A band performing at the Downtown Plaza in the summer of 2023 (photo by Liam Verster / Vernon Matters)

By Liam Verster

2900 Block Plaza

Downtown Vernon plaza not happening in 2024

Feb 23, 2024 | 11:45 AM

The Downtown Vernon Association will be pushing pause on the downtown plaza this summer.

The organization’s report to Vernon city council said the plaza in the 2900-block of 30th Avenue showed, after three years of closing the road and hosting the plaza, evaluations of the operations have identified some issues.

The DVA said the cooling station, misting tents and grass were not secured for last year; plaza usage and attendance have been declining, mainly due to weather and lack of tourism; and severe smoke and heat caused several consecutive cancellations, resulting in the plaza only being open for 27 of the planned 42 days in 2023.

Feedback from local businesses gathered by the DVA also stated there has only been one summer where the weather did not interfere with operations, there were lower revenues when the plaza was going on, and it also takes away parking.

The report noted businesses do support the idea of the plaza, but add “it’s time to reimagine and reshape” how it would operate.

High Fatal Overdose Risk

Drug alert issued in Vernon

10m ago

Parkrun

Local teacher bringing global running group to the North Okanagan

3h ago

Arson Investigation

Four vehicles damaged in suspected Coldstream arson

Mar 31, 2026

The DVA stated it would “pause the 2900 Plaza program for 2024 while we reevaluate the initiative” in its report, adding the association will hold surveys and collect feedback on how to restructure the campaign and “deliver a product that members desire and will maximize economic prosperity in the heart of the city.”

The DVA’s report will be presented to Vernon council at the regular meeting Monday, Feb. 26. It’s recommended that council accept the report for information.