Turning pastures into playing fields

By JORDAN NiCURITY Wed, July 25, 2007 http://vernon.ok.bc.ca/stories.php?id=55860

Coldstream council has voted to defer any the acquisition of 100 acres of land on Aberdeen Road until after residents have had a chance to speak at a public input session. The Greater Vernon Services Committee wants to change the Agricultural Land Reserve status of the land and turn it into sports fields – a move that has inspired much debate in the community. “There were probably 40 or 50 people at the meeting last night,” said Gary Corner, Coldstream mayor. “It was a pretty even split, I think, as far as support goes. Most people have strong opinions on issues like this.” Corner said the public can voice their opinions at a meeting on Sept. 11 at 7 p.m. at a location to be determined. Corner said that before Coldstream purchases the site, an application must be made to the Agricultural Land Commission to allow for non-farm status. Acquiring the property would enable the development of soccer, baseball, rugby and football fields as well as a track oval. However, according to Coun. Jim Garlick, the idea of taking the productive farm land, currently owned by Coldstream Ranch, and turning it into sports fields is not an idea that council should pursue. “We couldn‘t go out and find a better piece of agricultural land. We are talking about one of the best in B.C.,” said Garlick.

However, Corner said the need for parks and sports fields needed to be addressed. “It‘s virtually impossible to find 100 acres of nice flat land that is not in the ALR. If you could, we wouldn‘t be able to afford it,” said Corner. Garlick said that what was needed was to expand existing grounds and acquire smaller pieces of land for neighbourhood parks instead of placing many sports fields at one mega site. “I‘m not against parks. I feel we should be following the master plan for parks. What we‘re supposed to be doing now is trying to get a long-term lease with the Department of Defence grounds,” said Garlick, “I have a really hard time with us paying thousands of dollars for these master plans and then ignoring them.” Garlick also said that any possible Marshall Fields improvements would be pushed to the side if the new park goes ahead. The proposal to send a change of designation application to the Agricultural Land Commission will be back before council after the public input meeting, said Corner. Corner also said specific details such as possible costs and financing options will not be examined until after the commission makes a decision on the land‘s status.