Answers sought over Kin track

Published: February 26, 2009 6:00 PM Roger Knox - Vernon Morning Star

Coldstream council has some questions for North Okanagan Regional District officials over the future of Kin Race Track. NORD recently told the Okanagan Equestrian Society – formerly known as the Vernon Agricultural Society – that it can no longer use the 116-year-old facility as of Oct. 31, 2010, and all equipment must be gone. Council was responding to a letter written to all municipal governments in the North Okanagan, including NORD, by Robyn Dalziel, a Coldstream resident and former president of the Vernon Agriculture Society. Dalziel believes NORD and the City of Vernon are in breach of several valid contracts which she says have been maintained consecutively for 116 years. Dalziel is requesting a review of NORD’s plan. “I think there is a lot of information out there and lots of questions to be answered,” said Coun. Doug Dirk. “We should request NORD come to us to bring us up to speed on that side of things so we can begin to sort it out in our minds.” Coun. Pat Cochrane said such a meeting should be held in-camera as there are plenty of legal issues and lawyers involved. But Dirk said there are some issues that should be made public. “I’m wrestling with how some of these issues relate to the use of that track and how it becomes part of the debate,” said Dirk. Council heard from Dalziel, as well as 84-year-old Paul Dumont, who came to Vernon in 1964 and helped build the grandstand, which bears his name. Dumont said NORD’s plan is simply wrong. “As far as I’m concerned, the younger generation in Vernon is decreasing, the older generation is increasing, and I don’t see why the older people don’t have a chance to have some recreation,” said Dumont. “I think the track is an asset to the community...” Council voted unanimously to request a meeting with NORD officials.

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Morning Star Editorial Published Feb. 26 : Council's actions off course

One has to wonder if the District of Coldstream is truly interested in the future of Kin Race Track or just pandering to a handful of people who were sitting in council chambers Monday? As a member of the North Okanagan Regional District, the municipality is within its rights to get information about the Vernon Agricultural Society's use of the race track being terminated. But as participants in NORD, council must understand that there is a need to address the shortage of proper sports facilities in Greater Vernon and because of its proximity to hotels, restaurants and shops, Kin Race Track is a logical location. And there is also more prospect of the site being fully utilized by local sports teams and sports-tourism than horse racing, which is long past its heyday. It should also be pointed out that most current members of council fought against plans for a sports complex in Coldstream, so there is some responsibility to be part of the solution now. The Okanagan Equestrian Society — which no longer owns any of the race track — says NORD is in contravention of legal agreements dictating use. But it should be pointed out that very few contracts are written in stone, and there are generally opt out clauses for those involved. If NORD, as the property owner, wants to take a different direction with the race track, that is likely permissible. It's also been indicated that the track is needed so seniors have access to recreation, but if one looks at the crowds attending the declining number of Vernon Racing Days, it's obvious our seniors are finding other things to do. Ultimately, Coldstream can seek more information on the track, but one has to wonder why council is going against a clear direction taken by an organization it belongs to?