‘Substantial progress’: Vernon’s mayor looks back on 2023

Cumming said it’s also been a busy year for capital projects and upgrading city infrastructure.

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Some of the major projects completed this year were the reconstruction of 32nd Avenue between Pleasant Valley Road and 20th Street, the Silver Star multi-use path, and the 28th Avenue rail crossing upgrade.

“We also made improvements to median lighting on Silver Star Road, improved road conditions along 20th Street between 46th and 58th Avenues and incorporated micro- surfacing to our road repair tool kit, as seen throughout south Vernon,” Cumming stated.

Another focus in 2023, according to the mayor, was projects to preserve and enhance green spaces and recreational areas.

“From revitalizing existing parks to introducing new amenities, in 2023 we created inviting spaces for leisure, recreation, and community gatherings” Cumming detailed.

The initiatives included upgrades to Carlson Park, Deer Park and Pottery Ravine Park, phase 2 and 3 of Civic Memorial Park, improved accessibility to lake access along Okanagan Landing Road and Tronson Road, and the major reconstruction of Lakeview Park, which is also known as the “Peanut Pool” in East Hill.

The Vernon Water Reclamation Center (VWRC) was upgraded this year, with construction completed on a High Rate Anaerobic Digester plant expansion in the summer.

“This addition enhances wastewater treatment, particularly in treating high-strength waste and easing the load on the main plant, effectively extending future capacity by 15 years,” Cumming commented.

The city’s spray irrigation program saw increased demand due to a hot and dry spring and summer, using about 4.6 million m3 of reclaimed water from the Mackay Reservoir.

The mayor also noted investments in community safety, adding four more career firefighters and 10 auxiliary firefighters, as well as firefighting equipment.

Cumming looks back with pride at how the community stepped up to support people from neighbouring communities displaced by wildfires in August.

“As I said before, and I will say again; your response was nothing short of remarkable and proved that in times of crisis, Vernon residents step up,” he said.

On an environmental front, Cumming said the city continued to push towards its climate action goals by adding more electric and hybrid vehicles to the city’s fleet, and expanding its inventory of EV charging stations.

“Residents continue to do their part, as more than 3,000 tonnes of organics material was collected in 2023 through the curbside organics collection program and more than 113,800 rides were taken on electric kick scooters,” the mayor said.

As for 2024 and beyond, Cumming said city council remains committed to maintaining effective and efficient services, embracing new opportunities, overcoming significant challenges, and shaping a brighter future for Vernon.

“Our strategic plan for 2023-2026 focusses on five priority areas: livability; vibrancy; recreation, parks and natural areas; environmental leadership; and governance and organizational excellence, which will provide the roadmap that will guide council and administration over the next three years.

Cumming concluded his statement with a seasonal greeting.

“On behalf of the City Council and the entire team at the City of Vernon, I extend warm wishes for a joyous holiday season and a prosperous, healthy, and fulfilling year ahead in 2024.”