Rec Ex wraps up early

By RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff Aug 31 2007 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/

Operation of Greater Vernon’s three arenas is changing four months early. As of Saturday, the Greater Vernon Services Committee will take over operation of the Multiplex, Priest Valley Arena and Civic Arena although Recreation Excellence’s contract was supposed to continue until Dec. 31. “It made it easier with staff issues to revolve around a full ice season,” said Gary Corner, GVSC chairman. GVSC notified Recreation Excellence back in February that its contract would come to an end Dec. 31. The company has managed the facilities for about six years.

But Tom Watson, Recreation Excellence co-owner, says he suggested that its relationship with GVSC come to an end Sept. 1 as a way of providing continuity. “Leaving Dec. 31 was not good for the community and the user groups, half way through the season,” he said. “The bulk of the staff is being retained by the regional district for now. They are being retained until next spring.” About 40 full and part-time workers will transfer over to GVSC, and officials are prepared for the Vernon Vipers’ exhibition game Saturday. “Everybody is ready to go,” said Al McNiven, parks and recreation administrator. McNiven is confident there will be a smooth transition. “Will there be things that fall through the cracks, sure. But we will deal with them,” he said.

A joint press release Wednesday indicated that GVSC and Recreation Excellence has concluded negotiations for the termination of the contract. “My (operational) shortfalls are covered and we are leaving with zero dollars,” said Watson. Recreation Excellence garnered supporters during its tenure in Vernon, but it also had detractors. Watson defends his company’s track record. “We saved Vernon a lot of money. We were given a mandate to follow and we more than fulfilled that mandate,” he said. “We got a rough ride from some politicians. Being in Vernon has been a challenge. We met lots of great people but we were never accepted as a teammate with GVSC.” Corner stands by GVSC’s shift away from contracting out of operations. “This gives us more control at the grassroots but there wasn’t anything terribly wrong with privatization,” he said.

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Rec Ex: Agenda Behind New Ice Management (Pete McIntyre) http://www.1075kiss.com/news/headlines/

The owner of the company that has run the Vernon Multiplex the last six years, feels his firm is getting a 'bum rap'.Tom Watson of Rec Excellence feels the decision to switch to NORD, which begins tomorrow, has nothing to do with performance.'The users of the facilities have been very happy. In fact several of the users say its going to be a real shame if this company leaves.' Instead, Watson says a few local politicians and at least one official, have had an agenda to get rid of his firm, and return to public operation.He predicts the new system will end up costing local taxpayers two to three hundred dollars more a year to run the four ice facilities.Watson also questions whether NORD will be able to attract as many events.