Downtown block closure
After feedback, the 2900 plaza of Vernon on 30th Ave will not be closing to vehicle traffic in the summer of 2024.
The news comes after a report to council by the Downtown Vernon Association’s (DVA) executive director Keelan Murtagh.
In 2023, 42 days were planned for events, and 39 live performances were successfully executed, plus new games and activities were added.
However, just 64 per cent of the 42 days were actually operable for the block closure (27 days), as smoke, heat and fires led to cancellations. The block closure was then cancelled on Aug. 19, two weeks early.
The DVA also contacted every affected business from the closure and the results signaled less support for another block closure in 2024. Poor weather, less parking and lower revenues were the reason.
While the city of Vernon has allocated resources for the closure until 2024, the DVA requested council to “retain or hold” the approved assets until 2025, when the DVA will outline the next evolution of the campaign.
O’Keefe Ranch
O’Keefe Ranch, which is owned by the City of Vernon, is struggling for funds.
The Ranch cites its payback of the $40,000 Canada Emergency Business Account loan (CEBA) will leave them cash-strapped until March.
In 2023, the ranch applied for $150,000 in funding, but only received $50,000.
A feasibility study has also indicated more than $2.8 million in repairs are needed for the ranch, including $500,000 that would need to be done this year.
Coun. Teresa Durning put a motion forward to go ahead and vote at the meeting to provide funds for the ranch, but it was defeated, 3-3.
More insight and information into the Ranch and its funds will be provided at the next council meeting, on March 11, 2024.
O’Keefe opens on Mothers Day weekend (May 10) until Sept. 30.
E-Scooter
Council approved another round of an electronic kick scooter pilot program with Neuron, for April 5, 2024 to April 5, 2028. The first pilot program was set to expire on April 5 this year.
Bylaw
The bylaw compliance year-end 2023 report shows a 14.8 per cent decrease in the total number of files investigated in comparison to 2022. One of the reasons that the files decreased was that traffic bylaw files were down 20 per cent (from 1,580 in 2022 to 1,259 in 2023).
In addition, “bylaw officers conducted frequent foot, bike and vehicle patrols of the downtown core and surrounding parks and assisted RCMP in locating 57 individuals wanted on warrant.”
Calls for service in the Business Improvement Area (BIA) in downtown Vernon increased by 38 per cent, along with an 80 per cent hike in the proactive files generated by bylaw officers in the BIA.
Among the total complaints filed, 241 were false alarms, 106 were noise related, 2,098 were for parks and public places and 79 were for business licenses.
Tourism
The Vernon Tourism 2024 annual plan was revealed in council by Torrie Silverthorn, the manager of Vernon Tourism. The annual plan looks towards six pillars:
- Lead with the brand
- Focus marketing on key audiences
- Leverage specific sports
- Establish strong partnerships
- Activate local pride
- Incubate products and experiences
Silverthorn also mentioned that 2023’s hotel revenue will be close to $43 million, which is 1.4 million more than 2022.
“Steady year over year growth continued for hotel room revenue as Vernon continues to gain attention as an emerging, year-round tourism destination.”
READ MORE: Families still awaiting answers in 2021 Kelowna crane collapse
READ MORE: Bigger new Active Living Centre unveiled for Vernon