Planning the Neighbourhood
A Uniquely-Vernon Mixed Use Neighbourhood!
The vision for ___ is a new, distinctive and vibrant urban neighbourhood that reflects the unique character of our community – with a focus on sustainability, connectivity, accessibility and livability.
These values are encompassed in detailed planning principles that provide direction to the planning process but it is community input that will translate the principles into the design of the community spaces – trails, plazas, green spaces – public amenities, community connections, and new commercial and residential uses.
The result will be a ________ ‘master plan’ that aligns and integrates with community perspectives and priorities. This master plan will be presented to the community before it is finalized and submitted to the City of Vernon as part of a rezoning application – some time in early 2026.
Thank you for reviewing the planning principles providing your input!
Frequently Asked Questions
You’re made of questions and we’re made of answers.
Who’s in charge?
Arrowleaf Real Estate are your neighbours and dedicated to making this one of the best places in the Okanagan to live, work and play.
Kirbis’ Principles
1.
This is a place of confluence
The community will be a confluence of community use, housing, commercial activity, and innovation. Key public spaces will stitch the diversity of activities together to create an energetic and magnetic place. An underlying flexibility will be designed into the streets and public spaces to enable both every day events and larger celebrations.
2.
Rooted in Vernon
By designing with the natural terrain and urban context in mind, the community will be uniquely rooted in Vernon. The relationship between new building massing and the escarpment, the potential for views to the lake, the existing trail connections to downtown, and the potential for the integration of local and regional recreational links are all opportunities to be part of the larger whole.
3.
Touch the Earth
The community will be an expression of ecology and nature with an urban tone. The presence of landscape elements – including areas of porous surfaces and stormwater treatment zones – will be integrated meaningfully into the public realm. Community access to green spaces will support a connection to nature. Urban agriculture in both the public realm and building amenities will support thriving pollinators as well as social interaction. The interface with Polson Creek and its adjacent riparian zones will be enhanced.
4.
Nurture Community
Through curated community programming – including the potential for entrepreneurial or cultural incubator spaces – the Polson Lands will be a place where the Vernon community can flourish and grow. Commercial and community activities will be unique.
5.
Add to Vernon
High density development – including a range of buildings from low-rise to towers – will contribute to Vernon by offering greater housing choice and by locating new residents close to downtown. The location of the Polson Lands in low-lying areas of the City and near the escarpment of Vernon Creek presents unique opportunities for the placement of taller buildings in the Vernon context.
