Due to all of the letters of opposition regarding the proposed visitors centre on 39th Avenue, I attended the public hearing as an observer.
Residents of the neighbourhood pointed out their concerns.
Also, excellent points were made with regards to traffic problems by professionals in this field.
According to one article in The Morning Star, Coun. Bob Spiers states he cannot find any one who agrees to the location.
Maybe the other councillors did not read the letters or consult with the public.
Coun. Juliette Cunningham insists in the same article that council has already made the decision on where the tourism centre will go and rezoning is just a procedural matter.
Supposedly a done deal, before any public consideration.
Where is the democracy?
We have the perfect locations right now for all traffic, especially recreational vehicles, and we do not have to spend $300,000-plus to save $70,000 a year.
The traffic in Vernon can be very congested on the main route, 32nd Street. It is often backed up well past London Drugs. Also, between 43rd and 39th avenues, there is a pedestrian-controlled crosswalk. It is necessary but it adds to more back-up and at 39th, there is no left-turn signal.
Coun. Catherine Lord states a traffic study was done — truckers have no problems making the left-hand turn on to 39th Avenue.
Please note that not all RVers are professional drivers.
In the past, it has been suggested that drivers in Vernon should avoid left-hand turns on Highway 97, make your rights and come through the controlled intersection. It is safer and keeps traffic moving.
Also, when the new running track is completed, more vehicles will be added to Vernon’s corridor.
The City of Vernon has the statistics. Right or wrong, it is the taxpayers footing the bill.
Vernon Tourism should work with the local business establishments and nearby communities to keep tourists in the region.
They will visit Vernon. The hotels, motels, restaurants and casino all have good visible signs.
With regards to the decrease of visitors at the centres since 2006, could it be due to the weather, forest fires, fuel costs, economy and the high dollar? Situations change.
But it should not be the visitor centres. The locations are perfect, serving traffic from all directions. They give the tourists that personal one-on-one.
This is my opinion and I do not support your relocation plan.
Heidi Bachi
Vernon
