Akbal Mund has only been Vernon’s mayor for a month but he appears to have a good grasp of one major issue.
In a year-end interview with The Morning Star, Mund insisted that beyond roads, sidewalks and sewer lines, there needs to be an emphasis on Vernon’s cultural and recreational infrastructure.
“We have facilities that the public uses and we need a game plan when they outlive their use,” said Mund.
“Yes things cost money but we need a vision. For people to live and move to Vernon, we need recreation facilities.”
And that is the bottom line. Everything has a financial cost but what kind of community will retain families, attract recently retired residents or draw investors or tourists? Generally those that succeed are those that are active socially.
At the top of the agenda must be twinning Kal Tire Place as the prospect of Civic Arena failing as an ice sheet increases every day. If the 77-year-old facility suddenly becomes unavailable, then hockey players of all ages will be impacted as the city’s other arenas can’t meet demand.
The other pressing issue for the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee is the future of the public art gallery and museum. Both contend with inadequate space and the public’s art and archives are at risk. These organizations have been lobbying for enhanced amenities for years but political action has stalled.
“Instead of promising, we need a plan to move ahead,” said Mund.
Mund is cognizant of the push-back some taxpayers will demonstrate, so it will be incumbent on him and other elected officials to demonstrate leadership and show residents the benefits that come from recreational and cultural investments.
With 2015 now underway, let’s hope the next 12 months are progressive.
