A possible reduction in parking at multi-family housing complexes is raising some concern.

Vernon council has directed staff to consider a reduction in the parking requirements for multi-family residential units as a way of encouraging the construction of affordable housing options.

But Coun. Jack Gilroy fears that could lead to problems in neighbourhoods.

“They are impacting neighbourhoods already. There are cars everywhere,” he said.

“We can’t destroy neighbourhoods with parking.”

However, Coun. Buffy Baumbrough says parking requirements create an expensive burden for developers and there are other options.

“They could have car-sharing or spots for smart cars,” she said.

“A lot of them (tenants) may not have a car or only have one vehicle.”

Grant Denied

The Canadian Red Cross will not get support from Vernon taxpayers.

Council has turned down a request for $2,000 so the Red Cross can establish a service that recruits and guides volunteers to different organizations because such an initiative already exists in Vernon.

But council has decided to provide $3,000 to the Sadok Ukrainian Dance Ensemble.

“This allows them to put down a mini floor at places,” said Coun. Patrick Nicol, adding that it will increase safety among the group’s dancers.

Green Light For Liquor Sales

The City of Vernon supports expanded hours for selling liquor at Predator Ridge.

The golf resort has applied to the provincial Liquor Control and Licensing Branch to change the closing time for liquor sales at the clubhouse from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. daily and at the restaurant from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. daily They also want approval for patron participation entertainment like karaoke.

However, there is some concern that such events could create noise for nearby residents.

“The topography of the area is a large bowl and sound travels up,” said Coun. Shawn Lee.

“Potentially there are all sorts of folks that could be impacted.”

If the LCLB approves the extended hours, the city will ask Predator Ridge to minimize issues like patron noise.