Sports groups throw in funds

By RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff Sep 09 2007 MORNINGSTAR

Big bucks are being lined up for a proposed sports complex in Coldstream.Sports groups informed Coldstream council Friday that they support plans for a sports complex on Aberdeen Road and they are, in principle, willing to provide $1 million over five years for construction and equipment. “We want to put our money where our mouth is,” said Bill Tarr, with the Greater Vernon Outdoor Sports Users Group. “We have a need and we don’t just want to come with our hand out.” Beyond the $1 million commitment, Tarr says the organizations could apply for government grants as a way of lessening the burden on taxpayers if the complex proceeds. The announcement comes prior to Coldstream council holding an information meeting on the complex Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Coldstream Elementary. Tarr isn’t sure if the offer of $1 million will influence council’s decision to support the facility proposed by the Greater Vernon Services Committee. “It should be considered but it will play a fairly insignificant role in a lot of people’s minds,” he said of residents concerned about issues such as the loss of farm land. If the Aberdeen Road site does not proceed, Tarr says the sports groups will direct the $1 million towards another location.

The Coldstream Ratepayers Association is pleased the sports groups want to be involved in funding a facility. “Its a very welcome sentiment being expressed,” said president Andy Danyliu. But Danyliu says many residents are concerned about the overall impact on a complex — socially, financially and environmentally — and council shouldn’t be swayed by money. “If it does, council doesn’t understand arithmetic. We are looking at tens of millions of dollars for land, services and infrastructure,” he said. Danyliu says council must remain committed to its official community plan and a sports complex on Aberdeen Road doesn’t fit with that document. “They are choosing between playing fields and agriculture.”