Vernon won’t stand in the way of dividing up control of parks.
Council voted unanimously Monday to pursue a change in the service model for Greater Vernon parks.
“It seems to address all of the issues that have been raised,” said Coun. Juliette Cunningham.
Under this model, while some parks would remain part of the collective, most would become the individual responsibility of Vernon, Coldstream and the regional district to operate and maintain.
The other proposed model has been keeping all parks within the collective with Coldstream and Vernon having contracts to provide maintenance.
Cunningham is convinced a change in the service model could benefit Vernon, especially since there are public concerns about the condition of beaches on Lakeshore Road.
“We as a council could best decide what resources to put towards it,” she said.
Discussions between the Greater Vernon jurisdictions will resume next week.
“There’s a real philosophy of wanting an agreement and wanting to get it done,” said Mayor Rob Sawatzky.
Firm details for the two models must still be worked out.
“There aren’t very large differences in costs,” said Sawatzky.
