Foothills Park Gets Preliminary Support

Several dozen residents supporting a sub-regional park in Vernon’s Foothills neighborhood, packed today’s Greater Vernon Advisory Committee meeting.

It may have made a difference as the committee agreed to include the idea in its parks plan, meaning it will consider it.

Wynn Polenicky from the 300 member Foothills Community Association says it’s a step in the right direction.

“It’s a step that had to be made. The Greater Vernon Advisory Committee had to accept that this park was going to be part of their planning process and under they agency,” Polenicky told Kiss FM.

Polenickly was pleased that supporters came out for the meeting.

“I’m particularly pleased with the large turnout of supporters. There was a little round of applause when the decision was made. I certainly didn’t ask for it, or prompt it, but I was glad to hear it.”

GVAC chair Juliette Cunningham says there are no guarantees of the idea proceeding, but they will consider it.

“That’s all that the sub-regional parks will include in the future, is trails and natural spaces, so that’s why it will be considered in the DCC (development cost charge) bylaw.”

Cunningham says using DCC’s are one way the land could be purchased, if the committee decides to move forward.

She is not sure how long it will take for the board to make a decision on the 48 acre site which is currently not developed and owned by three different parties.

“I think it will be really important for the regional district to communicate with the City of Vernon because I know there’s some development occurring in that area, so there will have to be that conversation.”

GVAC director Mike Macnabb suggests a consultant could look at the proposal and develop a strategy.

“Then we can decide if it fits into the plan.”