VERNON – It is that time of year again. The time when we reflect on the past and show gratitude towards others but it is also the time when prognosticators gaze into their crystal ball and predict what the New Year will bring. In the North Okanagan, there is reason to be cautiously optimistic.
2015 was a banner year for recreation and sports enthusiasts in the North Okanagan as one major sports complex was completed and another got approval from local taxpayers. The Greater Vernon Athletic Park situated on the Vernon campus of Okanagan College features a state of the art running track, modern change rooms, and an artificial infield that is ideal for soccer or football. The estimated $7.5 million dollar facility was officially opened in September of 2015 and received rave reviews from those involved in athletics.
Just a few short months after the new track was opened, voters were back at the polls in late November to vote on another recreational facility. While the turnout was extremely low (16 per cent of eligible voters), the majority of those who voted gave the thumbs up to a $13.5 million dollar borrowing bylaw that will see a new arena built alongside the City`s major arena, Kal Tire Place. The low turnout was not a total surprise given the fact the referendum took place only weeks after the federal election but as has been said by others, the world is run by those who show up.
Vernon mayor Akbal Mund who was elected just over a year ago, told local media that while he was disappointed with the low voter turnout. Mund isn’t sure why turnout was so low but speculates it might have something to do with the time of year. Despite the voter apathy, mayor Mund said he was happy they can “move forward” with the project. Ground breaking should occur in late summer 2016 with construction complete by late 2017 or early 2018.
The positive referendum result was enough to have tourism industry reps buzzing about the potential for a growth in sport and event tourism. Throw in the three lakes at the city’s doorstep, numerous golf courses including Predator Ridge, and one dynamite ski resort in Silverstar and you can understand why the City of Vernon adopted “Active Life” as its new slogan in 2015.
Strong real states sales through 2015 have also given those in real estate industry a reason to be optimistic as they sense the potential for continued growth. Unfortunately, lingering in the back of everyone`s mind are two major issues, the sinking value of the Canadian dollar and the low price of oil. Like most things, there is a bit of good and bad that flows from that reality.
The slowing activity in the Alberta oil sands may lessen the disposable income available for investors, remote workers, and those looking to relocate from Alberta but on the plus side the low price of oil and the high U-S exchange rate is good news for the tourism sector. More Americans are expected to head north with their increased spending power and more Canadians will likely stay closer to home rather than traveling abroad. It could be the perfect combination that creates a very strong year for the tourism industry.
Meanwhile development permits with the City of Vernon were also up in 2015 and most believe that trend will continue in 2016 as the City is well positioned to attract new investment. Building permit values as of December were over $100 million which is the second strongest on record.
“Commercial development has been great,” says Kevin Poole, economic development manager, City of Vernon who added that a lot of the strength comes from a number of small commercial developments and a few big projects such as a revamped clubhouse at Predator Ridge Golf Resort that is worth $1.25 million.
2015 also marked an increased focus by the Greater Vernon Chamber on local politics and that included making a submission to Vernon City Council during their budget deliberations. It was the first time in a more than a decade that the Chamber had submitted such a comprehensive submission. It ranged from encouraging strong fiscal management to the prudent use of contracted forces for anything beyond core services. As one Councillor put it, “it’s good to have the Chamber keeping our feet to the fire and ensuring we are keeping taxes in check and doing what we can to encourage investment.”
In other news, a tip of the hat to local lawyer Tom Christensen, who was advised in December that he has been appointed as Queen’s counsel by the provincial government. Christensen is an associate with long time Chamber member Nixon Wenger LLP and told the local media, “it’s not something I’ve coveted but it’s definitely an honour.” The QC designation is conferred each year on members of the legal profession to recognize exceptional merit and contribution. Successful candidates have been members of the B.C. bar for at least five years and have been nominated by their peers.
Congrats also to Back to Earth Enviro Products & Soapworks of Coldstream which is a top ten semi-finalist for the Premier`s People`s Choice Award in the BC Small Business Awards. The Premier’s People’s Choice Award celebrates BC’s entrepreneurs by recognizing a small business that is the heart of their community. The top 10 Semi-Finalists will complete a formal application that will be used to determine the Top 5 Finalists for each of the categories. The finalists will be announced on January 29, and the winners will be celebrated on February 25, 2016 at the awards ceremony in Vancouver.
Finally the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce was pleased that 80 new members joined the organization in 2015. That’s the most new members in more than ten years. We wish them and all our loyal members all the best for 2016!
– Dan Rogers is the General Manager at the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce and can be reached at manager@vernonchamber.ca.