Parking spots and sidewalks opened to businesses

May 27, 2020 | 9:58 AM

Vernon council has taken steps to support business owners trying to recover from the COVID-19 economic downturn and accomodate health directives like physical distancing.

The city is allowing downtown restaurants and stores to expand their commercial uses onto sidewalks and into the on-street parking space adjacent to their store.

“We’re aware this might create some pinch points, so we’re prepared to adjust this as it rolls so quickly. But we really want to support businesses who are trying to operate at a viable level when they need to have broader, physical space between tables and things like that,” Mayor Victor Cumming told Vernon Matters.

Cumming said the city is also supporting pre-approval for liquor licences where outlets are trying to increase their physical area.

The measure will be in effect from June 1 to Sept. 30 without a permit or fee, but businesses have to fill out a form which the mayor expected to be on the city’s website in the next few days.

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“We’ll also be refunding fees for those who have paid to have things on the sidewalks, so that everybody is at a level playing field,” Cumming added.

City staff will report back to council in June with recommendations on the potential closure of 30th Avenue (between 29th and 35th Streets) to all or some through-traffic.

City news release:

COUNCIL ENABLES BUSINESSES TO TEMPORARILY ACTIVATE OUTDOOR SPACE TO SUPPORT PHYSICAL DISTANCING

May 28, 2020

In recognition of current provincial COVID-19 guidelines for physical distancing, Council has approved temporary measures for businesses to expand commercial uses into adjacent public space and private parking lots. By allowing businesses to easily expand, they will be able to increase working space, seating, and product display, and adhere to physical distancing constraints. Council has also provided a blanket pre-approval to support businesses that would like to apply to the Province to serve alcohol in these outdoor spaces.

“Enabling businesses to quickly and easily use adjacent outdoor space will support them in meeting requirements for physical distancing measures,” said Mayor Victor Cumming. “Council is eager to do what we can for the local business community, and we urge residents to continue buying local during these difficult times.”

Starting on June 1, 2020, businesses located within the two downtown Business Improvement Areas will be able to expand commercial uses (such as restaurant seating, retail space and queuing staging areas) outdoors into on-street parking spaces until September 30, 2020 and into sidewalks until December 31, 2020. Businesses will be required to enter into a Use Agreement with the City and follow a set of guidelines but will not need to get a permit or pay a fee.

Also starting June 1, 2020, businesses throughout the city that have adjacent private parking lots will be allowed to expand their commercial uses in up to 50% of their required parking spaces until September 30, 2020. Businesses that want to expand into their private parking lots will be required to enter into a Use Agreement with the City and follow a set of guidelines, but will not need to get a permit or pay a fee.

To further increase physical distancing opportunities downtown, staff will also be reviewing, in consultation with downtown businesses via the Downtown Vernon Association, the potential to close some or all blocks of 30th Avenue, between 29th Street and 35th Street, to through traffic. Staff will report back to Council with recommendations in June 2020.

by Pete McIntyre

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