By Corey Fischer

Tourism & Construction Continue To Show Gains In Vernon

Apr 25, 2018 | 6:43 AM

Vernon’s hotels and motels continue to see more customers — at least according to city stats.

The City’s Economic Development Manager Kevin Poole, says room revenue was a record 34 million dollars last year.

“The big months for sure are July and August, but we’ve really stretched that into May and June. September was great with the 55 Plus BC Games,” Poole told City council.

Poole says the two percent hotel tax brought in a close to 700-thousand dollars in 2017, up 6 percent from the previous year.

That money is used for tourism marketing.

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New construction is off to a good start in Vernon this year.

Poole says building permit value for the first quarter was 32 million dollars, up 33 percent from a year ago.

“The reason behind that is very strong multi family. We had The Terraces go forward in January. it was over 9 million dollars for that building permit.”

Poole says Predator Ridge is another area of residential growth, with construction of five duplexes underway near the fire hall.

Mayor Akbal Mund says overall construction value is up.

“First quarter last year was 24 million. This year, it’s 32 million, so yes, it’s still going strong here,” says Mund.

by Corey Fischer