Efforts are underway to ensure additional affordable housing in Vernon.
City council supports an official community plan amendment that would see a parcel on Okanagan Avenue go from low density residential to medium density residential.
“This fits the project they want to do and the market out there,” said Cleo Corbett, long range planner, of the developer’s plans for a 48 townhouses.
Eleven of the units would be rented out, with half priced at market rates and the other half at below market rates.
“The developers are determined to provide some of this,” said Coun. Juliette Cunningham of affordable housing.
The proposed land use designation must still go to a public hearing for input.
Sewer extension goes ahead
Another Okanagan Landing neighbourhood is hooking on to city sewer.
A majority of property owners on Aquarius Road have agreed to pay for the extension of the sewer system. They will repay the city the $198,000 cost of the work.
However, Coun. Bob Spiers questions the approval process.
“Seven out of 12 (properties) isn’t a very good majority,” he said.
“The other five are getting something imposed they don’t want.”
Canada Day festivities funded
Vernon’s Canada Day celebrations are getting a boost.
City council has agreed to provide $1,723 to help cover the cost of the sound system needed for the event in Polson Park July 1.
“We’ve always had a federal grant before and we didn’t receive that this year,” said Coun. Patrick Nicol, who helps organize Canada Day activities.
The money will come from surplus funds for the Rick Hansen 25th Anniversary Relay this spring.
