...even former employees.
Like many cities, Vernon's tourism booths that welcome visitors are at the City's two entrances -- North and South ends in this case.
"Who the heck is going to pull in there? And if they have a large rig or trailer, how can they turn around?"
N.Roman (formerly with the Greater Vernon Tourism Assoc. in the 1990s)
And who the heck convinced Vernon City Council that one--yes, only one--tourism booth should be located in the middle of town.
Actually, a block or two off the middle of town.
Many recreational vehicle drivers seek out easy-angle pullouts for obvious reasons.
And many RV drivers--on their family's annual two week vacation--find it stressful to get the hang of it every year. Some have stories to tell.
Let's look at Vernon's two current tourist booths, both on Hwy 97.
The first Google photo shows the current tourism pullout coming into Vernon from the North, via an easy exit. The second photo, entering Vernon from the South, also with easy exit from the highway, both offering sufficient space to turn around. Ample visibility, both from a distance and up close, is a real bonus for visitors who may be here for the first time.
Before illustrating where the lone tourism booth is to be located, it may be helpful to imagine oneself behind the wheel of one of these:
or maybe one of these:
So let's have a look at where the City of Vernon plans on putting their lone Tourist Booth to welcome visitors to the North Okanagan.
Yup...you're NOT seeing things. Impossible 90-degree turn into the lane (say goodbye to that hydro pole), impossible because there's NO exit. Plus, just beyond the hydro pole at the left is a railway crossing. Imagine visitors sitting there waiting for a train because they're trying to get to 27th Street (do they even know that is one way to get out of there?), as there's no way to turn around and get back to Hwy. 97.
The next picture is an aerial shot of where Vernon wants to put its lone tourist booth. A block and a half away from Highway 97. (Click on SAT view). See the big white roof? That's the old civic arena. See all the cars parked there (it's still in use). See the little building just north of it, with 3 vehicles parked abutting the building, and 4 vehicles parked alongside the sidewalk? You may even recognize the hydro poles. That's the proposed new lone tourist booth. How does this location even begin to replace either of the existing tourism booths? How on earth!
And, yes, Highway 97--from whence the tourist has come, if he happened to be in the correct lane to turn onto this street in the first place--is one block away, totally out of sight. And even a snazzy Tourism sign on the highway would get lost in all the gas station, restaurant and motel signs.
Unless the tourism sign is 40 feet tall and has flashing lights.
But that would violate sign laws...
Tourism is down, so the powers-that-be have stated these reasons to reduce to one booth:
So let's read what the former Tourism Association employee wrote to the editor:
"I have been reading with interest, many letters about the tourism booth relocation and feel I must also speak.
Looking at the Tourism Vernon website, it states, "conveniently located" on Highway 97. That's right, highway exposure and access, easy for all.
Why do you think all of the hotel chains and restaurants want on the main strip?
Accessibility, brand recognition and convenience. I happened to drive down the avenue that the booth is to relocate to. I was shocked at the location. Who the heck is going to pull in there? And if they have a large rig or trailer, how can they turn around? (to get back onto Hwy 97).
They'll have to take a scenic tour over to 27th Street and head north or south and try to get back to the highway.
Moving the renowned Watson House to its current location was a major expense and it is serving its purpose well. Why change it?
And the north end booth has great access as well. How many cities offer two tourism booths?
Not many, at least not in our area. We are lucky to have two of them, both being very identifiable and at convenient locations.
How insane to even think you should reduce to one booth and move it out of eyesight. And what to do with the renowned Watson House? Want to move it again?
Hello Vernon, goodbye tourists. Give your heads a shake."
Nancy Roman, (formerly with the Greater Vernon Tourism Association in the 1990s).
Oh, and they're going to spend $290,000 to fix up the new digs.
Plus x-dollars to probably move the Watson House again.
Plus x-dollars to probably pave the new digs all the way back to the Civic Arena.
Plus x-dollars to relocate those pesky hydro poles (right after they've been knocked down).
Because the City of Vernon already owns that building.
"Thank goodness the City doesn't own a rendering plant," sighs Kia.
Lone tourist booth.
Lone tourist.
Imagine the property damage to nearby properties as visitors try to maneuver their rigs in that tight space?
ReplyDeleteDon't forget about Fido waiting in the vehicle, when that loud train whistle blows, poor F will likely leave a little present in the vehicle.