Some Vernon politicians aren’t comfortable just rubber-stamping requests for free parking.
Instead of just approving free parking and transit for Downtown Vernon Association events, council has sent the matter to the city’s finance committee for consideration.
“I’d like to know what we’re doing,” said Coun. Shawn Lee, adding that there were no costs to the city attached to the request.
Last year, the city lost $12,000 in revenue when free parking was granted for five days of the Christmas shopping season downtown.
This year, the DVA is seeking free parking for the Festival of Christmas Traditions Nov. 25 and each Saturday during Christmas from Nov. 26 to Dec. 24.
The DVA also wants free transit as part of the Festival of Christmas Traditions.
Light Planned For Busy Road
Safety upgrades are moving ahead for a hectic section of road.
Vernon council will spend up to $88,520 for a new traffic signal at Kalamalka Lake and Pottery roads.
“This is a huge safety issue for anyone coming out of the Shops at Polson Park,” said Coun. Jack Gilroy, adding that he hopes the traffic light will improve conditions.
The total cost for the project is $265,546 and the remainder is coming from Kal Tire, which is constructing a new head office on Kalamalka Lake Road.
