Recreation fees
Admission costs to Vernon recreation facilities are increasing again.
Council agreed to a 2.5 per cent hike on parks and recreation fees for 2026 through 2028.
Additionally, a facility enhancement fee for recreation user group rentals was also recommended, two per cent for residents and four per cent for non-resident groups.
According to Leah Walker, the recreation customer service manager, the fee hikes would lead to approximately $60,000 in funds, which "could go towards a reserve for future facility enhancements."
Coun. Brian Quiring was not enthused with the idea of charging different groups different prices.
"We are charging users to use the facility, and now we are tacking on an additional fee for users as it is a community facility," he said. "I would rather see us increase our reserve through taxation, to be honest."
Council passed the facility enhancement fee levy.
Supportive Housing
An impact assessment of the current supportive housing facilities in the city is needed, according to a councillor.
Coun. Kari Gares brought forth a motion for an impact assessment for the existing supportive housing and barrier-free projects within the downtown core at the Monday council meeting.
However, she withdrew the motion during council, as she will be revising it for the next meeting on Monday, March 24.
According to Gares, while these supportive housing services are "essential, their concentration within our city can bring unintended consequences such as increased public disorder, pressure on emergency services, and a decline in neighbourhood livability and property values."
Gares wants an independent, third-party study of the social, economic, and environmental impacts of supportive housing and barrier-free projects within the downtown core.
"The purpose of this motion is also to bring relief and meaningful support to the residents and businesses that remain affected by the ongoing impacts of service clustering," Gares said in a rationale letter.
The revised motion is expected for the March 24 council meeting.
Kin Race Track Reserve
One Vernon councillor is tired of funds being drawn from the Kin Race Track Reserve.
Coun. Guy brought forth a motion to stop drawing funds from the reserve.
"The motion is for no further withdrawals from the Kin Race Track Park Reserve Fund until staff has provided council with a plan and a cost estimate for a community park to be located at that site."
The reserve has been a hot topic of discussion during the past three council meetings, after plans for an athletic park at Kin Race Track were capped in lieu of a passive park.
Funds from the reserve were redirected to the funding of a new scoreclock at Kal Tire Place, which drew the ire of Guy. The fund currently has just over $4 million in it.
The motion will be on the March 24 council agenda for discussion among councillors.
Polson Park
Phase one of the Polson Park naturalization project is nearly done.
According to an administration update, the contractor has completed the concrete deck over the pedestrian bridge, and it is anticipated to open in the first half of March.
Phase two of the project is still on track to begin in June, and end in November.
Internal roads in the park will be closed from June to November, restricting vehicle access to the south side of the park and through traffic.
