Hundreds of Invitations Sent For 80-Seat Meeting

Jan 21, 2019 | 4:00 PM

Business owners had better get their RSVPs in quickly if they want a seat at a February 6th meeting on homeless issues in Vernon.

Annette Sharkey from the Social Planning Council (pictured), has told city council that a total of 80 seats are available at the Schubert Centre meeting, enough for the Centreville Neighbourhood Council which is hosting the meeting.

A total of 600 invitations were sent out to businesses last Friday, she confirmed later.

Meanwhile, city councillors are of two minds as to how many business owners and managers will show up.

Coun. Akbal Mund said the seating, especially if members of council show up, will be “pretty tight.”

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He said there could be a negative impact if some people are turned away.

Coun. Scott Anderson said a bigger venue should be considered.

But Coun. Dalvir Nahal called the meeting a good start.

She has found “a little bit of a disconnect” with owners who are tired of the issues with needles, garbage and vandalism and feel they haven’t been listened to.

“Do you have a back up plan?” Nahal asked Sharkey.

Councillor Brian Quiring said he hopes for a capacity crowd, but expects the meeting will be far from full.

The meeting of the Centreville Neighbourhood Council has been planned for some time, but has turned into a bigger affair after city council approved $2,500 in funding for it.

A facilitator will be involved in the talks and will report to council on the outcome.

by Kate Bouey