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Building levelled for parking

Former flower shop demolished, New arena process proceeds, Library open Sundays

While the existing building on the proposed site of an art gallery is coming down, that doesn’t mean a cultural complex is moving ahead.

Vernon council has decided to demolish the former flower shop on 31st Avenue, and Mayor Akbal Mund insists there are no immediate plans to construct an art gallery there.

“Either way, we have to demolish it,” he said.

Once the building is down, the site will be developed into public parking.

“With the Bennett lot void of parking (the 29th Avenue location has been sold to developers), we can turn this into future parking,” said Mund.

New arena process proceeds

The City of Vernon is launching the process for a new arena.

Council has approved a design-bid-build project delivery model to twin Kal Tire Place.

“This delivery model will see the city first contract an architectural firm to design the facility and to act as the prime consultant for the project,” said Doug Ross, director of recreation services.

“Once the design phase is complete, the city and prime consultant will issue an open competitive bid process for a general contractor for construction. It is the city’s intent to issue a request for proposal for professional architectural/prime consultant services by late February.”

Library open Sundays

There’s good news for residents wanting to find something to read.

The City of Vernon has agreed to provide $21,420 for Sunday openings at the Okanagan Regional Library branch from October 2016 to March 2017.

The city agreed in 2015 to pay for library hours on Sundays after ORL indicated that it did not have the funding to do so.

“Sundays continue to be very well used and very appreciated by the citizens of Vernon and I know that your extra support to continue to make this happen is very appreciated by your community and does make a great difference for the families of Vernon,” said Don Nettleton, ORL chief financial officer, in a letter to council.