It was just the out the North Okanagan Regional District was hoping for. Very few around the table are particularly interested in finding a site for an equestrian centre but the directors feel painted into a corner after giving the Okanagan Equestrian Society the boot from Kin Race Track. That’s why they agreed to fund the creation of a terms of reference for a feasibility study. The $8,000 forked out was peanuts and it gave the impression that NORD directors are co-operative while not committing them to future expenditures. But given that NORD wants to use Kin Race Track for a sports complex and doesn’t want to bankroll a new racing facility, it was eventually going to have to say no to any future involvement in the process. And the silver bullet miraculously appeared within the terms of reference drafted by Gary Bannerman, a consultant.
In his document, Bannerman points out that two major challenges in developing an equine centre are finding a large enough tract of land — about 100 acres — and a source of revenue — specifically gambling. So instead of moving to the next stage and spending $55,000 on a feasibility study, NORD directors are going to approach the Agricultural Land Commission and the B.C. Lottery Corporation to see if those agencies are even open to discussing the concept of an equine centre. Obviously it makes sense to hold off on handing out taxpayers’ dollars if the investment is on shaky ground, but another reason driving the delay is the hope that one or both of the agencies will say no — letting the regional district off the hook. And the prospect of that occurring is very really given that the Agricultural Land Commission is generally reluctant to sanction non-farm activities in the Agricultural Land Reserve. In this case, such uses could include slot machines, teletheatre betting, a lounge and a concert stage. Even the anticipated farm uses — a veterinary hospital, barns, and a track — could raise concerns if they are placed in a setting that is largely rural like Spallumcheen. How would an influx of vehicles and people impact the ability of existing farmers to operate? Would the extension of water and sewer services lead to other non-agricultural development taking place?
As for the B.C. Lottery Corporation, officials there may wonder what a new gaming centre would do to revenue at the existing casino in Vernon? Would the arrival of competition in such a small area go against any commitments between the bureaucracy and Lake City Casino? But when you consider that the provincial government’s desperate need for cash takes precedent when establishing gaming policies, anything is possible. All eyes will now be on the ALC and the BCLC, and some administrators and politicians at NORD will have their fingers and toes crossed that an equestrian centre is given the kiss of death. And that way they will be able to say they tried everything possible to promote horse racing in the North Okanagan, that the big, bad bureaucracy of Victoria is to blame and the eviction notice for Kin Race Track is still in force.
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