To Sprawl or Not to Sprawl

 The 580 Commonage Proposal

City Council will make an important decision on the 580 Commonage Proposal some time in early to mid-fall.

We encourage you to consider action to deal with the repercussions, long into the future, from a BAD decision.

1. Write a letter of concern to the Mayor and Council

2. Attend the Council meeting where the decision will be made

3. Go to nonc.ca/advocacy for updates on the Council meeting, and for more information. 

4. Help spread this news by email and word of mouth!

For GREAT video reels on why this sprawl development proposal is 

  • bad for nature, 

  • bad for affordable housing,

  • bad for climate,

  • bad for taxpayers,

  • bad for reconciliation:

Posted on Instagram “Bad for Nature”

Here's the “Bad for Nature” video link for Instagram

POsted on Facebook “Bad for Affordable Housing”

Here’s the “Bad for Affordable Housing” video link for Facebook

POsted on Facebook “Bad for Taxpayers”

Here’s the “Bad for Taxpayers” video link for Facebook

Also check out this research on costs of sprawl: sprawl development in Canada: true costs, report summary https://institute.smartprosperity.ca/sites/default/files/publications/files/Backgrounder%20for%20Media.pdf

Please use the information on nonc.ca/advocacy to write a letter expressing your thoughts – a short sweet letter with a few points on the proposed development as well as its link to OUR Official Community Plan(OCP) which the developer wants changed to allow his 580 Commonage Plans. Write from the heart. It’s OUR community, not the developer’s. His sprawl development ticks off NONE of the points below.

Our community, via the OCP stated what we citizens wanted:

  • avoid sprawl

  • minimize vehicle traffic and support active transportation

  • housing close to all amenities

  • protect sensitive ecosystems/green spaces

  • avoid development that damages natural resources/environmental sensitive areas

 

Via  our Transportation Plan we wanted:

  • Reduce single occupancy vehicles; encourage alternative/active transportation

  • Make Vernon youth friendly and senior friendly for non-vehicle owners

  • provide more efficient use of services and infrastructure already in place for improved public health, stronger community, a more prosperous city

  • protect land through transit-oriented development

 

Via our award winning Climate Action Plan: ..just a few of them…

  • Lessen out impact on the environment by reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions

  • Prepare for future climate impacts (fire, for example)be a net zero emission and climate resilient city

  • More retrofits to save money and reduce GHGs

  • Natural assets protected and valued