Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: December 15, 2009 7:00 PM
The City of Vernon is being asked to dig deep for an international sports event coming to the area. Organizers urged council Monday to provide financial support for the Masters Cross-Country World Cup at Sovereign Lake March 3 to 11, 2011. “The Masters World Cup will provide exposure to Vernon and area,” said director Bjorn Meyer. The North Okanagan Regional District has already indicated it will provide $25,000, and as a member jurisdiction, Vernon could pick up a large part of that cost. But Meyer believes there is room for the city to do more beyond that because Vernon will benefit the most from the projected 2,000 visitors. He expects about 1,000 people could stay in motels and hotels right in Vernon, while there will also be demands on transportation and restaurants.
The Masters could pump between $4 to $6 million into the local economy and Meyer says there will also be a long-term impact on the community. “Many of the skiers and families will come back as tourists.” There is a $500,000 budget for the event, and grants from senior government have been weak, so the focus is on the city and the regional district to get involved. Fifty per cent of the budget will be covered by registration fees. “We remain committed to running a first class Masters World Cup,” said Meyer. Vernon politicians and staff will now discuss Meyer’s request and whether there is a willingness to participate beyond what it would contribute through NORD. “This event has the potential of providing long-term benefits,” said Coun. Mary-Jo O’Keefe, adding, though, that there are monetary pressures on the city. “I’d like us to find the funding but I don’t want to jeopardize other things. We have to provide a balance financially.”
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