Agenda Package - City of Vernon

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A new public park along the southwest section of Lakeshore Road is proposed as part
of this plan to provide residents and visitors increased access to Okanagan Lake. The
Regional District of North Okanagan owns many of the properties required for this
park, and three parcels are planned to be purchased as they become available. This
new park would provide open park space and form a hub for a network of sidewalks,
pathways and trails throughout the neighbourhood. The pathway along the lakeshore,
which was identified in the 2003 Tourist Commercial Waterfront Neighbourhood Plan,
is included in this plan as part of the network.
A community garden site adjacent to the Lakers Clubhouse, and on the same Cityowned
property, is included as part of this plan. This community garden would provide
residents who may not have access to yard space of their own with a plot to grow a
garden, which helps to provide local food and opportunities for interaction among
residents.
The existing Lakers Clubhouse is currently not in use. The plan has designated the
site as "To Be Determined" and requires further direction from Council. Various
options were explored, but due to the proximity to the airport and accompanying
height restrictions, as well as the existing single and two family development nearby,
there are limited options. The options to consider are as follows:
1. Use the site as a community centre to provide space available to rent for
community events. This would require renovations to the existing building and
ongoing maintenance and administration costs.
2. Designate the lands as Residential - Low Density and sell the site for
development purposes.
3. Explore opportunities to make the site available to a non-profit or service
organization as part of a land transaction.
Council may provide direction as to which of the options it prefers,
consideration of the costs associated with the community centre option.
with due
The plan
would be amended in accordance with whichever option Council wishes to pursue in
advance of public consultation. Alternatively, Council may elect that some or all of the
options be included in the public consultation process.
The compleled Watertront Development Stormwater Wetland Design is incorporated
into the draft plan. The wetland design addresses outstanding requirements to
conserve and enhance this ecosystem while accommodating stormwater management
through the area.
Vernon Creek and the surrounding ponds provide surface water to the north end of the
Vernon Arm of Okanagan Lake and habitat for a number of species, some of which
are classified as threatened. These lands would be preserved as sensitive habitat.
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