2900 Plaza in Vernon (file photo/Downtown Vernon Association/Facebook)

By Liam Verster

Too many issues

Downtown Vernon event won’t go ahead this summer

Feb 26, 2024 | 5:00 PM

The Downtown Vernon Association (DVA) will not be closing off part of 30th Avenue for its 2900 Plaza this summer.

DVA president Keelan Murtagh told Vernon city council on Monday, Feb. 26, the plaza has faced many challenges the past two years, mainly involving hot temperatures and smoke from nearby wildfires; decreased attendance; and negative impacts to area businesses.

Due to the concerns, the association said it planned to not run the plaza in 2024, and will instead go back to the drawing board to rethink how it could work.

Murtagh told council that options being considered for future years include operating the plaza only in July, as it’s less hot and smokey than August; running the plaza in June and July; or starting the event in connection with the Sunshine Festival and operating it for six weeks through the end of July.

None of these plans have been finalized and further options still need to be investigated.

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The DVA had also received criticism of it’s communications, but Murtagh said a new employee has been brought in to improve its communications with members and the public.

The group’s recommendation to not host the plaza in 2024 was approved by council.

The plazas began in the summer of 2021 and ran from early July until around the Labour Day weekend in September, featuring entertainment and activities.