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

By Kevin Rothwell

Decision time

Downtown street closure could cost nearly $25,000

May 10, 2021 | 6:00 AM

City of Vernon staff have costed out closing down two blocks of 30th Avenue for 17 weeks over the spring and summer, to allow additional outdoor dining space for restaurants, struggling with public health restrictions on indoor dining.

The proposal is to shut down the street from Thursdays to Sundays, from 29th Street to 31st Street.

The costs include supplying tables and chairs, staff time to set-up and remove barricades and bag parking meters and an estimate of $18,000 in lost parking revenue, for a total of $24,275.

The chairs and tables would come from the Vernon Recreation Centre, and while there is no direct cost of purchase or rental, there is concern about wear and tear, potential weathering, resulting in a replacement cost.

A report for Monday’s council meeting from Kim Flick, Director of Community Infrastructure and Development, notes that if the Downtown Vernon Association took care of set-up and take down, and the businesses supplied their own chairs and tables, the cost could be reduced.

Fire spreads to house

Vernon home "significantly damaged" by grass fire

Apr 02, 2026

Youth Health Services

Youth immunization, sexual health clinic opening in Vernon

Apr 02, 2026

Displaced For A Week

Some residents still displaced from fatal apartment fire

Apr 01, 2026

There have been duelling petitions for and against the street closing motion, that council will likely factor into the equation.