Street Cafe set up for patrons (Photo 177804372 © Bespaliy | Dreamstime.com)

By Kevin Rothwell

Two blocks on a trial basis

Downtown street closures eyed for expanded dining

Apr 21, 2021 | 5:00 AM

Vernon council is asking for a staff report for the April 26 council meeting, on the impact of closing parts of 30th Avenue downtown to allow for the expansion of outdoor dining from May 13 to Sept. 6, 2021.

The move comes in light of the announcement by the province, that public health orders prohibiting indoor dining at pubs and restaurants have been extended until after the May long weekend.

Coun. Dalvir Nahal put forward the idea.

The closure would allow for usage of 30th Avenue from 31st Street to 29th Street, for additional dining tables on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

The report would also look at options to provide tables and chairs for participants, either from the recreation complex or a rental source.

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The idea had previously been turned down following a survey by the Downtown Vernon Association (DVA).

“The survey that came to us had limited response. That was on a Monday, and the following Saturday, I went downtown and talked to numerous business owners in that block, that the DVA had not consulted with,” Coun. Nahal said.

The DVA sent a letter to council stating that consultation should take place prior to any decision.

“I’m grateful for this letter, but it really does irk me that they are asking us to do the public consultation, when this is what the DVA is supposed to do. This is their moment to shine,” Nahal said. “If I was a business owner downtown I would be really pissed knowing what the budget is and what’s being spent on salaries and office renovations, when they should really be helping the businesses downtown.”

Different council members pointed to examples of cities in other parts of the world, that have had tremendous success with pedestrian-only streets.

“I have always supported closing 30th, when I was mayor I wanted to close it, but we just didn’t get enough action on it,” Coun. Akbal Mund stated. “I think you will find it will be very busy from Thursday through Sunday.”