Extra bylaw enforcement extended to December

Vernon will continue to have extra bylaw officers watching over the downtown for the next couple months.

City council has approved just over $34,000 to extend the seasonal enforcement program until Dec. 15.

Four officers—two full-time and two part-time—ensure seven day a week coverage from bylaws, dealing with street entrenched issues in the downtown and parks.

“The forecast of continued unseasonably warm weather, a continued influx of new to the community street entrenched persons as well as a shortfall in available shelter spaces will continue to put pressure on downtown businesses, the area surrounding the mission as well as Polson and Becker Parks,” Protective Service Manager Geoff Gaucher said in a report to council.