The army of volunteers that made the B.C. Winter Games a success is receiving rave reviews.
The City of Vernon has extended its congratulations to the more than 2,000 residents who helped during the province’s largest sports event.
“We really do pull together well for these events,” said Coun. Catherine Lord.
The city, possibly in conjunction with the Regional District of North Okanagan, will run an advertisement thanking the volunteers for their efforts.
“The volunteers drove it (Games) to their own gold medal,” said Coun. Patrick Nicol.
Bylaw officers in spotlight
A Vernon politician is hoping some high-profile city workers can be more friendly.
Coun. Juliette Cunningham is concerned about the public perception of bylaw enforcement officers.
“Bylaw and ambassador don’t have to be mutually exclusive,” she said.
“Sometimes, the public and businesses believe there could be a friendlier approach to issues.”
Clint Kanester, bylaw enforcement manager, says his staff frequently assist residents and tourists and they are trained in conflict resolution.
“We try to be ambassadorial as possible but sometimes that’s not enough,” he said of enforcing city policies.
City budget goes before public
The date has been set for Vernon residents to speak out on the city’s proposed two per cent tax increase.
On March 12, there will be a 2012 budget open house from 4:30 to 5:30 at city hall, followed by a public input session.
Coun. Bob Spiers is pleased that public input will be received before council considers three readings of the proposed budget bylaw.
“It gives the idea that there are some things we can still change,” he said.
It’s anticipated three readings of the bylaw will occur March 26, with the financial plan adopted April 10.
Pedestrians demand improvements
Residents in one neighbourhood fear someone will be killed while walking unless action is taken.
A 118-name petition calls for the City of Vernon to build a pedestrian bridge across the creek on the south side of Okanagan Landing Road, near Myriad Road.
“It’s only a matter of time before we have another serious accident,” said resident Fred Keber referring to a fatal pedestrian accident that occurred there in January.
Presently to walk east into Vernon, people must jaywalk across Okanagan Landing Road before the creek and then go on to the crosswalk to get on to a walking path.
Keber said concrete barriers make the road too narrow to walk beside.
