I am writing this letter in reference to the facts on twinning Kal Tire Place. Vernon Mayor Akbal Mund wrote. “I think people who are saying there is no parking need to look at the facts.” he said on his personal Facebook page.
I live in the 4100 block of 34th Street in the Alexis Park area, not three blocks from Kal Tire Place.
Here are the real facts of parking when there is an event like the Remembrance Day ceremony going on in Kal Tire Place. With only the one arena, there is not enough parking at Kal Tire Place so people take to the side streets in the Alexis Park area.
It is impossible to park anywhere on my street, and many other streets in the area during an event. All the parking is taken in front of my house and all the way down the street on both sides by the people that are going to events at Kal Tire Place. It is basically a one-way street during these events.
Alexis Park is a residential area and the parking is for the people that live on these streets and their families and friends.
The fact of parking is this will put a huge strain on the people living in this area. Residents are not able to park in front of their own homes and have to park many blocks away.
There are quite a few seniors in this area and, I for one, am on disability. I do not appreciate all the cars that clog up my neighbourhood during these events that do not allow me or anyone of my family and/or friends to park in front of my house or even on my street.
Mund also goes on to say, ”This new arena can be used for more sports groups than anyone has thought of – hockey, … badminton, the list could go on. Why do people here in Vernon think we need more parking for two arenas that will have a total capacity of less than 3,500 seats?”
The fact is there aren’t enough spots with one arena. What will it be like with two?
With all of these events going on in both arenas, the parking will be totalling lacking in available spaces.
Not to mention it is a school zone with Alexis Park Elementary School directly across the street. What about the school buses and parents picking children up? What about the children’s safety? I know people use the school parking lot during these events.
What happens when an event is on during parent/teacher meetings, PAC meetings or any event the school is hosting. Where are these people to park?
I have heard that events won’t be scheduled at the same time in both sheets of ice, so why do we need the second sheet of ice?
In the upcoming referendum, I will be voting no.
Shelagh McGinn
Vernon
