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Sunday, November 28, 2010 - The Morning Star A7
News
Traffic changes debated
Protect Your Investment!
ROGER KNOX
to one lane versus two lanes,” said Pieper. “Some say it’s a waste of money.” A plan to reconfigure part of Armstrong’s downAmong those is Karl Bensmiller who, in an town core is coming under public scrutiny. eight-page letter to council, said the idea, “creates The city is contemplating upgrading Pleasant a number of potential traffic and safety hazards, Valley Boulevard from Shepherd’s Home reduces customer access to local businesses Hardware at Mill Street to Margarieta’s and opens the door to many future traffic Place at Okanagan Street by widening and logistical nightmares in the downtown the sidewalks, reducing the two-lane, core. one-way street to one lane of traffic to “I do not feel that the proposed upgrades provide legal parking spots, and adding create an environment that is safer, or more a bicycle lane. effective than what currently exists,” wrote “A lot of people are for and against Bensmiller. the proposed bike lane,” said Mayor Kerry Korberg wrote to ask that the proChris Pieper, of the lane which is part posed changes to Pleasant Valley Boulevard Chris Pieper of the active transportation plan adoptbe delayed to give the public a chance to ed last year by council. “The biggest explore alternatives. problem is the bike lane starts nowhere and goes “In these very difficult economic times, it seems nowhere. But if we don’t start somewhere, when puzzling to push this project through when there is do we start?” no urgency, no apparent demand or need for these The plan calling for the current two-lane, one- changes, ” wrote Korberg. way street to be made into one lane would help The city has budgeted between $350,000 and with parking. $400,000 for the project if it’s approved. Currently, a pickup truck parked diagonally Council is still taking public input on the matter along the street has a good part of its back end out until the end of the month. into the first lane, said the mayor. Once that’s finished, the city’s engineering The redesign would reduce the number of park- department will finish off a plan and design and ing stalls along the boulevard from 51 to 49. bring it back to council. “We’ve received quite a few letters against the If the project is given the green light, it’s expectre-development of that area, primarily reducing it ed construction would start in the spring. Morning Star Staff
Funding goes towards English classes Morning Star Staff
A provincial grant means newcomers to Canada will be able to learn English. The Vernon and District Immigrant Services Society is receiving $40,000 to deliver free English language support pro-
grams to immigrants and refugees. “Strong English language skills are crucial for new British Columbians to succeed here,” said Eric Foster, Vernon-Monashee MLA. “These types of programs do
a lot to help newcomers to fit in and succeed here in Vernon.” The English as a Second Language Settlement Assistance Program provides access to language support to recent immigrants and refugees in more rural and remote communities.
d n a t h h a t e tells the heart h T
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