Keeping taxes down, containing homelessness, and creating a family-friendly city keys for Andy Wylie

Nov 25, 2021 | 6:00 AM

Editor’s note:
This is part of a series of profiles on the Vernon council candidates for the Dec. 4th byelection to elect one councillor.
==

Andy Wylie is running in Vernon’s byelection with a goal of invigorating the city’s downtown core and promoting “Family Fun.”

In a statement to Vernon Matters, Wylie said he would push to have the cultural centre be built as a venue for highschool and college students to display arts and exhibitions in order to build up the next generation of local artists and beautify the city.

He also wants to create a safer community by containing the homeless population to the Polson Park area.

“Please do not build the homeless-friendly design park in the old Civic Arena site,” said Wylie.

Limit to 30% Allotted Water

Further water restrictions coming for North Okanagan agricultural properties, special meeting with details scheduled

13h ago

Water Capacity, Systems Evaluations

Coldstream seeking public input for water supply consideration

14h ago

A River Runs Through It

Semi truck knocks over hydrant, floods 32nd St

15h ago

“Homeless need grass and bushes to feel at home and that is what the present design will accomplish, a new homeless camp right by the tourist centre.”

He added that he would “personally investigate the homeless in Polson Park [and] help the ones that need help climbing out of the hole” if elected, though didn’t specify what measures could be taken to achieve this goal.

Wylie stated the cost of living in Vernon has been ‘skyrocketing’ lately, and he would not be in support of tax increases.

Wylie also said he would support a study into the possibility of creating a highway bypass, saying it has been discussed since 1990, but no action has been taken to follow through with it.

On the topic of crime and policing, Wylie said “crime and drugs go hand in hand,” and suggested establishing a Dealer Report Hot Line for people to report drug dealers and drug houses, saying “if supply dries up, they will move on.”

In his statement to Vernon Matters, Wylie stated that he is in support of provincial and federal COVID-19 mandates, saying he trusts that these measures are intended to keep individuals safe and keep the health care system functioning.

“I am double vaccinated,” said Wylie, adding “I do not believe in the freedom to spread Polio either.”

Wylie established and maintains the Vimy Lane memorial project at his home on 29th Street in Vernon, and has also proposed plans to build a Kekuli Monument in Vernon, which would look like a combination of the Acropolis in Athens and a traditional Aboriginal 8 teepee.

by Liam Verster

View Comments