The future of Greater Vernon’s welcome signs is being tossed around again.
After months of discussion about whether the signs should be fixed and whose responsibility it is at the Regional District of North Okanagan, the matter is now being sent to Vernon and Coldstream.
“It will be discussed between Vernon and Coldstream to decide what happens with the signs,” said Jim Garlick, Coldstream director.
The three signs were installed in 2008 by the then-economic development function for Greater Vernon, which disbanded in 2009.
Economic development is now the function of the City of Vernon and RDNO has no funding service to raise funds for sign repairs.
It also appears that at the time that RDNO did fund the signs, the money came from Vernon and Coldstream and not the two adjacent electoral areas.
“Most people know where they are and don’t need a sign,” said Mike Macnabb, BX-Silver Star director, who, along with BX-Swan Lake director Bob Fleming, has confirmed he will not support repairs.
While the issue will be put before the two municipalities, there is some resistance.
“Coldstream has signs it’s already responsible for. We have enough signs,” said Gyula Kiss, Coldstream director.
“From a Vernon perspective, I don’t support putting money into Greater Vernon signs if not everyone is involved,” added Catherine Lord, a city director.
