A major transportation route in Vernon will be getting more than a superficial facelift.
City council has approved spending $221,000 on rehabilitation of Pleasant Valley Road from 45th to 46th avenues because of the current poor condition.
This road was selected from a list of potential priority reconstruction projects.
“This is the only one that fits within the budget,” said Mark Dowhaniuk, infrastructure engineer.
Tourism marketing bolstered
Vernon is letting tourists know this is the place to be for holidays.
Council has approved adding $159,043 in excess 2012 hotel room tax going into the 2013 marketing budget. The goal is to increase various marketing initiatives.
One of the focuses will be residents in other parts of B.C.
“Northern B.C. is a good market for us these days,” said Coun. Mary-Jo O’Keefe.
O’Keefe wants to ensure, though, that marketing isn’t left too late in the season when many people have already booked vacations.
Some hope for hillside development
There may be some opportunities for residents wanting to develop a steep slope within Vernon.
Council has stated that development of lands with slopes of 30 per cent or greater is not encouraged utilizing standard development practises. But projects in conformance with hillside guideline goals may be reviewed and if supportable, may be allowed.
“This is a positive step forward,” said Coun. Brian Quiring.
Quiring says current rules have been too restrictive, especially with serviced lots overlooking Okanagan Lake.
“They have great potential architecturally. They provide opportunities for small lot subdivisions,” he said.
City staff say the goal is to permit development while restricting large retaining walls and scars on the landscape.
The proposal for hillside development must still go to a public hearing.
