Published: May 09, 2009 12:00 PM Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star
One politician wonders if a one-on-one lobbying for use of railway right-of-ways is necessary. The North Okanagan Regional District has agreed to send one board member and an employee to meet with CP Rail to see if land along rail lines can be used for trails. “My concern is it will be a resounding no so why not a conference call before a trip to Calgary to test the waters?” said director Mike Macnabb. “If it’s a resounding no, why go to the expense?” However, Al McNiven, parks and recreation general manager, believes the trip is necessary. “You always hope that when you get there and lay out your plan, you will stand a chance,” he said.
Market Fees Waived: The North Okanagan Regional District has agreed to waive the fees for the Vernon Farmers Market. The market had been paying to use the Wesbild Centre parking lot, but directors decided that free rent would help keep the market viable and improve public access to local produce. “It’s a good decision,” said Patrick Nicol, director. “With all of the food studies that have gone on, this is a good call.”
Gym Gets Green Light: The concept of a gymnastics facility is moving ahead. The North Okanagan Regional District has agreed to provide publicly owned land so the North Valley Gymnastics Society can apply to the federal and provincial governments for infrastructure funding. “They are a group that’s been around for years and they have been providing various levels of activities depending on where they are based out of,” said Vernon director Wayne Lippert. “They’ve been looking for a home.” The proposed location is a site right next to the NORD office on Aberdeen Road in Coldstream. The society hopes to land $1 million from the federal government and $650,000 from the provincial government for construction.The society itself has $165,000 in cash and would be willing to finance $560,000 towards construction.
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