2900 block of 30th Avenue, site for pedestrian-only 2900 Plaza this summer. (Vernon Matters photo)

By Pete McIntyre

pedestrian-only for summer

‘2900 Plaza’ debuts in downtown Vernon Thursday

Jun 29, 2021 | 1:30 PM

Local residents and visitors will have something new to check out in downtown Vernon this summer.

Starting July 1 and continuing until Labour Day, the City of Vernon, Downtown Vernon Association (DVA) and participating merchants are launching the ‘2900 Plaza.’

“The 2900-block of 30th Avenue will be closed to vehicle traffic and a pedestrian plaza will come to life with food and entertainment for the whole family,” a city news release stated.

Businesses in the 2900-block will be able to to extend their operations outdoors and additional programming will be planned throughout the summer. All activities will follow COVID-safety protocols and province-wide health restrictions.

(Submitted image/City of Vernon)

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A majority of businesses in that block supported the new program while a majority in the 3000 block did not. It will cost the city up to $50,000 to make changes to the block and for lost parking meter revenue.

Mayor Victor Cumming said city council is excited to see how residents and visitors respond to the new initiative.

“Council has been interested in making parts of 30th Avenue pedestrian-only for quite a while, so this gives the city and businesses a chance to see the idea in action and consider what else could be done in the future that best serves our businesses, residents and visitors,” Cumming said. “As B.C. continues to progress through its Restart Plan and restrictions continue to ease, I encourage everyone to get outside, get downtown, and continue supporting local businesses.”

As of today (June 29), the 2900-block of 30th Avenue is closed to vehicle traffic so city crews can prepare the area for the plaza. The work will include road sweeping, asphalt inspection and repairs, the relocation of concrete planters and a bike corral, and the installation of barricades, signage and bollards.

“The Downtown Vernon Association is looking forward to working with the City of Vernon and our community partners to bring the 2900 Plaza to life, offering programming that has broad appeal to visitors and increasing the exposure for not only those businesses located in the 2900 block, but for all of our businesses downtown,” Susan Lehman, Executive Director, DVA, said.

For more information on the 2900 Plaza activities throughout the summer, visit downtownvernon.com or follow the DVA on Facebook or Instagram.