If history is any indication, a sports facility at Okanagan College may not evolve. A proposal for non-farm use on a 10-acre site next to the college is being forwarded to the Agricultural Land Commission for consideration. If granted, a referendum would take place in 2011 to borrow $7.8 million for a sports facility. But a little digging into the history books reveals that historically, the ALC has not supported anything but agriculture on the proposed site. When the college was first considered back in 1979, the ALC did not grant Agricultural Land Reserve exclusion at the site. Instead, it allowed for construction of the college campus, subject to the condition that no buildings or structures be located on the adjacent lot (where the sports facility is proposed) – lot four. “The commission did not exclude the property (ie. lot five) because its retention in the Agricultural Land Reserve would protect the adjacent parcel to the south-west for future agricultural use,” reads the Oct. 18, 1979 decision.
In further years, ALR exclusion was refused for parking lots, a music school proposal and driving range on lot four.A member of Coldstream’s Agricultural Advisory Committee, Paul Christie, has long been involved in agriculture, including initial discussions for the college in 1980.Calling himself an “aggy,” Christie urged Coldstream council Monday that there is a need to protect what agricultural land is left.
“It (ALC decision) is legislation that was brought in to protect land for future generations,” said Christie.“We don’t have a lot of it and this legislation protects what is there.” Referring back to a sports complex proposal on the Spicer Block, Christie said the citizens recognize the need to protect agricultural land.“We saw the passion of people in our community, saying we want to protect our land.” Since the subject acreage at the college is classed as highly capable agricultural land, Christie warns that the proposal could be facing a roadblock.“I think it’s going to be difficult for the agricultural land commission to reverse that decision.”
But he did offer the suggestion that council insist that a covenant be placed on the remaining lands not used for the sports facility and track (five acres) be kept a greenfield. “You might be able to convince the commission that you do support agriculture,” said Christie. Council has agreed to include the suggestion with Okanagan College’s request to the ALC to allow for non-farm use on the property.
Coun. Bill Firman has denied his support for the application, saying that with the current governance issues around parks and recreation in Greater Vernon, this is not the time for the project. “I am simply not going to drag the Coldstream into a $7.8 million debate,” said Firman, adding that he will re-consider his support once governance issues are resolved. Coun. Maria Besso says Firman’s concerns are valid, but they can be addressed as the sports facility would be a separate function. “This has to stand on its own, and even the price tag could be changed,” said Besso. “The people of Greater Vernon will decide in the end.”Firman countered: “That’s what I’m afraid of, I’m just trying to save you a bunch of misery.”
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