An investment is being made in a local park.
The Greater Vernon Advisory Committee will give $24,670 to the Okanagan Landing Community Association to construct a picnic shelter at Paddlewheel Park.
“The shelter will be owned and maintained by the Landing association,” said Keith Pinkoski, Regional District of North Okanagan parks manager.
The 20-foot-by-30-foot timber-frame structure will have a heritage theme because of the property’s former significance as a terminus for rail and lake transportation.
The total cost of the project is $49,670 and other funding sources are being sought by the association.
Development fee change on hold
It’s not known if some fees for non-profit housing will be scrapped.
The Greater Vernon Advisory Committee has tabled possible approval of a bylaw that would see non-profit rental housing exempt from development cost charges for parks and water.
“It’s not clear what a non-profit society is,” said director Mike Macnabb.
“There’s no certainty that expensive housing with affluent people doesn’t come to us and says, ‘We’re a society.’”
The City of Vernon has also raised concerns about the bylaw details.
“We will review the comments from the city and provide further details,” said David Sewell, Regional District of North Okanagan chief administrative officer.
Drought response in place
There’s a plan if it’s a long, dry summer.
The Greater Vernon Advisory Committee has endorsed terms of reference for a drought stakeholder working group.
“The intent is to provide stakeholder input to drought/water supply issues and communications strategies,” said Renee Clark, water quality manager, in a report.
The drought committee will include representatives from Vernon Jubilee Hospital, agriculture, the landscaping and irrigation sectors, hotel and tourism associations, nurseries and car washes.
