Vernon politicians were debating a road project even as the detour signs were going up.
Rehabilitation of 32nd Avenue, from 27th to 29th streets, was scheduled to begin Monday, but a majority of council voted that afternoon to possibly delay the work until July because of the potential negative impact on businesses in the area.
“I think it will be a bad situation. It will be a nightmare,” said Coun. Brian Quiring.
A decision on allowing the project to start or be deferred until July 1 will be made Friday. But delaying the contractor could cost the city $100,000.
“We made a mistake and we will take a hit on it but we have to support local business,” said Coun. Scott Anderson.
Concerns about restricted access have come from Briteland garden centre.
“It’s in conflict with their busiest time of the season,” said Quiring of April, May and June.
There are also concerns about communications as Briteland received a letter April 7 that the work would begin Monday.
“After 33 years in the same location it hurts to learn of this lack of consideration. Incredibly poor form by the city,” said Dave Weatherill, Briteland president, in a letter to the city.
Weatherill also questions why the work would be done when Beairsto Elementary parents use the area to drop their kids off and pick them up.
“At last year’s information session, we were advised that the project was expected to occur when school was not in session. Timing during their summer makes sense,” he said.
Before Friday’s special council meeting, city staff will review the potential implications of delaying construction and if there are other capital projects the contractor can do in the interim.
“A mistake was made with the timing. Please don’t make it worse by bull-headedly carrying on full steam ahead,” said Weatherill.
When asked why the impact on businesses wasn’t considered before now, Quiring indicated that the city has good staff.
“It could have been handled better and we’re handling it,” he said.
Opposed to putting the 32nd Avenue work on hold were Councillors Bob Spiers and Catherine Lord.
“There is adequate access to the businesses. We’re just complicating the situation,” said Spiers
Spiers is also reluctant to see the almost $500,000 budget climb by $100,000.
“That’s another 20 per cent,” he said.
City staff insist the contractor will take all action possible to ensure customers and delivery trucks can reach the businesses.
“There will be a period of time where it’s difficult, when they’re digging trenches, but it’s a case of co-ordinating with the businesses,” said Mark Dowhaniuk, infrastructure engineer.
Mayor Akbal Mund and Coun. Dalvir Nahal were absent from Monday’s council meeting.