Engineer and planner look over blueprints (Photo 204929952 © Roman Chazov | Dreamstime.com)

By Kevin Rothwell

Easing permit wait times

Home builders applaud planning help at Vernon City Hall

Mar 25, 2021 | 5:30 AM

The City of Vernon is getting some additional help in the planning department, which is welcome news for the the Canadian Home Builders Association (CHBA).

The CHBA has been in dialogue with the city about improving permitting times, something Vernon council decided to take on this week with approval of new funding for the department.

“It is important to us, to have that dialogue and collaborate. We have the same goal at the end of the day, which is to grow our cities in a smart and sustainable way,” CHBA of Central Okanagan Executive Director Dan Winer told Vernon Matters. “Helping guide Vernon to make it business friendly for builders, is something that we definitely want to be a part of, while keeping in mind the greater goals of the community.”

Vernon is allocating $100,000 from new growth and $180,000 from taxation to fund two new current planner positions, at approximately $263,364, with an additional $10,000 in the first year to account for new workstations and equipment.

The tax implication works out to 0.43 per cent, meaning an overall hike of 2.56 per cent.

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A one year contract extension through June 2022, to the manager of building and licensing was also approved at a cost of $146,000, to be funded from the development excess reserve.

Winer wouldn’t comment directly on any specific issues his members have had with permitting in Vernon, noting CHBA members work all over the valley, and have a good idea of what to expect where.

“It’s like being in different countries, depending on which city or municipality you are in. Some are super helpful, super friendly and super innovative, others are not necessarily motivated by progress and growth,” Winer added. “We try to keep relationships positive and progressive where we can.”

Coun. Dalvir Nahal would also like to see council and staff hold detailed meetings on the Official Community Plan, given projected population growth trends.