Vernon council approves 30th Avenue revitalization
A major upgrade in downtown Vernon is moving ahead.
City council voted 5-1 Wednesday to issue the construction tender for revitalization of 30th Avenue from 33rd to 35th streets. The budget has also been increased by $284,165 to $2.4 million to reflect higher tender costs.
"It's a great block with great merchants and property owners who have worked together to make this happen," said Coun. Patrick Nicol.
Lone opposition came from Coun. Bob Spiers.
"I think it's a project that is unnecessary and adds to our structural deficit," he said.
A special meeting had to be held Wednesday after a motion to increase the budget died during a tie vote at Monday’s regular council meeting. Coun. Mary-Jo O’Keefe has declared a conflict of interest as her family owns land within the area
Coun. Catherine Lord switched her vote Wednesday after having assurances that the extra money needed for the project wouldn't come from other required works in the community.
"I want to make sure we weren't touching on things where we were repairing infrastructure," he said.
The goal is to have the revitalization project completed by the summer tourism season.
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