Solutions to Traffic Congestion on Highway 97 through Vernon.

I recently was invited to attend a presentation on the recent and soon to be completed review Vernon Official Community Plan sponsored by SENS.(Sustainable Environment Network Society) 

“Kim Flick, Community Development Director for the City of Vernon, explained in no uncertain terms how to build community for a healthier, happier, and more livable life for all of us with the help of our Official Community Plan (OCP).”sens

As anticipated Ms. Flick gave an informative review of the OCP and outlined the long term benefits of adhering to the principles that are at its core.

During question period a perennial issue drew some attention. Many believe that a Highway 97 Bypass of the COV would be the definitive solution to the North South congestion that we presently experience. Kim Flick explained that the province would be unwilling to consider such a project for at least 50 years. We will need to manage this problem without a bypass for the foreseeable future.

I continue to support some solutions mentioned during the presentation question period though two of the suggestions would still require Provincial participation.

Firstly the redesign of the 43^rd ave intersection to include  a southbound right hand turn lane that would allow ultimate access to recently improved Alexis Park Drive thus removing some local traffic off the busy Highway 97.

Secondly, the making of the completion of the Polson Greenway a priority for the next 10 years. This north south route involves the reconstruction of 29 st and other streets to allow for another north south route friendly to many forms of transportation with the aim of relieving pressure of local traffic on 27^th st and Highway 97.

Finally I support a 48^th ave  extension through the intersection at BC 97 to Alexis Park Drive  thus allowing residents in the south west part of the city to avoid the congestion of the city center as they travel to and from the Anderson subdivision shopping.

I believe with the cooperation of the province and a committed city council that it is possible to make headway way on the traffic congestion we face. I support approaching the province to discuss solutions to the traffic problems we face. The infrastructure solutions will be expensive and will take time but if made a priority will ultimately prove to be of great benefit both to residents and visitors of Vernon.

Cheers

Shawn Lee

Candidate for Vernon City Council

Vernon City Council -Missed Opportunity

Vernon City Council missed an opportunity to receive useful public input regarding a governance question that has plagued politicians in the Greater Vernon area for many years: the question of possible benefit of the amalgamation of the two electoral areas B and C, the municipal District of Coldstream and the City of Vernon under one municipal government. Decades have gone by since the matter was last studied formally.

While this issue is fraught with emotion and often provokes hard feelings it was recognized in the KPMG City of Vernon Core Service review completed in 2013 that amalgamation was one option available to order to reduce the costs of local government. Vernon City Council at first rejected the option stating there was no interest in one government for the area. However subsequent to receiving the Greater Vernon Governance Society Petition in early 2014 Council took the commendable decision to include a question on the topic on the fall ballot.

Our officials endeavored unsuccessfully to convince our GVAC partners to do likewise. It is this lack of interest in the regional partners that was given as the motivation for Vernon Council’s removal of the question from ballot in the fall election. This decision was not commendable but regrettable. Our council with two exceptions were more worried about offending other jurisdictions than responding to the wishes of their own taxpayers who were signatories to GVGS petition. I believe that was unfortunate and makes one wonder about our own city council's priorities. 

This ongoing reluctance to actually ask the people what they think about the current governance model is part of the problem. To me, it displays a lack of trust in public opinion on this question. Ironically they trust us with a 70,000,000 water referendum question but not with the chance to express an opinion on how we are governed locally. 

My position on the matter of Greater Vernon governance has always been to thoroughly study the pros and cons of amalgamation. If the options look tenable then put it to the people in a referendum. If the options don't look tenable, the matter ends with the study. Information is always better than speculation or emotion.

Asking an opinion question on the fall  ballot would not require the approval of the province and would not have been binding on the Vernon public or on a future Vernon council . It would however have been a  cost effective way of ascertaining what the Vernon voters think about looking into the possible benefit of one government for Greater Vernon. The results would have given the new council a sense direction in pursuing this matter. This was certainly an opportunity lost. Cheers! Remember me in the fall election. Thankyou for your support.

Shawn Lee

Candidate for Vernon City Council

A wish list for the municipal election.

I would hope for a city council composed of individuals possessing a wide experience both in life and in our community. I hope for a council with the appropriate amount of time to devote to public office,  that is committed to being thoroughly prepared for each and every meeting, and would always be prepared to ask meaningful questions of staff and the public who appear before them. I would hope for a Council who is able to completely focus on the matter at hand no matter how routine it may seem, that is comfortable with lively debate, and is at the same time comfortable with the rules that must govern that debate.

I would hope for a Council that will recognize with enthusiasm opportunities that may come that may enhance the experience of living and working and playing in our wonderful city. Yet with that enthusiasm, have the wisdom to exercise restraint, realizing that caution in committing tax funds is always appropriate. This same wisdom would be particularly useful at budget time. I hope for a Council that realizes the private sector, not government, is the true engine of the economy. I hope for a Council that has the commitment to create an atmosphere and climate where businesses can flourish.

I would hope for a Council that would be comfortable with the tensions that will exist between itself and the staff who are responsible for the day to day running of the city. Such a Council will realize that individuals of good will, no matter on which side of the desks they are sitting, are seeking what they feel is best for the City. I hope for a Council that believes that timely maintenance is much less expensive than neglect in the long run. It does cost taxpayers money to run a city. That money should be spent wisely.

I would hope for a City Council who will deal fairly with our regional partners and expect fair treatment in return. I would hope for a Council, when at RDNO, would not forget they represent the interests of those who elected them.

I would hope for a Council that would not hesitate to delay a decision while seeking to fully understand an issue, which realizes that the public is often right when it comes to a controversial matter.  I would hope for a Council with the courage to admit their mistakes, composed of men and women of good will who are prepared to share generously of their time and abilities to serve the community in which they live.

Finally I hope for a Council that will not be overwhelmed by their first five hundred page agenda package.

Cheers,

 Shawn Lee a Vernon Taxpayer

Recent “Have Your Say Poll-KissFM”

The recent online poll was disappointing in two ways.

Firstly, the vast majority of those who responded felt that there would no change as a result of the fall elections. The results illustrating a common public sentiment that it really doesn’t matter who is elected to office things will just continue along with no new direction or innovation.

Secondly, the small number of respondents to the poll may be a portent of the voter turnout in the fall.

This coming election is of particular importance as successful candidates will be in office for four years as the new term of office takes effect. Four years is time enough to affect change. Hopefully the voting public will take the time to become informed and exercise their franchise in robust numbers.

Traditionally an older demographic turns out well to the polls. It would be gratifying if those who are younger and not usually involved politically would become engaged in choosing their elected officials.

Those who are considering picking up their nomination bundle from City Hall surely believe they can make a difference. 

I wish them well.

Cheers Shawn Lee a Vernon Taxpayer