Concrete picnic table on grass (Photo 6922691 © Melissa Mercier | Dreamstime.com)

By Kevin Rothwell

$6,500 per table

UPDATE: Council approves $32,500 for picnic tables

May 26, 2021 | 11:15 AM

Update: 

Vernon council has approved the placement of five new concrete picnic tables in the downtown, despite hesitation from some members of council.

“I don’t know about this one; it’s good to have places to sit down. Are they just going to become gathering places, than actual places for citizens to use? That worries me a bit,” Coun. Akbal Mund questioned.

The proposed locations include near the downtown bus loop at Harmony and Cenotaph parks, and in Spirit Square by city hall.

“I would certainly like to see more outdoor amenities for our citizens so they can spend more time outside, COVID, or no COVID. If we are going to spend $32,000 on concrete tables, I assume they are going to outlast the pandemic,” Coun. Scott Anderson stated.

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Coun. Dalvir Nahal asked staff about the possibility of memorial plaques as a way to defray the overall cost.

The city currently offers memorial naming of tables and benches for $2,500. The installations will cost $3,500 per table and $3,000 for concrete pads.

A motion to install the tables passed unanimously.

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Original: City council will be asked to consider installing five new picnic tables in downtown Vernon with a proposed cost of $32,500.

A report to Tuesday’s council session states that administration continues to look at enhancing outdoor opportunities for the community during COVID-19 restrictions and beyond.

“With indoor seating closed and health advice indicating it is safer to be outdoors when connecting with others, there has been a large number of people that are visiting and eating outdoors. Many are bringing their own chairs or sitting on the grass,” Laurie Cordell Manager of Long Range Planning and Sustainability, said in the report.

Exact placement would be determined if council goes for it, but some likely locations include Harmony (Apple) Park (by the bus loop), Cenotaph and City Hall.

Each picnic table would be close to $6,500 installed (approximately $3,500 for the table and $3,000 for the concrete pad and installation), for a total cost of $32,500.

The installation would be contracted out to reduce impact to staffing resources.