldstream's mayor, says perhaps all of them are not needed. "Maybe we should have the discussion about which one we should be leaving, which one should we be taking down, or what is the cost of doing that and how are we going to pay for it. Those will have to be addressed," says Garlick. The issue will be sent to Vernon and Coldstream councils to see if there's interest in maintaining the signs or taking them down. The reps for Areas B and C says they have no interest in helping with the costs. BX Silver Star director Mike Macnabb says the electoral areas don't see a need for them. "If it was identified as 'Welcome to Electoral Area B, C, Vernon and Coldstream,' then that would be something, but it was pointed out, what does Greater Vernon mean? It depends on who's in the service I guess, and by in large, I think people know where they are, so we don't have to have the signage," says Macnabb. GVAC Vernon director Catherine Lord questions the need for the signs if Areas B and C don't want to take part. "If Vernon and Coldstream can come to an agreement to keep the signs up, that's fine. If we can't come to that agreement, I would want to take that sign down and put up a 'Welcome To Vernon' sign", says Lord. The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce may also be asked if they want to take over responsibility for the signs.
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107.5 KISSFM POLL: Results FINAL

Do you think all jurisdictions within Greater Vernon should be looking after the cost of the welcome signs ?
yes
33-	82.5%
no
7-	17.5%

Number of Voters

:  40