Development activity picks up with numerous construction projects in Vernon

VERNON – A number of large construction projects helped prop up Vernon’s economic development figures this past year.

As of the end of November, building permit values hit $119.8 million, surpassing the $110.3 million in all of 2015.

According to the City of Vernon’s manager of economic development, 478 new residential units were built in 2016, compared to 201 units in 2015.

Some of the major projects this year include the BX Crossing redevelopment at 2501 48 Avenue, with a building permit value of $12 million and the 150-unit Parkwood Retirement resort going up at 1800 58 Avenue, with a value of $18 million.

Half a million dollars in building permit values was also issued in 2016 for the old Bank of Montreal site at the corner of Highway 97 and 30 Avenue. The new building houses JC Bradley and the Vernon Dental Clinic.

A seniors housing complex going up on 29 Avenue also brought in a large chunk of change, with a $20 million building permit issued in May, 2016. The Hamlets at Vernon complex will have 90 care beds, 52 assisted living units and 3,500 square feet of commercial space. At full build out, the complex (which is being built in three phases) will also feature another 108 units.

A $1.3 million building permit was also taken out by the North Okanagan Neurological Association for its new clubhouse on 28 Avenue. Fundraising to complete the project is ongoing.

A number of big projects are also on the horizon, including the 119-unit Legacy Apartments seniors housing facility, with an estimated building permit value of $12.9 million, and The Hub, a four storey mixed-use building with 57 units on 28 Avenue. The old legion building at 3300 31 Avenue is also slated for development, with 36 units anticipated and 11,663 square feet of commercial space.

More information about current and upcoming projects can be found here. 

To contact a reporter for this story, email Charlotte Helston or call 250-309-5230 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above.