As a concerned person, I wonder why Vernon is not moving forward in terms of exquisite shops downtown, a chain hotel downtown and using Kal Tire Place as an event centre that would greatly improve Vernon as a destination?
To me, Vernon is behind in redeveloping the downtown area as compared to Penticton, Kelowna and Kamloops.
Some suggested shops would be a rock shop for jewelry and souvenirs, a women’s speciality shop and a men’s speciality shop, as well as cafes, coffee houses with patios, various ethnic shops and restaurants.
Most businesses are in north Vernon, leaving downtown out as a destination place.
Move forward to develop a regional airport attracting visitors to Vernon’s mini tours, Davison Orchards, Predator Ridge, Silver Star and more.
As Greater Vernon has close to 60,000-plus people in the trading area, it is high time we have a Sears department store at the vacant Target location.
And why isn’t the former Woolworth’s store not leased?
We must develop it for a variety store and best of all, a chain hotel with speciality shops, and even a First Nations arts and crafts store.
Let’s move forward Vernon.
David Gregoire
Vernon
