Scramble crosswalk update
Councillors are upset at the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MoTI) 's response to a scramble crosswalk inquiry.
Coun. Brian Quiring inquired during the Nov. 12 meeting about implementing a scramble crosswalk at the 30th Ave and 32nd St (Hwy 97) intersection.
A scramble crosswalk is one where pedestrians from all four corners have the chance to cross at the same time, to any corner. The 30th Ave intersection was where 15-year-old Lynza Henke was struck by a truck while crossing.
"They are using them (scramble crosswalks) in Victoria, Banff," Quiring said. "They are successful and safe, and I think it would be worthwhile to talk to the Ministry (of Transportation)."
MoTI did respond, and told city staff that "the primary goal of the Ministry is to keep transport traffic moving rather than pedestrians. Since a scramble crossing can cause additional traffic delay, it is unlikely that the Ministry would be in favour."
Coun. Brian Guy, along with Quiring, were upset with the response.
"I think we need to roll up our sleeve and not take it anymore," said Quiring regarding MoTI's response. "Because it is always no."
City administration will report back once a Highway Corridors Study is completed in early 2025.
Cemetery fees
Laying your loved one to rest will cost more in Vernon.
Council approved a bylaw amendment to cemetery fees and bylaws, which will see a three per cent yearly increase in 2025, 2026 and 2027.
According to administration, "multi-year increases are required to offset recent and predicted inflationary pressure."
In 2021, the cost for a Vernon resident adult lot and care fund contribution was $1,890.03. By 2027, the same lot and care fund contribution would cost $2,498.98. A non-resident fee for 2027 would cost $3,297.28.
Interior Health
Numerous members of Interior Health (IH) presented to Vernon council an overview of their services provided.
According to IH, there are currently 20 main stretcher spaces, a 16-bed capacity for the women's and children unit and 10 beds, with one overflow for the intensive care unit at the Vernon Jubilee Hospital (VJH). IH also outlined totals for long-term care sites. In the North Okanagan, there are currently 1,258 beds:
Vernon: Creekside Landing (contracted), Gateby Care Centre (IH), The Hamlets (contracted), Heritage Square (contracted), Heron Grove (contracted), Noric House (IH), Osprey Court (contracted), Polson Extended Care (IH), Polson Special (IH).
Lumby: Monashee Mews (contracted).
Armstrong: Pleasant Valley Manor (IH).
Enderby: Parkview Place (IH).
Salmon Arm: Bastion Place (IH), Hillside Village (contracted), Mount Ida Mews (contracted), Picadilly Care Centre (contracted).
Revelstoke: Mount Cartier Court (IH).
O'Keefe Ranch liason
There will be a change from Vernon council on the O'Keefe Ranch liaison.
Mayor Victor Cumming will take over the role from Teresa Durning, effective Jan. 1, 2025. Quiring will be the alternate.
Durning has been vocal regarding the treatment she has received from being the ranch liaison. In an interview with The Morning Star in early October, she explained that “there was a number of times where they wanted me to fight for money for them but I couldn't, because I have to work with my council."
Durning said that she believed the ranch was looking "for an advocate and not a liaison." Since her outspokenness regarding the liaison role, Vernon city staff and council enacted a clarified liaison policy at a Committee of the Whole meeting on Oct. 28.
Cumming will look to mend fences with O'Keefe Ranch, as the two are still engaged in a stalemate over fund allocation.
