The last piece of Vernon’s main street is going to be transformed.
Eighty-one per cent of the property owners, representing 66 per cent of the property values, have agreed to fund $250,000 in streetscape improvements to 30th Avenue from 33rd to 35th streets.
“We give full credit to the business and property owners. They understand the benefit of this,” said Mark Dowhaniuk, the City of Vernon’s infrastructure engineer.
Other parts of 30th Avenue have been revitalized for years but property owners between 33rd and 35th streets were reluctant to participate because of the cost.
With the successful vote, Focus Corporation has been contracted for design work.
“We are meeting with all of the business owners and property owners next week (Wednesday) to go through the design,” said Dowhaniuk.
The goal is for construction to begin in March and be completed before July.
“It’s a pretty aggressive schedule,” said Dowhaniuk, adding that the city wants to minimize the impact to merchants, residents and tourists.
“Businesses will be open throughout construction.”
The total cost of the project is $2 million, with the property owners providing $250,000 for street furniture, decorative bricks and twinkle lights. The city will contribute the remainder of the funding for sewer, water and asphalt upgrades.
