Heron hearing today at Vernon Rec Centre

A large turn-out is expected this afternoon (Monday) for a public hearing on removing some of the protections for the Great Blue Heron rookery, with the city moving the hearing to the Recreation Centre and Dogwood gym to handle the audience while maintaining COVID-19 protocols.

Scotland Construction is looking to lift a restrictive covenant put in to protect the birds during the breeding season. The application is part of the company’s proposal for a low-rise apartment building at 5000 20th Street.

After opposition from the Vernon Heronry Protection Society, council voted earlier to defer the matter under another public hearing is held. Council felt it would be best to wait until fall to hold the hearing.

The hearing starts at 5:30 p.m. at the Vernon Recreation Centre, with COVID-19 pre-cautions in place including contact tracing, seating set up for social distancing and cleaning protocols. A maximum of 50 people (including members of the public, Council and City staff) will be allowed in the Recreation Centre Auditorium. Additionally, the Dogwood Gymnasium will be available for up to 50 people to attend and participate in the hearing.

If members of the public would like to submit a written statement rather than attend in person, written submissions will be accepted until 3:00 p.m. today, and will be copied to Mayor and Council for their consideration. Those submissions can be sent to phearings@vernon.ca.

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