Downtown Upgrade Among Major Goals Met

Vernon council is making progress on it’s ‘To Do’ list.

The elected reps set 175 goals two years ago as part of a strategic plan, and staff say 165 have been completed  — or are well underway.

Director of Community Infrastructure and Development Kim Flick told a special meeting of council on Friday,  revitalizing the downtown and reducing downtown vacancy rates, are two of the biggest accomplishments.

“We have seen a tremendous relocation of businesses from other parts of the city and new businesses locating in the downtown, and that’s been very exciting,” Flick told Kiss FM.

Flick says council has also kept operating budget increases under 1.8% for five straight years, while maintaining — or increasing — service levels.

Among the items still on the list is resolving the dispute over Kin Race Track which is still before the courts.

Others include working with partners to bring sewer service to the Swan Lake area, a study on amalgamation which is on the back burner, and planning for a new RCMP building which has been put off to 2018.

During the meeting at the Rec Centre, Councillor Juliette Cunningham expressed a need to put more emphasis on addressing homelessness issues, particularly in Polson Park.

“What we’ve done so far is just band-aid solutions. We’re going to have to invest time and money into addressing this as a community,” said Cunningham.