NORD should consider optionKin dispute tied to equestrian centre plans

Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: March 18, 2010 6:00 PM

Taxpayer support for a new equestrian facility is being sought to end an ongoing legal dispute. The Okanagan Equestrian Society asked the North Okanagan Regional District Wednesday to fund a study into the feasibility of developing a new centre for racing and other horse-related activities. “As government, what do you have to know to solve elements of the Kin Race track problem,” said Gary Bannerman, a consultant working for the society. NORD has told the society it can no longer use Kin Race Track as of Oct. 31 and all equipment must be gone by Dec. 31. While the regional district is proceeding with plans for sports fields at the site, the society has legally challenged the eviction notice. It states that when the land was sold to NORD, there was an agreement it would continue to be used for equestrian events.

However, the society is now pushing the regional district to support relocation of the track. “We’re looking for ways to potentially resolve this dispute,” said Ed Woolley, society president. Through his own research, Bannerman believes there is a need for a facility that would include racing, gaming, training, boarding and a veterinary hospital. “The industry is looking for a home,” he said. NORD is being asked to provide about $7,000 for a preliminary study. The study would consider the costs involved in constructing such a facility, what senior government funds may be available, what services the regional district could provide and potential sites. “Spallumcheen would appear to be a wonderful location but it could be in any area,” said Bannerman, adding that an equestrian facility would create jobs and draw people to the region. Bannerman won’t speculate on what the study’s final outcome would be. “It could tell us it’s so undoable we don’t want to move to the next step. But I believe somewhere in the province it is doable,” he said.

A decision on funding a study hasn’t been made yet, but director Wayne Lippert is interested. “It’s nice to see the equestrian society talking to us instead of going through the courts,” he said. “We’ve been looking for possible solutions.” Director Mike Gavinchuk is willing to consider using some tax dollars to develop an equestrian centre in the region. “It can be a focal point for the area. They would have to show a profit and be a viable operation,” he said.

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Morning Star Editorial: NORD should consider option

It just might be a way out of a dispute for everyone concerned. Although at first blush it may look like a feasibility study into developing a new centre for racing and other horse-related activities would come at the taxpayer’s expense, it actually may save money in the long run, so to speak. The Okanagan Equestrian Society, which is legally fighting a North Okanagan Regional District edict to vacate Kin Race Track by Dec. 31, is suggesting $7,000 towards such a study would go a long way to resolving the dispute. They’re hoping such a study would lead to a new home facility for the society, preferably in Spallumcheen, which has expressed interest. The regional district wants to develop the Kin Race Track site for much-needed sports fields. It’s difficult to predict what such a study would come up with, but obviously if financially viable such a facility anywhere in the North Okanagan would be a boon for the region. NORD directors Wayne Lippert and Mike Gavinchuk seemed open to considering the proposal as a possible better option than any route through the courts. The regional district has yet to make a final decision on funding a study but any outcome should be weighed against any potential court costs if the two sides continue to butt heads. A win-win for the North Okanagan and all involved would be a decision that eventually resulted in more sports fields for Greater Vernon and a new and improved equestrian facility somewhere in the North Okanagan.