East Hill road not as wide as originally planned

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: October 24, 2012 1:00 AM One Vernon road isn’t quite what was expected.  City staff admitted Monday that 26th Street, between 23rd and 28th avenues, is narrower than council and residents were originally told. “It wasn’t our intent to mislead members of council or the public,” said Will Pearce, chief administrative officer. The road was reconstructed between 2004 and 2006, and a recent review indicates the road is two feet narrower than projected. “The as-constructed drawings weren’t finished and we thought they were,” said Rob Dickinson, engineering manager. There have been complaints about vehicles being unable to pass with parking on both sides of the road. Congestion is particularly bad on Sundays because there is a church in the neighbourhood. Coun. Brian Quiring is one of those who was questioning the width of 26th Street after construction. “It’s frustrating. I was assured the road wasn’t made narrower and it has been. “The two feet the road is narrowed is the difference between having a functioning road and not having a functioning road.” Staff is looking at options to improve traffic flow, and while Quiring isn’t sure what should be done, he says the current situation can’t be allowed to remain. “Let’s  make sure it doesn’t happen again,” he said. “If it was truly a  mistake, we should go back to the person who made the mistake and let’s get them to fix it.”

Structure Fire Report

Written by Peter McIntyre Friday, 14 September 2012 16:21
  Fire crews have been called to a report of a structure fire at 3617 9th Street, which is in the East Hill area, near Silver Star School. Vernon Fire Rescue are at the scene.

Written by Peter McIntyre  107.5 KISSFM  Friday, 14 September 2012 17:00 
  Another call out today for Vernon fire crews. They were dispatched to East Hill just after 4 this afternoon on a report of a structure fire in the  36-hundred block of 9th Street, near Silver Star School. Deputy fire chief Jack Blair says it appears a power driven attic vent on a roof had some sort of malfunction and caught fire, causing black smoke. Blair says a neighbor jumped on the to roof to suppress it, and then fire crews arrived to get it under control.

East Hill project denied

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star  Published: July 31, 2011 1:00 AM

A contentious development proposal on Vernon’s East Hill has been shot down. Council has denied third reading of a bylaw that would have rezoned 2602 25th Avenue from large lot residential to four-plex housing residential.  “It simply doesn’t fit with the neighbourhood,” said Coun. Patrick Nicol of the unanimous decision not to proceed with the development.  “There was no support for it at the public hearing.”  Residents had expressed concern that the plan for two, four-unit buildings on the 0.3-hectare property would increase traffic and negatively impact the character of the neighbourhood. The applicant had insisted that the proposal would support redevelopment of downtown and encourage people to walk to nearby services instead of driving.
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More Input Sought On Plan
There’s a go-slow approach for land use planning in downtown Vernon and adjacent neighbourhoods.
Instead of adopting the city centre neighbourhood plan, council has rescinded third reading so there can be more public discussion on the future of the area.  “This is an important plan for the city,” said Mayor Wayne Lippert.  “Anyone who wants to provide input should get it into us.”  The plan will designate land use activities in the downtown core, as well as in the Seaton Secondary area.A second public hearing will be held in September.
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Hotel Room Tax Adding Up
Hotel room tax dollars are starting to roll into Vernon’s tourism marketing program.  During the 10 months of 2010 that the additional hotel room tax was officially collected, the city received $286,994.
“A comparison of AHRT revenue by month shows a significant improvement in 2011 with a 23 per cent increase in March and 42 per cent increase for April over the comparable 2010 months,” said Michelle Jefferson, tourism  manager, in a written report to members of city council.  “Note that the AHRT is not exactly two per cent of the room revenue for a variety of reasons, including long-term stays that do not require the collection of AHRT and properties that are located in Vernon for B.C. Stats statistical purposes, but are not within the municipal boundaries and therefore are not subject to the AHRT.”

Public Hearing July 13

Agenda Index  July 11, 2011 Public Hearing Start Time: 5:30pm - July 11, 2011 Location: Council Chambers

• Agenda Package  (June 13) P.209 has details of proposal.

Monday council Meetings. Items of Interest

Committee of the Whole Start Time: 8:40am - June 13, 2011

• Agenda Index 
• Agenda Package 
• 

43RD AVENUE ROAD DIET AND ACCIDENT REDUCTION PROJECT  (P.9-14)
A.    THAT Council instruct staff, subject to successful award of the 100 percent $868,000 Gas Tax Innovation Fund grant, to proceed with the implementation of the Road Diet in 43rd Avenue between 27th and 32nd Streets;
AND FURTHER that this work in 43rd Avenue include Accident Reduction measures at the intersection of 31st Street, once the Polson Greenway Phase 2, 2011 capital project in 29th Street is completed.
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Regular Open Council Meeting Start Time: 1:30pm - June 13, 2011

• Agenda Index 
• Agenda Package 

• TRAFFIC SIGNAL WARRANTS FOR 27th STREET AT 28th AND 35th AVENUES AND SIGNAL CO-ORDINATION ON THE 27th STREET AND 48th AVENUE CORRIDORS (P. 201)THAT Council approve funds of $30,000 for a study to include the completion of traffic signal warrants for the intersections of 27th Street and 28th and 35th Avenues, and a study of the traffic signal timings in order to produce a new co-ordination pattern for the corridors of 27th Street and 48th Avenue. 
• THAT Council support the application by Mark Budgen to rezone Lot 1, Sec. 34, Tp. 9, Plan 550 “PG” Except the Easterly 82 Feet Measured Along the Northerly and Southerly Boundaries Thereof, ODYD (2602 – 25 Avenue) from R2 – Large Lot Residential to R5 – Four- plex Housing Residential with the intent to develop two, four unit buildings, subject to the following conditions:

Postal Problems

Written by Glen Morrison 107.5 KISSFM  Monday, 06 June 2011 08:31

 Another twist to the Canada Post dispute with the Canadian Union of Postal workers.  The Union's Pacific region director John Bail, says the post office is sending temporary workers covering absences home, no overtime , so after 8 hours any undelivered mail is returned to the postal stations, and any routes that were being covered due to absences will be left uncovered and undelivered. He says it amounts to the post office being on strike. Bail  says the union members are working, other than the rotating strikes, and are willing to deliver.  In our area Middleton Mountain , the East hill area, Village green mall, the 27th street auto strip area are all affected. Today's rotating strike target is Montreal.

Blaze destroys Vernon business

Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: April 16, 2011 9:00 AM 
An East Hill business has been gutted by fire.  Firefighters were called to Fatheads Coffee Co., in the 2500 block of 15th Street, just after midnight Saturday.  “There was smoke everywhere,” said Dean Wakefield, Vernon Fire Department investigator.  The interior of the store has been left blackened and debris covers the parking lot. Screens hang out of second-level windows.  There is a residence at the rear of the building but no one was home at the time of the fire.  A few challenges arose for firefighters. “It’s an old building and it’s been remodelled over the years,” said Wakefield.  “The guys had to chase the fire through the attic and the remodelling creates challenges even getting to it.” Investigators were expected back on scene late Saturday morning to try and determine the point of origin and the cause. “We can’t even speculate at this time,” said Wakefield.  Results of the investigation were not known at press time.

Fire at East Hill Home

Written by Peter McIntyre Tuesday, 23 November 2010 11:52

-----------------------------Update2:45PM------------------------------
A firefighter had to be taken to hospital as crews doused a house fire in Vernon's East Hill this morning.
The unidentified crew member came in contact with a live wire while in the home in the 12-hundred block of 42nd Avenue.  Deputy fire chief Lawrie Skolrood says, "The firefighter was examined in the hospital and was released to recover at home. He is somewhat shaken as his hands made contact with the wire."  Skolrood says it appears to have started in an upstairs bedroom and damage was kept to the upper level.  A 20 year old man,  who was home at the time anmd the son of the occupants,  got out safely, and got some pets out as well. The cause is under investigation.
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A house in Vernon's East Hill has sustained significant damage after a fire this morning. Fire Rescue was called to the scene in the 1200 block of 42nd Avenue around 11.  Kiss FM's Glen Morrison says crews are now in the process of venting, and getting the smoke out.  "We're told there was a teenaged boy in the house at the time but he got out safely. No one else was apparently home at the time. Deputy Chief Lawrie Sklorood is here and will have some details in a while."  No word yet on the cause. Vehicles are asked to stay out of that area of East Hill along 42nd Ave for the next while, due to the restricted access.
Photo: Fire damage was kept to the upper level at a home in East Hill (P.McIntyre)

Bear Downtown -Bear headed to East Hill this morning

Betty Selin 9/15/2010 107.5 SunFM

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A heads up for parents in East Hill this morning. A bear was spotted near the courthouse on 27th Street about 6:35am. It was headed up the hill into the residential area above the courthouse.

Bus changes on course for East Hill

Brent Mutis - Vernon Morning Star Published: August 21, 2010 12:00 PM

Changes to the Pleasant Valley and East Hill bus routes means some transit users will have to walk a little further to catch the bus. The Route-2 Pleasant Valley bus and the Route-4 East Hill bus have had some stops removed in order to allow drivers to remain punctual. This will allow more service in the morning and afternoon says City of Vernon transportation technician Amanda Watson. “We’ve wanted to expand the buses, but operators have said if you expand it, you’ll have more problems,” she said. “To allow us to expand service in morning and afternoons, we had to ensure that the buses stayed on their schedule so we had to cut out some loops on the Pleasant Valley and East Hill routes.” BC Transit planners and schedulers drove the routes and timed them and it turns out drivers were being asked to do a 33-minute trip in 29 minutes. “They did agree that was the difficulty,” said Watson, adding she realizes the removal of some stops puts added responsibility on bus riders.“We appreciate it will mean some people have to walk farther to certain stops,” she said, adding the buses will now go straight down 18th Street rather than making an S-shaped loop. “It was felt that it was a necessary step.”

But East Hill resident Ron Dawson is worried the changes will be more than a minor inconvenience for his elderly mother. “My concern is my mother is moving into our house,” he said. “She uses (the bus) all the time and now she’ll have to walk seven blocks approximately.” Dawson contacted The Morning Star to note the signs posted on bus stops near his home stating permanent closure for “system improvements.” “It doesn’t sound like system improvement,” said Dawson.

Currently, BC Transit is conducting a bus review in the Central Okanagan district and they will be shifting their attention to Vernon in October. BC Transit’s Master Plan for the Okanagan is supposed to take effect in September of 2012 and could see increased frequency of buses in Vernon which would also allow routes including more distant stops. “If we get a 10- or 15-minute frequency, you can then go further out and back because you’re not attempting to go round in half an hour,” said Watson. She notes the Pleasant Valley and East Hill transit users could be inconvenienced for as much as a year but says input is welcome. “It could be for a year, but we want anybody who feels they need (to provide) input, they can either wait for notices of public meetings or... push BC Transit. “We need people to again help us to demonstrate the need for transit in the area.”

Suicide Hill traffic a concern

Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: April 15, 2010 6:00 PM

Motorists are being urged to ease off the gas pedal before heading up Vernon’s Suicide Hill. Complaints have surfaced from some drivers who say the speed bump at the base of the realigned section of 30th Avenue forces them to crash into the curb. “They keep on hitting it and they can’t see it,” said Coun. Bob Spiers. “People on East Hill think it’s crazy.” However, city staff insists the speed bump was necessary because of ongoing safety concerns there. “There were many complaints from people walking across the road and they were scared because traffic was going too fast,” said Rob Dickinson, engineering manager. Leon Gous, chief administrative officer, says the base of Suicide Hill was designed to accommodate vehicles and isn’t too narrow. “You should be able to get around it. If you hit the curb, you’re going too fast,” he said. Mayor Wayne Lippert fully supports the speed bump and realigned roadway.

“Since it’s been in place, the only complaints are from people that have to slow down but that’s the intent. It (speed bump) is doing its job,” he said. But in an attempt to make the speed bump more visible to motorists, it will be painted yellow. “Hopefully painting it will mean it’s not hit as much,” said Spiers of the curb.

Widening 27th St to improve Sight Lines re REALIGNMENT OF THE INTERSECTION OF 25TH AVENUE AT 27 TH STREET is COMPLETED

Take poll at right to see if change has made a difference to you.

OCT. 5:
October work on Widening 27th St to improve Sight Lines re REALIGNMENT OF THE INTERSECTION OF 25TH AVENUE AT 27 TH STREET to start shortly.

The second phase, to widen the shoulder on the east side of 27th Street between Highway 6 and 25th Avenue, will take 3 days to complete starting in October.

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July 17 Staff Report to Council on REALIGNMENT OF THE INTERSECTION OF 25TH AVENUE AT 27 TH STREET

Transportation Section City of Vernon

INFORMATION ON THE REALIGNMENT OF THE INTERSECTION OF 25TH AVENUE AT 27 TH STREET - Information reguarding

Don Quixote Note: When the final improvements referred to below are complete in October to widen the East Side of this street and put in a bike lane, the sight lines are expected to improve. I'm sure blogreader comments will tell us if that actually occurs.

'The first phase of the construction work was completed last year prior to the fall of snow. The second phase, to widen the shoulder on the east side of 27th Street between Highway 6 and 25th Avenue, is planned to be undertaken October this year. This final phase will further improve sight lines of the approaching traffic, whilst providing a more bicycle friendly shoulder on this well used part of the Bike Network. '

East Hill roundabout gets green light

Published: February 10, 2009 7:00 PM Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star

Vernon’s seemingly endless roundabout debate isn’t going in circles anymore. Council voted 5-2 Monday to continue with construction of a roundabout at Pleasant Valley Road and 32nd Avenue. “We will probably be putting up signs in the next couple of weeks in preparation of redirecting traffic and work will begin March 2,” said Rob Dickinson, engineering services manager. Along with work at 30th Avenue and Pleasant Valley Road, the project will last until the end of July. The concept of a roundabout first arose last spring, and while the previous council made a decision to go ahead, heated discussion continued among politicians and residents, bringing the matter to a head Monday. “There’s so much emotion in this. I don’t understand why,” said Coun. Shawn Lee, who supported the roundabout although he admits he’s never had a problem there. “The material I saw convinced me. It showed me what it will look like.” Statistics show there are about two accidents at the current four-way stop every year and city staff claims a roundabout will reduce that number, and particularly injury accidents. That was enough to sway Coun. Jack Gilroy, who had previously lobbied to have the road project scrapped. “When it comes to public safety, I will have to change my mind,” said Gilroy, adding that a roundabout will improve conditions for pedestrians and cyclists.

Coun. Mary-Jo O’Keefe believes that a roundabout will help ease some of the traffic congestion in Vernon’s central core. “The continuous flow of Pleasant Valley Road is important,” she said. “The cycling club has also said it (roundabout) is much safer for people on bikes.” Opposition to the project came from Mayor Wayne Lippert and Coun. Patrick Nicol. “I can see the value of roundabouts but I’m not sure if it will do the job people think it will. I don’t think it’s the right size,” said Lippert. Nicol believes East Hill residents have been ignored.“The neighbourhood has indicated that this move is unnecessary. Their voices need to be heard,” he said. The price tag for just the roundabout is $80,000, and ICBC is picking up $56,000 of that, with the city’s portion being $24,000. “It’s not necessary to waste money on that in this day and age. I find it appalling,” said Nicol.

And while ICBC is covering most of the cost, Nicol states that’s still taxpayers’ dollars.“It’s a waste of money, pure and simple. We just don’t get it.”

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Better safe than sorry? Vernon Morning Star Editorial:

City council had a second crack at the Pleasant Valley Road and 32nd Avenue roundabout – and they got it wrong again. New council, same mistake. Well, to be fair, they didn't all get it wrong. "It's a waste of money, pure and simple," said Coun. Patrick Nicol, who voted against continuing with the project that was launched by the previous council. "We just don't get it." Well, Mayor Wayne Lippert gets it too. He voted against it, noting it's not the right spot for the traffic calming device. City staff's presentation Monday helped sway several other councillors that the roundabout was the way to go at the intersection that is now serviced by a four-way stop. Apparently the talk was so powerful it convinced Coun. Jack Gilroy to change his mind and vote for the roundabout, for safety sake. This is the same staff that came up with the idea of the roundabout, even though no one was lobbying for it and many East Hill residents don't want it and see no reason for the change. However, staff says there's at least two accidents there every year so there's a safety concern. Gee, two accidents annually at a busy intersection. We bet if they investigated further, they would find there's at least two accidents annually at every four-way stop in the city, many much less busy than PV and 32nd. Utilizing council's way of thinking, maybe we should replace every four-way stop intersection in the city with a roundabout. After all, it would be safer, wouldn't it? Then again, that might be a bit of a waste of money. And we are in a recession, aren't we?

Casino and roundabout issues revisited

By Peter McIntyre Kiss FM News (Dec 10, 2008)

The debate over a limit on slot machines could be coming back to Vernon council. The limit on slots was set at 300 by the last council, but councillor Jack Gilroy plans to bring the issue back for discussion, at an upcoming meeting. He says increasing the limit to 400 machines could bring in more revenue for local projects. "They are really important funds for cities. Our city is starting to be known in the province for the things we are doing, and we have to say, a lot of that money is from the casino revenues." Gilroy says the increased limit could bring an extra 300-thousand dollars a year, into city coffers. The limit on slots was set after much debate by the last council, with the main thrust coming from now retired councillor Barry Beardsell who was concerned about the social impact of gambling. Gilroy says he's checked, and the issue can be brought back for discussion by the new council.

Meantime, another familiar issue could be back before Vernon city council in the new year. Councillor Patrick Nicol wants the new council to reconsider a decision to install a new roundabout at 32nd Avenue and Pleasant Valley Road in lower East Hill. The original decision was made by the previous council in June after a 4-2 vote, with Nicol and Mayor Wayne Lippert opposed. Nicol questions the need for the traffic circle given the economic downturn and the opposition to it. The project would cost taxpayers around 300-thousand dollars, but many people say the current four way stop is fine.

Roundabout resurfaces

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: December 09, 2008

A controversial traffic change on Vernon’s East Hill is back on the agenda again. On Monday, Coun. Patrick Nicol put council on notice that he wants a debate early in the new year about the proposed roundabout for 32nd Avenue and Pleasant Valley Road. “In tough economic times, perhaps we need to look at it again,” said Nicol. A majority of the previous council decided June 9 to proceed with the $310,000 roundabout as a way of improving safety at the intersection despite there being strong public opposition. Nicol attempted to raise the issue in August, but staff indicated it had been more than 30 days since council voted on the roundabout and legislation didn’t allow for it to be revisited. Staff also stated money had already been spent on planning and engineering. However, it appears that the issue can be resurrected this time because a new council was sworn into office Dec. 1.

“This council is not held to the decisions of the previous council,” said Mayor Wayne Lippert, who has opposed the roundabout along with Nicol. Nicol’s call for a debate among the new council is a result of the city receiving a letter from Karl Denk, a dentist, whose office sits at the intersection. “He’s encouraging the new council to revisit the issue and to encourage further public comment,” said Nicol. In his letter, Denk questions the process that led to city hall moving ahead with the roundabout. “The democratic process and the civic obligations of the previous council to represent the public have been superseded by the interest of the Vernon engineering and planning department,” he said, adding that most of the people at a May 22 public input session spoke against the work.“A petition of over 290 signatures against the project was conveniently neglected on a technicality. This is Big Brother bullying at its best and has absolutely nothing to do with civic democracy.” Denk says he hasn’t been consulted about the potential impact of the roundabout on his business, including the loss of on-street parking. “Parking is very hard to find in this area and your engineering department simply decides to take it away without any consultation or consideration to the vitality of our clinic. This is a terrible, anti-business attitude,” he said.Denk wraps up his letter by asking for a chance to state his case before the new council. “I absolutely oppose and resent the way this whole project was planned with little or no input and shoved down the public’s throat,” he said.

Coun. Buffy Baumbrough, who voted in favour of the roundabout, is not willing to change her mind. “I continue to support it. It was brought to council because of the high number of injury accidents there,” she said. “Greenhouse gas emissions are also reduced by roundabouts.”

To date, $20,000 has been spent on engineering and planning for the roundabout as well as on professional fees related to property negotiations.

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Councillors on the spot By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star

The plug may be pulled on an East Hill roundabout before construction can even start. On Monday, Patrick Nicol notified his council colleagues that he wants to reopen the issue of a roundabout on Pleasant Valley Road at 32nd Street. It's something he tried to do in August but was shot down because it had been more than 30 days since a majority of the then-council approved the project and legislation didn't allow for it to be revisited. It was also pointed out that money was already being spent on engineering and planning. However, the situation changed Dec. 1 when a new council was sworn into office. Apparently the new group of politicians aren't bound to the actions of their predecessors, and they could chart a different course completely.

And Nicol may have numbers on his side this time around because three of the four officials that raised their hands for the roundabout June 9 are no longer in office. That leaves only Buffy Baumbrough to defend a decision that many residents were opposed to (Nicol and Wayne Lippert voted against the plans, while Jack Gilroy — who disagrees with the traffic circle — was absent). So with Nicol, Gilroy and Lippert not backing off their positions, only one other vote is required to throw the roundabout off course. And that could happen depending on the views of the three new councillors.

"Because construction was delayed at least until spring we will have an opportunity to see any safety concerns and accident stats during winter driving conditions," said Bob Spiers."I will be willing to listen to all the public and staff input with an open mind." Similar responses also came from Shawn Lee and Mary-Jo O'Keefe. "I need the background information on why the city thought it would be a benefit. Does the benefit outweigh the concerns of the residents?" said O'Keefe.

And there may be some grey area to wade through as city staff insist there is a safety problem at the intersection, while many residents, including Gilroy, deny there are many accidents. "A four-way stop there works just fine," he said. What isn't in question, though, is public sentiment about a roundabout. Whether it's been at official input sessions or a 296-name petition, those against a roundabout have been far more numerous than those in favour. The issue even became a focal point during the civic election campaign. “They don’t seem to listen to anyone. No one wants a roundabout on East Hill and they shoved it through any way,” said Peter Greening, who unsuccessfully ran for councillor.

Considering the current economic uncertainty and the need for everyone to tighten their belts, is it necessary for the city to spend $80,000 on a project nobody wants and there's some question as to whether it will actually enhance safety? Could that money not go to a more essential initiative or be pocketed, reducing the burden on taxpayers? But of course nothing in life is simple so we should point out that about $20,000 has already been spent on engineering, planning and property negotiations. Is it a good use of taxpayers' money to mothball work that's already started? Ultimately, all of the incumbent council members aren't willing to climb off their soapboxes, so the fate of the roundabout will rest with those fresh, new faces in chambers. And when you consider the strong opinions that exist in the community, the pressure on them will be intense.

Reconsideration called for roundabout project

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: August 14, 2008

A Vernon politician vows to fight bureaucratic rules over a proposed roundabout on East Hill. City staff have stated that council can no longer reconsider the project at 32nd Avenue and Pleasant Valley Road because of procedures, but Coun. Patrick Nicol disagrees. “Don’t use that (explanation) as a reason not to proceed. Don’t tell me we can’t listen to people because the time is up,” he said. Staff states that the future of the roundabout can’t be revisited because it’s been more than 30 days since council voted to construct the traffic device at the intersection. It’s also been pointed out by staff that work has started on the project. But Nicol doesn’t believe his council colleagues sufficiently considered a 296-name petition against the roundabout. "Why wouldn’t the people who signed this petition receive some consideration?” he said. “It’s a very big mistake not to listen to these folks.” Some residents have suggested that there aren’t enough accidents at the intersection to warrant a roundabout and that it will come too close to homes and a dental clinic. Coun. Barry Beardsell refutes claims from Nicol that the petition was ignored. “We saw the petition and it was presented to us,” he said, adding that he had some concerns about the document. “So many of the names on the petition were not in the general area (of the intersection) and many were not even from Vernon.” Beardsell doesn’t support the roundabout issue being debated again by council. “We’ve heard the pros and cons and there has been no new information presented,” he said.

Roundabout proceeds despite petition

by Peter McIntyre 107.5 KISSFM

Efforts to stop construction of a roundabout in Vernon's East Hill, have failed. A 296-name petition was given to city council last month, calling for a halt to the traffic circle at 32nd Avenue and Pleasant Valley Road. Mayor Wayne Lippert says the request came too late for reconsideration. "Once council has made a decision, if it goes 30 days after that decision, or if there's been work already started, like money spent, not necessarily on the ground, but as far as staff work, the decision is final, and it cannot be, or will not be, changed." Lippert says there may be some design changes to address the concerns raised by Dr Karl Denk and some of his dental patients, with Denk's building located near the site. Lippert says, "Staff have been looking at a redesign on that somewhat, to address the concerns, not only of Dr Denk, but the other residents, at that intersection." Work is expected to start this fall.

Petition demands roundabout halt

by Peter McIntyre 107.5 kissfm

Vernon city council is being asked to halt plans for a new roundabout in Easthill. A representative for dentist Dr. Karl Denk presented city council with a 296 name petition from patients and area residents Monday. They want the plan for a traffic circle at 32nd Ave and Pleasant Valley Road scrapped, citing concerns about the cost, the impact to the dental business, and the trouble drivers will have with it. Councillor Barry Beardsell feels the city should stick with its decision. "I think the city made up it's mind. I've looked at the petition.I 've looked at the wording on it and I have considered it. It has not changed my mind." Mayor Wayne Lippert, who was against the roundabout in the original vote, disagrees with revisiting the issue. "At this point in time, the roundabout will go ahead. Regardless of whether I think it should or not, the majority of council decided it should, and the procedural bylaw says that's what will happen and that's what we need to follow." Easthill resident Larry Lundgren told council, opponents to the circle won't go down lightly, and could take legal action. The elected reps will debate the issue at the city's August 11-th meeting.

Dentist drills roundabout decision

By Roger Knox - Vernon Morning Star Published: July 17, 2008

A Vernon dentist sees a proposed roundabout in front of his office at the intersection of 32nd Avenue and Pleasant Valley Road as one big cavity. Karl Denk, a partner in the Pleasant Valley Dental Clinic, has started a petition campaign at his office, asking Vernon council and city staff to reconsider a plan to construct a roundabout at the intersection, which is currently serviced by a four-way stop with a flashing light. “I have well over 100 names on the petition so far,” said Denk, who believes having the roundabout next to his business will put his patients at risk. Denk said he has upwards of 5,000 patients, and a roundabout will eliminate some necessary patient parking. The clinic’s office manager, Carole Giesbrecht, said a roundabout would result in “drive-by flossing” at the clinic’s window.

Ed Stranks, a municipal development technician with the city, told Vernon council Monday he’s met with Denk to go over the dentist’s concerns. “We went over the digital designing drawings for our plans, we talked about his issues, including the loss of parking. That’s related more to the installation of bike lanes, not the roundabout,” said Stranks. “We’ll look at the designs and see if they can be tweaked and try to help him out. I didn’t guarantee anything. “He seemed to be OK that somebody from engineering came and talked to him.” Denk, however, is anything but OK with the fact that a roundabout, proposed to be built about eight feet by his front door, was pushed through without anybody from the city talking to him about it. The clinic is the only business in that area. “I’m not happy at all,” said Denk. “This whole thing was presented to council without anything being surveyed. The city did not do its homework on this.”

Coun. Barry Beardsell, one of four councillors who voted in favour of the roundabout, said if staff is preparing a further report on the traffic circle, he wants a report relating to prior activity at the clinic’s office, which was formerly a heritage home. “Council bent over backwards for this individual who wanted to change from a heritage house,” said Beardsell. “Now he’s a drive-by dentist? If that’s the kind of business he has, he should be in the central district, or commercial district, and not on East Hill.” Couns. Juliette Cunningham, Buffy Baumbrough and Pat Cochrane, who requested an update on the roundabout from staff, also voted in favour of installing a traffic circle at the intersection. Coun. Patrick Nicol and Mayor Wayne Lippert were opposed, while Coun. Jack Gilroy was absent from the original vote.