ELECTION TIME | Armstrong residents set their sights on city hall [A7]
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WALK THIS WAY LISA VANDERVELDE/ MORNING STAR
Grade 2 student Isaiah Bergen (front left) and Rylan Nadurak, Grade 3, lead the walking school bus Wednesday with Mayor Rob Sawatzky and Rob Miles, City of Vernon manager of long range planning and sustainability, on their way to Ellison Elementary School. The walk was in celebration of International Walk to School Month.
Officials delay action on gateway signs RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff
There will be no quick action to repair crumbling signs at the gateway of Greater Vernon. Regional District of North Okanagan directors deferred a discussion on the condition of the three Welcome to Greater Vernon signs until Jan. 21 although administration asked for direction Wednesday. “It’s not a pressing issue and there will be new people with new ideas,” said director Doug Dirk referring to the Nov. 15 election. Apparently the signs are deteriorating. “We are getting public inquiries that someone needs to do something,” said David Sewell, chief administrative officer. The signs were installed in 2008 by the then-economic development function for Greater Vernon, which disbanded in 2009. “RDNO does not have a function for the operation and maintenance of these signs,” said Sewell of the current chal-
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lenge when it comes to any possible repairs. “The creation of such a service could be initiated but it would be unlikely to receive the necessary approvals in time for the 2015 financial plan.” Any function would also depend on whether Vernon, Coldstream and the two electoral areas want to join. At least one board member isn’t sure maintenance is required. “I wonder about the need for the signs,” said director Doug Dirk. “People understand they are in Greater Vernon.” However, director Juliette Cunningham defended the signs that are at the southern, northern and eastern entrances to the area. “I think it’s important to have signs., It’s a point of reference for tourists,” she said. And even if the signs were demolished, director Rob Sawatzky said: “You would still need a budget to take them down.”
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Residents have complained to the regional district that the Welcome to Greater Vernon signs are in poor condition.
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