Vernon, BC revives summer pedestrian plaza after challenging first year – Okanagan | Globalnews.ca

Vernon, BC is relaunching its summer pedestrian plaza, but the plan is controversial.

While some thought last year’s street closure was, at times, “a tremendous success,” others would describe it as “a total bombshell.”

To create the plaza, one block of Vernon’s main street is now closed to vehicle traffic during July and August.

The city and the Vernon Downtown Association have partnered to close the 2900 block of 30 Ave. in hopes of adding vitality to downtown.

The restaurant’s owner, James Fradley, plans to take advantage of the closure and set up tables outside.

“We are excited about the musical and performing arts program that is underway [at] lunch and night. I think it’s going to be great for our customers and great for downtown,” said Fradley, as he worked on reinforcing his patio railing on the sidewalk.

This is the second time a pedestrian plaza has been tested on this Vernon block. However, last year’s event faced major challenges.

Prior to the 2021 pilot project, BC was hit by a deadly heat dome that led many to stay home.

That was followed by a terrible wildfire season that caused smoky conditions.

So how last year’s square went depends on who you ask.

“When the weather was bearable and the smoke wasn’t too bad, it was a big hit,” said Fradley, owner of The Med Restaurant.

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“Last year’s closure did not give us the opportunity to persuade [the plaza] at its finest, which is why we’re excited about this year. Hopefully the cooler spring means we’ll have some great days here at the plaza.”

However, across the street at a Raven Traders pawn shop, manager John Harker has a much less optimistic view of last year’s event.

“When the street was closed, this block was a ghost town almost every day. It picked up a bit in the evenings when most businesses were closed,” Harker said.

While restaurants may see a benefit, the loss of parking took a big toll on their business last year, Harker said.

“Last year was a total bomb and I don’t expect this year to be much better. Last year they blamed the failure on a heat dome that we often have in the Okanagan,” Harker said.

To account for Okanagan heat waves, this year organizers plan to add umbrellas and a misting station.

Neither the city nor the Vernon Downtown Association made anyone available for an interview Monday.

The city has budgeted up to $43,000 for the summer plaza.

Programming begins on Thursday along with the official kick-off.

The street closure is scheduled to last through early September.